a day ago
Why there's more to holidays in the Costa Blanca than Benidorm
Costa Blanca is sun-soaked and blessed with natural beauty; it's no wonder that it has so many admirers. The 124-mile (200km) coastline in south-east Spain is an enticing brew of glittering sea, wild coves and terracotta-topped towns – all just a short flight from Britain. After a tourism boom in the 1950s, hordes of holidaymakers made a beeline for Benidorm. But the locals are happy for Benidorm to take the limelight – it means that hush-hush coves and bohemian pueblos remain closely-guarded secrets.
Recently, there's been an exciting cultural shift, zooming in on local artisans and regional cuisine. In Dénia, weekly markets are filled with locally thrown ceramics while Michelin-starred restaurants serve boat-fresh seafood. In down-to-earth Xàbia, a new generation of chefs is dead-set on serving local produce in a way that's personal, humble and perfectly executed. And don't miss Altea, where cobbled streets lead to studios where artists work at paint-splattered easels.
For more Costa Blanca inspiration, see our guides to the best restaurants, nightlife, beaches and things to do.
In this guide:
How to spend the perfect day
Morning
Start the day with an indulgent breakfast in Dénia. Niki&Niki is the best; a bakery, café and wine bar with a terrace offering glimpses of boats bobbing in the port. The coffee here is excellent, but a glass of organic cava from Catalonia's Can Suriol would go equally well with springy sourdough topped with home-cured salmon.
Next, stroll through the picturesque old town, navigating the tangled streets, to find the stone archway leading to Castillo de Dénia (Dénia Castle). Here, it's a pleasant walk up the stone steps worn smooth by time to reach the lookout. Hang out with the seagulls and gaze at the sea views, before trying to find the 17th-century graffiti. It's an exquisite picture of a galley, made by a prisoner in their cell.
