A short guide to the coastlines of Spain's mainland
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The Costa Brava (Rugged Coast) benefits from its excellent location just across the border from France. The Pyrenean mountain range is just a stone’s throw away. Well known tourist resorts include Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar (with its Mar Menuda beach, pictured) and L'Estartit. More information: http://www.costabravaspain.info |
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The Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) features Tarragona (the port of which is pictured left) as its main city. As one of the less visited of Spain's eastern coastlines, prices are still affordable for local people as well as foreign tourists. Temperatures are significantly higher here in Winter than on the nearby Costa Brava. This is a very accessible area, thanks to Reus airport. More information: http://www.costadoradaspain.com |
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The Costa del Azahar (Orange blossom Coast) includes the historical town of Peñiscola among its highlights, and the stunning coastal city of Valencia. Valencia is where the 2007 America’s Cup was held. In the lead up to that event the city underwent a complete overhaul, which included many innovative architectural projects, such as the Palace of Arts (shown left). If you visit Valencia in March you may get to see its great festival called Las Fallas. More information: http://www.costadelazahar.net |
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The Costa Blanca (White Coast) has long been a popular destination for sun seekers. In Winter it’s not unusual for temperatures to reach 25 celsius. Plenty of foreign buyers have invested in property here, though less so in the ‘capital’, Alicante. Meanwhile, Benidorm (pictured left) is probably the best known package holiday destination in the world! More information: http://www.costablancaspain.biz |
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The Costa Cálida (Warm Coast) is well named, with very mild winter temperatures. Though this coastal stretch only recently became popular among property seekers, they are now looking at cheaper, unspoilt inland areas. Away from the populated parts around the golf and leisure resort of La Manga (pictured left), there are still some deserted areas of coastline. Murcia is the chief city. More information: http://www.costacalida.com |
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The Costa Almería (Almería Coast) benefits from exceptionally dry weather, lying as it does just off an inland desert. Highlights in addition to the large coastal city of Almería, include Mojácar - a well known white village – and the unspoiled wilderness of Cabo de Gata National Park (pictured left) which is a must for any visitor to the Costa Almería. More information: http://www.andalucia.com/costa-almeria/home.htm |
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The Costa Tropical (Tropical Coast) is the bit of coastline which serves Granada province. It benefits from good weather practically all year round. Motril is the main town and Almuñécar is one of the best known tourist resorts. The beaches are generally quite rocky (see left). More information: http://www.costatropical.com |
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The Costa del Sol (Sunshine Coast) is the most famous of all Spanish coastlines, having turned to mass tourism so long ago. A favourite with UK visitors, especially for Summer package holidays, when the beaches are packed (see image below). Chief resorts include Marbella, Benalmádena and Torremolinos, all very easy to reach thanks to Málaga airport. This part of Spain is thought by many to suffer from overdevelopment. More information here: http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/costa-del-sol |
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The Costa de la Luz (Coast of Light) is so named because of its brilliant clear light, especially in Spring. This stretch of coastline, which faces the Atlantic Ocean rather than the Mediterranean Sea, sometimes extends as far as the eye can see – and there’s not a single person in sight (see left). The port of Cádiz is Western Europe’s oldest city. More information: http://www.andalucia.com/costa-de-la-luz/home.htm |
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The Costa Verde (Green Coast) is aptly named – it backs onto lush vegetation. Even in Summer, this long coastline in the north and north west of Spain, exposed to the vast Atlantic Ocean, can be affected by poor weather. It’s as beautiful as it is wild. More information: http://www.costaverdespain.com |