Costa Blanca, Spain Travel Guide

Discover Costa Blanca: Spain's Sun-Drenched Coast with Pristine Beaches, Vibrant Towns, and Rich Cultural Heritage.

Home
Travel Guides
Spain
Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca, which means 'White Coast' in Spanish, is a stunning region stretching along Spain's southeastern coastline. Known for its pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, and vibrant towns, Costa Blanca promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you are a beach lover, a history buff, or a foodie, Costa Blanca has something for everyone. The region is famous for its charming towns like Alicante, Benidorm, and Denia. Alicante, the capital of the province, boasts a rich history with attractions like the Santa Barbara Castle and the Explanada de España. Benidorm, on the other hand, is known for its lively nightlife and skyscrapers, making it a favorite among tourists looking for some excitement. Denia offers a more laid-back atmosphere with its historic castle and beautiful marina. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Costa Blanca. The region is home to several natural parks and reserves, such as the Montgó Natural Park and the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park, which offer breathtaking hiking trails and stunning views. The mild climate of Costa Blanca makes it an ideal destination to visit year-round, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. Costa Blanca is also a paradise for food lovers. The region's cuisine is influenced by its coastal location, with fresh seafood being a staple in many dishes. Don't miss trying local specialties like paella, tapas, and the sweet treat turrón. The local markets and restaurants provide an authentic taste of Spanish culture and hospitality.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Costa Blanca.

Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid crowds and enjoy mild weather.
Rent a car to explore the smaller towns and natural parks at your own pace.
Try the local markets for fresh produce and authentic Spanish delicacies.
Pack sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases; locals appreciate the effort and it can enhance your experience.

Explore Costa Blanca: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Costa Blanca

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Aqualandia

Experience the ultimate water adventure at Aqualandia, Benidorm's premier water park with thrilling slides and relaxing pools for all ages.

4.2

Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Parc Natural de la Serra Gelada in Alicante, a perfect nature retreat for all adventurers.

4.6

Mundomar

Discover the magic of Mundomar in Benidorm, where captivating wildlife shows and lush gardens create a perfect family-friendly adventure.

4.5

Parc El Palmeral

Discover the tranquil oasis of Parc El Palmeral in Alicante, where lush nature and serene waterfalls create a perfect escape for tourists.

4.4

Best landmarks in Costa Blanca

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Castell de Santa Bàrbara

Experience the rich history and stunning views of Castell de Santa Bàrbara, a must-visit castle in Alicante, Spain.

4.7

Plaça del Castell

Discover the historic beauty and stunning views of Plaça del Castell, a must-visit tourist attraction in Benidorm, Alicante.

4.8

El Piruli

Discover the iconic El Piruli in Torrevieja, a monumental landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into the rich culture of Alicante.

4.1

Best restaurants in Costa Blanca

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

D-vora Restaurante

Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at D-vora Restaurante in Benidorm - where every meal is a celebration of taste and culture.

4.5

Restaurante La Bahía

Experience authentic Spanish flavors at Restaurante La Bahía in Benidorm - where every meal tells a story of Mediterranean culinary heritage.

4.1

Restaurante Vela Beach

Experience exquisite Mediterranean flavors at Restaurante Vela Beach in La Mata – where every meal is a celebration of taste and tradition.

4.0

Vall de Cavall

Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at Vall de Cavall in Dénia - where every meal is an unforgettable culinary journey.

4.7

Best bars in Costa Blanca

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Rock Bar Frontera

Experience Alicante's vibrant nightlife at Rock Bar Frontera, where refreshing drinks and lively ambiance await by the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

4.5

26 Cocktail Room

Experience Alicante's nightlife at the 26 Cocktail Room, where creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere await your visit.

4.5

Silver Dollar Pub

Experience the lively charm of Silver Dollar Pub in Benidorm, where great drinks and a welcoming atmosphere await every visitor.

4.5

Tropical Bar Benidorm

Discover the essence of Benidorm's nightlife at Tropical Bar, where live music meets a vibrant atmosphere and delightful drinks.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Costa Blanca

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Penelope

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Penelope, a premier disco club in Benidorm, where music, cocktails, and dancing unite for an unforgettable experience.

3.9

Marmarela Mediterranean Cocktail Club

Discover Marmarela Mediterranean Cocktail Club, Alicante's vibrant disco club with stunning views and creative cocktails for an unforgettable night out.

3.6

Pelican Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Alicante at Pelican Club, where music and energy unite for unforgettable nights on the Costa Blanca.

4.6

Royal Night Club

Discover the enchanting performances and lively atmosphere at Royal Night Club, Alicante's premier cabaret club for unforgettable nightlife experiences.

4.3

Best shops in Costa Blanca

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

Zenia Boulevard

Discover Zenia Boulevard, a vibrant shopping mall in La Zenia, Alicante, featuring a diverse range of stores, dining options, and family-friendly entertainment.

4.5

Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2

Discover a shopping and entertainment haven at Centro Comercial Plaza Mar 2 in Alicante, featuring diverse stores, dining delights, and a movie theater.

4.4

Centro Comercial Gran Vía

Discover endless shopping, dining, and entertainment at Centro Comercial Gran Vía, the ultimate destination for tourists in Alicante.

4.3

Habaneras Shopping Centre

Explore the vibrant Habaneras Shopping Centre in Torrevieja for an unforgettable shopping and entertainment experience.

4.3

Explore Costa Blanca on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Costa Blanca, mapped for you.

Costa Blanca Essentials

Costa Blanca is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The nearest international airport is Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), which serves a wide range of European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car to reach your final destination within Costa Blanca. If you are traveling by train, Renfe operates services to Alicante, Benidorm, and other key locations along the coast. For those driving, the AP-7 motorway runs parallel to the coastline, offering easy access from major Spanish cities.
Public transportation in Costa Blanca is efficient and affordable. Buses operated by companies like ALSA connect major towns and cities. Trams and trains are available in cities like Alicante and Benidorm. Taxis are plentiful, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify operate in the area. Renting a car is also a popular option for exploring the region at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are available for those who prefer a more eco-friendly mode of transport.
The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available across Costa Blanca, so withdrawing cash is convenient. It's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and specialized exchange offices.
Costa Blanca is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any popular tourist area, it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport hubs. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the central parts of Benidorm and some neighborhoods in Alicante. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospitals and medical centers are available in major towns and cities. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues. For non-urgent medical advice, you can visit a local pharmacy where the staff can often provide helpful recommendations.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing beachwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do use public transport respectfully. Don't eat or drink on buses or trams. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake or a friendly 'Hola.' A kiss on both cheeks is common among friends. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and tapas. Don't leave tips on the table; hand them directly to the server.
To experience Costa Blanca like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado Central in Alicante where you can buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore smaller villages like Altea and Javea for a more authentic experience. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share their culture and traditions. Don’t miss the local festivals, such as the Bonfires of San Juan in Alicante, which offer a glimpse into the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.

When is the best time to visit Costa Blanca?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Costa Blanca

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Costa Blanca. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [oh-la]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
- YesSí
  [see]
- NoNo
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vor]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
- I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-syeh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/ah]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
- That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syo]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
- It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
- Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meed-yah]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
- TodayHoy
  [oy]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
- 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
- 2Dos
  [dohs]
- 3Tres
  [trehs]
- 4Cuatro
  [kooah-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
- 6Seis
  [sehs]
- 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
- 10Diez
  [dyehs]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ...)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah ...)]

History of Costa Blanca

The history of Costa Blanca dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of Iberian settlements found throughout the region. The Iberians, known for their intricate pottery and fortified hilltop towns, left a significant mark on the landscape. Notable sites include the settlement of La Serreta in Alcoy and the ancient village of Puig Campana near Finestrat.
During Roman times, Costa Blanca was an important part of the Roman province of Hispania. The port city of Lucentum, located near modern-day Alicante, served as a key trading hub. Archaeological excavations have revealed Roman baths, mosaics, and remnants of a thriving urban center. This era introduced advanced engineering and architecture that influenced the region's development.
In the 8th century, the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula, including Costa Blanca. The region became part of Al-Andalus, a cultural and intellectual hub. Moorish influence is evident in the architecture of castles and fortresses such as the Castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante and Guadalest Castle. The introduction of advanced agricultural techniques, like irrigation systems, transformed the landscape.
The Reconquista, a series of campaigns by Christian states to reclaim territory from the Moors, significantly impacted Costa Blanca. By the 13th century, key cities like Alicante and Elche were reclaimed. This period saw the construction of Gothic churches and cathedrals, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche. The region's culture began to blend Moorish and Christian influences.
The 16th and 17th centuries marked a golden age for Costa Blanca due to its strategic coastal position. The port city of Alicante thrived as a center for maritime trade, exporting agricultural products like wine, olive oil, and citrus fruits. This era also saw the construction of defensive structures to protect against pirates and foreign invaders, including the Castle of San Fernando.
The 19th century brought significant changes to Costa Blanca with the advent of industrialization. The development of railways and improved infrastructure connected the region more effectively to the rest of Spain. Cities like Alicante expanded rapidly, becoming centers of commerce and industry. This period also sparked a cultural renaissance, with the establishment of theaters, museums, and educational institutions.
The 20th century saw Costa Blanca transform into a major tourist destination. The construction of modern resorts, hotels, and amenities attracted visitors from across Europe. Cities like Benidorm became synonymous with sun, sea, and entertainment. This boom in tourism significantly boosted the local economy and reshaped the region’s cultural landscape, blending traditional Spanish customs with international influences.