| No matter which way you approach the Costa | | | | viewed or purchased along this walkway, and in the |
| Blanca, you will have a good time. Come from the | | | | summer, you can be sure to find at least one band |
| south, and you will first encounter the beautiful | | | | playing music that seems composed solely to |
| towns of Pilar de la Horadada or Torrevieja. These | | | | accompany the soft evening breezes. |
| towns are the southernmost ones of the Alicante | | | | If you want to learn more about the town and the |
| Province, which straddles the Mediterranean Coast of | | | | region, visit a book shop and pick up a guidebook. |
| Spain. They, in turn, are a part of the Community of | | | | You will learn about the many local festivals. A |
| Valencia. If you have brushed up on your Spanish, | | | | wonderful example is the Saint John Bonfires, in |
| you will recognize that Costa Blanca means "White | | | | which local and international figures are depicted in |
| Coast", and nothing could be more true. This section | | | | cardboard or wooden facades and actually burnt |
| of the Spanish Mediterranean is awash in white: white | | | | down to nothing. This replicates the pagan tradition |
| sugar sand beaches, buildings that look like they were | | | | of eliminating bad spirits. |
| washed to pure white, and of course, the white sun, | | | | Another wonderful city in the region to visit is |
| bathing all of it. Villas such as Guardamar, Javea, | | | | Benidorm, and it is also very convenient to the |
| Altea, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Moraira and Alicante are | | | | Alicante airport. Picture a vacation day where you |
| the white jewels that surround the Mediterranean | | | | have the choice of just stretching out on a sunny |
| Sea like a pearly necklace. | | | | beach or visiting a wonderful theme park with the |
| One of the best ways to approach the Costa Blanca | | | | children. You can go to Terra Mitica, a theme park in |
| is via Alicante since it has a very large, international | | | | the city that replicates the attractions of Egypt and |
| airport, Altet. If you fly into Alicante, you can take a | | | | Rome, with rides and attractions in that theme, or |
| public bus, a small rented bus or a taxi to your hotel | | | | visit Aqualandia, a fabulous water park practically in |
| in Alicante. You will enjoy the setting of Alicante, | | | | the middle of the city, where everyone, old and |
| which is at the foot of an ancient hill, and a castle | | | | young, can enjoy the water sports. If you are |
| called Santa Barbara still stands there. The town was | | | | interested in nature, how about Terra Natura, where |
| built in 300 B.C. by the Carthaginians and has survived | | | | you and your children can visit with all sorts of wild |
| almost intact, despite the many wars it has endured. | | | | animals? This incredible park also has water rides, and |
| The castle today is home to a wonderful restaurant. | | | | even offers underwater diving adventures, or nature |
| This area is surrounded by long beaches and an | | | | walks or hiking. |
| ancient promenade which is beautifully tiled. The | | | | We're not leaving out the nightlife. Of course, there |
| promenade is covered with flowers and native palms, | | | | are clubs, and there is a great selection of |
| and these form a barrier between the busy city and | | | | restaurants, fast food or gourmet, to suit whatever |
| the quiet harbor. There are always crafts to be | | | | your taste or your budget. |