The Costa Blanca region in Spain, also known as the 'White Coast,' is a well loved holiday hotspot well known for its amazing weather, lively party atmosphere and picturesque scenery across many resorts, such as Benidorm, Alicante, Elche and Denia.
From getting up close and personal with wonderful wildlife and making a big splash at a top water park, to taking soaking up a fascinating blend of history and culture or enjoying a round of golf and a whizz round on a go-kart, Costa Blanca has something for everyone.
Wet & wild
For guaranteed thrills and spills on your summer holiday in Costa Blanca, a trip to Terra Mitica theme park in Benidorm should be top of your to-do list. This fun family attraction provides some jaw-dropping, white knuckle rides, along with an engaging insight into world history on the shores of the Mediterranean.
With rides based on the Romans, the ancient Greeks and the ancient Egyptians, there's something to suit all ages. Those who love a steep drop must try Titde and Synkope. Synkope reaches heights of 35 metres and 180 degrees off dry land. Titde has drops, twists and turns in a rollercoaster that travels up to 60mph. Cue plenty of blood-curdling happy screamsThose who prefer something a little more sedate should give the river ride on the Port of Alexandria and the challenge of the Labyrinth of the Minotaur a go.
Little ones are well catered for with gentler rides such as carousels, children's bumper cars and the Akuatiti, a water attraction but without the ubiquitous heavy soaking that defines most adult water rides. There are plenty of food and drink kiosks in the park, but as with most UK theme parks, the prices are fairly steep so consider taking a picnic.
Benidorm also has Europe's first water-ride theme park. Covering 150,000 square metres, Aqualandia water park is now in its 28th year, and is still one of the top attractions throughout the whole of Costa Blanca. Every year, new features arrive to keep the park modern and up-to-date, and those who laugh in the face of fear should try the Black Hole a water ride which starts in natural daylight but drops into total darkness.
A full day of water-filled adventure costs can also be combined with a ticket for Mundomar an animal theme park next door to Aqualandia.
Speaking of wildlife, if safari is your thing, check out Aitana Safari Park in Penaguila. The whole family is catered for with a small zoo for children, as well as the main safari park. The animals are free to roam around certain areas of the park, so there are plenty of furry and feathered friends to make along the way, from gentle giraffes and enigmatic elephant to rhinos, lions and tigers all from a distance of course!
The best time to visit the park is between 11am and 3pm, as this is when the animals are fed and so they will less likely to be napping in the heat, out of sight, plus guided tours with trained guides are available during these times.
A step back in time
The region of Alicante in Costa Blanca has one of the most historic castles known today. The Santa Barbara Castle, or the Castillo de Santa Barbara, is situated on top of Monte Benacantil and provides fabulous views of both the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Visitors to the castle will be taken on a historical tour through stone passages, hidden tunnels and a real dungeon. Have cameras at the ready, as there are plenty of good photo opportunities. Built in the 10th century, this castle visit embraces history through the ages in a fascinating and engrossing way. Well worth a visit and dipping out of the sun for.
History and archaeology go hand-in-hand and if Alicante is your holiday destination of choice. MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum showcases engaging exhibitions featuring fascinating historical artefacts that span ancient beginnings to the modern era. Entry is well priced and the museum has previously won international recognition, as the European Museum of the Year back in 2004 for the originality of the exhibits on display.
The area of Javea is well worth a trip too, especially for history enthusiasts. The Church of Our Lady of Loreto is the iconic Javea fisherman's church. Built over four decades ago, the historic building provides a peaceful atmosphere of reflection and spirituality and is an interesting piece of avant-garde architecture.
Lastly, modern history is covered by the Volvo Ocean Race Museum. The port of Valencia, which isn't far away from Costa Blanca, used to be the home call for sailing's famous Americas Cup race, and the museum offers an in-depth insight into the sailors brave enough to tackle rough racing conditions across the world. There are some delightful designs and kids can try their own sailing techniques first-hand.
Nature's finest
Costa Blanca might have its jam-packed beaches and upbeat party atmosphere but the 'White Coast' also offers some stunning natural scenery and wonderful wildlife. Colourful botanical gardens, palm forests and a large aquarium are some of the region's top natural attractions to name but a few.
If visiting Altea, be sure take a trip to Jardin de los Sentidos, known as the garden of the senses. As well as showcasing a huge variety of beautiful botany from across the globe the garden is home to over 400 plant species - and enticing yours senses, there's a lovely tearoom and the option to do some yoga among the plant life and interesting rock formations. Homemade cake and a choice of tea and coffee are included in the price of entry.
The Palmeral of Elche was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 by UNESCO. There is plenty of historical information about this striking agricultural landscape of groves of date palms stretching as far back as the 10th century; when Arabs controlled most of the Iberian Peninsula. The Palmeral of Elche is a unique example of Arab agricultural practices on the European continent and makes for an interesting and pleasant excursion.
Mundomar marine animal park is a fantastic family day out. Located right next to Aqualandia Water Park (they share a car park), it covers an area of 60,000 square meters and encompasses lush vegetation, tropical landscaping, waterfalls, rocky grottos and the stars of the park the resident animals. The main attraction is the 40 minute show Mundomar Dancing with Dolphins. This is an event that won't be forgotten in a hurry well, it's not everyday a group of synchronised swimmers do ballet underwater in synchrony with dolphins. There is also a 30 minute programme for sea-lions and a 20 minute parrot show. Plus, there are many other animal friends to be made including ducks, swans and flamingos, squirrel monkeys, lemurs and everyone's favourite cheeky creature - the meerkat. Simples!
Aqualandia Water Park is the perfect place to go to cool off on a scorching hot day. Full of thrills and spills, the popular water park features a wide variety of slides and rides bound to keep every single of the family splashing and smiling all day long. The water park is clean and offers a good range of on-site facilities, including a well maintained eating area and a sun lounging spot and regular pool for adults who fancy lounging around and working on their tans instead of their slide slipping techniques. A fantastic day out for little and big kids alike.
Get active
Golf, various water sports and tennis are the most common sporting activities around the whole island, but when it comes to fun for all the family, bowling and go-karting are top of the list.
The town of Moraira is home to Ozone Bowling. Sure, there probably isn't too much difference from this bowling alley to a Megabowl or Ten-Pin bowling building at home but that's part of the appeal; you can rely on this being a fun excursion that that whole family will enjoy. Score!
Located just 5km away from Alicante's city centre, Karting Alacant has a variety of circuit routes and different karts suited to various skill levels and a differing need for speed. A fun family day out guaranteed.
Out and about
Take a trip to the fish market and auction in Denia for an interesting and authentic insight into everyday life in the region. In Denia, like many towns in Costa Blanca fish is a staple part of the local diet. If you head to the fishing port at approximately 4pm in the afternoon, you will see the local fishermen returning with their catch of the day. Once the catch has been sorted through, a large amount of quality fish is taken to La Lonja, the fish market where interested parties can bid for their fishy fare at a highly competitive auction.
Over in Alicante, a visit to Guadalest Valley in Marina Baixa is a great day out. With rolling green valleys and Fonts del Algar waterfall, the views in and around Guadalest Valley are rather special be sure to take your camera. The nearby village is peaceful and picturesque and the locals are super friendly. There is also a wide range of restaurants, cafes and shops to enjoy, as well as some good museums, including the Dolls House Museum for those who like life in miniature.