Imagine a golden Mediterranean coastline, dotted by charming villages. Let’s explore the Costa Blanca and its finest jewels.
Altea is the crown jewel. Whitewashed homes tumble into an azure ocean. You can stroll down cobblestoned streets and cafes with aromatic coffee scents. In a bistro, street musicians serenaded me as I sipped a glass wine. Altea’s charm and creativity mingled together will grab your attention. You can easily lose yourself in art galleries and studios throughout Altea.
Benidorm, a cheeky city in the south of Spain, has skyscrapers made from glass that rise like modern oasis amid a sandy beach desert. Benidorm pulse changes as the sun sinks below the horizon. Nightlife in Benidorm is more vibrant than any festival, with neon lights reflecting everywhere. You haven’t experienced Benidorm unless you dance the night away on the sandy shores of Levante Beach.
Guadalest is just a few stones away. This little village is perched on top of a rock and ticks off a completely different set. A castle towers above tiny houses, with a view so stunning that it looks like an artist has painted the scene. When pointing to the castle, my grandma told me that the stories would continue if the stones could speak. It’s worth the hike, even if you just want to run your imagination wild.
As you move along, Javea’s laid-back appeal will welcome you as if it were a lost friend. Imagine spending a relaxing afternoon at Playa del Arenal where children build sandcastles, and time slows to a leisurely stroll. You are enticed into the blues of the ocean by the cliffs, coves and peaks. They seem to have a vividness that is not real. Divers will find hidden treasures in this paradise. You may be tempted to dive in with a snorkel.
Calpe is another option, with the Penon de Ifach rising like a beacon in the sky. While the idea of scaling the mountain is daunting, it rewards those who are brave with panoramic views fit for eagles’ eyes. At the base of the rock, lovers of salty breezes and seafood will find their perfect match. Marinas are humming with fish markets and local chatter.
Moraira is the perfect place to end a day of bliss by enjoying the oranges and pinks dancing across the sky. The quiet coves and beaches of this hidden gem are perfect for secret whispering. Locals told me with a twinkle of an eye that “Moraira was the place where you would never want to leave, but only prolong your stay”. I could see why.
Costa Blanca allows you to be many adventures–as an artist, dancer, historian, diver or even just dreamer as the waves gently crash at your feet. The Mediterranean is a place to not only see, but to also live. Each charming village on the Costa Blanca is unique, with its own heartbeat and stories. It wants to leave a mark in the minds of visitors.