Although the Costa Blanca is well-known throughout the world for its golden beaches and sun-kissed resorts, you must venture into its ancient heart to fully comprehend its essence. Beautiful old towns and historic quarters are tucked away, sometimes in the hills and other times right on the sea. These areas, which are cobblestoned and covered in bougainviella, are where the true Mediterranean spirit flourishes.
Let’s escape the tour guides and explore the timeless charm of Costa Blanca’s most intriguing historic neighbourhoods.
Altea: The Mediterranean Masterpiece
No exploration of the area’s allure would be complete without a stop by Altea’s Old Town. This beachside gem is one of the best places to experience the Mediterranean style. You will be encircled by whitewashed homes with immaculate, sun-bleached walls as you ascend the steep, winding streets.
There are views around every corner, culminating in the famous blue-domed church known as Nuestra Senora del Consuelo. On the whole Costa Blanca, this charming scene is undoubtedly one of the most photographed. Take an afternoon to explore the hidden eateries, tiny art galleries, and artisan craft stores nestled into quiet squares.
Alicante’s Historic Heart: Barrio de Santa Cruz
The most recognisable neighbourhood in Alicante is Santa Cruz, which is located at the base of the magnificent Santa Barbara Castle. In sharp contrast to Altea’s white, this neighbourhood is vibrant. It’s a happy tangle of tiny lanes, brightly coloured homes, ornamental tiles, and balconies brimming with potted flowers.
Explore this bustling neighbourhood to get to the Ermita de Santa Cruz, or stop by Parque de la Ereta, which is located just above, for breathtaking views of the coast. Raval Roig, the city’s former fishermen’s quarter, is located just below Santa Cruz and is a perfect blend of history and sea air.
Denia and the Fisherman’s Pulse: Baix la Mar
Once a humble fishing village, Baix la Mar remains the colourful heart of Denia’s old town. The vibrantly coloured homes and winding streets that still have traces of Arab influence make this neighbourhood instantly recognisable.
It’s the perfect spot to take a walk, take in the marine ambience, and sample some of Denia’s well-known cuisine. From here, it’s an easy stroll along the Explanada de Cervantes by the port or up to Denia’s majestic castle.
Villajoyosa: A Rainbow on the Coast
Visit Villa Joyosa for a splash of vibrant colour that will last a lifetime. Originally, the town’s waterfront residences were painted bright colours to make them visible to fishermen in inclement weather.
The outcome is a breathtaking coastline with rainbows that is a pleasure to explore. Narrow streets meander through a stunning waterfront that is unmatched in the area, providing a lively setting for a leisurely stroll by the water.
Exploring these hidden neighbourhoods, where each house has a story to tell and every alley leads to a new discovery, is the best way to truly experience the spirit of the Costa Blanca.
Author: Melissa Williams
Hi, I’m Melissa, a creative writer and ESL teacher with a passion for storytelling. I started writing fiction when I was young, and I eventually discovered that I loved performing, working all over the Costa Blanca as a semi-professional singer. I now write articles that I hope will inspire and engage readers by using my creativity. Whether I'm sharing personal insights or delving into local culture, I try to produce content that is relatable and meaningful. working as a creator of events and features.
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