Hotels in Costa Blanca

Holidays to Benidorm are a real crowd-pleaser. Renowned for its beaches, it has become a popular holiday hotspot for good reason. This buzzing resort in sunny Costa Blanca is one of the original Spanish getaways. The balmy weather rarely dips below 12°C, even in January. With golden sands, lively nightlife and beachfront hotels just a stone's throw from vibrant bars and family-friendly restaurants, it's little wonder Benidorm holidays are such a popular choice for all ages.

For decades, the resort has been a favourite holiday destination for British families and couples. So there's no shortage of British-themed bars, and you're likely to spot a Union Jack or two as you explore the fish and chip shops, pubs and restaurants serving traditional Sunday roasts. Splash about at Aqualandia waterpark, laze on the golden sandy beaches or party until dawn in Benidorm's bars and clubs. This destination has something for everyone.

Things to do

A holiday to Benidorm would be incomplete without a day in Playa de Levante. This city beach is the place to be for water sports, lounging on a sunbed or wandering along the bustling promenade to find somewhere for lunch or drinks. Benidorm has superb attractions within easy reach, including its own waterpark, theme parks and interesting markets where you can indulge in some retail therapy. If you want to pick up some great bargains in Old Town, we recommend ordering your travel money before you go. Just make sure you save some energy because the nights out in Benidorm are legendary. If you’re away with kids, take them to an exciting dinner show or disco, and if you’re here for the clubbing, hit the Square for the best choice of cocktail spots and music-pumping venues.

Thrills and spills

Benidorm holidays are ideal for families. There’s so much to do, even for the little ones. Whether you’re a bunch of thrill-seekers or just looking for hours of family fun, Benidorm’s theme and waterparks have something to suit everyone. Enjoy slides, splash parks and fun in the sun at Aqua Natura. There’s a fantastic range of attractions on offer for the little ones and the bigger ones too! If you’d prefer to stay dry, head for Terra Mitica for your thrills, although there’s no guarantee of that if you go on the log flume! There are plenty of rides to get your adrenaline pumping here, and the kids have their own child-friendly replica rides.

Fun with nature

Benidorm has a lot of opportunities for you to get close up to nature and wildlife. If you want to explore Benidorm’s natural beauty and wildlife at your own pace, take a trip over to Benidorm Island. This nature reserve has a large peacock population and many colourful flower displays for you to admire.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Calpe | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca

This glorious resort on the shores of the sunny Costa Blanca is best known for its huge Penon de lfach rock, which dominates the coast here. With beautiful fine sandy beaches, ample leisure facilities, ancient history, and fantastic hotels, it's no wonder so many families and couples book holidays here year after year.

The atmosphere here is a little quieter and more laid-back than bustling Benidorm, so if you're looking for somewhere where you can really unwind and take things slowly, this is the place to be. Whether you're here for just a few days or a fortnight, you'll find Calp has something for everyone, from foodies to water sports enthusiasts.

Things to do

Spend some time at Cova dels Arcs, a breath-taking cove with dramatic arches and steep cliffs, 22km from Calpe. Or visit the Aqualandia water park, where you can zoom down water slides, splash in the swimming pool, ride on the river rapids, or just soak up the sun on the terraces. 

More travel guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Andalusia | Balearic Islands | Barcelona | Benidorm | Canary Islands | Costa Almeria | Costa Blanca | Costa Brava | Costa Dorada | Costa del Sol | Fuerteventura | Gran Canaria | Lanzarote | Tenerife | Ibiza | Madrid | Malaga | Majorca | Menorca

Basking in over 320 days of sunshine a year, the Costa del Sol is part of the aptly-named ‘Sunshine Coast’. Once famous for vibrant nightlife, Costa del Sol holidays can now be as up-tempo or as laid back as you want them to be. Family-friendly resorts, such as Benalmadena, offer everything you could possibly need if you’re taking a break with the kids, while couples might prefer the tranquillity of resorts such as Marbella and Pueblo Quinta.

There’s also the opportunity to enjoy a slice of old-school Spain, with a visit to the cobbled streets of Malaga’s Old Town and the Andalusian charms of Nerja. With almost 200 beaches to choose from, holidays to Costa del Sol are ideal for sun-worshippers, while those who’d like to get some sightseeing done will find plenty to see and do.

Things to do

Those with a head for heights will enjoy the awesome views from the cable car from Benalmadena town up to Monte Calamorro. Overlooking Benalmadena, the journey takes you up into the clouds, and on a clear day you can even see the coast of Africa! If you’d prefer something a little less vertigo-inducing, take a gentle walk along the promenade at Fuengirola, or relax in Marbella’s whitewashed old town before checking out the eye-wateringly expensive yachts in the marina.

Alternatively, head to the foothills of the Almijara mountain range to the neighbouring resorts of Nerja and Almuñécar, with their long beaches and palm-shaded promenades. After a day at the beach at Torremolinos, drive into the hills to visit some of the most picturesque "white towns".

Most famous for its beaches, Costa del Sol is home to the sun, sea and sand holiday. With a glass of refreshing sangria in hand, you can relax with a good book at Torremolinos, or splash in the crystal clear Mediterranean seas at the beaches in Fuengirola.

If you’re travelling with the kids, there are plenty of brilliant attractions to explore on your Spain holiday. From the Bioparc Zoo to the sea life centre in Benalmadena, there are endless possibilities for family fun on the Costa Del Sol. At Cocodrilos Park you can see all kinds of crocodiles in their large enclosures.

If you like to be active on holiday, take a scuba diving lesson, or go and see the world’s longest stalactite in the Nerja Caves. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to the coast to feast on freshly-cooked seafood at one of the wonderful family-run restaurants.

Places to stay

Head west of Málaga for some of the best-known resorts in Spain. Bustling Torremolinos and its family-friendly neighbour Benalmadena share some of the most exceptional beaches in the Costa del Sol. Further west is Fuengirola with its Blue Flag beaches and ancient castle. Chichi Marbella attracts the wealthy and famous to its beautiful beaches and upscale port.

Estepona combines fun on the beach with a delightful old town of cobbled streets and narrow lanes. The Costa del Sol’s capital, Málaga, has an elegant traffic-free old town and seafront lined with some of the Costa del Sol’s top restaurants.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Benalmadena | Fuengirola | Marbella | Nerja | Torremolinos

One of the few places to really qualify as a paradise on earth, Costa Dorada is the destination of choice for those seeking to combine the sea, sand and fun of traditional Spanish holidays with a slice of real Catalonian culture.The Spanish themselves come here for their breaks, attracted by the long golden sands that give the place its name, which translates as the ‘Golden Coast’. There’s no surprise it's on our list of favourite resorts, whether you’re travelling here with friends, family, or as a couple.

Things to do

You’ll find plenty of things to do on your holidays to Costa Dorada, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or your significant other. Those with children will enjoy a thrilling day out at one of the nearby theme parks, while romantic couples might enjoy a trip to explore sun-bleached Roman ruins or marvel at some of the finest examples of Modernist Architecture, anywhere in the world. Groups of friends with a taste for the Great Outdoors can take advantage of the variety of activities on offer, including golf, water sports and cycling.

If you’re travelling with children, the whole family will love a trip to PortAventura. One of the largest theme parks in all of Europe, it’s packed full of adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, live shows and there’s even a water park. If your kids prefer making sandcastles on the beach, the soft sands of Llevant Beach in Salou are nearby, while the Paseo Maritimo is perfect for a sunset stroll by the sea.

For a sense of history, a visit to Tarragona is a must. It’s a beautiful town dotted with Roman ruins. You can visit the amphitheatre or take a tour of the Archaeological Museum, before enjoying a meal at the vibrant town square. In nearby Reus, you’ll see incredible modernist architecture and a museum dedicated to the town’s most famous resident, Antoni Gaudi.

If you love to be active on holiday, Costa Dorada has everything from scuba diving to horse riding and mountain trekking. Many of the towns, including the charming Sitges, run segway tours as a unique way to see the local area.

No matter when you visit Costa Dorada, the region’s full of vibrant celebrations and fiestas. The Festival of St Joan Catalonia honours the shortest night of the year with fireworks, bonfires and dancing, while Sant Pere Festival in Reus and Sitges International Film Festival of Catalonia are must-sees.

Places to stay

Found in the south of Catalonia, the Costa Dorada stretches 216km down the east coast of Spain facing the Mediterranean Sea. Between Salou and Tarragona is the family-friendly PortAventura resort. Kids will love the thrill of the theme park and can splash their way through the Costa Caribe Aquatic Park. Or pick nearby Cap Salou where you can enjoy a leisurely round of golf or pop to one of the many small beaches and enjoy a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations including: Cap Salou | Portaventura | Salou

The sun-soaked Costas are some of the top destinations for those looking for Spain holidays, and the Costa Brava is no different. Between the shimmering beaches with honey-coloured sands are quaint villages, historic towns and fun-filled waterparks that the whole family will love. With such a high concentration of natural and cultural attractions to explore, you'll never be short of things to do; is it any wonder it’s still one of the top places for Brits to head for some fun in the sun?

There's everything from thrilling banana boat rides to local museums packed with history, and water parks the kids will love; the choice is yours. Whether you’re booking your holidays to Costa Brava to experience the world-class nightlife of its seaside resorts, or to explore its Modernist or medieval architecture, this region has it all.

Things to do

Explore the beautiful city of Girona and see its magnificent cathedral and medieval quarter during your Costa Brava holiday. Admire the colourful buildings reflected in the waters of the Riu Onyar, see Girona’s other impressive Gothic and Romanesque landmarks, and dine in style at one of the city’s upmarket restaurants.

Love art? Check out the Portlligat Museum-House in Port Lligat, which was once the home and workplace of Salvador Dalí, one of the country's most celebrated artists. This impressive building, overlooking the sea, became a museum shortly after Dalí's death in 1982 and exhibits many of his best works.

Another place worth putting on your Costa Brava holidays places to see list is the medieval village of Besalú about a 35-minute journey from Girona, which is known for its wonderful Romanesque bridge.

Step away from the popular beaches and energetic bars and you’ll find honey-coloured buildings and a genuine, traditional Spanish atmosphere that gives you a glimpse into life in this welcoming Mediterranean destination. Back at the beach it’s sandcastle time, water sports galore, and theme parks that are the perfect family day out in the sun. Costa Brava holidays are still one of our favourites at any time of the year, and we know you love this destination as much as we do.

Attractions

From historical Roman ruins, picturesque medieval villages, and theme parks that are purpose-built to maximise some family fun in the sun, holidays to Costa Brava introduce you to a wealth of attractions. Art lovers will make a beeline for Dali’s home just outside Cadaqués, where you’ll even find a seven-foot-tall stuffed bear in the entrance, and a wacky garden filled with treasures, sculptures, and artefacts to amaze and delight.

Close to the seaside town of L’Escala you’ll discover a Greco/Roman complex complete with pillars, walkways and surprisingly well-preserved remains. This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain and well worth a visit. Costa Brava holidays give you a chance to discover the attractions of Catalonia, one of Spain’s most unique and interesting regions.

Family Fun

From superb beaches that are perfect for sandcastle competitions, paddling, and having fun in the sun to purpose-built theme parks, the Costa Brava is a very family-friendly destination. However, while the slides, rides, and splash pools of the aqua parks are great there’s also plenty of natural wonders to discover as a family. Head close to the French border and you’ll find the Cap de Creus National Park, a wonderful spot if your family is into hiking, camping and exploring the mountains of Spain.

Entertainment

Costa Brava holidays are popular with groups of mates, who head here for the exceptional nightlife and fantastic bars, clubs and party scene that livens up the region every summer. There’s also a surprising range of nightlife on offer, too, from smooth jazz and Euro-House to Blues, classical, and lounge music, every taste is catered for on a Costa Brava holiday.

Check out La Lluna in Begur, indulge in a cremat (black coffee fortified with rum and spices) on the terrace in Can Gelpi, or party hard in Lloret de Mar all summer long.

Towns and Cities

You’ll find incredible medieval towns and villages tumbling down hills to the coast, or ultra-sophisticated cities filled with museums and art galleries right across the region. One of the prettiest medieval towns is Begur, with golden houses, cobbled streets, and very little in the way of crowds, even during the height of summer.

For party lovers the top city destination has to be Lloret de Mar, the capital of having a good time on the Costa, with 24/7 nightlife and affordable hotels. Leave the car behind and wander the tiny alleyways and cobbled squares of Peratallada, or spend the weekend in the city of Girona.

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We also have travel guides available for destinations, including: Calella | Lloret de Mar | Malgrat de Mar