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The Costa Blanca or White Coast extends along
the eastern coast of Spain (approximately in the middle) and covers
the province of
Alicante.
To the north of
Denia is the Costa del Azahar and to the
south of
Torrevieja is the Costa Calida.
The Costa Blanca is not as cold or wet in the winter as the Costa
Brava, north of Costa Blanca, nor is it as humid or hot in the
summer as the Costa del Sol, in the south. The Costa Blanca has the
best all year round temperatures. The climate is recognised as one
of the best in the world by the World Health Organisation. Many
people with arthritis come to the Costa Blanca and within days feel
much better. In the winter months the Costa Blanca is lucky enough
to have nearly as many sunny days as in the summertime.
The Costa Blanca is famous for its tourism. Once upon a time the
places along the coast were mostly just tiny fishing villages. Then
the fantastic climate and beaches attracted tourists and the area
boomed. Some towns have restricted their development and retained
their original charms while others have over-developed and lost what
charm they originally had.
The Costa Blanca has over 100 kms of sandy beaches and rocky coves
and many of the beaches have the coveted European Blue Flag
signifying cleanliness and safe bathing.
Of course the charms of the area have meant that many foreigners now
live here. There has been a property explosion with many people
regarding the Costa Blanca as the California of Europe. Not just
people retiring, nowadays many young families move to the Costa
Blanca searching for a better lifestyle. Every nationality can be
found here but especially English and Germans (oh and some Spanish
too!).
A land
privileged not only by the weather but also for its environment, its
fine, golden sandy beaches and inland, where green valleys of
fertile orchards contrast with mountains no too high, among which
charming and quaint Mediterranean villages emerge. The sun shining
almost all year round, coupled with an enviable average temperature
of 20 degrees centigrade, allows for swims and water sports any time
of year. The natural landscape and parks also provide for trekking,
horse-riding, bicycle-riding or mountaineering. The Costa Blanca,
undoubtedly, one of Europe's most attractive destinations when it
comes to enjoying the sun and the beaches in full contact with
nature. Its attractive beaches, the beautiful landscapes, the
conserved environment, the weather, the modern communication
facilities, together with the open, cosmopolitan local people have
turned the Costa Blanca into a privileged place to live in.
The Costa Blanca is a beautiful region with mountains stretching
along most of the coast. The A7 motorway (with some toll sections)
stretches from north to south along the coast. The N-332 also runs
parallel yet is free from charges although much slower as it passes
through the middle of many towns.
There are huge amounts of flights into Alicante airport, especially
from Northern Europe. Valencia airport to the north is also well
serviced. Further to the south of the Costa Blanca is Murcia
airport. With the advent of many low-cost airlines many people live
in Spain and commute to work in England. Flying time is only about 2
hours which often doesn't get you far when driving on congested
roads in England.
The northern Costa Blanca is typically
mountainous with cliffs and coves, a mixture of pebble beaches and
fine sandy beaches. North of
Altea it is surprisingly very green and
lush.
The southern Costa Blanca is mostly flat with fine sandy beaches,
palm trees and salt lakes. The south is much drier and more typical
of what a person who had never visited Spain would expect to see.
The Costa Blanca has something for everyone from tiny rural inland
villages to cosmopolitan tourist resorts on the coast such as
Benidorm.
The Costa Blanca isn't necessarily a place one would go to see
historical monuments (although there are many). It's attractions lie
in it's beauty - the amazing vivid blue Mediterranean waters, the
lovely sandy beaches, the old towns and villages with their old
narrow streets, the restaurants and bars where one can sit and relax
outside because of the wonderful all-year round climate. It's simply
a wonderful place in which to enjoy life (as we should do but often
don't) and feel rejuvenated and refreshed.
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