The Costa Blanca, Spain’s “White Coast,” stretches along the southeastern Mediterranean and delivers a captivating mix of seaside charm, Moorish history, bold architecture, and golden light. From palm-lined promenades in Alicante to the futuristic silhouettes of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, our 10-day road trip along this stretch brought us a striking contrast of tradition and modernity, serenity and vibrancy.

Alicante - Where the Journey Began

Alicante greeted us with the salty tang of the sea and the warm hum of Spanish life. The city’s

Santa Cruz quarter—cradled at the base of Mount Benacantil—was a maze of narrow alleys, vivid doorways, and flower-filled balconies.

High above, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara watched over the city, offering sweeping views of both the coastline and the bustle below. Alicante wasn’t just a place to explore; it was a place to linger.

Altea: Whitewashed Calm with a Blue-Domed Crown

A short drive north brought us to Altea, a village of striking beauty perched above the coast. Its iconic blue-tiled dome, belonging to the church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Cobbled streets wound their way past artisan shops, wrought iron balconies, and bougainvillea-draped facades. Altea invited us to slow down. It was a town best enjoyed at a stroll, with a camera in one hand and a gelato in the other.

Villajoyosa: A Palette by the Sea

A splash of color awaited in Villajoyosa, where cheerful houses in hues of turquoise, orange, and ochre lined the beachfront. Once a key fishing town—and still home to Spain’s best-known chocolate producer—Villajoyosa blended authenticity with whimsy. The seaside promenade, framed by palm trees and lapping waves, was perfect for sunset walks. We felt at home in its radiant streets, camera shutters clicking :-) as light danced on painted walls.

Valencia: The Future Embraced in Stone and Light

Heading north, the vibrant city of Valencia burst onto the scene with its dynamic blend of history and innovation. Nowhere was this more evident than in the spectacular complex designed by Santiago Calatrava: the City of Arts and Sciences. Glass, steel, and concrete structures curved like fish and skeletal wings over reflective pools—an architectural symphony that transformed with the light of day and night.

Valencia also impressed us with its urban beaches, energetic markets, and green spaces like the Turia Gardens, a former riverbed turned into a lush ribbon of life winding through the city.

Guadalest: A Fortress in the Clouds

Nestled high in the mountains of the Costa Blanca, Guadalest is like a scene from a fairy tale. Perched on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by dramatic cliffs, this tiny village boasts a rich Moorish history and one of the most breathtaking views in the region. We reached the old town by passing through a tunnel carved into the rock—emerging into a world of whitewashed houses, artisan shops, and a castle ruin overlooking a turquoise reservoir. Time seemed to stand still here, with the silence broken only by distant bells and mountain winds.

Sunsets and Shorelines: The Costa Blanca’s Golden Hour

As our trip wound back toward Alicante, the coast revealed its softer side. From the quiet stretches of Playa del Albir to the gentle waves at Playa de la Malvarrosa, the Costa Blanca gave us countless places to pause and watch the sky melt into the sea.

Evenings here were about glowing horizons, feet in the sand, and the rhythmic hush of waves—a perfect close to each day and a gentle reminder of the coast’s timeless allure.