Costa Blanca Overview

The “White Coast,” named for the color of the fine sand and smooth pebbles that cover its shores, extends from Dénia to Alicante. Jagged mountains, jutting piers, pine forests, cactus-studded rock, and hills covered with cherry trees provide the backdrop for the towns of the Costa Blanca, all of which attract their fair share of tourists. The slower-paced towns of Altea and Dénia, visited primarily for sparkling beaches, each have a small casco antiguo surrounded by supermarkets, resort hotels, and construction sites. Nevertheless, they may offer relief from the disco droves that energize Alicante and Benidorm, making them ideal for families or travelers seeking more tranquil locales. These smaller towns are fast becoming havens for those seeking classy beach vacations, and waterfront hotels come at steep prices; many prefer to spend the night in Alicante or Benidorm and daytrip all over the coast. Fortunately, cheap, efficient modes of transportation make this an easy option.

• Transportation

Trains: Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana, (☎ in Alicante 26 27 31), also known as the “Costa Blanca Express,” hits almost every town and beach along the coast on its Alicante-Dénia ...more