Looking for a fabulous holiday spot for your next friends’ getaway? The Costa Blanca is actually way more diverse than you might think. Sure, the beaches, nightlife and luxurious holiday villas are all fantastic reasons to put the Costa Blanca high on your list, but venture further afield it’ll go soaring to the top. You’ll find five-star golf courses, incredible mountain hiking, rainforests and archaeological sites just waiting to be explored. So gather your gang, and get out there!
1. Pick an adventure at Marco Polo Expediciones
When it comes to fabulous group activities, look no further than Benidorm-based Marco Polo Expediciones. Set off for a day of fishing on the water; whether your group are experts or have-a-go anglers, the turquoise waters off the coast of Altea make for a perfect spot to try your hand at casting a line. What’s more, you can even get a quick lesson in how to cook your catch Spanish-style from one of the local restaurant owners back on land. Or you could stick to dry land and embark on an exhilarating 35-kilometre descent by mountain bike. Speed down the region’s largest mountain, Aitana, passing fruit orchards and valleys on your way to the village of Orxeta.
2. Trek through the countryside with Spanish Highs
Head behind the swathes of sandy beaches and modern resorts that have made the Costa Blanca so famous and you will find a completely different side of the region. Limestone mountains reach high into the blue sky and stepped terraces are lined with gnarled old olives trees. It is an ancient and beautiful landscape and one best savoured on foot. Embark on a guided hike with Spanish Highs and discover jagged pinnacles, bucolic villages and interesting flora and fauna. Trekking is best done in spring, autumn and winter when the blistering summer sun isn’t as fierce.
3. Take a dip in the waterfalls at Fonts de l’Algar
One of the last things you would expect to encounter on a holiday to the Costa Blanca is a gushing tropical oasis. Yet just north of Altea, a short drive from the hubbub of the coastal beaches, the River Algar pours through an orchard-filled valley and thunders down the cliffs in a spectacular series of waterfalls. A 1.5-kilometre trail guides you around the nature park where you can discover natural springs, wild herbs and refreshing pools that just beg to be swum in. So bring your swimsuits and a picnic, find a tranquil spot on the green banks and soak up the beautiful landscape.
4. Travel back in time at L’Alcúdia Archaeological Park
Sunbathing all day can turn your brain to mush. If you feel you need a little intellectual stimulation, bring your crew to L’Alcúdia Archaeological Park. The sprawling archaeological complex just outside of modern day Elche is one of the most important in all of Spain. It is famed as discovery site of the stone bust known as ‘The Lady of Elche’, a well-known piece of Iberian art. It has a prehistory that dates back centuries and spans the Stone Age all the way through to Iberians, Romans, Visigoths and Byzantines. Discover more at the excellent interpretation centre and museum, where video guides help give a comprehensive explanation of the complexities of this significant and compelling site.
5. Try regional cuisine with Discovering Valencia
Family and social gatherings in Spain revolve around food, so what better way to get to know the city of Valencia than through your stomach? Head off on a guided tour through the historic streets and discover the eye-catching architecture as you ferret out the very best tapas restaurants in town. Sample bite-sized portions washed down with a beer or wine just the way the locals do. It is the perfect relaxed experience for a group of friends or a family, and the guides at Discovering Valencia will ensure that a good time and good food is had by all.
6. Play a round or two at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club
The Costa Blanca is rather proud of its world-class golf courses, and rightly so. Keen golfers have long carted their clubs to this neck of the woods to enjoy the sunny weather and impeccable facilities. One of the region’s newest golf courses is a dazzling emerald swathe complete with lakes, water features and woodland. Las Colinas Golf and Country Club opened its plush doors in 2010 to much fanfare and is today part of an upmarket resort. It weaves through the nearby valleys and has been created with environmental protection at its fore. In addition to the golf course and country club, there are beautiful scenic walking paths that lead through orange and lemon groves, a pleasant way to while away a sunny afternoon.
7. Swerve through the streets with Segway Trip Denia
You’re on holiday, want to see the sights but just don’t fancy breaking a sweat. Enter the Segway! These two-wheeled gizmos have been a godsend to tourists who want to whizz around cities without leaving much carbon footprint and have a jolly good time in doing so. So get a group together and head to Segway Trip Denia, where guided tours will take you past the marina, where all the multi-million pound shiny superyachts are parked, along the pedestrianised city centre roads and all the way up to the castle, where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views. They also offer a night tour which gives a very different perspective of the city. To be safe, save your evening glass of wine for after you park the Segway.
Hopefully that’s got you totally excited to head off the Costa Blanca for the friends’ holiday of a lifetime. While you’ve got your planning hat on, check out the best hidden beaches in Spain to really impress your buddies with your local knowledge. Our concierge team are on hand to help you find the perfect pad, and you can always get inspired by our awesome range of luxury villas.
