The Costa Blanca region in Spain is all about having bags of fun in glorious weather. Known as the 'White Coast,' the area is known for its high temperatures, sunny weather, lively party atmosphere and picturesque scenery spread across many resorts, such as Benidorm, Alicante, Elche and Denia.
Seawater temperatures allow for a pleasant swim and keep water sports enthusiasts happy, and there is a wide range of other fun activities, bustling attractions and historical landmarks to enjoy - even when the weather is less than permitting.
There is plenty of choice in the way of excellent accommodation, with various options catering for all types of holidaymaker. Whether you're sticking to a strict budget, looking for the perfect romantic getaway, cheap but cosy digs, or keeping the whole family satisfied, Costa Blanca has a lot to offer. Happy holidays!
On a budget
For many tourists, getting outstanding value for money is top of the agenda when it comes to booking up somewhere to stay. Costa Blanca offers a wide variety of great accommodation options for those sticking to a budget.
The three-star Poseidon Palace Hotel in Benidorm is a fine case in point. Prices start from £269 per person for seven nights, and the prime location of this hotel in the centre of Benidorm is like gold dust. Two large swimming pools are based on the resort, with a section just for children. Many sports and quizzes take place throughout the day, together with boules and archery, live music and dancing. Also, the popular beaches on Levante are just a 10 minute walk away from this hotel.
Another excellent choice for spendthrifts is Porto Calpe hotel situated in the quieter Calpe proximity. Prices currently start from £32 per night for adults, and with many bars and restaurants within a five minute walk - along with Cantal Roig Beach being just 100 metres away - the location of this hotel can't be faulted. Each room has a balcony with lovely sea views, air conditioning, a private bathroom and satellite TV. Facilities within the hotel include a TV lounge with DVD player and a free Wi-Fi zone. With great rooms, quality service, stunning views and great value, Porto Calpe is top choice.
For those stick on a budget but not too bothered about the star quality of their accommodation, Hotel Los Angeles in Benidorm might fit the bill. It might only be a two-star in terms of rating, but the rooms are good value and it is in a quieter area of Benidorm, a good distance away from the noisy nightlife.
Family friendly
There are some superb choices in Costa Blanca for families after an unforgettable holiday in the sun.
Located in Benidorm, Terralta Apartamentos is a complex for those who prefer to go the self catering route. It is around one kilometre away from the sandy beaches of Benidorm, but not too far away from the centre of town. Leisure activities include an outdoor swimming pool, a games room and a gym. Children are definitely catered for, with cots available on request, along with a kids' club and a daily entertainment programme to keep them busy and active. Prices start from £225 per person for seven nights, or £329 per person for 14 nights, which is a great deal. As the location is on an incline, guests with walking difficulties are not recommended to stay here.
Another good choice would is Aparthotel Elite Sun Beach in a small town called Guardamar del Segura, near Alicante. This is a three-star hotel with prices starting from £27 per person. Sport enthusiasts will love staying here; there are badminton courts and petanque, plus a mini golf course guaranteed to provide fun for all the family even competitive types! Children have access to their own swimming pool, a play area and a kids' club. The hotel staff are as friendly as expected, and there's a 24 hour maintenance and cleaning service available. Some of the rooms come with fridge freezers, microwaves, kettles and toasters, so it almost feels like a home from home. The only disadvantage to staying here is the fact that the walk to the nearest beach covers a fair distance, although with such great weather pretty much all-year round, what's a long stroll or few? Or, you could always hire a rental car or bike.
All inclusive
Holidays can get fairly expensive fairly rapidly unless you stick to a budget with military precision, so for some holidaymakers it's just easier to pay up front and go all inclusive. That way you can rest easy and relax in the knowledge that those spare pennies jangling around in your beach bag can go on beer, ice cream and sun loungers!
One of the leading and most recommended choices for a top family friendly place to stay in Costa Blanca is the Magic Aqua Monika residence in the Cala Finestrat area of Benidorm. If you want to zoom down plenty of water slides, this place is heaven sent. A hotel-run children's club for four to 16 years is run six days per week, with a proportionate section of the main swimming pool offering those attractive water features. There is also a mini disco before the evening entertainment for the adults. Other activities can involve a chilled game of bowls, and a multi-sports court. The resort has four bars and a superb in-house restaurant, and with decent bus and taxi links, getting to places outside the hotel won't provide any hassle. The all inclusive option includes a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, use of the multi-sports court for games like football, archery, basketball and water polo, afternoon tea and coffee, plus an unlimited amount of drinks over a 12-hour period during the day meaning everyone can keep their cool. Prices start from £469 for seven nights.
Benidorm is home to the majority of all-inclusive accommodation in Costa Blanca, however, if you'd rather stay in Alicante, look no further than Bonalba Golf and Conventions Hotel, situated in Mutxamel. Outdoor lovers will love the massive outdoor swimming pool and the full-sized golf course, not to mention the hotel's tropical garden, which is a great place to relax in the shade. Other activities available include scuba diving, fishing and sailing, plus there is a children's playground to keep little ones out of mischief.
Half-board
Costa Blanca offers plenty of good options for holidaymakers who want to go half-board.
Orihuela might not have the glamour of Benidorm or the history of Alicante, but it does have a three-star holiday option for half-boarders, and it is a really good choice to boot. Hotel Montepiedra is different to many apartments in the fact that all the rooms are bungalow type, dotted around a scenic gardening area and a large swimming pool. A breakfast buffet is available, as well as air conditioning in every room, and a sizeable tennis court to practice your killer serve and volleying skills. This place is suitable for both short and longer breaks, and is perfect for a romantic stay, too. People with walking difficulties will be pleased to know that this residence is more than suitable. Prices start from £92 per person.
Back in Benidorm, Sol Pelicanos/Ocas hotel has a spectacular lagoon-style pool and is a very popular holiday complex suited to all types of holidaymakers. Those who might recognise the residence from pictures will spot this as the backdrop to the ITV comedy series Benidorm. Situated on the edge of a bustling shopping area, half-board and even all inclusive options are available. With two international buffets, two indoor bars and two pool bars, the food and drink options are never ending. Daytime activities include a sports programme, while kids will have two pools to choose from, along with two kids' clubs, the Cool Club for ages 9-12 and Flintstones Land for ages 5-8. Staying at the Sol Pelicanos/Ocas will definitely provide a fun-filled holiday for the whole family. Half-board options start from £469 for seven nights.
Romantic retreats
There are some places in Costa Blanca that are better suited to couples looking for a romantic, memorable break away than others. Here's a lowdown
The four-star Riviera Beach Hotel in Benidorm in located close to the very popular Levante beach, so plenty of sunny days featuring sun, sand and sea are guaranteed. Recently refurbished, rooms can be booked from £25 per person and offer the standard facilities expected in a room, such as air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom and a safety deposit box. A buffet restaurant within the hotel offers spectacular choice, and there is a host of entertainment on-site, too. The Riviera Beach Hotel does not accept any children under the age of 16, so this is a prime spot for couples in search of true relaxation throughout the whole year. Decent rates add to this hotel's attractive appeal as a top romantic retreat.
If romance really gets a couple excited, heading to Alicante could well be the best bet in the Costa Blanca. Two hotels in the area lead the way they are the Albahia Tennis and Business Hotel and the Pueblo Acantatilado.
The Albahia Tennis Hotel has a modern gym for guests to enjoy, free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with loved ones at home, and nine tennis courses to practice your serves, volleys and returns. This accommodation should be serving a duo towards a Grand Slam success.
The Pueblo Acantatilado overlooks Alicante from the picturesque El Campello area. The beach might be a 10 minute walk, but the hotel rooms are of a world class standard. When you add the hotel's desirable spa with a sauna, Jacuzzi and massage therapies, you can see how this resort would be ideal for those looking to add a little something special to their holiday for two.
On the beach
One of the more frequent questions a sun-loving holidaymaker will no doubt ask when booking up a holiday abroad, is how close is the beach? Well, with these accommodation options, the beach pretty much comes with the package. Time to top up that tan
Benidorm has two major beaches. The Levante beach is the main spot during daylight hours and is only 300 metres away from Hotel Presidente. Very close to Benidorm's choice of lively bars and restaurants, it is a perfect setting for holidaymakers keen to be right at the heart of the action. The resort itself has two Jacuzzis, a heated outdoor pool and a hotel bar, which is open throughout the entire year.
Alternatively, Villa Juan in Denia is even closer being just 100 metres away from a stretch of golden sand and inviting blue sea. Built in 2006, it is a laid back, relaxing place to stay and provides all the comforts a family or a group of friends would be looking for in terms of good holiday accommodation. The modern aspects are highlighted, with each individual villa offering a DVD player, washing machine, grill and an electric oven. Ultimately, it is the sunshine and the close proximity to the beach that pulls people to Villa Juan.