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Things to Do in Costa Blanca

Things to Do in Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca Valencia And Murcia, Spain Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

From hiking paths in the mountains to crystal-clear waters, the Costa Blanca possesses diverse opportunities for outdoor activities.

Hiking & Cycling

Hiking & Trekking

Serra Gelada Natural Park (Benidorm/Albir) features coastal walks. Montgó Natural Park (Dénia/Jávea) has challenging ascents. Vías Verdes (Greenways) feature safe, flat routes for easy walks or cycles.

Cycling Routes

Extensive road cycling routes suit serious cyclists. Mountain biking trails exist in inlplus ranges. Coastal paths feature gentler rides. Bike rentals appear widely available.

Adventure Sports

For adrenaline, explore canyoning in inland mountain areas (e.g., Barranco del Infierno). Bouldering locations like Sella and Toix (Calpe) feature various routes.

Water Sports & Wildlife

  • Underwater ACTIVITIES: Excellent visibility in coves and marine reserves like Tabarca Island and Cap de Sant Antoni.
  • Paddleboarding (SUP), Kayaking, Jet Skiing: Rental and tour opportunities at major beaches (Benidorm, Jávea, Dénia).
  • Sailing & Boat Trips: Numerous boat trips depart from ports in Alicante, Benidorm, Dénia, and Torrevieja.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Bird watching at salt lakes (Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park) has opportunities to spot flamingos.

Visual Insight

  • Image: Person paddleboarding on clear waters near rocky coast.
  • Source: Wikimedia Commons.
  • Image Source Link

Hiking Safety

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes.
  • Have adequate water.
  • Check weather forecasts.
  • Inform someone of your route.

Water Sports Safety

  • Always use proper safety gear.
  • Be mindful of local currents and tides.
  • Consider guided tours for first-time activities.
  • Stay within designated safe zones.

Important Safety Notice

Always prioritize your safety during outdoor activities. Assess your fitness level, use appropriate gear, and adhere to local guidelines and warnings.

Cultural Immersion

Learn more about the Costa Blanca by joining cultural immersion experiences. These pursuits join you with local traditions and the arts.

Workshops & Learning

  • Cooking Classes: Join classes focusing on paella, tapas, or regional cuisine, teaching local techniques.
  • Ceramics/Pottery Workshops: Explore traditional crafts in towns like Agost, known for its pottery.
  • Language Learning: Spanish language schools operate in Alicante, Dénia, and Valencia; consider a short course.
  • Community-Based Tourism: Support local businesses, markets, and rural tourism for authentic interaction.

Cultural Performances & Festivals

Flamenco Shows

Tourist-oriented flamenco shows exist in larger cities like Alicante, delivering a taste of this passionate Spanish art form.

Traditional Music & Dance

Local fiestas often feature performances of traditional music and dance. Check local calendars for these events.

Major Festivals

Las Hogueras de San Juan (Alicante, June), Moros y Cristianos (various towns), and Fallera (Dénia, March) are spectacular events.

Las Hogueras

This major festival features giant artistic bonfires, parades, and fireworks in Alicante during June.

Moros y Cristianos

Reenactment festivities in many towns (Alcoy, Villajoyosa), involving elaborate parades and historical narratives.

Fallera Dénia

A smaller version of Valencia's Fallas festival, held in Dénia during The month of march, including impressive effigies.

Relaxation & Wellness

The Costa Blanca has many opportunities for relaxation and wellness. Whether you're looking for a luxurious spa day or a tranquil beach retreat, options await for rejuvenation.

Spa & Retreats

  • Wellness retreats: Many 4 and 5-star hotels showcase extensive spa facilities.
  • Natural Therapy: Some smaller spa baths inland present natural therapeutic benefits.
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats: A growing number appear, especially in quieter inland areas or picturesque coastal towns.
  • Traditional Healing: Research local natural remedies or traditional therapies in smaller communities.

Beach & Clubs

Beach Clubs

Numerous options exist along the coast, especially in Benidorm, Jávea, and Alicante. These clubs present comfortable loungers, music, food, and drinks.

Pool Clubs

Enjoy relaxed days by the water in a variety of pool clubs, frequently a part of hotels or dedicated venues.

Relaxation Ambiance

These venues suit a relaxed day by the water, whether lounging beside the sea or a pool.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music

Bars and pubs frequently feature live music groups, especially in larger towns and expat areas, featuring various genres.

Theater & Performance

Teatro Principal and ADDA Auditorium (Alicante) host plays, musicals, chamber music concerts, and dance shows.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Benidorm's "Strip" and Old Town offer numerous venues. Alicante's El Barrio and marina zones offer lively nightlife.

Shopping & Markets

Explore the shopping the vibe in Costa Blanca, from lively traditional markets to luxury boutiques. Find unique souvenirs and local products.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Weekly Markets: Almost every town hosts a weekly street market, vending fresh produce, clothes, and souvenirs.
  • Artisan Workshops: Look for local pottery, esparto grass products, and leather goods, especially in smaller towns.
  • Ethical Shopping: Support local artisans and producers directly at markets. Look for products made inside Spain.
  • Tax-Tax-free Shopping: Larger shops may feature tax-free shopping (VAT refund) for non-EU residents. Keep receipts and forms.

Luxury & Boutiques

Alicante City Center

Alicante city center has high-end fashion and multinational brands. Explore Avenida Maisonnave for a premier shopping experience.

Altea Old Town

Altea'the old quarter features charming boutiques and art galleries, perfect for unique things and local art.

Souvenir Shopping

Beyond clothing, find local ceramics, esparto products, saffron, paprika, and regional wines.

Turrón

Purchase this traditional nougat from Jijona, the town famous for its production, available year-round.

Local Wine/Mistela

Select local wines or the sweet Mistela from the Alicante zone for an authentic taste.

Esparto Products

Woven baskets, espadrilles, and other items made from esparto grass are unique to the region.

Affiliate Resources: Activities & Experiences

Experiences & Tours
  • GetYourGuide - Book excursions, cooking classes, and adventure activities.
  • Search for "Costa Blanca boat tours," "Alicante cooking classes," or "Benidorm water sports."
  • Discover unique local tours beyond major platforms by searching local tourism office websites.
Outdoor Gear & Apparel
  • For hiking gear or water sports equipment rentals, ask local sports shops in large towns.
  • Sun protection (hats, sunscreen) and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
  • Consider waterproof bags to carry beach days and water activities to protect electronics.

Shopping Tip

Support local artisans at weekly markets for authentic souvenirs and to ensure fair labor practices.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor & Adventure Highlights

  • Explore diverse hiking and cycling routes.
  • Enjoy extensive water sports from snorkeling to jet skiing.
  • Consider canyoning or bouldering for adrenaline.
  • Engage in observing birds at unique natural parks.

Cultural & Leisure Highlights

  • Participate in culinary classes or artisan workshops.
  • Experience traditional music, dance, and festivals.
  • Find unwinding at spas, therapeutic pools, or beach clubs.
  • Discover unique souvenirs at local markets and boutiques.