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Regional Information: Costa Blanca
Alicante
Second city of the Valencian Community is found between the Benacantil Mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. Alicante has a magnificent year-round climate. It also has excellent beaches, varied and delicious food based mainly on rice and fish, and some lively fiestas, of which the Bonfires of San Juan, celebrated at the end of June are particularly outstanding. A trip around the city takes us to the port, the Esplanade, famous for its monumental mosaic formed by more than six million pieces of different coloured marble, the Plaza de los Luceros, one of the most visited and photographed of the city and the Santa Barbara Castle, high up in the Benacantil Mountain. At the foot of the castle, the historical quarter is home to the Gothic church of Santa Maria with its Baroque fa?e; the Collegiate Church of San Nicolas a beautiful example of Spanish Baroque; the Town Hall; the Gravina Palace, a center for exhibitions and cultural activities; the Municipal Museum "Casa de la Asegurada", with a collection of 20th century art and the Archaeological, Provincial and Castell Museum, dedicated to the most popular festivals. In the Santa Cruz neighbourbood, which is very lively at night visitors can find plenty of pubs and typical restaurants.
The beaches of Alicante are excellent. Postiguet beach is large and welcoming while La Albufereta is a wide cove of fine sand, sheltered from the wind. To the south, visitors can choose between the coves of Los Borrachos, Calabarda, Aguas Amargas and the Arenales Del Sol, an important tourist resort, whilst to the north the beach of San Juan is another large center for tourists.
ElcheSituated at 23 km. from Alicante, in the fifth century B.C. Elche was the Iberian city of Helike, the era in which famous "Lady of Elche" was sculpted. This masterpiece of Iberian art was discovered by a farmer last century and today is on exhibition in the Archaeological Museum of Madrid.
Elche is well known for its palm tree park, the biggest in Europe with more than 100,000 of them. It is also celebrated for its valuable architectural contribution, which includes the Fortress of Calaforra and the Palace of Altamira, declared a National Monument, as well as the Town Hall and the Merced Convent and their beautiful Renaissance facades. The Basilica of Santa Maria, one of the most beautiful examples of Valencian Baroque, plays host to the "Mystery of Elche" on the 14th and 15th of August. This unique theatrical spectacle, declared to be of International Interest, goes back to the Middle Ages and sees one hundred and fifty people commemorate, in the Valencian language, the Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin.
Santa Pola
10km south of Alicante, Santa Pola sprawls around its harbour, the base of the local fishing fleet and haven to hundreds of pleasure vessels. The delights of Alicante are within close proximity whilst remaining removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
La Marina
Only 15 minutes from Alicante airport the town of La Marina has a mixture of Spanish charm with an international flavour. The beautiful long sandy beaches are a 'must see'. This town is popular with those who desire a healthy mixture of sun and outdoor healthy pursuits.
Guardamar
Located just North of Torrevieja, the sand dunes and palm trees with its proximity to the Mediterranean and La Mata salt lakes makes this an area of natural beauty. With many bicycle and foot trails around the lake, this area appeals to those who want a high quality of life in amazing surroundings.
Torrevieja
Torrevieja is ideally situated just half an hour?s drive south of Alicante airport and a half an hour?s drive north from Murcia airport. Both airports are supplied by a wide range of cheap flights from many UK destinations throughout the year.
Torrevieja, originally a fishing village, has become an important center for tourism with plenty of hotels, extensive beaches, excellent restaurants and a busy night life. It is also known for its boat crafted from salt and since 1955, for the international Competition of "Habaneras y Polifonias". This is a summer festival in which the maestros of Cuban music, brought to Spain last century by the fishermen of Torrevieja who crossed the Atlantic to take salt to the Caribbean island, join together to play. A visit to Torreveija must include a visit to the port, with over 1,500 mooring points and all you need to practice, or learn, water sports. Visits to the church of the Immaculate Conception, the modernist Casino with the Neomudejar hall, the Watch Towers of El Moro and La Mata and the Natural resort of Las Salinas are also recommended.. "Las Salinas" are situated to the North West of the city and these salt plains, which were exploited by the Romans themselves take up an area of almost 3,700 hectares.
The old town of Torrevieja has retained its character, with a lovely promenade, excellent marina and a wide range of restaurants. It has a beautiful climate and is renowned for its warm winters. There are numerous sandy beaches along its coastline, some close to town and others in quieter locations making Torrevieja an ideal place for holidays, winter stays or permanent residence.
Torrevieja has one of the largest open-air markets in Spain along its promenade, which comes alive from early evening and sells local arts, crafts, jewellery, leather goods and African carved art.
The area also benefits from 3 superb 18 hole golf courses; Villa Martin, Campoamor and Las Ramblas and there is a further 18 hole course at Ciudad Quesada a short distance away. Torrevieja also boasts a lively nightlife with new bars and clubs making Torrevieja attractive for all ages.