About
the
Costa Blanca...
Much of the Costa Blanca lies in Valencia, an independent province,
which recognises two official languages, Spanish and Valencian. The
dominance of these two languages varies from place to place. You will
hear either spoken and will notice different spellings for the same
place particularly on roads as you are driving, as well as on warning
signs.
Around fifty years ago the Costa Blanca was still an undeveloped coast
sprinkled with fishing villages. Barren hills and peasants farms looked
over this coast. But today, Costa Blanca is one of Europe's major
holiday destinations attracting millions of holiday makers each year
who flock here to get a piece of the beautiful guaranteed sun, sea and
sand.
On the Costa Blanca's coastal strip there's everything that could be
needed to make a holiday of one's dreams, from budget accommodation to
5-star luxury hotels, shops and boutiques, all kinds of entertainment
including Spanish fiestas, tapas and snack bars to Michelin star
restaurants. Properties can be bought in developments where little or
no Spanish need ever be spoken or heard. Clubs and sports centres are
dotted throughout the Costa Blanca, places where the English can
congregate and make new friends. If you want to catch up on the latest
news back home or the latest Costa Blanca news then there are many
outlets along the coast offering local and international news papers.
Most tourists on holiday are
happy to remain on the Costa Blanca's coast. However, if you're feeling
slightly adventurous then you must surely explore the Costa Blanca's
hinterland. This Spanish heart is truly lovely. The rich land of
Valencia is said to be the most fertile in Europe, crowded with
orange, lemon, peach and olive groves, and with rice fields still
irrigated by systems devised by the Moors. This agricultural land will
bring much pleasure to naturalists searching for insects and small
reptiles whilst wandering through fields of wild daisies and poppies.
The most characteristic building in the Costa Blanca is the farmhouse,
known as a barraca, with its steeply pitched thatched roof. Many can be
seen on the twisting mountainous roads as you ascend to a great height
(on foot or bicycle) to gain the most wonderful panoramic views over
the entire area.
Valencia and Alicante are the major urban centres, and there are
several historic small towns and villages a short way inland, such as
Orihuela. Throughout the Costa Blanca, trains are usually less
expensive and faster than buses on shorter journeys. But you may enjoy
the freedom of renting a car for the duration of your holiday.
There are no shortages of culinary pleasure to be found in the Costa
Blanca. Gourmets tend to agree that the best paellas are to be found in
this area from where the dish originated. With advance warning, most
places will cook it for a minimum of two people. It's an ideal
beachside meal that should be cooked over wood (leña).
Arròs a banda is another famous regional dish of rice and
fish. Eels are also a speciality. If you have a sweet tooth then you
must try turrón made from nuts and honey resembling a nougat.
More or less wherever you go in the Costa Blanca you will to be able to
see a tradition fiesta such as mock battles between the Christians and
Muslims. You can also see giant carnival floats parading though the
streets before being ceremoniously burned (this is called the fallas).
These are just a few of the most elaborate and colourful festivals in
the Costa Blanca Spain.
