Map of the Area
 

 The Costa Blanca has a reputation as being paradise! Coupled with the mildest of winter climates and excellent sporting and leisure facilities the Costa Blanca is a prime location to holiday. In the Southern Costa Blanca, Torrevieja is the main town where the vast majority of beaches have been awarded the EEC Blue Flag Award for cleanliness and rightly so, an ideal place to laze on the beach. From the shallow lagoons and extensive sand dunes of the south to the deeply indented rocky coves and bays of the north, this privileged corner of Spain offers everything that has made this country so highly favoured amongst holiday makers. The clear blue waters and stunning underwater scenery make it a diver's paradise, while the setting of the sun, as it bathes sea, sky and land in a rich golden glow, is an experience not easily forgotten. Further south, the cliffs are a creamy white tint from which the Costa Blanca (white coast) derives its name. Covered with Mediterranean scrub and coastal pine, this is an area whose romantic lighthouses and ancient ruins encapsulate the history and soul of the Mediterranean. While the coast boasts excellent transport facilities of motorways, railways, ferry ports and 3 international airports, Costa Blanca is one of the most stunning and unspoilt areas in Europe. With average temperatures between 18 & 28 degrees the climate is not only healthy-rated one of the best by the World Health Organisation with health and fitness spas, 19 golf courses and every water sport imaginable.

Alicante is a beautiful city especially the waterfront area. The walkway around the marina has bars and restaurants, the fantastic mosaic promenade comes alive in the warm evenings lined with gypsy market stalls. Across from the promenade, in the town itself, there are shops of every description and restaurants for you to enjoy by day or night. There is a lift in the old town which takes you to the top of the hill over looking the waterfront where you can explore the old castle or you can drive to the top. Alicante is a busy, bustling seaside city, with the backdrop of the marvellous castle of Santa Barbara perched on a mountain looming over and protecting the city and its bay. Its old narrow streets are full of charm and history. The port is home to fisherman and a large nautical fraternity, often the stop-over point for cruise liners. Alicante also has its own beautiful beaches. There are often fiestas held which can go on to the early hours in the morning with elaborate parades and costumes. The city is within fifteen minutes of the international airport of El Altet and offers ferry services to the Balearic Islands and North Africa.

Both the Guardamar and Pineda beaches are composed of the finest white sand and the smell of the pine trees which surrounds them makes for an unforgettable experience. The beaches run for as far as the eye can see and are so large that even in peak season, there are days when they seem almost deserted. Swept during the season on a daily plus basis, the Guardamar beach is possibly one of the best manicured in all Spain. There is a large park area which has large areas of pine trees, sand dunes with picnic tables for you to enjoy your lunch. If you like sports, Guardamar offers you every possible sea sport such as sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, underwater diving, canoeing, jet skiing, etc.

Santa Pola has managed to remain untouched by mass tourism, no package tour holiday operators come anywhere near here. Like many Spanish towns the centrepiece is its square; the one at Santa Pola is known as the Plaza de la Glorieta, many families congregate here in the evening to have a drink or an ice cream (well into the early hours), giving it a vibrant feel. On one side of the square is a magnificent 16th century castle, still used today to host events, & the focal point of various fiestas throughout the town's calendar. The town has several wonderful beaches, including over 4km of fine sand & crystalline water. Cuisine in Santa Pola features highly, & is mainly traditional Spanish fare, although international tastes are catered for. The highest concentration of restaurants can be found along the sea front. With those nearest the harbour focusing on dishes made from the catch of the day. Many of these are tapas restaurants serving freiduras, which are essentially fish & shellfish platters fried in batter.

The Costa Blanca - Alicante, Spain, holiday apartment rental, Gran Alacant, Altomar Apartments