|
For the cheapest flights to Spain's holiday resorts, Traveller's Discounts UK recommends
Thomson, Flythomascook and Excel Airways. We also recommend Wegolo which specialises in low cost (no frills) airline bookings throughout Europe. For the best holiday package deals to Spanish resorts we recommend Portland Holidays Direct.
The Costa Blanca (White Coast) is one of the world's most heavily concentrated areas of holidaymaker heaven. Stretching for about 250km along Spain's south-east coast from Valencia in the north it is perfect for those seeking sun, sand, a lively social life, water & amusement parks, good-value shopping and more bars and restaurants than you could get through in a lifetime. The climate is warm in summer and mild in winter with dozens of top quality beaches leading to warm and clear Mediterranean waters. While it's easy to have a holiday of nothing more than beaches and bars you can also find quiet villages, untouched coves and traditional Spanish culture. On the Costa Blanca it's all yours to decide. Most visitors fly in to Alicante, about 100km south of Valencia, providing a convenient jumping-off point for the coast's incredible array of holiday options (see some of the most popular resort towns detailed below). For best flight deals to Alicante see Thomson.
Alicante, as well as being the area's key gateway is an interesting and attractive town in its own right. A city of 300,000 it has a thriving commercial life as well as the beaches that are the focal point for its visitors. It provides a taste of Africa with caftan-clad women and street sellers hawking carvings along the esplanades. It has a superb central district showcasing baroque architecture and a vibrant main thoroughfare called the Rambla, with palm trees, ice cream parlours and cafes. A colourful mosaic promenade surrounds the marina perfect for taking in the sights of all manner of watercraft coming into and out of the harbour. Looming over the city is the impressive fortress, Castillo de Santa Barbara, built in turns by the Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. It is a massive complex of stone walls, moats, drawbridges, tunnels and dungeons giving an inspiring view over Alicante and the surrounding bay. For accommodation in Alicante visit Hotelclub
|
Benidorm is the epicentre of Costa Blancan summer tourism with its miles of sandy beaches, forests of high rise hotels and throbbing mass of visitors who keep the place buzzing 24/7 during the season's peak. Its key daytime attraction is its twin beaches of Levante and Poniente (Sunrise and Sunset), glorious sweeping crescents that are kept scrupulously clean. Home to all manner of watersports such as jet skiing, banana boats, scuba diving and parasailing it has tens of thousands of people flocking along its shores from dawn to dusk .Its main streets are packed with gift shops specialising in British favourites and many of its restaurants and pubs cater to visitors from the UK who don't want to stray too far from familiar home-cooking.On the town's outskirts are waterparks for those allergic to salt water and Spain's largest theme park Terra Mitica with scores of rides and shows with a theme of ancient myths and legends. Benidorm is also the area's undisputed party-central with a night life that could give Ibiza a run for its money. Virtually all tastes are provided for with the range including quiz shows, bingo, karaoke, live bands in pubs playing party favourites, drag shows and some edgy night clubs for the younger set. For accommodation in Benidorm go to Hotelclub |  |
Altea is just 11km north of Benidorm but a world away from its glitz and clamour. The local beaches are mostly pebbled and not the sandy arcs that make its neighbouring resort towns so popular. The town itself sits on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean and is a postcard-perfect image of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and a calm and serene way of life. Its long jetty is a sign of its fishing-village roots and the town square Plaza de Iglesia offers stunning views of the town and its surrounds. As a haven for artists and craftsmen it has an excellent range of small shops and galleries offering their wares. For accommodation in Altea go to Hotelclub
Moraira lies roughly half-way between Valencia in the north and Alicante in the south and has managed an effective compromise in retaining much of its old Spanish charm but providing all the facilities its many visitors seek. It has two main beaches, both clean and safe for swimming and a magnificent marina home to pleasure craft as well as its fishing fleet. This also provides the daily catch for its renowned restaurants including several Michelin starred or recommended that offer terrific value for money. The old town has been beautifully maintained and makes a peaceful retreat from the ample shopping amenities ranging from souvenir shops to smart boutiques to local markets. For accommodation in Moraira go to Hotelclub
Javea is a more sedate, if not understated, resort town. Its planning restrictions have kept the high-rise, concrete towers well away and what remains is an attractive place for visitors that has three main focal points. Firstly, the Arenal Beach is a clean and gently sloping beach ideal for family swimming with a promenade behind offering bars, restaurants and craft shops. Next is the Port area – a thriving marina home to the local fishing fleet and now also the town's main shopping district. Naturally, there are some terrific seafood restaurants here and bars serving tapas. West of the port are about half a dozen beach bars, right on the sand and open ‘til about 4:00am for a late night refreshment. Thirdly, there is the old town located about a mile inland with all the usual civic facilities. Restaurants here are cheaper than in the more touristy areas and it has several pedestrian-only Moorish-style streets that afford a welcome respite from the summer's sun. Thos looking for a raucous nightlife will be disappointed by Javea. It does have the occasional flamenco dance or guitarist in some of its bars and restaurants which suits its family clientele, but for a big night out you'll have to travel further afield. For accommodation in Javea go to Hotelclub
|
Paris
