Castell de Santa Barbara: The fortress is massive, encompassing moats, drawbridges, tunnels, cisterns and dungeons. From the top of the castle there is a wonderful view of the bay and city.

Elche: Europe’s only palm forest, forming a lush oasis around the city of Elche. The city boasts several beautiful parks and public gardens. The Parque Municipal is one of the most popular, festooned with palm trees, grassy promenades and children’s playgrounds.

Did You Know?... It is believed that more than 400 wonderful events and festivals take place in the Costa Blanca each year, so that no matter what month you visit, you are more than likely to see one.

Patron Saint: Each town has its own patron saint, which once a year is remembered and honoured by a special event. For instance, Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen, is worshipped on the 16th June in most traditional fishing villages.

Sport: The Costa Blanca boasts over 10 golf courses, around 20 marinas, numerous surf, sail and diving schools, swimming pools and tennis courts where you can relax and enjoy your sports and pastimes. The natural landscape of the Costa Blanca is ideal for the sport minded - the sea and sands for water sports, the rolling hills for mountain-bikers and walkers, and open countryside for horse riding.

Urban Centres: 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.

Barraca: 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.

Did You Know?... Guardamar del Segura’s name was derived from its proximity to the Segura River and was once inhabited by the Iberians. Dama de Guardamar and Moorish relics are precious historical artifacts that have been found in the area.

Santa Pola: A good place to enjoy several marine sports, such as sailing, rowing and canoeing. Diving can also be done in Santa Pola as the waters are crystal clear and the marine species are truly spectacular. Santa Pola Cape also makes it possible to go paragliding and hang gliding.