Everyone likes to know something’s or even everything about the place they have chosen for their holidays. Yes – the Costa Blanca is famous Nature Lover’s Paradise in the world. But to get the most from your shot time spent under the sparkling sunshine, you have to have some idea about how much sun do you actually want to have. When during the year are you thinking of visiting.

It may help to learn a little about the history and culture of the region and how travelling around this area of Spain can be more comfortable. There are many sources of information. Don’t listen to just one or two sources without investigating what you’ve learned. While the sun, surf, and nature are second to none here in Spain, do learn about the region you’ll be visiting. Learn how to get the best advantage of your holiday.

For your holiday travel, you’ve chosen to visit the fabulous Costa Blanca, in Spain. Someone may have actually give you the idea that here you’d have a great time and a fulfilling holiday. You may have taken the time to read about your holiday destination and discover all that the amazing Mediterranean Sea will show you as you encounter the natural environment. O Boy! What a fantastic combination when you put it all together.

One way of discovering the way if enjoying your vacation to the fullest is to look at a map of the Iberian Peninsula where you’ll see some of Spain and Portugal. Now, trace a line across the map to the Mediterranean Sea and find the province of Alicante. After that trace a line southward down the coast find the “Villa of Pilar del Honradada.” From this point begin to trace northward through the resort city of Alicante, and to Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Moraira and Javea and onward to Denia and Torrevieja,

Arguably the most famous coast in Spain, Costa Blanca draws millions of tourists each year. Lying on the eastern coast, the White Coast is one of those resorts where everyone can find their place under the sun, from sophisticated towns where life goes on 25 hours a day to quaint little villages where the peace and tranquility is feature.

Its clear blue waters and miles of white sandy beaches are certainly a major attraction. Beautiful mountains parallel to the sea are on the north coast. Here you can marvel at the Moorish villages where olive trees and hidden coves abound. To the south is where you will find the beaches mushrooming with palm trees, the sparkling, turquoise sea and rows of cafes and restaurants and also you can get a cheap holiday insurance.

Within the mountainous interior are a series of fascinating medieval towns and fortified villages which have been largely unaffected by modernism and tourism. Inland from the beaches, Costa Blanca has one of Spain’s most fertile areas. The region is renowned for its citrus trees supplied all over the world. Almond trees and date palms abounding with blossoms also blanket the earth.

Every part of Costa Blanca is indeed a treasure to discover, a place to relax and enjoy. You can bask in the sun, hide away at some secret cove, or meet new friends and party like there s no tomorrow. Whatever you fancy, Costa Blanca is sure to please.

One of the most important and influential events in the life of Christopher Columbus was the fall of Granada in 1492.

In the last weeks of 1491, Columbus was invited to the royal camp on the outskirts of Granada as the monarchs prepared for their final battle with the Muslims. However, when he asked for 10% of all the riches gained from his expedition, the rank of “Admiral of the Ocean”, and the position of “Viceroy and Governor of the Indies”, they flat out rejected his plans.

Legend has it that Columbus left the camp. But King Ferdinand’s Treasurer spoke to Ferdinand afterward and convinced him that the investment was insignificant compared to the potential reward. So, Ferdinand sent a court official to go after Columbus and bring him back.

Luckily for Columbus, on January 2nd, 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella finally defeated the Muslim Iberians after nearly eight centuries of fighting. At last, the monarchs could “kick back”, relax, and think about investing in something other than the war.

King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella receiving Columbus in the Alhambra
The monarchs received Columbus in the “Hall of Ambassadors” of the Alhambra where Columbus once again made his pitch to Isabella and Ferdinand. Only, this time they were the conquerors of Spain and no doubt feeling pretty good about themselves. So, they handed Columbus the keys to three ships that would take him on a voyage that would change the world forever.

When you come to Granada, be sure to visit Plaza Isabel la Católica in downtown Granada where you’ll find the statue and fountain that commemorate this historic event.

A couple things to notice. Just like in the U.S., we tend to use “soy” (I’m) more than “me llamo” (my name is). Also, it’s customary to say “encantad@” when you meet someone for the first time. (I’ll use the @ symbol to represent both the masculine and feminine versions of words).

Speaking of introductions… In Spain, whenever people meet and whenever they part ways, they have a customary salutation that is quite a bit different from the good old American handshake. Be sure to take a look at the section about meeting people so you know how to greet people in Spain.

In Spain, young guys tend to use language that’s a bit more rowdy and vulgar when talking to other guys. Notice that the conversation below between two guys is loaded with Spanish slang. However, when a young man speaks with a young woman, he uses polite language. Young women are always courteous in their use of language. Also, when two women meet, they almost always exchange a few compliments.

Below are some common greetings. Note: these are not stylized. These are the things that we Spaniards actually say whenever we see somebody we know. The translations in parentheses are not literal translations. Rather, they more closely reflect the equivalent conversation in American English

The Spain You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Granada is everything you imagine Spain to be. Sunny beaches, snow capped mountains, medieval castles, tapas, fiestas, flamenco dancing… Granada truly is the world we all imagine when we think…
Free Food with Every Drink
The international phenomenon known as tapas originated right here in Andalusia. Bartenders used bread to cover the wine glasses and keep the fruit flies out of the sherry (which is…
Chillin’ on the Beach
Imagine lying on a sandy beach on a warm, summer day listening to the sound of waves gently brushing against the shore and the songs of seagulls in the distance….

Trips around the Province
Discover Alicante >> Trips around the Province Elche

The nearby city of Elche boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Orihuela

This town has perhaps more monuments than any other in the Province of Alicante, and welcomes visitors under the shade of the San Antón palm trees.

Castles in the El Vinalopó district

The main theme of this trip are the castles in the Medio and Alto Vinalopó districts, and the area of La Foia de Castalla.

Benidorm

The imposing skyline rises to greet visitors as they approach Benidorm.

Guadalest

A must-see for all visitors, this village of barely 200 inhabitants is set in a picturesque valley surrounded by the highest mountains in the Province of Alicante.

Altea and towns to the North

The beautiful town of Altea is famous for its Old Quarter lined with whitewashed houses. To the north, over the Barranco del Mascarat gulley and the Sierra de Bernia mountains, the landscape opens up to reveal the most emblematic landmark of the Costa Blanca: the Peñón de Ifach crag at Calpe, which rises to an altitude of 327 metres.

One of the most important events in the city’s diary. This festival has been officially declared to be of International Tourist Interest and its origins lie in the tradition of burning useless objects with the arrival of the summer solstice.

Date: 20th – 24th June

Moors and Christians Festivals

The Province’s most important festivals, celebrated in five different areas around the city of Alicante on various dates. It is a spectacular reenactment of the Province’s recapture from Moorish rule.

Holy Week

Starting on Palm Sunday, this festival sees a week of processions by some 30 guilds and brotherhoods.

Date: Variable. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday

The Santa Faz Festival

A popular traditional pilgrimage also known as La Peregrina involving worship of the relics of Santa Faz that are housed in the Santa Faz monastery.

Date: Variable. The second Thursday after Easter

The May Crosses Festival

For this celebration, the residents of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood on the slopes of Mount Benacantil decorate the streets with crosses made of flowers as part of a competition to see which street is judged to be the best.

Date: 1st – 3rd May

The Mediaeval Market

A market selling foodstuffs and arts and crafts, set up behind the town hall in the Old Quarter during the last week of June or the first week in July.

Date: Variable. The last week in June or the first week in July

The Virgen del Carmen Festival

A maritime procession held at the “Club de Regatas” yacht club in Alicante and on Tabarca Island in honour of the patron saint of sailors.

Date: 16th July

The Virgen del Remedio Summer Festival

These celebrations kick off on 3rd August with the La Alborada choir concert and culminate on 5th August with the procession of the image of Virgen del Remedio, the patron saint of Alicante.

Date: 3rd – 5th August

Carnival

These lively celebrations see Alicante clothed in many colours.

Date: Variable. During the months of February or March.

Festival in de San Roque district

Declared Traditional Festivals in the year 2004. These celebrations are held in the SanRoque District in mid August, as the 16th is the Saint’s Feast Day.

Fecha: mid August

­ ­Alicante, the bouquet of wine.

The municipal area of Alicante continues to fall within the boundaries of the D.O. Alicante label as one of its production areas.
This is an interesting fact. For years, the city was one of the wine capitals of the Iberian Peninsula, thanks to its sweeping lush vineyards producing a number of different grape varieties and the city’s port which was created and sustained for many years for the exportation of local wines. Wines that have taken the name of Alicante, both the city and the province (from Monóvar to Villena, Alicante to Las Marinas), all over the world.
Vineyards that have helped to shape the stunning landscapes described for years by chroniclers and travellers who passed through this city: the fertile lands of Alicante were irrigated with water from the Tibi Reservoir (the oldest in Europe), creating a garden blanketed in vines producing different grape varieties, but also almond trees, olive groves, tomatoes, lettuces, fruit trees and other produce that grew next to palm trees, waterways, towers and ancestral homes, against the backdrop of the sea in La Huerta de San Juan. It was an authentic beautiful Mediterranean, where the sea lived side by side with lush green lands like few other places in the Mediterranean.
That is why Alicante remains an emblem of the history of Alicante Wines. It is the nerve centre of the sector, not only as the headquarters of the D.O. Alicante Regulatory Council (one of the oldest in Spain) but also because it still bears the traces of this agricultural industry, and because in its restaurants these wines can still be seen as part of our personal gastronomy.
The wines of Alicante are mainly made from the Monastrell grape variety, very expressive and powerful, used to make young red wines, crianzas, reserves, sweet wines and Alicante’s famous Fondillón, which is just as much a part of the city’s historic heritage as Santa Bárbara Castle, the Towers of San Juan or San Nicolás.
In addition to these reds, we also have wines made from Muscatel, a highly aromatic variety of white grape used to make dry or sweet white wines, renowned throughout Spain for their exceptional charm.

A visit to the Isla de Tabarca is practically a must-dotrip for anyone visiting the Costa Blanca. It is the only inhabited island in the Region of Valencia and is located opposite the city of Alicante, 11 nautical miles offshore and near the Santa Pola headland. In fact, it’s more than just an island: it’s a small archipelago that comprises the islets of La Cantera, La Galera and La Nao as well as the Isla de Tabarca itself. It is approximately 1,800 metres long and measures some 400 metres across at its widest point.

In the past, its shores were a refuge for Berber pirates and, in the 18th century, King Carlos III ordered the island to be fortified and a town built, in which to house several families of Genoese fishermen who were being held prisoner in the Tunisian city of Tabarka.
The walls surrounding the town have been officially declared a Historical and Artistic Site and an Asset of Cultural Interest.

The island’s waters have been officially declared a Mediterranean Marine Reserve for their excellent quality and for the biodiversity of their flora and fauna. Organising Your Trip
A visit to the island usually lasts one day. There are numerous departure times from the port of Alicante, although the regularity of these depends upon the time of year. The boat ride is comfortable and lasts for around one hour. The island can also be reached from Santa Pola, Guardamar, Torrevieja and Benidorm.

Once on the island, visitors can enjoy the coves and beaches with their crystal-clear waters and a picturesque fishing port with excellent eateries offering the opportunity to try the traditional “caldero”, the island’s typical dish.
We recommend a stroll through the town and a visit to the island’s museum.
Visitors can now even enjoy an overnight stay on the island, thanks to the recent opening of accommodation. The boat trip to the Tabarca Island can be comfortably made from Alicante, Santa Pola, Guardamar , Benidorm,and Torrevieja.

Playa Flamenca – Costa Blanca – Spain
Playa Flamenca – Situated on the Orihuela Costa coastline the beautiful resort of Playa Flamenca is a popular location for holidaymakers visiting the southern Costa Blanca in Spain. With a superb beach, a newly refurbished promenade area, an excellent choice of rental accommodation and a great range of facilities, Playa Flamenca is an ideal spot for a family holiday, for relocation or just for a weekend break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Playa Flamenca grew up in the 1970’s when a group of Flemish investors saw potential in the area, and developed a section of barren coastline into the modern resort that it is now. A number of other fine resorts have also developed along this stretch of coast making it a popular area with visitors of all nationalities.

Playa Flamenca is in the centre of a very busy piece of coast called the Orihuela Costa, and this is located south of the well known town of Torrevieja and extends from Punta Prima in the north to Mil Palmeras in the south taking in the resorts of La Zenia, Campoamor and Cabo Roig, the golf courses of Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor and the urbanizations of La Florida, Los Balcones, Zeniamar, Horizonte, Aguamarina and San Jose to name but a few.

Playa Flamenca is a fairly compact resort and the beach area is backed by some good facilities on the beach side of the N-332 including the Post Office (Correos) and some fine shops and restaurants, within walking distance is the Flamenca beach commercial centre with a huge range of shops, bars and restaurants, with plenty of live entertainment available. Beside the N-332 coast road you will also find the Mercadona supermarket and complex with more shopping opportunities.

A short walk from here and on Saturdays you will find the large street market, which is very popular with visitors to Playa Flamenca, but also draws crowds from the entire area. The market is more spacious than the typical Spanish street market although it can still get very packed, so it is always best to arrive early (the market starts around 8.00am and finished at 2.00pm).

Playa Flamenca enjoys a superb Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters and low rainfall making it an ideal all year round resort. Playa Flamenca is within easy driving distance of both Murcia (San Javier) airport (25 minutes) and Alicante airport (45 minutes) and can be easily accessed from both the N-332 coastal road and the AP-7 motorway (La Zenia exit).