Spanish Costas: Which is Right for You?
‘Gold’, ‘Light’, ‘Green’, ‘White’... The names of Spanish Costas are a potent reminder of what makes this land so special - fabulous sundrenched beaches, incredible nature and a certain kind of light that you only find here.
Here we look at some of the less well known Costas, as well as the firm favourites.
From watersports to hiking, from pool-side family fun to wild nightlife, there's a costa just for you…
Spain's Eastern and Southern Costa's
In Spanish Costa literally translates as coast.
The most well-known and touristic Spanish Costas can be found to the East and South of Spain; the Costas of Spain already occupy a special place in many a Brit's heart, but most of us zero-in on headliners like the Costa del Sol or the Costa Brava.
But just what can you expect from a trip to the Southern and Eastern Spanish Costas?...
Costa del Sol
Nightlife and great beaches with an upmarket feel
Located between Gibraltar and Malaga, most Brits have heard of this stretch of sand.
Famed for its wild nightlife and excellent beaches, it represents the classic Spanish beach destination.
Key locations include Marbella - a favourite among more well-heeled visitors, with its marina packed with gleaming yachts and its upmarket hotels and restaurants. Northern Europeans in particular adore this area, as do a host of wealthy and famous people.
Marbella has a large resident UK population - although it’s a slightly younger crowd than the likes of Benidorm or Torrevieja (see below).
Torremolinos, Mijas, Nerja and Fuengirola are also important resorts along the Costa, where you'll find everything from amusement parks to stunning coastal trails.
Malaga, meanwhile, at the far eastern end of the Costa del Sol, boasts a Roman amphitheatre, a Moorish castle and a number of modern art museums.
Getting to Costa del Sol from the UK
If you are flying to the Costa del Sol from the UK, the nearest airport is Malaga.
Costa Blanca
Family-focussed attractions and top nightlife
For penny-watchers, the Costa Blanca is generally cheaper than the Costa del Sol, with a wide variety of family package deals on offer.
In common with the Costa del Sol, it's blessed with some fabulous beaches. In between famous (or infamous!) resorts like Benidorm and Torrevieja, you'll find more tranquil spots - if heady nightlife isn’t your thing.
Alicante is this costa's largest city, and feels a tad more sophisticated than some of the egg-and-chips resorts nearby. Don’t miss the mediaeval castle - just one of the many historic attractions.
Getting to Costa del Sol from the UK
Book flights to Alicante airport for you holiday to Costa Blanca.
Costa Brava
Parties to the south, nature to the north
The perilous rocks of this stretch earned it the 'brave coast' moniker. But those rocks, and the beaches around them, make for a magnificent coastline that attracts nature lovers of all stripes: hiking, snorkelling and kayaking are some of the most popular pursuits.
The best resorts for nature lovers are in the north: Calella de Palafrugell, Begur, and Cadaqués.
To the south you'll find more affordable, family-focussed resorts in the likes of Lloret de Mar, Tossa de Mar, Platja d’Aro and Palamos. If nightlife is a must, this area is your best bet.
Of course, nothing's stopping you from enjoying both outdoor pursuits and classic beach resort fun on the same trip!
If you want to cover a lot of ground here, you'll need to rent a car; public transport is rather limited.
Getting to Costa Brava from the UK
Girona airport is the nearest airport for those looking to holiday in Costa Brava.
Costa de la Luz
Peaceful fishing villages and surfing
You don’t have to adore sherry to visit the 'Coast of Light' - but it helps. Located in Spain's Sherry Triangle, there's nothing better than sampling a glass with some top-class seafood.
Most of the 'action' along the Costa de la Luz is like this: laidback afternoons exploring the superb beaches and charming fishing villages, followed by food and drink that will make you glad you're alive.
The only pulse-quickening activity in this region is surfing. If that's your bag, head to Tarifa with its dependable waves.
Getting to Costa de la Luz from the UK
The nearest airport to Costa de la Luz is Jerez.
Costa Dorada
Affordable family beach resorts
The Costa Dorada - or 'Gold Coast' - is one of the more affordable Catalonian Costas, running from the Ebro Delta to Vilanova i la Geltrú.
Classic beach holidays can be enjoyed in the likes of Cambrils, Salou and Calafell, while history buffs will love Tarragona and its impressive remnants of the Roman empire.
Getting to Costa Dorada from the UK
Holidays to Costa Dorada from the UK are best booked with direct flights to Reus airport.
Costa Valencia
Stunning beaches and Spain's chief rice-growing region
The stunning city of Valencia, where orange trees drop their delectable fruit onto the pavements, is the gateway to this attractive coast.
Aside from the cosmopolitan draws of Valencia itself (it boasts the City of Arts and Sciences and a stunning Gothic cathedral), there are numerous excellent beaches, including Dénia, Gandía and Playa de San Antonio.
Don’t miss Parque Natural de la Albufera - a lagoon zone with the perfect conditions for growing the nation's paella rice.
Getting to Costa Valencia from the UK
Costa Valencia holidays are served by direct flights from the UK, into the city of Valencia.
Costa Calida
Golf courses and the ancient ruins of Carthage
The diminutive but charming Costa Calida is located in the Murcia region, and features a vast array of golf courses, and seemingly endless beaches.
The best-known resort on this coast is arguably La Manga del Mar Menor, whose USP is its narrow sandy strip that divides a saltwater lagoon and the sea.
Accommodation is of the higher-spec variety, and there’s lots to do for both children and adults. Aside from a full complement of watersports, you can explore Cartagena, home to the ancient ruins of Carthage.
The adjacent coast of Costa Tropical (with its small family-centric resorts) and Costa de Almeria (with access to the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park) are also worth considering.
Getting to Costa Calida from the UK
If you are looking to holiday in Costa Calida, book flights into Spain's Murcia airport.
Spain's Northern Costas
The north coast of Spain offers quieter, but no less rewarding summer getaway destinations.
Costa Verde
For outdoor adventurers
You won't find 2-for-1 cocktails or buzzing beach clubs on the Costa Verde. Instead, countless picturesque villages - such as Cudillero, Ribadesella and Lastres - lie waiting to be discovered, many linked by hiking paths that offer splendid sea views.
The lofty, verdant cliff tops also connect tranquil coves and untouched beaches.
Definitely one for nature lovers - party animals need not apply (although Gijón, the region's largest city, does have decent nightlife!).
Getting to Costa Verde from the UK
Flights from the UK to Cagliari airport are best for your Costa Verde vacation.
Costa de Galicia
Secluded beaches of near-Caribbean quality
Running from Asturias down to the border with Portugal, Galicia's sweeping coast faces the Atlantic Ocean.
And while it may not have the 'caché' of a Mediterranean costa, its white sandy beaches and gas-blue waters have been compared to those of the Caribbean (particularly on the Cies Islands).
Rías Baixas is a must, with its sweeping sandy coves and inviting inlets.
Like the Costa Verde, you won’t find any package-deal resorts here - but you will meet a lot of Spaniards enjoying a relaxed summer break.
Inland, the area boasts a number of historic cities, including the key city, Vigo, and the second city, A Coruña.
Getting to Costa Galicia from the UK
If you are looking to book a holiday to Costa Galicia, book your flights into Spain's Santiago de Compostela airport.
Costa Vasca
Sweeping beaches and elegant cities
Located on the pretty Basque coast, this stretch is a mecca for surfers - especially in colder months.
Principle surfer magnets include Zarautz, Sopelana, and Mundaka.
The area also features some very elegant cities - including Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum, and San Sebastian, located on the sweeping La Concha Beach, and known for its picturesque bridges, pintxo (tapas) bars, and top-end restaurants.
Getting to Costa Vasca from the UK
For holidays to Costa Vasca you can fly from the UK to Bilbao airport. Alternatively, just over the border in France, Biarritz airport provides another option for flights for your Costa Vasca getaway.
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