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Costa Blanca
Iniesta
Requena
Torrent L'Alcudia
VALENCIA
Golfo de Valencia
Costa Blanca
Tavernes de la Valldigna
Albacete
Almansa Ontur Yecla
1130
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1583 Espuña
Lorca Mazarrón Aguilas
Cabo Cope
Isla Grosa
Cartagena
Golfo de Mazarrón
Cabo de Palos
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San Javier
San Pedro del Pinatar
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Mula Alcantarilla
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1264 Pila
Javea Tosalet Costa Nova Moraira Altea Calpe Alfaz del Pi 1296 Benidorm Elda Maigmó Villajoyosa Alicante San Juan de Alicante Guadalest Villena
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COSTA BLANCA
30 km
© TUI 2006
Costa Blanca
Strut your stuff along Alicante's marina. Belt out karaoke hits in Benidorm. Or take it easy in fishing villages as Spanish as a sangria-sipping matador. Welcome to the fun-loving Costa Blanca.
Average daily maximum temperature
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London Costa Blanca
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Apr 9 5 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Average daily hours of sunshine 10 11 12 11 8 6 7 6 6 5 Oct 7 3
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For decades, holidaymakers have been hopping on a plane headed for the Costa Blanca. In fact, you only have to hear it mentioned and you can almost feel the sun on your face, hear the distant rev of a jet ski and get a whiff of coconut-scented suncream. For a sunshine break that comes with a large helping of fun, this slice of Spain is pretty hard to beat - it is, after all, the home of Benidorm. And you probably don't need us to tell you that of all the Costa resorts, this great glitterball of a place is the don. Think sun-toasted sands. Skyscrapers that give Manhattan a run for its money. And more neon-tastic nightspots than you can shake an umbrella-clad cocktail at. And that's only the half of it. Every yin has its yang, and that's true of this place, too. Delve into the old town and it's like you've been whisked back in time to authentic Spain on a go slow. Benidorm aside, the Costa Blanca serves up a pair of Spanish cities you'll love. First up is Alicante. Think it's just an airport hub? Then allow us to set the record straight. All whitewashed houses and colourful fishing boats, it's every inch the postcard scene. And with its chic boutiques and cocktail bars, there's more than enough to satisfy the sophisticated crowd here. Then there's Valencia to think about, too, giving Madrid and Barcelona a run for its money in the city stakes. It goes without saying, there's more to these parts than lazing on the beach. But if glittering sands do happen to top your wish list, you've struck gold with this sun-kissed Costa. Inland, it's a different story. The tranquil hillsides of the Costa Blanca play host to tiny whitewashed villages that look out over citrus groves and lush vineyards. Combining lively Latin spirit with unpretentious holiday fun, the Costa Blanca simply bubbles exuberance for all ages. Beaches When it comes to Spain's great tapas bar of beaches, few come tastier than the famous Blue Flag stretches in Benidorm. The star of this sandy show is the ultra family-friendly Playa de Levante, or Sunrise Beach. Its bustling backdrop is a promenade crammed with places to eat, drink and shop til you drop. And further out to sea, there's even an aquatic playground, with swinging bridges, diving board, rafts and slides. Peace-seekers among you, however, may prefer to kick back on Playa de Poniente, or Sunset Beach, which manages to turn things down a touch. Whichever one you go for, expect a stellar sweep of sand that shelves gently into a swimming-friendly sea. Or slightly quieter still, are the sun-kissed curls of Albir and Altea, an easy drive from Benidorm. Over in Alicante, meanwhile, Playa del Postiguet is another one virtuously flapping the Blue Flag thanks to its immaculate golden sands and crystal waters. Head north to Albufereta and take your pick of sandy bays and rocky coves. Or get yourself a sunlounger on San Juan's velvet sands - you shouldn't have too much trouble, the beach here is seven sun-kissed kilometres long. Valencia finds a home on the Costa Blanca's sunbathing menu, too. Join fellow sunworshippers on La Malvarrosa or chill Terra Mitica out on Saler Beach, which offers up six kilometres of pure seduction right by Valencia's La For a day of thrills, action and excitement, visit Albufera National Park. If the idea of staying sand-bound leaves you cold, worry not - the Costa the sensational world of Terra Mitica. With Blanca's shores buzz with waterports. And most of the beaches here are a flip-flopped stroll from adrenaline-pumping rides such as Tizona and bars and cafés - perfect when you're ready for a shady snack and a cool-down cocktail. the Flight of the Phoenix you'll find yourself
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Highlights
Mundomar & Market
Travel outside of Benidorm to the little town of Villajoyosa. Experience the delights and bargains of a town market without the crowds of tourists you find in resort. Mix with the locals and buy your souvenirs and presents for family and friends before we whisk you off to a unique park called Mundomar. Wander around the exotic birdhouses and see marine life in their natural environment with underwater viewing available; see the dolphins and sealions glide past your nose. Watch the dolphins perform their tricks in a spectacular show, but beware as the sealions and parrots like to have their chance too! This is a great day out for people of all ages. With two trips in one it is exceptional value for money!
Benidorm Location 50km north of Alicante
Transfer Time 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes Benidorm a Mecca for the fun-loving British holidaymaker sprawls happily up the hills and off into the horizon. Developed from a tiny fishing village, it is now one of the cleanest and most popular resorts in the Mediterranean. New York-style high-rise buildings greet you and the resort is well-planned and maintained to high standards. There's also an attractive old town to explore. Benidorm is home to a sea life centre and children of all ages love to splash around in the water park.
flying, spinning and whirling before you know it. Whatever your age there's a ride to suit you all; there are even 15 rides for kids so all you need to worry about is whether you're brave enough to try them! And for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the floor there are shows and parades that you can enjoy at every turn as well as loads of themed restaurants and bars to choose from to satisfy your appetite. No matter what you do, just make sure you don't forget to try the brand new Pyramid of Terror!
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