Costa Blanca - Year Round Sunshine

Costa Blanca, meaning 'white coast' in Spanish is mainland Spain's most popular year-round holiday area. It stretches 170 miles along Spain's east coast centred on Alicante and running from Valencia in the north to La Manga in the south. It is most famous for the resort of Benidorm that has a reputation for being a unique family resort and a lively resort for people of all ages. Waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, pedaloes, golf and tennis are all widely available. The countryside at the north end of the Costa Blanca is attractively mountainous.

The more sedate Alicante is home to the airport and is a holiday resort that offers a wonderful city with great shopping. Just south of the airport lays the resort of Torrevieja with its sandy beach and lively market, several golf courses and wonderful accommodation. Near Cartegena is the well known sports and golf complex of La Manga.

Benidorm

Whether you're after sandy beaches, white knuckle rides or plenty of bars, holidays in Benidorm are always wall to wall fun. A favourite with British holidaymakers, this unpretentious seaside town has grown to become one of the biggest holiday resorts on the Spanish Costas. Upon first sight it's like a mini New York – all towering skyscrapers and neon lights. However, that's only part of the picture. Its beaches, Levante and Poniente, are considered to be among the finest in the Med and Benidorm's old town offers up a taste of traditional Spain, complete with tapas bars and whitewashed houses.

Of course most people come here for a bright and breezy beach holiday. And they aren't disappointed. The two south facing beaches are real suntraps. And if Levante gets a bit crowded, you can also stroll down to Poniente beach that tends to be a bit quieter. Once the sun goes down, Benidorm comes into its own. From British-style pubs to karaoke bars and discos, this place is full of energy. And food wise, you're spoilt for choice. From paella to bacon and eggs, Benidorm does the lot.