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Thomson Destinations
Costa Blanca
Iniesta
Requena
Torrent L'Alcudia
VALENCIA
Golfo de Valencia
Costa Blanca
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For decades, holidaymakers have been hopping on a plane headed for the Costa Blanca. 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 of all the Costa resorts, this great glitterball of a place is the don. Think sun-toasted sands. Skyscrapers to rival Manhattan. And more nightspots than you can shake a 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. 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. Then there's Valencia, 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. Things to see and do Terra Mitica The biggest theme park in Spain, Benidorm's Terra Mitica could give Alton Towers a run for its money in the scream-if-you-want-to-go faster stakes. Get in line for rides like the Tizona, which sees you suspended beneath the track, tearing along at speeds of 62 miles per hour at heights of over 100 feet. As well as adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, expect shows, shops and restaurants. The kid's will love it and so will you. Aqualandia Here's another Benidorm attraction the pint-sized holidaymakers will love a splash-tastic waterpark that's bagged Europe's highest waterslide. Even the most fearless among you will get an attack of the wobbles when you tackle the Big Bang, with its 80 degree drop. It's a shute, pool, rapid and fall fest that's guaranteed to get you screaming& Mundomar Just next door to Aqualandia is this giant sea-life park whose residents include dolphins, sealions, penguins and hundreds of species of birds. Whatever you do, don't miss the dolphin show. It's a 40-minute extravaganza starring these gentle creatures and a team of synchronised swimmers. Guadalest Now for something a little more traditional. Just 15km from Benidorm is this ancient Moorish village tucked away in the mountains. The only way into the place is through a 100-year-old door carved into the rock. But before you reach it, you've got to tackle an energy-sapping uphill climb alongside similarly breathless tourists. It's well worth it though, the village is enchanting and the views some of the best in Spain.
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Totana Lorca Mazarrón Aguilas
Cabo Cope
Isla Grosa
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Cabo de Palos
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San Pedro del Pinatar
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Javea Tosalet Costa Nova Moraira Altea Calpe 1296 Alfaz del Pi Benidorm Elda Maigmó Villajoyosa Alicante San Juan de Alicante Guadalest Villena
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COSTA BLANCA
30 km
© TUI 2006
Golfo de Mazarrón
Beaches The star of Benidorm's Blue Flag stretch is family friendly Playa de Levante, or Sunrise Beach. Its promenade is crammed with places to eat, drink and shop til you drop. Peace-seekers may prefer Playa de Poniente, or Sunset Beach. Or slightly quieter still, are Albir and Altea, an easy drive from Benidorm. Over in Alicante, Playa del Postiguet is another Blue Flag beach, boasting immaculate golden sands and crystal waters. Head north to Albufereta and take your pick of sandy bays and rocky coves. Or get a sunlounger on the 7 kilometre beach at San Juan. At Valencia you can join fellow sunbathers on La Malvarrosa or chill out on Saler Beach, right by Valencia's La Albufera National Park.
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London Costa Blanca
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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. The excellent Levante Beach is hugely popular and near to most hotels while neighbouring Poniente Beach acts as a quieter retreat if you really want to get away from it all.
Sky digital 647 Visit your travel agent up to Call 0871 230 2555 Calls costMobile 10p/min plus 6p set up fee from a BT landline. and other providers' charges may vary.
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