WHY THE COSTA BLANCA

As a rule at any time during the year, the Costa Blanca temperature is around 10 degrees Centigrade higher than in London.

Summers are warm and sunny (and become very hot as you move inland) Spring and Autumn are similar temperatures to the UK in summertime (with much sunnier weather) Winter temperatures are mild. Typically ranging between 13-19 degrees Celsius (daily maximum) November and December can be rainy months, but generally the eastern coast is the driest area of Spain, and rainfall is rare.

The World Health Organisation recommends the Costa Blanca as one of the best climates to live in due to the warm climate and generally dry weather which is beneficial for health conditions. Sufferers of arthritis, depression, respiratory disease or skin problems can benefit from this climate.

The Costa Blanca is served by 3 major airports Alicante airport to the north being the largest and most popular. Murcia airport to the south is ideal for southern resorts such as Torrevieja, whereas the northern resorts such as Gandia are only around 1-hour drive from Valencia airport.

Most of the low-cost airlines including Ryanair and Easyjet fly to Alicante year-round. Flights to Murcia tend to be less frequent during the winter months although many people prefer to visit this time of year due to the climate.

A TO Z OF THE MAIN COSTA BLANCA TOWNS AND RESORTS

The Costa Blanca is the region of Spanish coastline stretching from Denia in the north to Torrevieja in the south. The Costa Blanca has mainly sandy beaches, excellent weather for most of the year, and is especially popular with English tourists. The Costa Blanca includes some of the most developed coastline in mainland Spain including the popular holiday resort of Benidorm. The resorts of the Northern Costa Blanca around Altea, Calpe, Denia and Javea are set against a rugged backdrop of mountainous coastline and attractive hillside villages. The Southern Costa Blanca around Torrevieja is generally less undulating and is very developed around Torrevieja.

• Beaches - Alicante, Benidorm, Olivia, Santa Pola
• Budget - Benidorm, Torrevieja
• Diving - Altea, Calpe, Moraira, Santa Pola
• British Resorts - Benidorm, Torrevieja
• Families - Calpe, Cala de Finestrat, Denia, Santa Pola
• Golf - Alicante, Torrevieja
• Historic - Alicante, Denia, Elche, Moraira
• Nightlife - Alicante, Benidorm
• Peaceful - Calpe, Denia
• Scenic - Altea, Moraira, Olivia, Villajoyosa
• Shopping - Alicante, Villamartin
• Up-Market - Altea, Cabo Roig, Javea, Moraira
• Walking - Alicante, Calpe, Moraira
• Waterparks - Benidorm, Santa Pola, Torrevieja