Costa Blanca Holidays

Even though there’s only a small mountain separating Altea from the Costa Blanca’s loudest resort, Benidorm, the two towns couldn’t be more different. Altea lives life at a much slower pace – neon-lit nightspots make way for seafront tapas bars, and you’ll find traditional restaurants in lieu of Brit-style pubs and fast food joints.

• Cap Negret Hotel

Benidorm didn’t get to be one of Spain’s holiday behemoths for nothing. This town likes to flaunt its best assets – sandy beaches and fun-packed nights – but there’s another side to it, too. Benidorm actually goes all the way back to 1325, so the winding, cobbled old town and Baroque domed church are as authentic as they come.

• Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, a Royal Hideaway Hotel
• Hotel Levante Club

The port town of Javea sits in the shadow of Montgo Mountain between Valencia and Alicante. This little haven along Spain’s Costa Blanca boasts an old town area where the Medieval church is the centrepiece and shops, cafés and restaurants work their way along the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, nightlife is set to the rhythm of Spanish and international bands, and the local beaches wave their Blue Flags.

• Villa Ciruela
• Villas Monte Verde
• Mandarina

This small coastal town sits on the northern tip of Spain’s Costa Blanca, neatly pocketed between the mountains and the sea. Originally a fishing village, it’s grown into a lively holiday place – Madrid’s city slickers flock here to parade its palm-lined avenues and eat in the marina restaurants. But the town hasn’t lost its traditional Spanish charm, courtesy of its cobbled streets and old market square.

• Villa Portichol