El Greco - Holiday home in Altea

"We really would like to be back!" - "Why here? "- one could wonder. There are some good reasons for that, for example the numbers of yearly visitors and tourists which speak for themselves. Since 2010, tourism has constantly increased at the Costa Blanca and the number of visitors today almost passed the usual leaders Catalonia and Andalusia. The Costa Blanca had in 2014 approximately 3.5 million visitors, which is 570,000 more than in 2010, meaning an increase of about 30%. The main reason the visitors mention for their visit is the balance of price / quality and secondly the here well known, mild microclimate. The summers are not so aggressively hot as in the south of Spain, the beaches are clean and the typically Mediterranean food but with an international flavour. A colourful mixture of many nationalities and languages, the people friendly and the accommodations suitable for every budget. From small budget, camping or hostels, to luxurious villas or hotels.

Here on the Costa Blanca with its 9 regions one enjoys also the different seasons, the change of the climate is not so drastically as in Northern Europe. Nevertheless, we have spring, summer, autumn and winter, and each season has at least one argument to spend the holidays here. Accordingly also the type of tourism varies in the area around Alicante. Very clearly the big part of the tourism takes place between mid-May and September. Here we measure daily temperatures between 20-27 degrees in May and June, and between 28 - 40 degrees in the hot months of July and August. The classic summer holiday people, searching sun, sea and beaches are staying mainly in the coastal towns such as Denia, Javea, Moraira, Calpe, Oliva, Altea, Els Poblets, and of course Benidorm. Many Spaniards from Madrid and Valencia, as well from other major cities, come to spend their summer on the Costa Blanca. Preferred regions are the "Marina Alta" and the "Marina Baja" areas. Many boat owners and fans of water sports are excited about the Costa Blanca. There are berths for the boats, but also boats to rent with or without skipper, jet skiing, canoeing, windsurfing, diving equipment, etc. to hire. The major theme parks such as Terra Mitica, Aqualandia, Mundomar and Terra Natura have opened their gates, and offer large and small entertainment, water games, animals and nature.

Temperatures are gorgeous, and settle down as between 23-28 Degrees, the water temperature of the sea is still ideal for swimming and the rates of accommodations have already adapted to the season.

From mid-November it will become slowly winter on the Costa Blanca and the landscape and the light is changing. The days are getting shorter and the temperatures cooler and the bright sunlight gives way to a soft, yellow light. In winter we measure an average temperature between 15-20 degrees. But on some days even 25 degrees or only 10 degrees, depending on the hours of sunshine. Also in Spain some kind of heating system is necessary for a comfortable stay. Almost all apartments and holiday homes are actually equipped with central heating, air conditioning and fireplaces to guaranty a pleasant stay in the winter. Now the well-known, mild climate is an advantage. During the day we enjoy, on good weather, the glorious sunshine and we can still conveniently sit outside in the sun only with a T-shirt on and drinking coffee.

Now all tourists who like hiking and cycling become active. As well all lovers of nature and landscapes and all those who like to explore the original Spain. Hotels and holiday homes on the countryside, villas or holiday rentals in all regions are in demand. Denia, which is known as "Capital" of the Marina Alta, is this also an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding areas. As well as Benissa, Moraira and Altea which are ideal starting points for excursions and walks into the interior. The Costa Blanca with its hilly surroundings has so much to offer. For example, the famous Sierra Bernia with many hiking trails, the famous for viticulture Jalon Valley with its wineries, natural parks such as the Montgo mountain area, the Waterfalls of Algar, the ancient town with castle Guadaleste, the stalactite caves in Benidoleig and the "Vall de Gallinera" region, known for the best and most authentic restaurants with typical dishes of this region. If you like nature and good weather, you will enjoy the spring on the Costa Blanca to the fullest. Especially holidaymakers from northern countries enjoy the wonderful climate, as in your home countries often its rainy and grey and low temperatures.

• 244 km coast line und 5.816 square kilometers
• 9 regions (called here "Comarcas") :
• El Comtat with its biggest city Cocentaina
• Marina Alta with its capital Dénia
• Marina Baja with its capital Benidorm
• Alcoià with its of the same named city Alcoi
• Alacant with its of the same capital and namesake of the province of Alicante
• Alto Vinalopó with its big city Villena
• Medio Vinalopó with two important cities Petrer und Elda
  
• Vinalopó bajo with well known Elche
• La Vega baja with Orihuela and the famous coast town Torrevieja
  
• about 1.850.000 inhabitants
• is part of Province Valencia
• highest point Sierra Aitana with 1.580 m
• official languages : Spanish und Valenciano
• Airport : Alicante

Reduced tickets for these four destinations and also for other events, such as ferry to Ibiza or Formentera, you can buy at Quality Rent Denia in the office, book or preorder. This gives you a price advantage and above all you don't need to wait in queue for entering, you will have direct access.

The most famous dish of the region is the paella with all its variants, with meat, fish or seafood, with rice or noodles, black or yellow. Everyone will find his favourite one in one of the well known restaurants, or in one of the original and lesser known tapas bars. But the region has much more to offer. For example, Denia was named this year by the UNESCU for culinary creative city of gastronomy. The local cuisine on the Costa Blanca is very healthy and there is a great emphasis on local products. Very well known and not to miss in any kitchen are e.g. olives of all kinds, oranges, cherries from the mountain areas, the renowned "Gambon rojo" (red shrimp) in Denia, dates from Elche, almonds from Alcoi, lobsters from Guardamar and a variety of vegetables such as artichokes and tomatoes, as well as rice from private cultivation. There are some "musts" you should definitely try :

The regions Las Marinas, Vinalopó and El Comtat producing regularly award-winning white, red, rosé and Mistela wines. "El Fondillón" made from Monastrell grapes and an exclusive product of Alicante, is one of only five excellent, official "luxury wines" in the European Union.

Many of the small villages and towns on the Costa Blanca own lovely old town centres still telling in their own way the history of the country. These are of great cultural interest. Explore on your own your local surroundings and you will be surprised how much you still find on old buildings and interesting monuments and ruins from ancient times. As an example, we could mention the palaces of Orihuela. There are two communities that have been officially included in the European Route of modernity. Alcoy and Novelda surprising by a particular architecture.
More routes to visit are :

• The Castles Route, where you can find a number of ancient fortresses, e.g. in Banyeres de Mariola, Onil, Castalla, Villena, Sax, Petrer, Elda, Novelda, Elche, Santa Pola, Denia, etc.
• The Road of El Cid. A cultural walk in the footsteps of the famous freedom fighter Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar.
• The Wine Route, through vineyards and wineries.

Every village and municipality on the Costa Blanca celebrates at its time " fiestas ". These usually have ancient traditions and customs that are passed on to this day from generation to generation. The most famous fiestas on the Costa Blanca are the "Moors and Christians" celebrated in almost all coastal towns and of course the so-called "Fallas" in Valencia and Denia. The exact dates can be found on the respective websites from tourism offices of your holiday destination.

From north to south we can find about 200 km of coastline. A variety of nature, characteristics and usage provides the right ambience for all water lovers. Ranging from the large number of sandy beaches with fine sand and clear blue water to the rocky shores and bays with its beautiful underwater world, some areas are even protected. For someone seeking beautiful beaches and quality environment, the selection at the Costa Blanca is really difficult, there are so many options here. The choice range from secluded, pristine bays on nature reserves, to the known and high frequented beaches with every comfort, fine sand and excellent with all safety standards. This coast is also very popular for boats, diving, surfing of all kinds and for nature lovers.