Northern Costa Blanca (the white coast) enjoys some of Spain’s most breathtaking coastal scenery, with spectacular mountain ranges cascading down miles of blue flag sandy beaches, taking in tranquil fishing villages as well as bright, vibrant resort towns. Inland the scenery switches to rich, green, fertile plains dotted with picture-postcard whitewashed villages that are steeped in tradition and history. The region, which covers from Valencia to Alicante, had a wealth of industrial and cultural influence dating back to pre-Roman times and now offers a tapestry of varied leisure and recreational facilities including water sports, golf, bowls, hiking and cycling.

The Costa Blanca enjoys 320 days of sunshine annually and an average temperature of 20c (68F). Due to the regions mild temperate climate, the World Health Organisation has described the Costa as the healthiest place to live in Europe.

Denia – When the Romans arrived here they named the town after Diana (Roman Goddess of the moon). Now Denia has a busy port for sailing boats and fishermen. There is also a ferry service which operates daily to Ibiza – a scenic journey taking just over 2 hours. Las Marinas to the north of the town has a superb sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing and the south coast Las Rotas is rocky with rambling footpaths over the cliffs and charming seafront. Denia’s coastal sea bed offers paradise for Scuba Divers in the marine reserve of the Cape of San Antonio.

Airports

The main airport serving the Costa Blanca is found at Alicante, which is now serviced from many UK and Irish airports. Much of the region is with in an hours driving distance of the airport and as you move further north you will find yourself equal distance between Alicante and |Valencia airport.

Recreation and Leisure

• GOLF - A delight for the golfer all year round.
  • Club de Golf La Sella - Set within a valley with a variety of trees lining most fairways, the course presents some excellent driving situations and fast greens. La Sella Golf Club has an 18-hole course, par 72 and is 6,072 metres in length. There is also a 5* Marriot hotel, spa and tennis centre adjacent to the course.
  • Oliva Nova - An 18-hole, par 72, links course designed and constructed by Steve Ballesteros. Oliva Nova is a well-groomed course, where the layout calls for a whole variety of shots. Water is a risk element that is constantly around to attract shots hit slightly off the fairway or to guard any number of greens.
  • Club de Golf Bonalba – Located in the Bonalba Mountains overlooking the Mediterranean and the beaches of San Juan, the 18-hole par 72 course boasts a variety of trees, lakes and bunkers making it a challenging course for players of all abilities.
  • Also the plans have just been approved to start work on an 18-hole Golf Course with villas and apartments in Pego also there have been plans submitted for another two golf courses in the area, which will be confirmed shortly.
     
• BOWLS
  • There are a number of bowling clubs on the Coasta Blanca, offering a wide range of different greens and competition to suit all players with excellent social facilities.

Health care

Health care in Spain is excellent. As with the UK, Spain has a public health system which provides free or low cost health care for those contributing to Spanish social security system and their families. The system also caters for retirees and includes those from other EU countries. There is a hospital in Denia and it is interesting to note that there are more than two and a half times as many doctors per head than in the UK.

Education

Spain is well known for its high standard of education. Most of our client’s experiences have been positive for those who have enrolled their children into local Spanish schools from a young age, as this enables them to quickly grasp the language and integrates them into the Spanish way of life. Also in the area are several English speaking schools and private schools.

Shopping

The market in Denia is well worth a visit with a range of fresh produce and locally made goods. Supermarkets and larger Hypermarkets can be found everywhere, where you can stock up on the necessities.

Cost of Living

The cost of living is considerably lower than in the UK. Mild winters means that heating fuel bills are lower, with electricity, gas and water charges around half those in the UK.

Festivals and fiestas

Fiestas are still an important part of tradition and Spanish heritage in Spain and part of their culture and way of life today. Magnificent firework displays are popular with the Spanish as are religious festivals. Fiestas are held regularly through out the year and are a must for any resident or visitor to Spain.