Latest news with #Dénia
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
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.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
The 21 best restaurants in the Costa Blanca
Whether it's beach bars perched on craggy coves or whip-sharp seafood restaurants with panoramic views of the waves, the sea is the protagonist in the Costa Blanca's dining scene. Food fans on this well-fed coastline should start at Dénia, named by Unesco as a Creative City of Gastronomy for championing indigenous ingredients. The port city serves up gambas rojas (deep-water prawns with the sweetest meat) and seafood paella to well-dressed diners. From here, travel south to find hippy chiringuitos and laid-back bistros in hilltop pueblos. Arrive hungry: the Costa Blanca is awash with world-famous seafood and brilliant restaurants. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in the Costa Blanca. Find out more below or for more inspiration, see our guides to the best bars and nightlife, beaches and things to do. Find restaurants by type: Best all-rounders El Baret de Miquel Miquel Ruiz closed his Michelin-starred restaurant to open something more down-to-earth. He dreamt up this taberna, furnished with homely, mismatched furniture and retro soda siphons. Food is a homage to the local area, with patatas a lo pobre (thinly sliced potatoes) and figatells (Valencian meatballs) served in surprising ways, like figatell maki rolls. It's affordable, too – all part of Ruiz's mission to make good food accessible. Ironically, it's now so popular it's almost impossible to get a table.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
The 15 best things to do in the Costa Blanca
Ivory-coloured sand and warm Mediterranean sea are, of course, highlights in the Costa Blanca, but visitors shouldn't stop at the beach – there is so much more to experience. Inland, wine fans cycle between bodegas, drinking elegant Giró while others prefer to potter along stress-free coastal paths before buying locally thrown pottery at artisan markets. In big cities like Alicante, keen-eyed culture fans can see modern art, ancient castles and Modernista food markets all in one day. Families are spoilt for choice too. Kids will love open-air water parks and racing along bike paths bordered by blossom-scented orange groves. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in the Costa Blanca. Find out more below or for more inspiration, see our guides to the best restaurants, beaches, bars and nightlife. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best for architecture and history Best for nature Best for art Best for food and drink Best for families Vía Verde de Dénia Pedal past blossom-scented orange groves The Vía Verde de Dénia is one of over 100 Vías Verdes across Spain, a network of cycle paths made from old railway tracks. This four-mile (6km) route passes sweet-smelling orange groves and pine trees along a flat, straight path. It's easy to follow and very family-friendly. Need to hire bikes? My Dénia Rent throws in child seats for free. Insider tip: There are no cafés en route, but there are picnic benches at the end of the track – don't forget to bring a packed lunch. The best sandwiches are found at Niki&Niki in Dénia. Grab mortadella on crispy focaccia to go.
