Spain is a country of varied culture, rich history and breathtaking scenery. Its coastal regions — Alicante, the Costa Blanca, the Costa Cálida in Murcia, and Andalusia including Malaga, Granada, Seville and Almería — are popular destinations offering beautiful beaches, natural splendour and memorable days out. Let us look at these fascinating areas in more detail.
Alicante and the Costa Blanca
Alicante, on Spain's south-eastern coast, is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and its beautiful beaches. The Costa Blanca (the White Coast) is one of Spain's best-known stretches of coastline, drawing visitors with its clear water and fine sand.
The main attractions:
- Playa de San Juan: one of the loveliest beaches in Alicante, ideal for families with children and for water sports enthusiasts alike.
- Benidorm: known for its busy beaches, its nightlife and its modern high-rise skyline.
- Jávea and Denia: picturesque towns with beautiful beaches and nature parks.
The Costa Cálida in Murcia
The Costa Cálida, meaning the Warm Coast, lies in the Murcia region and offers more than 250 kilometres of coastline with a warm climate all year round. It is known for its therapeutic mud baths and its quiet beaches.
The main attractions:
- La Manga del Mar Menor: a remarkable natural lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow strip of land.
- Cartagena: a historic city with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches.
- Mazarrón: a great destination for diving and snorkelling, thanks to its clear waters and abundant marine life.
Andalusia: Almería, Granada, Seville, Malaga
Andalusia is a region in southern Spain offering landscapes of every kind, from mountain ranges to a glorious coastline. The area running from Granada, Seville and Malaga through Casares and on to Almería takes in some of the most beautiful and historically significant places in the country.
The Almería area:
- Cabo de Gata-Níjar: a nature park with unspoilt beaches and dramatic cliffs.
- Playa de los Muertos: one of the finest beaches in Almería, with crystal-clear water and white sand.
- Roquetas de Mar: a popular resort with long sandy beaches and modern facilities.
Granada:
- The Alhambra: one of the most important historic sites in Spain, a magnificent palace complex with breathtaking architecture and gardens.
- The Sierra Nevada: a mountain range ideal for winter sports and for summer hiking.
Seville:
- The cathedral and the Giralda: the third largest cathedral in the world, with its iconic Giralda tower.
- The Alcázar: a royal palace known for its beautiful Mudéjar architecture and extensive gardens.
- Flamenco: Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, the traditional Spanish dance and music.
Malaga to Casares:
- Malaga: a lively city with a rich history, famous museums and beautiful beaches such as the Playa de la Malagueta.
- Nerja: a picturesque town with breathtaking views over the Mediterranean and the well-known Cueva de Nerja caves.
- Casares: a charming hilltop village of white houses with panoramic views.
Beaches and scenery
The Spanish coast offers endless possibilities, whether you want to relax or keep busy. The beaches here are known for being clean, safe and easy to reach.
- The beaches of Alicante: bright sunshine and blue sea make for ideal conditions for sunbathing and water sports.
- The Costa Blanca countryside: the combination of mountains and sea gives breathtaking views and plenty of scope for hiking and cycling.
- The Costa Cálida: the calm waters of the Mar Menor lagoon are ideal for families and offer no end of water sports.
- Andalusia and Almería: the untouched beaches and dramatic landscapes of the Cabo de Gata nature park draw lovers of nature and adventure.
In closing
Spain is a destination with something for everyone. From the buzz of Alicante and the Costa Blanca, through the calm shores of the Costa Cálida in Murcia, to the breathtaking scenery of Andalusia with cities such as Almería, Granada and Seville and the Malaga area, you will find everything you need for a holiday to remember. As you plan your trip, do not miss these fascinating regions and the beauty of the Spanish coast.
