Costa Blanca holidays

There’s plenty of traditional Spanish food to be sampled along this beautiful stretch of coast. The paella in the region is excellent, especially if you like seafood ─ prawns, mussels and squid are popular local additions. There’s also tapas to be found in every town and village and in Benidorm you’ll find classic UK pub grub for a taste of the familiar. We’ve picked a few of our favorite dishes from the area for you to try out. Native to Alicante, but found all over Spain, arroz con costra is like a mix between paella and casserole. Combining chicken, sausage, rice and saffron, the dish is comforting and flavourful. Made for sharing, arroz con costra is best enjoyed over a glass or two of Airén, a local white wine. If your base is Benidorm, then be sure to pay a visit to Tapas Alley. You’ll find scores of traditional restaurants in this charming Old Town location, where you can sample some of the most delectable bites in the city. Not to be missed are the chopitos (fried baby squid) and patatas bravas (crispy potatoes in a spicy sauce). For lovers of all things sweet, turron is a must-try on your Costa Blanca holiday. This nougat-like confection is made with almonds, honey and egg white. It goes well with coffee, or Fondillon, a classic dessert wine from the Alicante region.

There are more than 170 beaches along on the Costa Blanca, many of which are Blue Flag. Across 124 miles of coastline, you’ll find something for everyone. From city beaches and bustling resorts to secluded coves and hidden bays, you can choose to escape the crowds completely, or join in the action. Benidorm has some of the best beaches in the area and our top pick goes to Playa de Levante. This 2km-long city beach has everything going for it – clean water, soft sand, water sports, beach bars – you name it. The ocean is calm, free from strong currents, and is suitable for swimming from May all the way through to November. Drive up the coast from Alicante and you’ll discover the town of Moraira, a charming old fishing town. From here head to Playa del Portet, a small but beautiful bay lined with palm trees, where the water is aquamarine and see-through clear. With few facilities, you’ll be able to escape the crowds, even in the height of summer. At El Moncayo in the town of Guardamar del Segura, a wooden boardwalk leads you down to a sandy white beach backed by sand dunes. The water is clear, and there’s watercraft available in the summer months, including paddle boards and pedalos. El Moncayo is ideal if you’re after a wild beach setting with cafes and restaurants just a walk away.

While there’s a lot to be said for relaxing on the sand and letting the sizzling Spanish sun work its magic, sometimes we want a bit of action on holiday! There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping days out to be had on the Costa Blanca besides lying on the beaches – we’ve chosen a few of our favourites to get you started.

4×4 Safari, Benidorm: Strap yourself in and explore the magnificent Costa Brava scenery in an offroad vehicle! Your journey starts in Benidorm where you’ll be driven by a knowledgeable guide. They’ll let you in on all the secret places, usually only known to locals. You’ll drive through verdant valleys, stop at Moorish villages and even take a refreshing dip in a natural swimming pool.

Aqualandia Waterpark, Benidorm: The biggest and best water park in the area, Aqualandia guarantees an exhilarating day out for friends, families and couples. Do you dare to take on the highest slide in Europe, reaching up to 100km/h? Or how about tackling Cyclon, where you’ll be fired into a vortex before being dumped into the pool below? There’s plenty here for young kids too – they’ll have a blast at the mini-slides, geysers and lazy river.

Speedboat & Snorkelling, Alicante: Hop aboard a rib as you fly across the waves at speeds of up to 80km/h! When you’ve got your breath back, stop off at Tabarca Island where you’ll get to snorkel with octopus, turtles and brightly coloured fish. After a spot of lunch, it’s homeward-bound for high speed views of the captivating Alicante coastline.

While many have the Costa Blanca pinned down as just beach resorts, there are a host of other natural attractions to top off your holiday experience. Within just a few km, you’ll discover waterfalls, lakes, mountains and even caves. Read on for out top half-day tours – you’ll be glad you left the beach!

Algar Waterfalls, Alicante: Is there a more refreshing way to cool off than taking a dip under a waterfall? The stunning Algar Waterfalls are a series of cascades which have formed natural pools, ideal for swimming. There’s a dramatic mountainous backdrop too, making the whole thing postcard-perfect. As a bonus, the journey to the falls takes in some beautiful scenery, passing orange trees and natural springs.

Canelobre Caves, Alicante: Visit the highest caves in Spain on this breathtaking tour just outside Alicante. These 7 million-year-old caves feature an impressive 70 metre-height vault, home to some wonderful stalagmites and stalactites. The central chamber is carefully lit, highlighting the beauty of the formations.

Kayak tour, Benidorm: This highly-rated attraction takes you on a kayak tour from the Benidorm Yacht Club to hidden coves and caves perfect for snorkelling. You’ll get to swim underneath towering cliffs as you catch a glimpse at the colorful marine life. You can even indulge in a bit of cliff jumping for an added jolt of adrenaline! At the end of the trip, the yacht club is the perfect place to sip on a refreshing beer or cocktail as you look out over the ocean.