Things to do in Costa Blanca

Alicante province is a popular tourist destination, with gorgeous sandy beaches and home to popular resorts and towns including Benidorm, Denia, Alicante, Calpe and Altea.

There are some impressive attractions in this area of Spain, if you’re happy to move away from the sun lounger. Why not hire a car, take the bus or book an organised excursion to get out and explore?

If you thought you knew the Costa Blanca, think again - there’s so much more to discover.

As the pure, icy cold waters of the River Algar flow down the mountain from their source, they gather in a series of waterfalls, lakes and pools known as the Fuentes del Algar or Fonts del Algar (Fonts de l’Algar), close to Callosa de Ensaría.

The falls and pools of freezing water constitute one of the most major attractions in Alicante. Why not trek upstream alongside the river, take a swim in a refreshing pool or a shower under a waterfall, have a picnic on the riverbank, or simply amble leisurely through the arboretum and taste a fresh orange juice or sample a medlar, níspero, the local fruit crop of the region?

Whatever you might choose to do, the Fonts del Algar are well worth a visit. A word of warning when wading, though! The pebbly river bottom can be tricky. Don’t forget your jelly shoes!

A good idea would be to incorporate both mountain locations into one trip – the Algar waterfalls in the morning and a visit to the mountain fortress of Guadalest in the afternoon – or vice versa.

It is impossible not to be impressed by El Castell de Guadalest, built in medieval times as a fortress to guard the Muslim village. Entering through a 15 metre-long tunnel in the rock, you’ll walk by the lovely landmark bell-tower, with its white walls and orange-tiled roof, before ascending the cobbled street into the village, on your right the 18th century Baroque Catholic church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, as well as shops selling leather goods, pottery, jewellery and other artesanía.

At the top of the hill, as the road opens out into a large square, head over to one of the vantage points to your right and marvel at the sight that unfolds below. The blue waters of the Guadalest reservoir against its gigantic, steep-sided backdrop of rugged mountains is totally jaw-dropping. For something a little bit different, why not catch a solar-powered boat trip across the water and admire the view of the El Castell de Guadalest high up above?

Moraira Castle

If you’re looking to combine beach time with culture or history pay a visit to Moraira Castle, or Castillo de Moraira, on the coast of the picturesque town of Moraira, just 8 miles from Calpe.

Originally built in the 18th century to defend against pirate raids, the limestone tower is now a popular tourist spot with beautiful views of the Mediterranean and nearby beaches. If you’re looking for some midday shade you can pop inside to learn all about piracy in the Mediterranean.

Visit Moraira on a Friday and you can also explore the town's bustling market.

There are plenty of things to get excited about in Costa Blanca. This area of Spain is home to beautiful beaches, ancient ports and historic towns. One of the biggest draws for many travellers is the food and drink, and from dining out in local tapas restaurants to exploring the fish and meat counters at the nearest supermarket, there is no shortage of places to sample delicacies.

Look out for classic paella dishes – the region is regarded as one of the best to try the traditional dish – Valencia, the "paella capital of Spain", is just up the coast, after all. You may also spot fideua on local menus – this regional favourite swaps out the rice for pasta in a seafood paella. Some of the region’s other specialties include Denia prawns, salazones (salted fish dishes), esgarrat (a cod and red pepper dish) and crabcakes.

Keep an eye out for chiringuitos, small seasonal bars selling refreshment and tapas right on the seafront.

Paella

If you are looking for a bargain to take home from your holiday, Benidorm holds not one, but two of the largest street markets on the Costa Blanca. They are held in the Old Town, behind the train station, and in the Rincón, close to the Hotel Pueblo, every Wednesday and Sunday morning until about 1pm.

Don’t forget it is a must to barter with the stall-holder to try to get the price of your purchase down. They will be expecting it so don’t feel rude. Between them, they sport just short of 2000 stalls displaying a vast selection of leather goods, linen wares, watches, jewellery, pottery, pictures, house wares and many more, so you are bound to find something to your taste.

Because of the huge numbers of people at the markets, the aisles between the stalls are quite crowded so always keep your purse safe in case of pickpockets and, when buying brand–name jewellery or designer goods, do beware of fakes.

After a visit to the market, why not pop down to Benidorm’s fabulous sandy beach, where you can find water sports, or maybe take a leisurely boat-trip to Peacock Island? Or maybe call into one of the many cafes for tapas and a glass of Rioja…

If you prefer something a bit livelier for your night-life, why not go for a delicious meal and watch a fabulous show? If you do, then Benidorm Palace, on Avenida Severo Ochoa, is certainly the place for you.

Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the show plus a drink or meal would cost a set price, depending on your menu choice. Book your tickets online or purchase them at the ticket office from 10am. Doors open at 8.30pm and dinner is served at 9.00pm, so relax over your drink or meal before the spectacular starts at 10.00pm. Benidorm Palace is always an enjoyable evening out.

Penyal de Ifach seen from the Sierra de Olta

The coastal municipality of Calpe is well known for its incredible scenery, not least the famous Penyal de Ifach, a huge limestone outcrop that emerges from the sea. The Phoenicians knew it as the Northern Rock, to distinguish it from its southern counterpart, the Rock of Gibralter. The Rock of Ifach is now home to over 300 animal species and a popular nesting site for seabirds. A four and a half mile walking trail up the rock leads to a good viewpoint about one third of the way up, offering panoramic views of the harbour and coastline.

Alternatively, head inland and see the Penyal de Ifach from a distance by hiking the Sierra de Olta for one of the best viewpoints on the Costa Blanca. The rugged limestone cliffs and lush pine forests are home to a range of Mediterranean flora and fauna, including wildflowers, aromatic herbs, birds of prey and mountain goats. You might even see signs of the elusive wild boar colony.

Altea Playa del Albir

One of the most charming locations to visit on Spain's sunkissed Costa Blanca is the old town of Altea.

Cosily snuggling between Albir and Calpe, its unmistakable landmark blue-and-white-domed church perched high on the hill above the town overlooking the sea, Altea has a cornucopia of delights and Spanish tourist attractions to offer its visitors.

Take a stroll along the quaint cobbled streets of the Carrer Sant Miguel, passing restaurants and shops along the way, with the blue domes of the church always beckoning on ahead. Soak up the atmosphere of the approach to Altea Old Town, an appealing mix of the old-style and the cosmopolitan.

Linger in the Plaça de l’Església for an aperitif before descending the Carrer Major and browsing the many artisan boutiques, gift-shops, local crafts, jewellers, potters and art galleries showcasing the best of the local Spanish talent as you go.

Select one of the many restaurants with rooftop terraces and a magnificent view over the Mediterranean to provide you with your evening’s delicious fare.

Whether it be for a drink with friends, an aperitif before a meal, or to sit awhile and soak up the ambiance, there is no doubt the Plaça de l’Església, Church Square, is where it’s at. Nothing could be easier than to spend a blissful hour or so meandering through the buzzing and vibrant stalls displaying unusual wares of Spanish artesanía, leather goods, lighting, puppetry, marquetry, specialist jewellery or wooden toys.

If churches themselves are of interest to you, the Parroquia Nuestra Seňora del Consuelo is, in fact, just as beautiful inside as it is outside and well worth a look if entry can be gained.

Drift down the steep cobbled streets on the descent from Church Square to the Mediterranean Sea, and enjoy the sweeping vista over the bay, from the peaks of the sierra helada to the south to the Penyal de Ifach to the north. Amble leisurely along the new white balustraded promenade which leads to a stretch of Altea's beach, mostly pebbly, and the marina with its scores of luxury sunseekers.

Visit Albir beach, just south of Altea, complete with its leisure activities, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Discover the beaches, historic sites and natural beauty of Costa Blanca on a Saga holiday