Welcome to ExploreCostablanca.com, your guide to planning an unforgettable trip to the Costa Blanca in Spain.
This site was created to help you plan your trip to the sunny Costa Blanca and discover the very best to see in each and every town.
My name is Caitlin, I run the site and personally write every single guide you’ve read here. I grew up in the Costa Blanca for over 10 years, and have seen the entire region and its changes over the many years!
From beaches, restaurants, cafes, and hidden spots, I’ve seen it all and experienced all that the Costa Blanca has to offer. Now, I want to share my recommendations and best-kept secrets about all of the areas for those looking to visit and have the very best holiday.
I run this site as well as Visit Javea Spain which is a more in-depth site detailing the town of Javea, which I grew up in for most of my life. Javea holds a special place in my heart — it’s where I learned to speak Spanish, made lifelong friends, and spent countless summers on the beach. Living there gave me a deep understanding of not just the tourist side of the Costa Blanca, but the local life too.
Why I created this site
When I moved away from Spain, I realised how difficult it was to find reliable, up-to-date information about the Costa Blanca. Most guides were either outdated, too generic, or clearly written by people who’d only spent a weekend in the area. I wanted to create something different — guides written by someone who actually knows these towns inside out.
I started writing guides to help visitors get the most out of their trips. I focus on sharing the places I genuinely love and would recommend to friends and family, not just the obvious tourist spots that everyone already knows about.
What makes this site different
Every single recommendation you’ll find here is based on my personal experience. I don’t write about places I haven’t visited, and I regularly return to the Costa Blanca to keep my guides current and accurate.
I prioritise authenticity and value in my recommendations. You won’t find me suggesting overpriced tourist traps or places that trade on location alone! I look for restaurants where locals actually eat, beaches that aren’t overrun, and activities that offer genuine value for money.
I also keep my guides practical and honest. If somewhere is expensive, I’ll tell you. If a beach gets crowded in summer, you’ll know. If there’s a better time to visit a particular attraction, I’ll let you know that too.
My approach to recommendations
I test everything I recommend. If I’m writing about a restaurant, I’ve eaten there. If I’m suggesting a hiking route, I’ve walked it. If I’m recommending transport options, I’ve used them myself or spoken directly to locals who have.
I update my guides regularly based on my visits and feedback from readers. Restaurants close, attractions change their opening hours, and new places open up — I make sure my guides reflect what’s actually available right now.
When I include affiliate links (marked at the top of relevant guides), I only recommend services I’ve used or would genuinely suggest. These small commissions help keep the site running, but they never influence what I recommend. If something isn’t good value or reliable, it won’t appear on this site regardless of any potential commission.
What you’ll find here
I’ve published guides covering the major towns and cities across the Costa Blanca, from Benidorm and Alicante to smaller towns like Altea and Villajoyosa. Each guide includes practical information about getting there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
My guides cover everything from family-friendly activities and hidden beaches to local markets and the best tapas bars. I try to cater to different types of visitors — whether you’re here for a relaxing beach holiday, want to experience the nightlife, or prefer hiking and exploring nature.
Get in touch
If you have questions about planning your trip, want to suggest somewhere I should cover in a future guide, or just want to share your own experiences, I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through the Explore Costa Blanca Facebook page. I read every message and do my best to respond to questions, though during busy periods it might take me a few days to get back to you!
A final word
Thank you for using my guides to plan your trip. The Costa Blanca is an incredible place, and I’m genuinely excited that you’ve chosen to visit. I hope my recommendations help you have the kind of holiday that makes you want to come back again and again.
Enjoy your trip!
Caitlin