Descubrir los puertos en Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca has some of the most idyllic coastlines, spectacular scenery and some pretty impressive ports.

Much more than just the home to some jaw-dropping boats and ships, a trip to the port is unmissable.

As you know, Alex and I have been driving up and down the Costa Blanca coastline for quite a while now, traipsing through coves, ports and villages to find the best that this beautiful region has to offer. Every turn is something different, each place bringing something unique, wonderful and rich in cultural history.

We have come across so many stunning ports and I just love sitting by the port with a glass of wine or a cocktail overlooking the boats.

So, these are our Top 10 Ports, that we came across, on the Costa Blanca:

10.

Javea Port

Javea port is essential to visit if you’re heading to Xabia or Denia. Being just a short drive it’s a great trip out. It has many shops, restaurants, bars and La Grava beach is just a short walk away. It’s a lovely relaxed atmosphere and well worth a visit when the Farmer’s market is on!

We love sitting in The Beach House in Javea overlooking the bay with a drink, if you’re lucky you can spot Ibiza and dolphins. (though not necessarily at the same time!)

9.

Calpe

Calpe is a wonderfully relaxing place to spend some time and the Calpe rock, Pennon de Ifach, is one that is iconic to the Costa Blanca. Calpe boasts a first-class marina which sits at the foot of the rock. It’s a hub for activities and sports. The sailing club and nautical club is very active in the high season and a flock of charter cruises are regularly in and out.

Calpe has plenty to do from water sports, like surfing on the blue flag beaches or hiking up the Pennon de Ifach which has spectacular views of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

We have loved heading to Calpe recently. It has this captivating charm and whilst you’re there, you for sure need to head to the spanish steps that the town hall implemented to make the town more instagrammable.

8.

Denia

The spectacular marina of Denia is a recreational and tourist marina located in Denia. It offers a wide range of opportunities for tourists and visitors. The main link between the Spanish penisular and the Balearic Islands, being just 60NM from Ibiza, it’s a busy and active port.

The port offers shops and bars that line the street behind the marina and you’re sure to see a huge boat worth marvelling at whilst you’re there! Denia also hosts the Denia Boat Show, a show that features exhibitors from leading boat companies around the world.

The first time we went to Denia, we didn’t like it at all. The tram journey is treacherous, followed by a bus from calpe which seems to take forever and the weather was atrocious. Recently, we headed back in the nicer weather and it’s a lovely place to spend some time. I haven’t yet found a bar that has enamoured me there yet though!

7.

Altea

The small but welcoming port of Altea attracts visitors from Spain and further afield due to its attractive location and calm atmosphere. In the shelter of the north breakwater of port, there are excellent installations of equipment funded by the Valenciana government. This fairly new port has nearly 500 ports and welcomes sporting activities in the high season.

6.

Mar y Montaña

People and dogs alike will love this beach. Split into two sections, you head left for the human beach and right for the dog beach. This quiet, secluded spot is a great place to go for a dip with your pooch. With wood chippings on the dog beach and a rocky beach for the people, it’s essential to take your own chairs, towels and swim shoes are recommended.

Probably my favourite part about Mar y Montaña is the gorgeous, Greek style bar that hangs over the port. We headed back in off season whilst the bar was closed and the security kindly opened it so we could take some photos inside. It’s a beautiful bar with lots of white and blue theme and a gorgeous view. It also has a fantastic alcove that looks absolutely beautiful. The drinks are reasonably priced there too!

5.

Villajoyosa

No matter which water sports you’re into, Villajoyosa is sure to offer it at the Nautical Club. Just a short bus ride or tram journey will bring you to the quiet and welcoming town of Villajoyosa. Villajoyosa old town is the historic capital of La Marina Baixa.

The Villajoyosa port allows you to enjoy seafood caught on the seas by the working fisherman, or a relaxing walk along Doctor Esquerdo.

4.

Santa Pola

If quiet, typically Spanish, relaxing ports are what you like then Santa Pola is a fantastic choice. The port of Santa Pola is very much still a working port. Head there early in the morning and the fisherman will be heading out or arriving back from their catch. You can head to Tabarca Island from Santa Pola, an island that was once inhabited by pirates!

Santa Pola, a former fishing village, is known as being a popular tourist beach resort on southern Costa Blanca. It’s very close to Alicante Airport and boasts golden sandy beaches.

3.

Benidorm

The Benidorm marina is a small but relaxing marina located in the Old Town of Benidorm. Overlooked by the blue dome church and what feels like endless steps to the mirador above, it’s a great place to pass some time.

There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops that line the marina. If you fancy it, take a trip to the Island from the marina or head further afield on one of the trips they offer!

2.

Alicante

The seaport of Alicante is used for both commercial and tourist purposes.  Offering much more than just the airport, Alicante is a great place to visit for the day. Accessible via bus, car or the direct tram at less than 6€ return, it’s a fabulous place to see the big city.

Visitors will marvel at the funky flooring and the huge pirate ship docked at the port. Today, over 80,000 visitors disembark to Alicante from cruise ships, ferries and boats each year. The area surrounding the port is bustling and active with bars, shops and restaurants. There are plenty of day trips from Alicante port, such as an hour ferry to Tabarca Island, or a day on the catamaran exploring the Costa Blanca coastline.

1

Campomanes

I truly have saved the best until last. The port that inspired the blog post. I don’t believe I’ve ever come across a port as clean and inviting as this one. This contemporary port contrasts strong character, dynamism and pure class.

Located on the meridian 000º 00 ’00’, the only port in the world to be situated on the Marina Greenwich, it really is something not to be missed.

Surrounded by magnificent coves, soft mountain views and plenty of bars and restaurants overlooking the harbour, this really is the place to relax with a wine and soak up the sun.

Which is your favourite?