Costa Blanca Vacation

Mundomar

Mundomar is next to Aqualandia in the Rincon de Loix area of Benidorm. Mundomar translates as Sea World which should give a clue as to the enjoyment that awaits inside it's gates. Dolphins, sea-lions and such cavort and show off to the delight of the crowds watching. Other shows include meerkats, parrots among many more. It's easy to spend the entire day in Mundomar, or a twin-park ticket for Aqualandia can be bought.

Aqualandia

Aqualandia is a riot of tubes, slides, rapids and rides. All manner of aquatic fun can be had in Aqualandia, next to Mundomar in Benidorm's Rincon de Loix. There are some pretty scary slides, which will have you hurtling towards the waiting pool at breakneck speed in a virtual free-fall. At such times, it is difficult to remember that the rides are very safe!

Elche

Elche is not a tourist resort, but has so much to see, it should be more prominent on any list of places to visit. It is inland from the sea and as such, has managed to preserve its slightly olden feel. The Casco Antiguo - the old town centre has some marvellous buildings, not least of all its parish church. The world-famous Misteri D'Elx is held here, and the largest palm plantation in Europe, El Palmeral, is a delight to wander through. Elche is the Spanish shoe-making capital, and several of the larger shoe-making companies sell their wares direct from the factory. Not only footwear, but all manner of leather goods can be found at bargain prices.

Alicante City Centre

Alicante city centre is often missed by tourists, which is a shame as there is much to see and do. The seafront area has been developed with leisure in mind. A marina full of pleasure-craft of all sizes gives a sophisticated air to the city, with multi-million euro yachts bobbing about in their moorings alongside more modest craft. There is a casino and several fine restaurants on the marina complex, along with Alicante's club and disco centre - a must for clubbers. Along the promenade, in the dappled shade cast by centuries-old trees, people walk along at a leisurely pace, stopping to browse among the cabins selling all manner of exotic handicrafts, or pausing to take refreshment in on of the many pavement cafés and restaurants. Further back from the seafront, narrow streets, lined with wonderfully-preserved ornate buildings open up into tree-filled plazas, the perfect place to sit and enjoy this fine Mediterranean city. Those more energetic can visit the Castilla de Santa Barbara, perched on top of a 600-foot high crag of rock, and there are also many fine museums in which to escape the heat of a summer afternoon.

Altea Old Town

Altea is considered the jewel in the crown of the Costa Blanca. It's old town, crowned by the parish church sat high above a stunningly beautiful bay, is full of narrow streets, lined by tiny whitewashed cottages, their balconies spilling over with geraniums and margueritas, and blazingly bright bouganvillea climbing their walls. Many of the cottages have been converted into art and craft galleries, others still into quaint bistros. A lovely place to spend some free time.

Benidorm

Whatever you want from your Costa Blanca holiday, Benidorm strives to provide. The city is the largest resort on the entire Mediterranean coastline and is thronged with happy holidaymakers during the summer months. Divided into three main areas, Levante (the noisy bit), Poniente (the quiet bit) and the Old Town (well, the old bit) Shopping, eating and drinking, sunbathing and people-watching seem to be the main past times of the Benidorm visitors during the day, with innumerable pubs, bars and clubs providing terrific entertainment throughout the night.

Fonts Del Algar

An oasis of cool in the height of summer, the Fonts del Algar is the source of the river Algar which irrigates the coastline further down the sierras onto the coastline. Cool, crystal-clear water cascades from the rocks, forming pools, diving into which is irresistable on a hot day. Fragrant herbs and shrubs line the pathways and steps up to a wonderful picnic area at the top.