Despite being popular, the Costa Blanca seems to have enough beautiful white coastline to go around. About 200kms worth. Most of the best places to stay on the Costa Blanca are well situated to make the most of this. So even in peak season you can find a peaceful cove, if that's your preference. But of course you can also find yourself a party beach! Stay in a lively resort, a mid-sized town or a small village.
This sunny strip of Mediterranean coast at the bottom of Spain has long been one of Europe's best known beach getaways. Which shows in the crazy wealth of things you can do here. As well as every watersport under the sun, there's everything from world class golf courses to bungee jumping. Plus plenty of choice when it comes to eating and nightlife and masses of colourful local events to keep you entertained.
With multiple international airports serving the region the Costa Blanca is both your sunny party capital, and an easy place to fly and flop. Southern Costa Blanca is where you can find the biggest resorts, Benidorm, Calpe, ex-pat favourite Torrevieja. Alicante offers more of a beach-side city break experience. While the northern coastline is dotted with smaller towns and villages, and the larger port and city of Valencia for those want a bit of action.
For the best places to stay on the Costa Blanca during 'the season' be sure to book ahead, but if you're not fussed about visiting in July or August you'll find fewer accommodation options - not everywhere stays open all year - but much lower prices. This sunny part of Spain makes an excellent base for exploring inland, where you'll find traditional style villages hardly touched by tourism, and beautiful dramatic scenery.
The Hotel Swiss Moraira is a colonial style property just five minutes from stunning beaches. Luxurious rooms feature intricately carved wooden furniture, romantic dark hues and asian artwork. A glorious spa will aide complete relaxation.
La Madrugada offers reliable sunshine and sea views a short distance from the coast, in a town with a decent market and plenty of nice local scenery.
If you're travelling with kids try Aqualandia, Europe's largest water park, or big brash Terra Mitica, Benidorm's thumping theme park. Or for the whole family, maybe a sailing day trip or two? Or a visit to Terra Natura, a cross between a zoo and a theme park?
Casa del Maco is one of the best places to stay on the Costa Blanca for families, a rustic, elegant hotel surrounded by olive groves, almond orchards and vineyards - so make as much noise as you like!
Not all of the old fishing village charm has been concreted over. There are still a few small pockets of lovely 'old town' to be discovered. If that's what you're looking for try Javea or Altea. If you're looking for a hidden paradise seek out Granadella Beach, just outside Javea. And if you're looking for a picturesque, traditional mountain village visit Gaudalest, 30mins drive from Altea.
If you choose Altea, consider staying at La Serena, which is right in the heart of Altea's old town, yet also has lovely sea views - it's only three blocks from the beach. It's also perfect if you're looking for romance - there are only 12 rooms and no chlidren in sight!
Alicante is more than just a gateway to the coastline, it's a pretty dynamic regional capital, with a very Spanish feel. Most of the interesting sights are found in the charming old town - the 16th Century castle of Santa Barbara, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, and some excellent restaurants - so pop in for a day trip. Or, famous for its oranges, being the home of paella, and some truly stunning modern architecture, Valencia is a fantastic place to head to if you want to get away for a couple of days. There's a dynamism here which re-energises. It's vibrant enough to be mildly chaotic, yet there's plenty of peace and beauty as well.
For a city break with a seaside spot, you really can't beat Valencia's Hotel Balandret. It's a stylish modern property right be the beach with the added bonus of a chic restaurant serving classic Mediterranean cuisine. It's family friendly too.
The Caro Hotel is a five star luxury boutique in old town Valencia, with enormous neutral rooms and mezzanines with sumptuous beds and sky light windows. It also has an excellent Mediterranean restaurant and lively roof top terrace bar.
If you're not too fussed with being right on the beach, Alicante's Hospes Amérigo is good for a bit of modern, city break glamour. This chic hotel offers gourmet cuisine and poolside pampering, with stunning views of Santa Barbara Castle, and it's still only 300 metres from the beach.
Hospes Palau de la Mar is a restored palace nestles in the pulse of Valencia - in the swish L'Eixample district. It provides an oasis of calm - including spa relaxation and gourmet delights - in amongst its immaculately chic furnishings.
Cuatre Finques is a sweet six bedroom home in the Xalo valley, offering elegant white on white interiors and rooms with private balconies and spectacular views. The hosts are very warm and helpful and prepare a wonderful set menu for meals.
La Escondida is a restored 17th Century manor in the hills above the Costa Blanca with amazing views. Bedrooms are rustic chic with exposed wooden beams, wooden floors and luxury mod cons.
Architecturally stylish, the Vivood Hotel offers stand-alone accommodation built into the hills outside Benimantell. Their rooms are contemporary and chic with floor-to-ceiling windows offering fantastic views of the area.
The Hotel Swiss Moraira is a colonial style property just five minutes from stunning beaches. Luxurious rooms feature intricately carved wooden furniture, romantic dark hues and asian artwork. A glorious spa will aide complete relaxation.
Valencia
This restored palace nestles in the pulse of the city - in the swish L'Eixample district. It provides an oasis of calm - spa relaxation and gourmet delights - with its immaculately chic furnishings. True city style and pampering in an outstanding location.
Alicante
Gourmet cuisine and pool-side pampering at this chic hotel. Centrally positioned in the historic district of Alicante with stunning views of the cathedral and Santa Barbara Castle - and only 300 metres from the beach. Sophisticated city style.
Benissa
A delightful country escape surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and not far from the coast. A sunny house with a swimming pool, lovely gardens, and charming rooms. A great choice for a couple's weekend away.
Altea
A contemporary chic, adults only hotel in the old town of Altea. Lovely sea views, beautiful creamy rooms with balconies, a swimming pool and terrace, and lots of activities on the beach and in the hills around. A great spot for a grown-up getaway.
Benissa
A rustic elegant hotel in a stunning valley setting with views over olive groves, almond orchards and vineyards. Charming rooms have wooden beams and chintzy furnishings. Fantastic food served by arrangement. Swimming pool, luscious gardens, and plenty to do in the hills and on the coast.
Valencia Region
Restored 17th Century manor in the hills above the Costa Blanca with amazing views. Bedrooms are rustic chic with exposed wooden beams, wooden floors and luxury mod cons. Elegant outdoor seating area and relaxing sitting room. Indoor & outdoor pools, spa & tennis court. A grown up Spanish hideaway.
Benissa (Valencia Region)
A sweet six bedroom home in the Xalo valley, offering elegant white on white interiors and rooms with private balconies and spectacular views. The hosts are very warm and helpful and prepare a wonderful set menu for meals. Guests may wine, dine, cycle or hike in the area. Chic and comfortable.
Valencia
A stylish modern hotel facing onto Las Arenas Beach in Valencia. The elegant rooms are comfortable and spacious with many offering excellent Mediterranean sea vistas. Well suited to families with young children.
Benissa
A colonial style property just five minutes from stunning beaches. Luxurious rooms feature intricately carved wooden furniture, romantic dark hues and asian artwork. A glorious spa will aide complete relaxation. Find Mediterranean gastronomy at its finest in the restaurant. Pure bliss.
Valencia Region (Benimantell)
The architectural Vivood Hotel offers stand-alone accommodation built into the hills outside Benimantell. Their rooms are contemporary and chic with floor-to-ceiling windows offering fantastic views of the area. Get away from it all and feel utterly rejuvenated at this adult-only property!
Valencia
Designed by Francesc Rifé, Hotel Caro is a stunning hotel in the heart of Valencia. Housed in a 19th century palace, the design mixes historic features with a chic modern aesthetic. With central Valencia on the doorstep, it's a perfect for a romantic city break.
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