COSTA BLANCA
Is named by the World Health Organisation [WHO] as one of the healthiest climates in the world with 300 days of sunshine and average temperatures of around 24c making it a obvious choice for a holiday any time of the year.
LOS ARENALES
5 minute drive from Villa.
Is best know for its miles of golden sandy beaches and its sand dunes.
Los Arenales is a popular vacation spot especially with the Spanish people. Along the promenade which stretches for some distance there are bars and restaurants, many overlooking the sea and beach. It's a pleasant place to sit for an hour or so enjoying cup of coffee along the long promenade which is strung with palms trees you will find a number of children play areas.
Gran Alicant is a coastal town with plenty of bars, coffee shops, supermarkets, shops, banks and post office and lovely restaurants catering for all nationalities. There are miles of unspoilt beaches. In the summer time there are beach bars and clubs along the coastal road from Gran Alicant to Santa Pola. The beach is 5 minute drive from the villa or a 20 minute walk.
Gran Alicant also enjoys a fabulous Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days each year. It makes a great base for all those who like to do some sightseeing. The city of Alicante is only a short drive or bus trip away with its beautiful marina and castle. The castle of Santa Barbara is the biggest medieval fortress in Spain located in the centre of Alicante with it's fabulous views of the city and beyond. St Mary's Church is one of the major attractions in the city built over the ruins of the foundations of a mosque during the Moorish occupation. The blue flag San Juan Beach stretches for 4.5 miles from the centre of Alicante. Alicante has hundreds of bars and restaurants, many of which are situated at the Marina Shopping. Plaza Mar 2 is one of the newest shopping centres situated in the centre of Alicante with over a 100 shops restaurants and a 16 movie theatre. If you're into hiking and trekking then Alicante is the place with lots of opportunities as it has been blessed with towering mountains and plummeting valleys. There are many, many more things to do in Alicante. www.alicante.com will give you all the information you need.
Canalejas Park is the oldest park in the city created in 1886. El Palmeral is situated on the outskirts of the city. It has some amazing waterfalls, lakes and hundreds of palm tress. Mount Tossal Theme Park offers rock climbing and games on a giant chessboard.
SANTA POLA
This is a typically Spanish town with its fishing harbour and restaurants. If you're a fish lover this is the place to go as fish is caught fresh daily. The boats arrive in the afternoon and it is quite a sight. It has its own daily fish market which is a must see. The sandy beaches run for miles with lots of water sports such as jet skis, windsurfing etc. The market can be found on a Monday and Saturday near McDonalds at the roundabout. Saturday's markets has all the fresh vegetables and fish.
THE ISLAND OF TABARCA
A tourist must with its restaurants in high season. Many people take the short boat trip to the island, which take about 25 minutes. Once used as a hideaway by Barbary pirates and by the Spanish to house Genoese prisoners, the island has a chequered history but today it is used by locals and tourist alike for its recreational facilities. A timetable can be found on the harbour and ferries and private taxis that will take you over to the island.
The surrounding water of the 2km long island was declared a national marine park in 1986 and is a snorkeller's paradise with all the marine life.
SALT LAKES
The history of the salt lakes goes back many years. They are the oldest and biggest in Europe. The bird life is amazing with a large population of flamingos. Different species of birds can be seen at different times of the year. There are plenty of pull ins on the N332 road along side the salt lakes to look at the bird life so don't forget to bring your binoculars and cameras.
RIO SAFARI PARK
No trip to the Costa Blanca would be complete without a visit to the famous Rio Safari at Elche. A mix between a zoo, a safari park and community farm located on CV865 it is well signposted and easy to find. In the summer time don't forget to take your swimming gear [no not to join the crocodiles] as there is a large swimming pool with slides which are free to visitors.
Don't forget to take some extra carrots and a bag or two of monkey nuts as feeding the animals is allowed here and in fact encouraged. The kids will love it!
BENIDORM
A 45 minutes drive. Has all the theme parks water parks for all ages.
TERRA MITICA
Fun Park with incredible rides and shows all round the park.
AQUALANDIA
A lagoon waterfalls to the rapids. Fun for all ages.
TERRA NATURA
No visible barriers exist as you interact with the animals. There are two parks in one - Terra Natura also Aqua Natura a fantastic water park.
MUNDOMAR
Marine and exotic wild life. This is a fascinating water world with marine life and exotic birds.
FIESTA
A fiesta is a party, a celebration, a thanksgiving. To a Spaniard it symbolises the town in which they were born, its patron saint, its culture. Therefore fiestas are important to individuals and to families.
There are so many wonderful fiestas in the Costa Blanc that you are bound to see one whatever time of the year you travel.