Sun, fun, and lots to see

The Costa Blanca is an interesting place to visit.

There’s the beauty of the coast line, with the Penyal d’Ifac commanding your attention, and the water of the Mediterranean stealing the scene.

There’s the architecture, which varies from the old-town charm of Altea to the lovely villas in classic Spanish style all around the coast in Moraira, to the skyscrapers in Calpe and Benidorm, where unless you are watching from high up you won’t see the beach until you are on it, because it’s hidden behind all the hotels and high-rise buildings.

There’s the entertainment, which spans from karaoke night at the local bar to the medieval market in Teulada (including belly dancing, Birds of Prey, and even a fakir!) to the kitchy cabaret of the Benidorm Palace.

And there’s the food, which of course includes tapas and paella and fresh pescados y mariscos (fish and seafood) prepared in all possible ways, as well jamón serrano and incredibly sweet and juicy tomatoes and melon (good enough to rival the Prosciutto di San Daniele and the lovely produce I enjoy when I go home to Sardinia) and an abundance of some of the best olive oil have ever tasted – and that’s saying something for an Italian!
And the wine! Should we talk about the wine? Rich reds, the lovely whites and rosé I enjoyed nearly every evening during my stay, and of course cava, the Spanish sparkling wine.
And one other thing that must be mentioned is crema catalana. Talk about delicious, scrumptious and just about any other adjective for “a major treat for the palate” that you can think of

And there’s Alicante.

Alicante looks boring, nothing special. Until you start walking down the Esplanada, and find yourself enjoying the cool sea breeze even on a hot day, looking at the lovely paving and the fountains and browsing the many stands under the palm trees for jewelry, handmade leather bags and Spanish specialties.

And then you walk up one block, away from the harbor, and sit down to eat a paella de mariscos and calamares under the arches in the town square, in front of the lovely 18^th century Ajuntamiento (town hall).

And then you decide to drive up Mount Benacantil and see the 16^th century Castillo de Santa Bàrbara, and all of a sudden you are thrown back in time, when this was a vitally important strategic spot, one you could see any and all who came and went below, by land and by sea.  And then you realize this was once a great city – which is why the Greeks, Romans and Moors all established settlements here and took advantage of the natural harbor.

And that’s the thing about the Costa Blanca: just when you are ready to dismiss it as just another holiday destination, one with too many tourists and too many shops, one maybe not posh enough, not cultured enough… it surprises you. And you see that the history and culture of this country, and its beauty, cannot be buried under the bricks and mortar and the consumerism façade – they will still shine through.

Which is why today, when are about to leave, drive up North, and be across the border by nightfall… today, when I’m getting ready to say Adiós to Spain… that’s when I know this isn’t goodbye, but see you soon. Because this was my first taste of Spain, and I have definitely not had enough – and I can’t wait till I’ll be able to come back for more.

Hasta Luego, España! Till the next time.

Tagged as: Costa Blanca, Spain, summer 2010