The
Southern Costa Blanca or White Coast as the name means, has an average
of 320 days a year of sunshine and maintains an average year round
temperature of 24°C. According to the World Health Organisation
the area has the "healthiest climate in the world". This
is caused by the combination of constant year round warm temperatures
and the two huge salt lakes rich in minerals of "Laguna de
la Mata" (now a conservation area) and the "Salina de
San Miguel" that surround Torrevieja. The natural salt lakes
dry the air, therefore reducing humidity and producing a healthy
atmosphere beneficial for people who suffer with chest problems,
arthritis, rheumatism etc. These lakes are also home to a host of
wildlife including large flocks of Flamingos.
The
Costa Blanca beaches are famous throughout Europe with long stretches
of soft white sand and sparkling clear Mediterranean sea. Each boasts
the European Blue Flag awarded for clean beaches and totally unpolluted
water.
Most
of the towns hold large traditional daily street markets and spectacular
festivals and processions taking place all year around but also
have the modern amenities such as newly constructed hospitals, shopping
outlets and sports centres, etc.
Algar
Waterfalls
This
is a beauty spot that is run with the visitor's participation in
conservation and development of "Fonts de l'Agar and its surrounding
area. Visit the riverside, a walk along the paths and bathing in
its various pools and waterfalls. Don't forget your swimsuits! First
aid post, camping for one day with WC and showers, reception centre
and parking.
Place:
It is situated on the road to Callosa, 35 Km from Calpe and Benidorm.
Combine a visit with a visit to Guadalest. Tel/Fax: 96 588 21 06
Altea
This
is a pleasant town just north of Benidorm and well worth a visit.
Altea
Hills Yachts
Visit
Altea Hills and enjoy a stroll around the Marina, probably one of
the most exclusive on the Costa Blanca, and is home of some of the
biggest luxury yachts in Spain. Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of
the bars in the marina. You can charter boats from here and there
is also a diving excursion which leaves from the marina
Aqualandia
This
is a huge water amusement park for adults and children. It is situated
on the west side of Benidorm against a hill near Mundomar and Benidorm
palace. Don't forget the sun cream!
Tel: 96 586 40 06 or 07
Website: www.aqualandia.net
Aquascop
Discover
the fantastic underwater world in the waters of Benidorm's Island
and the Calpe area on this boat trip. Departures from the port and
the street Rincon de Loix, first departure at 10.00 and goes every
hour...
Tel: 96/585 00 52
Aquapolis,
Torrevieja
A fun
day out for all the family. Aquapark in Torrevieja.
Time:
Open from 10am until 7pm. Tel: 96/571 5611.
Balloon
Flights, Elche
Definitely for the more adventurous, take a 40 minute balloon flight
in the areas of Bajo Vinalopo and Bajo Seguar. The trip offers incredible
views of the south of the province of Alicante and at the same time
provides a secure and suitable flight for the general public.
The
whole excursion lasts 3 hours, including 40 min flying time. At
the end of the flight a picnic is provided and you can celebrate
the experience with Cava. Excitement Touristic Balloon Flights
Tel:
966 637 401 (Reservations)
Benidorm
Palace
Special and spectacular varied dinner show. Three-hour floor show
and dancing with music provided by a live orchestra. Alternatively
you can book tickets in the travel agent next to the Cam Bank in
Commercial Centre 1 in La Marina.
Time:
Doors open at 21.00.
Tel: 96 585 16 60 or 61 (Reservations)
Calpe
A
visit to Calpe itself is recommended. Have lunch in one of the many
restaurants which specialise in local fish dishes.
Calpe Ifach
The Phoenicians called the Rock of Ifach the Northern Rock, to distinguish
it from Gibraltar, the Southern Rock, as these were the only spectacular
promontories they encountered in their travels to the western shores
of the Mediterranean.
Ifach is indeed a large rock, measuring 332m in height. Today, it
is being transformed into a nature park to protect its unique vegetation
and over 300 species of animals, including colonies of sea birds
that use it as a nesting area. Located here is a nature school where
local carnations and even original Robertonian orchids can be admired.
The park itself can be reached up a zigzagging track leading to
a panoramic view over the entire Marina Alta coastline.
Castillo
Conde de Alfaz
Go back eight hundred years to the Castle of the Count of Alfaz
and enjoy a dinner typical of this age. See how the knights fight
on foot and horseback to defend their honour and save themselves
from the Pit of Terror; a place which you too can visit….if
you dare! End you night in the great disco "The Torture Chamber".
Place: In Alfaz between Altea and Benidorm. 3 km from Benidorm.
Tel: 96/686.55.92 or 93.
Castle of Santa Barbara, Alicante
This is well worth a visit for the magnificent views of Alicante
and the surrounding area. Don't make our mistake and try to walk
up the hill to the castle. If you are travelling by car, follow
the signs on the N-332 to the Puerto. When you reach the Puerto,
you will see signs for Parking. Once parked, walk along the promenade
until you reach the beach. Continue until past the Tourist Information
office, just after this there is a bridge crossing the dual carriageway.
Cross the road and follow the signs to the Castle. You will enter
a tunnel which takes you to the lift up to the Castle.
Cactuslandia
A personal garden transformed into cactusland. 1000 different species
of cactus and other succulents, tropical fruit tees, several species
of parrots, parakeets, exotic birds and other exhibits. A wonderworld
of shapes and colours. Also a collection of fossils, mineral stones,
shells, butterflies. Refreshments are available. On the road between
Altea and Calpe.
Place:
La Galera del Mar, 26 - Altea - Tel: 96/584 22 18
El
Huerto Del Cura (The Curate's Orchard), National Artistic Garden,
Elche (Elx)
This is a garden of 13,000 m2 where you can see a large cactus and
palm-tree collection with species from all over the world. About
a thousand palm-trees surround ponds, rockeries and promenades.
Place: Porta de la Morera, 49, 03203 Elche (Elx)
Tel/Fax: 96/5 45 19 36
Go-Karts
There are different categories of Karts and tracks including the
baby kart tracks for ages 5 to 10 years old, junior tracks from
10-15 years old and adult tracks. The entrance is just off the N-332
near Playa Flamenca.
Tel/Fax: 96/5 32 80 69
Guadalest
This is a beautiful town in the hills with spectacular views. There
are several museums, including a Museum of torture and the unique
Antonio Marco Museum where you can see miniatures of many things
too small to see with the human eye. Visit the old fortified monastery.
Tel:
96 588 50 04 (Torture Museum)
Tel: 96 5898 53 23 (Museum Antonio Marco)
Jalon Valley - Valley of Wine
The Jalon valley is named after the Jalon river, it flows through
the village Jalon (some road signs say Xalo), which lies some 7
km from Benissa. The famous Jalon wines, strong red and the sweet
mistela or moscatel wine are sold in two bodegas, where you are
encouraged to try the produce. You can buy the wine by the litre.
Every Tuesday a market - vegetables, clothes, shoes etc. - is held
in the square and the adjacent streets.
On Saturday mornings an enormous car boot sale and antique market
is held on the area opposite the bodega under the huge eucalyptus
trees and is well worth visiting.
Jeep
Safari 4 x 4 Cabrio
Discover the real Spain. A complete full day of adventure, action
and sensation through the magnificent countryside of the Costa Blanca
mountains, valleys, picturesque villages, rivers, jungles and swamps.
Drive yourself or let yourself be driven.
Place:
Av. Penetracion s/n - Complejo Admiral 1, local 5 - Benidorm.
Tel: 96 680 71 24
Limon
Express
Travelling on the Limon Express is a pleasant excursion, along the
Costa Blanca. You can admire Altea, Teulada and other natural places
you can't otherwise reach. The old tourist trains stops in Gata
de Gorgos where passengers visit a guitar factory and are shown
typical handicraft. On the way back, going South, passengers can
enjoy the wonderful west Mediterranean landscape from the heights
of this coast whilst sparkling wine is served.
Tel: 96/680 31 03 (Reservations - info)
Fax: 96 680.85 21
Mundomar
Marine and exotic animal park near Aqualandia. Mundomar is a unique
adventure; its main attraction is that it is a beautiful setting
with exotic marine animals. Enjoy a fascinating encounter with the
dolphins and seals. They are real stars of the park.
Place: West side of Benidorm
Tel: 96 586 91 01 or 02 or 03
Pola
Park
A fun attraction park for children, on the N-332 just north of La
Marina. You will see the park as you travel from Alicante Airport
on the left hand side of the road.
Time: Open 19.00 - 2.00 July and August and at weekends for the
remainder of the year.
Tel: 96/541 70 60
Prehistoric
natural cave
The Caves of Canelobre at Busot, situated 24km from the city of
Alicante, at a height of 700m on the northern side of Cabeco d'Or.
The interior of the cave has got one of the highest vaults in all
Spain, and is very similar to a cathedral.
Place: Busat at Alicante, motorway A7, excit 67 to El Campello,
exit the road N-332 near El Campello to road N-340 Alcoi-Xixona
to the cave in Busot.
Tel: 96/569 92 50
Prehistoric natural cave (2)
Visit this magnificent natural cave of more than 300m long and its
stalagmites and stalactites and admire the great numbers of domes
which at times rise to a height of more than 20m. The cave is situated
on the road between Pedreguer and Benidoleig.
Place: Situated inland between Gata and Ondara, surrounding area
Javea - Denia.
Tel: 96/640 42 35 - 03759.
Safari Park Rio
Rio Safari Park Elche is the ideal spot to enjoy nature and to watch
tigers, lions, camels, monkeys, hippopotamus ….. From its trains.
You can also visit the first farm exhibition with more than 200
crocodiles of all sizes. Rio Safari's 6000 fully grown palm trees
create an unique tropical setting.
A professional team records with a video camera your journey by
train and will turn your visit into a great audio-visual souvenir.
Place: On the road from Santa Pola to Elche.
Tel: 96/663 72 88
Salvador Artesana - shoe factory outlet
This is an essential place to visit - your can buy shoes, handbags,
leather goods such as belts at factory prices. They also have a
range of large sizes for tall men and women - do ask the assistants.
Take the road to Elche from the N332, and follow the road for approximately
14 kilometres. Turn left onto the N340. Follow the signs to Carrefour
supermarket. You will see the yellow sign for the Salvador Artesana
factory approximately 250 - 500 metres past Carrefour on the right.
Turn right and the factory is at the end of the road on the righthand
side.
Place:
030205 Elche (Alicante) Apda. de Correos, 5404
Time: Opening times 10 - 13.30, 3.30 - 8.00.
Tel: 966 67 54 41.
Sand Dunes of Guardamar
You
can ride camels over the dunes at Guardamar for an enjoyable trip.
Terra Mitica - Theme Park
The Mediterranean's major Theme Park, on the outskirts of Benidorm
is well worth a visit and has attractions for all ages. You can
buy a 1 day, 2 consecutive days ticket, 3 days non-consecutive ticket
or an Evening Ticket. The Park is open all week from Mid-March -
October, at weekends during November and December (all week Christmas
week) and reopens in March.
Follow the N-332 to Alicante and then join the Autopista A-7 (signpost
to Valencia). As you approach Benidorm you will see the signs to
Terra Mitica clearly marked, salida (exit) 65-A. (NB the A-7 is
a toll road).
Tel: 902 020 220
Website: www.terramiticapark.com
Wax Museum, Benidorm
113 sculptures - royal families, politicians, art, music, horror,
cinema, etc.
Place: Museo de Cera - Avda Mediterranea, 8 - 03500, Benidorm.
Tel: 96/680 84 21
