Sightseeing on the Costa Blanca

Posted on November 30th, 2009 by admin, under Travel Destinations.

It’s no wonder Spain’s ‘White Coast’ remains as popular as ever with travelling tourists. As well as having an almost limitless amount of superb beaches along its 200km coastline there are also a number of excellent sightseeing opportunities to be had in the many beautiful cities and towns found at every turn

Car hire is your best bet in order to be able to get the most out of any holiday to the Costa Blanca that involves sightseeing, due to the fairly limited public transport options and schedules. Alicante Airport is usually the best place to arrange pick up of your hire vehicle, where you will find more choice made available to you than in nearby towns and cities.

Whilst in Alicante, the two main points of interest from a sightseeing perspective are its two amazing castles; the Castle of Santa Barbara and the Castle of San Fernando. The former ranks as one of the most impressive in Spain and is also one of the largest. Situated some 166 metres high on Mount Benacantil, the views from here of the city and coast are simply spectacular. Whilst here, you cannot avoid Alicante’s ‘old town’. The narrow streets are in possession of many shops and market stalls and is also where you will find an old convent, the town hall, Alicante Cathedral and several art museums. The Archaeological Museum of Alicante is also worth a visit. Here you will find artefacts and exhibits which piece together the city’s history including relics from the Stone Age as well as Iberian and Roman eras.

Heading north up the coast from Alicante, you will quickly see signs for the famous package-holiday destination of Benidorm. The town is of course packed with nightclubs and shops and is famous for its busy beaches, but also has a pretty ‘old town’ as well which features an old church and more refined tourist shops.

Still heading north from Benidorm on the N332 road, one of the Costa Blanca’s most famous sights will greet you at the beautiful town of Calpe; the Penon de Ifach. This iconic rock formation rises majestically from the sea and can be seen for miles around. This pretty coastal town also boasts churches and an interesting archaeological museum.

Not too far from Calpe is the village of Javea. It’s beautiful harbour setting is always the main pull for tourists, however a walk to the Cabo de Nao San Martin in the hills allows for an awesome panoramic view of the coast. Also within driving distance of Calpe and Javea is the excellent town of Denia. Its 11th-century castle is a sight to behold and is also in possession of a number of shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants and is also where you will find the famous Club de Golf La Sella Denia owned by Jose Maria Olazabal.