Costa Blanca Travel Guide

The Costa Blanca really does have so much to offer and so it’s really important to get the accommodation right so you can take advantage of it all. One of the best options you have is to book in one of the hoteles en Alicante, because you will be in the center of the Costa Blanca and, thanks of that, travelling from one part to other won’t take you so much time.

One of the best ways to do this is to invest in property.  By doing so you will have so many opportunities to jet off on holiday when it takes your fancy, learn the language of the country you’re in and really get to know the area.  You’ll also make a whole new set of friends – those living in the area of your home in the sun – and it is these people that can teach you about the local customs, traditions and places to go.

Buying property is very popular with options such as Buenos Aires apartments and houses in Northern Italy and so why not make it an option for your Costa Blanca holiday?  You’ll really appreciate not having to search for a hotel each year and can even leave your summer clothes in your holiday home – meaning less luggage and easy travel!  A great option for all holiday lovers!

What crosses you mind when think of the Costa Blanca? Blue water? White beaches? Summer, sun, spain holidays? Yes, this all sounds awesome…but there is so much more to explore at the Costa Blanca! Just have a look at all the traditional festivals. Actually there is a festival at every time of the year. You don’t know any of them? Here you get some information about three of them.

Fallas

The history of “Fallas”, a traditional festival in Valencia, begins in the 18^th century. In the crack of dawn of the day before St. Joseph’s Day (which is the 19^th March) people of Valencia put up scarecrows in front of their doors and windows. The scarecrows were called “ninots” and embodied annoyance or behaviour or a person. During the day kids collected flammable materials and build little stakes, so-called “fallas”, for the ninots. In the eve of St. Joseph’s Day the ninots got burned on the stakes. All this happened on main roads in front of uncountable bystanders. By-and-by the tradition changed a bit and “fallas” as we know it today emerged.

Today the figures are called “ninots” as well as “fallas” and they are idiosyncratic, satiric figures which are built by the whole neighbourhood. At first takes a selection place where one ninot is chosen not to get burned. Then circa one week before the festival the all ninots are exhibited on the main roads and on 19^th march the people burn the fallas on the road.

This festival is organized over the whole year by a special committee and includes for sure much more events than here given.

Noche de San Juan

“La noche de San Juan” is also a tradition in Valencia ,near from Ibiza, and emanates from the heathen culture. Its history can be sourced back into several civilizations settled the Mediterranean. This festival is honoured to San Juan Bautista (= the Baptist) whose birthday is celebrated on 24^th June. Also it heralds the new season – the summer – to which the people look upon as a new beginning. The festival itself takes place the night from 23^rd to 24^th June. The first highlight of it is the bonfire on the beach. For this bonfire thousands of people come together to enjoy the night. At the same time a lot of districts arrange their own little summer festival.

The most important ritual act of the “Noche de San Juan” starts at midnight. There people submerge their feet or they jump over a certain number of waves and then the people have three free wishes. In some regions the people throw a rose as sign for love, a coin as sign for wealth and a fruit as sign for health in the water instead.

Moros y cristianos

This folk festival is one of the most widespread festival in whole Valencia. It is supposed to remind the people of the battle between Moors and Christians during the “Reconquista” (the period when the Christians reconquered the Iberian peninsula, 8^th – 15^th century) and takes place from 22^nd to 24^th April every year.

As part of this festival the Moors and Christians represent themselves and their culture in several parades. There they get dressed in special festive clothes. Christians wear e. g. fur, armor and metallic helmets and Moors wear Arab costumes and ride elephants.

In remembrance of the battle they simulate it in a play. Depending on whether a city is situated near the water or upcountry the historical events they re-enact are different. But besides that the people enjoy a firework and medieval music.

As you can see, at the Costa Blanca near from Barcelona it is not just about celebrating sunny weather und cool water. At this modern place the people still live traditions and make this place even more special and interesting.

Many grandchildren have fond memories of the traveling and spending time together with their grandparents. This is an incredible gift that grandparents give to their grandchildren. Whether they spend time together at home, visit relatives or go abroad on holiday, traveling with grandchildren can make all of the sites seem fresh and new. Some children are easier nto travel with than others but it is always better to know how to make it easier.

Plan the trip together

Your holiday with your grandchildren will be much more fun if you plan the trip together. Ask your grandchild what s/he wants to see and where s/he wants to go. Your grandchild want to be fluent in Spanish and learn more about the spanish history and culture. In that case why do not go to Cadiz in Spain? It is one of the oldest towns in Europe. Not only your grandchild would have the opportunity to learn from exerience about the spanish history, but also to see first hand the most memorable sites in Spain. In addition to this your grandchild can speak Spanish as long as he wants.

Your grandchild want to spend his or her holiday on the ‘white coast’ of Spain. You can go to Costa Blanca or Costa Brava and enjoy endless walks along the sandy beaches. You might also like to visit theme parks, safari parks, nature reserves and enchanting sites. That might become one of the fondest memories of your grandchild. You may choose a basic itinerary already planned out and even find out in which restaurants your grandchildren would enjoy eating. When you plan the trip together you will be able to express your personal preferences.

Some tips and suggestions

Traveling with grandchildren can really cost a lot, so search online for discounts at theme parks, safari parks, nature reserves, museums and other tourist attractions. You may also look around for brochures and other items at the hotels where you stay. Usually you can find there coupons for major discounts. It would be a good idea to have some money put away for the trip.

Remember to make sure that you have all the medications your grandchild might need. Get their parents to write out the most important instructions for medications or other treatments you will need for your grandchild. Get permission from your son or daughter to make decisions regarding medical care in case something happen while you are traveling with your grandchild. It might happen that you have to make hurried decisions in order to save your grandchild’s life.

Be flexible. Things rarely go exactly as they are planned, so it is important that you are staying flexible throughout the holiday. Children change their mind from minute to minute and it might be difficult to follow strictly your planned activity. Traveling with grandchildren could be an exciting adventure. Do your best to enjoy it completely. Remember to bring camera and plenty of film so that you can never forget the time that you spend with your grandchild.

If you are considering a vacation in Costa Blanca Spain, naturally you will want to experience the very best the area has to offer. Costa Blanca’s leading attractions represent just that – THE BEST OF THE BEST. Whether you are interested in discovering the awesome mountainous beauty spots or endless beaches, you will find everything that you are dreaming about. You can certainly enjoy taking part in a wide variety of leisure and tourist activities. However, swimming in the sea probably is one of the top fun activities for most of the tourists visiting Costa Blanca. It is the perfect place to appreciate the beauty of the ocean and have a wonderful time looking at the tranquil sedated calmness of the shimmering waves.

Choose a cruise to gain an insight of the beauty of Costa Blanca. Sailing around the Mediterranean will allow you to experience the intimacy of what the gazing at the sea is all about. Choose to make your next vacation a cruise! You are in search of romance, a cruise holiday will be an ideal choice. You would like ro rekindle your relationship or marriage, a cruise holiday will be an ideal choice. You are planning to go on honeymoon or looking for a place for wedding celebrations… Choosing a cruise will make this event unique and memorable for you and all your guests.

What’s more, a cruise offer a great range of amenities: swimming pools, restaurants, bars, cinemas, beauty shops, hair dresser’s, cabaret shows etc. Expect to find all these and many other facilities on these large boats. You will not miss out anything from the activities and tourist attractions on dry land. Your children will be perfectly happy, too. There is plenty to do and see for them. They will be well catered for. As for your safety and the safety of your children, there is nothing to worry about. All sailing companies have safety measures and you will feel safe and secure.

How to choose your destination? Before deciding which destination to go for, check to find which will be the best for your partner or family. Go for your favourite one! It will be thoughtful of you to do a little research on a destination your are about to visit. As for the booking your cruise holiday, it is the same ‘standard procedure’ as any other holiday. There is not any difference.

Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are very popular destinations among the tourists visiting Spain. It is a well-deserved reputation. What ever your choice of destination, you will not be dissappointed.

Stretching along the Mediterranean coast Costa Blanca corresponds to the province of Alicante. It is a brilliant destination for an action packed holiday. Buzzing beaches and exciting entertainment, mountain waterfalls and quite Moorish villages. Enjoy your holiday in Costa Blanca!

Hotel Accomodation

· Hotel Avenida: Having a good central location, spacious and of great quality, Avenida Apartments are situated opposite the Hotel Avenida. Guests are welcome to use all on-site facilities.

· Complex Terralta: Located next to the Poniente Beach, within a quiet residential area, this complex is an ideal choice for a relaxing holiday. One of its main advantages is that all resort facilities and beaches are situated in the vicinity. Families will be fond of its facilities.

· Hotel Ambassador Playa: It enjoys a perfect central location and provides a high quality standard of comfortable accommodation and impeccable service. There is a whole host of on-site entertainment and activities to enjoy. You can spend your holiday relaxing around the swimming pool and chatting over a drink with your friends.

· Hotel Flamingo Benidorm: It is situated in the vicinity of Benidorm. Staying in this very comfortable and modern complex, you will be within easy reach of tourist attractions and Levante Beach. You will be able to go for a swim in a spacious pool and spending your time relaxing on the modern terrace.

· Hotel Los Dalmatas: This comfortable hotel is situated with good views of Levante Beach. Its excellent location – a great range of shops, bars and restaurants are within easy reach. Guests will be offered excellent facilities including a swimming pool and multi-sports court.

· The Magic Rock Gardens (previously known as the Magic Tropicana Gardens): The complex has an excellent location with a panoramic view of the Rincon de Loix area. A variety of shops, bars and restaurants as well as a 250 metres stretch of Levante Beach are close at hand. Enjoy yourselves!

· Hotel Marina: With its elegantly decorated rooms and pleasant atmosphere, it will be a good choice for families on holiday. You can enjoy a lovely swimming pool, a sun terrace and a greate variety of facilities on hand. Situated in the heart of Levante area, it is in the vicinity of the beaches.

· Hotel Palm Beach: Handily situated for all the tourist attractions that Benidorm has to offer, this impressive hotel provides a greate range of amenities. It is elegantly decorated, comfortable, modern and well-appointed. With a wealth of on-site facilities, this large complex is only 700 metres away of Levante Beach.

· The Poseidon complex: It comprises two neighboring hotels, the Poseidon and the Poseidon Palace, and is situated on the edge of the Old City centre, 450 metres from Levante Beach. The complex is surrounded by beautiful palm trees. You can spend your holiday relaxing by a swimming pool.

· Hotel Rosamar: It has an excellent location in a convenient flat area, which makes it a perfect choice to spend your holiday. You can enjoy its attractive and spacious lounge bar, which includes a sun terrace overlooking the large swimming pool.

· Hotel Sol Pelicanos and Ocas: Centrally located and near the Levante Beach, these two attractive sister hotels offer a full range of amenities. Guests are welcome in either hotel at the management’s discretion and are allowed to use the on-site facilities at both hotels.

· Hotel Venus: It has an excellent location only 400 metres away from Levante Beach and provides a wide range of facilities. The pleasant atmosphere is enhanced by beautiful gardens, elegant interiors and an swimming pool complete with sun terrace.

With its accommodation Costa Blanca Spain looks most promising for people who want to spend a relaxing holiday far away from hustle and bustle of ordinary life.

For the tourists with great passion for golf Costa Blanca is without doubt a paradise. There are over fifteen 18 golf courses in the Costa Blanca, all within a 2 hour drive of Alicante. Some of them play regularly host to Spanish national championship and some are even ranked amongst the top courses in the world. The region of Alicante is located on the eastern coast of Spain and is an integral part of Costa Blanca Spain, situated between Murcia in the south and Valencia in the north. The city of Alicante is on the coastline between Benidorm and Elche. Alicante is well known for its many green areas just waiting to be discovered and explored. In less than a decade this seedy port has transformed itself to an attractive spot.

Both Alicante and Benidorm are deservedly popular for their golf courses. There are a variety of styles and terrains to choose, from stunning coastline to rugged mountains as well as different levels of difficulty to cater for all standards. Tuition and golf academies will help you to perfect your technique and the continuous practice will build your confidence before you even set foot on the course.

On the outskirts of Alicante City, near to the 7 km San Juan beach is situated a modern 18-hole golf course, designed by Seve Ballesteros and opened in 1998. It incorporates lakes and artificial rivers that increased the difficulty rating of the course which has a par of 72, with six par 3’s, six par 4’s and six par 5’s. It is a flat and gentle course when you walk onto and the greenness makes all the holes visible. The 9 th hole is of particular importance, as Seve has taken license with an artificial lake, designed in the shape of an S. The 14 th hole is situated near a re-creation of Roman ruins and golfers can enjoy clearing the ball, while looking at the Roman remains.

The golf course is opened all year, except Christmas Eve and Christmas day. It has a driving range with 70 bays, chipping area, practice bunkers and putting range. Standard private lessons daily are available for all adults and children in English and Spanish.

Main features of the Alicante course

It is designed by Severiano Ballesteros and opened in 1998. It has 18 holes. The type of grass on the fairway is bermuda during the summer and poa trivialis during the winter.

· Opening Hours: In the winter from 08:00 to 18:00 and in the summer from 08:00 to 21:00.

· Green fees (buggy included): 18 holes: 71 €; 9 holes: 47 €.

For more information about the the other services, search on the Internet.

Costa Blanca takes up the stretch of over 200 kilemetres of Mediterranean coast corresponding to the province of Alicante. It is a popular destination among the British and German tourists. The visitor can choose between the major tourist destinations of Benidorm and Alicante. Wherever you decide to go, you will be fascinated by the enchanted Mediterranean landscape. Travelers can discover the landmarks, among which beautiful valleys, vegetable gardens and different kinds of tree fields.

Main tourist attractions include a great number of theme parks, safari parks, resorts and enchanting places. Visitors can enjoy every minute of their holiday taking a sightseeing tour in some of its mountainous regions or along its endless beaches. Costa Blanca is a world-famous for its white coast, a place name taken from the endless sandy beaches, stretching from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south.

Traveler can take a walking tour along the coast and visit international tourist resorts such as Denia, Javea, Calpe, Altea and many others. Of particular interest is the fact that most of those resorts are mingled with ordinary Spanish towns and villages. Here are some suggestions:

· Denia, a traditional Spanish town which mingles the charm of an old castle with a bustling center of pavement cafés and shops.

· The resort of Javea, situated close to the Montgo mountain, is well-known as ‘the jewel in the crown of Costa Blanca’. This is one of the major tourist destination as well as a ‘place’ of predilection for second home for a great number of wealthy ‘Madrileños’.

· The lovely fishing port of Moraira where you can find a modern yacht marina.

· The modern beach resort Calpe with its old quarter.

· The lovely town of Altea, one of the most beautiful on the Costa Blanca, with its magnificent church and busy plaza. You can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the region.

Although English is widely spoken in those resorts it will be a good idea to learn some basic Spanish.