Elche (Elx)

Alicante, provincial capital and port city on the Costa Blanca, combines a historic old town with Mediterranean beach life. The Castillo de Santa Bárbara on the 167-metre Benacantil offers you wide views over the bay; you can reach the fortress, which is of Moorish origin, on foot or by lift. Stroll along the Explanada de España, a palm-lined promenade at the harbour with a marble mosaic in a wave pattern. Discover the Santa Cruz quarter in the old town with its narrow alleys. You will find culinary experiences in the tapas bars of the old town. It is best to visit the castle early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

The coast of Alicante province, known as Costa Blanca, stretches from Dénia in the north to Pilar de la Horadada on the Murcia border. To the north, limestone mountains like Montgó and Penyal d'Ifac drop steeply into the sea, dotted with coves and small ports. South of Alicante, the coast becomes flat, featuring long sandy beaches, salt flats, and dunes.You'll find resorts like Benidorm, old towns such as Altea, Elche's palm grove, and a mountainous interior with villages like Guadalest.

The Murcia region in southeast Spain has a dry, sunny climate with mild winters. The capital, Murcia, is known for its baroque cathedral facade and the Huerta, a traditional fruit and vegetable growing area. On the coast are the port city of Cartagena with its Roman theatre and the Mar Menor, a large saltwater lagoon.

Murcia lies on the Segura River in the Huerta, an agricultural area irrigated since Moorish times. The Santa María Cathedral with its baroque main façade, the Casino with its opulent halls, and the Plaza de las Flores form the core of the old town.

Benidorm on the Costa Blanca is known for its dense high-rise skyline, which has earned it nicknames like "Manhattan of the Mediterranean." Originally a tuna-fishing village, the city transformed into a tourist hub from the 1950s, thanks to a 1956 development plan. Here you will find extensive sandy beaches like the bustling Playa de Levante and the quieter Playa de Poniente for sunbathing and swimming. The historic Casco Antiguo, with its narrow streets and the Church of San Jaime y Santa Ana, offers a contrast to the high-rises. From the Balcón del Mediterráneo, you can enjoy panoramic views over the coast. A practical tip: Visit the tapas bars in the old town. For a quieter atmosphere, a visit outside the summer months is recommended.