Have you ever walked through a tranquil Spanish fishing village and been drawn in by the smell of grilled sardines? The things to do in Costa Blanca is a great place to do that kind of old-fashioned Mediterranean mischief. Here, sunlit coves and busy town squares compete for your attention. And let’s be honest, there are so many things to do that you can’t choose.
The morning market in Altea is a good place to start. People with sunburned faces trade stacks of ripe tomatoes and salted olives. You can hear stallholders yelling about their daily discounts, and you get the feeling that time doesn’t stop for anyone. As you walk around the cobblestones, get a basket of figs or almonds to feel like a native. Then, just as easily, get a café con leche at a terrace on the street and watch life go by.
Go to Cala del Moraig’s beach before the throng show there. The sea is clear, and the cliffs are steep. This is the best way to be free. Snorkeling here is amazing; colorful fish swim around and strive to outshine each other. Put your feet in the water, float for a moment, and forget about your phone.
You may say it’s a cliché, but paella on a terrace with a breeze never gets old. Look for a family-run restaurant with checkered tablecloths and grandmothers serving seafood. Then, eat! If the locals claim that today’s rice is really wonderful, believe them. They don’t lie about food too often.
People who love adventure could go hiking on the Sierra Helada paths. Your calves might hurt, but your spirit will soar as you go up and down the switchbacks, through the scraggly pines, and through the salty air. The skyline of Benidorm spreads out below at the peak. It’s strange to see sophisticated structures next to wild hills and the azure sea.
Something else is needed in the evenings. At sunset, the ancient part of Alicante sparkles as lanterns flash along the streets that look like rabbit holes. The tapas bars come to life. You may spend hours looking for the crunchiest croquetas or the zingiest boquerones, and as the night goes on, you could find your favorite.
Want to take a day out from the usual? Take a break and go to Guadalest, an old fortress town that looks like a secret. Stone paths that are falling apart, strange museums (one has miniatures under a magnifying lens!), and views that will blow your mind. The church’s weathered bells ring forth, echoing throughout the still air.
On lazy afternoons, drinking horchata as palm trees sway along Villajoyosa’s colorful seafront is good for the soul. The beach here boasts vast sands, but the colorful houses that line the promenade are what make it so special. Talk to a local fisherman; he probably has a story or two to tell.
Don’t miss the region’s fiestas. Confetti, flamenco, fireworks, and a lot of partying whenever the calendar lets it. One minute you’re lost in a mob of people carrying paper lanterns, and the next you’re balancing a mug of local wine while a brass band plays Viva España.
Costa Blanca ranges from calm to boisterous, with surprises around every corner. There is no one right way to plan your trip; just go with the flow and let the coast’s many attractions reveal.