THE COSTA BLANCA

Spain was the favourite province of Ancient Rome, and not without reason. Beyond doubt, it is a land of rich contrasts, inhabited by a warm and friendly people, a beautiful country steeped in history, modern yet unspoiled, stretching from the rugged natural beauty of the Atlantic coast and the Pyrenees in the West and North to the warm sun-lit waters of the Mediterranean in the East and South.

The Mediterranean coast is endowed with a luxury sought after by the majority of the human race, warm sunshine from which those who live on the coast benefit all the year round. This same sunshine enables the farmers of the region to produce numerous excellent red and white wines, and a wide variety of health-giving foods including rice, vegetables of all kinds, fruits including citrus and the all important olive. Add a plentiful supply of fish to the diet, and it is not difficult to imagine why the Spanish of the Costa Blanca area have an enviable reputation for living to a ripe old age.

The COSTA BLANCA (The White Coast) and its neighbour, the COSTA DEL AHAZAR(The Orange Blossom Coast) sit in the centre of the Mediterranean coastline of Spain, a position which ensures that they are not subject to extreme variations in climate, being protected from excesses of heat and cold by high mountains to the west, and warm seas to the east. The coast offers numerous broad sandy beaches separated by even more numerous small sandy coves, some only accessible by sea. The coastal towns of the area provide all the desirable modern amenities and services one could hope for, including abundant excellent sports facilities. Tennis courts and Sailing Clubs abound, and golfing enthusiasts are well catered for, with courses designed by, amongst others, golfing heroes such as Sevvie Ballasteros and Jose Maria Olazabal. Local clubs exist covering a wide range of sports, artistic activities, and other pastimes.

Recreational opportunities are available in all but the smallest inland villages, which are situated just a few miles into the interior. For those seeking less demanding pursuits, a short car journey of less than an hour will bring you to an isolated spot in the mountains, where peace and tranquillity are the main ingredients. In Spain, one never ceases to be amazed by the enormous variety, and range of colour of the wild flowers which abound.

Places of interest are too many to mention, but a brief guide to some of the better known local towns may be found on the following pages - click on a town for more information.