Costa Blanca For
decades, holidaymakers have been hopping on a plane headed for the Costa Blanca. For a sunshine break that comes with a big
helping of fun, this slice of Spain is pretty hard to beat - it is, after all, the home of Benidorm and you probably don't
need us to tell you that of all the Costa resorts, this great glitterball of a place is the don. Think sun-toasted sands,
Skyscrapers that give Manhattan a run for its money and more neon-tastic nightspots than you can shake a stick at. Not to
mention a double helping of white knuckle thrills from the rollercoasters of Tierra Mitica and the high-speed water slides
of Aqualandia. But thats only the half of it, every yin has its yang, and that's true of this place, too. Delve into the
old town and it's like you've been whisked back in time to authentic Spain on a go slow. Benidorm aside, the Costa
Blanca serves up a pair of Spanish cities you'll love. First up is Alicante, think it's just an airport hub? then
allow us to set the record straight. All whitewashed houses and colourful fishing boats, it's every inch the postcard
scene and with its chic boutiques and cocktail bars, there's more than enough to satisfy the sophisticated crowd here.
Then there's Valencia to think about, too, giving Madrid and Barcelona a run for their money in the city stakes.
Benidorm Tucked up against a duo of beaches, the Benidorm skyline has something almost Manhatten-esque
about it. But that's only part of the picture, as the 1.3 million brits who holiday here every year will tell you. Levante
is the high energy area and the undisputed capital of happy hour bars, roast dinners and neon discos. Poniente, meanwhile,
is the quiet part of town where the crowd becomes more Spanish the closer you inch to it. Of course, the beaches are a big
draw and the pale gold sands here not only boast Blue Flag status but they're rated amongst Europes best. The star of
this sandy show is the ultra family-friendly Playa de Levante, or sunrise beach. Its bustling backdrop is a promenade crammed
with places to eat, drink and shop 'til you drop, and further out to sea, there's even an aquatic playground, with
swinging bridges, diving board, rafts and slide.
Terra Mitica Terra Mitica theme park gives
Alton Towers a run for its money in the scream-if-you-want-to-go faster stakes. Get in line for Tizona, which sees you suspended
beneath the track, tearing along at speeds of 100kph and heights of over 30m. The park also has plenty to do for those on
a go-slow, shows like Gladiator's Fight - a battle between the titans of Rome - and Heartbeat of the Sea - an evening
spectacular with lights, lasers, fire and water.
Aqualandia Here's another big Benidorm
attraction the pint-sized holidaymakers will love - a splash-tastic waterpark that's bagged Europe's highest waterslide.
Even the most fearless slide-rider will get an attack of the wobbles when they see the Big Bang, with its 80 degree drop.
It's a chute, rapid and fall fest that's guaranteed to get you screaming. If you fancy something a bit tamer, try
Niagara, here you can swim in the calm waters and explore hidden caves and waterfalls.
