Why you need to explore Spain’s Costa Blanca coastline

From Gandia in the north of the region to Torrevieja in the south, the Costa Blanca is awash with stunning beaches, charming towns and a whole host of leisure activities. If you’re looking for an affordable holiday destination or even somewhere to buy an affordable, sun-kissed second home, it’s time to explore this attractive stretch of Spanish coastline.

The Costa Blanca coastline stretches for almost 125 miles along the southeastern edge of Spain. The local climate provides around 325 sunny days per year, with white sandy beaches set against the sparkling blue backdrop of the Mediterranean and the even bluer sky.

“It’s a very easy region to fall in love with,” observes Marc Pritchard of Taylor Wimpey España, the home builder that has been delivering second homes in Spain for the past 65 years. “From the climate and lifestyle to the beauty of the natural environment, the Costa Blanca cannot help but delight. The area offers exceptional value for money, as well—something that is particularly relevant in modern times.”

A terrace in an apartment in Gran Alacant. Credit: Taylor Wimpey España

Local property prices certainly reflect the Costa Blanca’s affordability. Two-bedroom apartments at Amara in Gran Alacant, for example, cost from €205,000 (around £176,000) plus VAT—a price tag that would be unimaginable on a resort with communal pool and sea views in the UK.

This affordability extends to many aspects of local life. Eating out in the Costa Blanca means enjoying a wide choice of restaurants celebrating the seafood and other fresh, seasonal flavours associated with the region. Paella, sweet almondy turrón, thinly sliced bluefin tuna (mojama) and the many varieties of arroz a banda are all guaranteed to delight the palate without breaking the bank.

According to Numbeo’s July 2023 data, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant in Spain costs an average of €12.00 (£10.30), while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range eatery comes in at €45.00 (£38.64). Comparable meals in the UK cost an average of £15 and £60 respectively.

This cost saving is reflected in a wide range of areas of daily life, with the cost-of-living in Spain 21.8 per cent lower than in the UK, according to Numbeo.

A bar in Alicante. Credit: Taylor Wimpey España

At the other end of the affordability scale, the Costa Blanca also has plenty to offer those seeking a touch of luxury. The Alicante area is home to two Michelin star restaurants (Baeza & Rufete and La Finca) and four Bib Gourmand eateries (Brel, Frisone, Tabula Rasa and Steki). If fine dining, flavour innovation and outstanding service are your idea of holiday heaven, the region won’t disappoint.

The beautiful, flower-covered streets of Jávea. Credit: Taylor Wimpey España

While many people instantly think of beaches when it comes to the Costa Blanca, the region is also home to everything from pretty villages to the bustling urban vibe of Alicante. This means that there’s something for everyone, from retail therapy in high-end boutiques and malls to meandering streets between whitewashed houses covered in climbing blooms.

Dénia, Xàbia (Jávea) and Gran Alacant are particularly suited to visitors looking for appealing towns on a smaller scale than Alicante. Each provides an excellent balance of amenities and leisure pursuits, attractive architecture and beautiful local scenery. 

Coastal towns in the Costa Blanca are far from being all about life on land. Access to water sports abounds, from sedate cave tours to kayaking, snorkelling, cliff jumping, paddle boarding and many other experiences. If you want to make the most out of life by the sea, the Costa Blanca is the place to do so. Inland, meanwhile, you can ride horses, visit museums, art galleries and castles, zoom up and down mountain bike trails and explore stunning natural parks.

The Costa Blanca is also known for its verdant golf courses, which attract everyone from newbie players to professionals thanks to their challenging conditions and beautiful landscaping. Las Ramblas, Real Club de Golf and Lo Romero are all well worth a visit if you’re serious about spending time on the fairways.

If all that sounds far too active, the Costa Blanca has the perfect antidote in the form of deeply luxurious spas. Whether you’re looking for a long, lazy steam, clay mask and mint tea (in which case try Spa Hammam Bienestar Ancestral) or an amazing hot stone massage (head to Mountain Retreat), you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to local treatments.

For something a little different, Alicante’s Beer Spa provides an interesting take on the whole spa experience. It combines balneotherapy with all things beer-related, celebrating hops, yeast and barley through a range of treatments and products, with beer tasting also included.

The harbour in Alicante. Credit: Taylor Wimpey España

Whether you’re planning a holiday or looking for a second home, the Costa Blanca is a welcoming, family-friendly area. There is plenty to do for visitors of all ages (if you have teenagers, tour the region’s adrenaline-fuelled waterparks to coax them away from their phones) and a lively expat community. It’s no wonder that families from around the world choose to make happy memories in this sun-drenched Spanish region.

Banner photo: Jávea beach. Credit: Taylor Wimpey España

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