Why take your family to the Costa Blanca in Easter - Mon 21st February 2011
Everyone from tots to teens will enjoy fooling about in the pool, but what else is there to do? Read on to discover perfect family days out Costa Blanca style.
Costa Blanca family fun: our top ten reasons to go
Costa Blanca weather - April/ May
The Costa Blanca has a mild year-round climate, described as one of the best in the world by the World Health Organisation, no less. You're practically guaranteed good weather with an average of 325 days of sunshine each year and temperatures around 20oC/ 68oF in late April and early May. Check this week's weather forecast.
Beaches
Looking for clean, well-tended beaches sloping gently into the sea for safe family swimming? Look no further. Spain boasts the highest number of blue flag beaches in the world, picking up 520 awards in 2010. Explore the Javea peninsular for long, sandy expanses and rocky coves. Perfect for family picnics or snorkeling, scuba diving and water-ski-ing attempts.
Spanish Easter celebrations
Immerse yourself in Spanish Easter celebrations. Solemn processions and mournful trumpets accompany images of Christ and Virgin Mary being carried through the streets - but it's not all sombre reflection. Each town has its own way to mark the Semana Santa (Holy Week). Pick up information from local tourist offices and find out about parades in Moraira, the Palm Sunday procession in Elche, the artisan craft fair (22-25 April) and even bull running in Javea.
Walking in Spain
Whilst family walks at home might be met with groans, get the kids to charge around the Spanish countryside and you might unearth their inner explorer. Navigate your way through well-marked paths in the fragrant Montgo mountainside. Try the circular route in and through the Sierra de Bernia.
Traverse Calpe Rock or explore wine country in the Jalon Valley.
Terra Mitica Benidorm
Terra Mitica Benidorm´s theme park serves up thrills, spills and shows in a fascinating journey through five ancient and legendary civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The Islands. Fight side by side with Ulysses, face up to the Minotaur, and see a pirate vessel sinking. Situated on the outskirts of Benidorm, at Finestrat, it's well-signposted. www.terramiticapark.com
Terra Natura Benidorm
Close by to Terra Mitica, you'll find Terra Natura, a stunning wildlife park with 1,500 animals. Check out their night-time safaris. From late-May, take a dip in the water park, Aqua Natura, where you can plummet down water chutes or swim with sea lions. www.terranatura.com
Mundomar Benidorm
This animal park reopens on 27 February 2011. You'll find flamingos, turtles, sea lions, penguins, parrots, a bat cave and much more. Don't miss the spectacular dolphin shows. www.mundomar.es/?lang=en
Safari Aitana
Near Sella. Safari Park Vergel may have closed its doors, but you can still see animals roaming freely at the Aitana Safari Park near Sella, about 33km inland from Benidorm. Drive through and get the family to spot elephants, lions and tigers. Little ones love the children's zoo and the special nursery where they raise newborn animals. Open all year, every day from 11am. www.en.safariaitana.es
Cuevas del Canelobre
Stun the family with nature's handiwork with a visit to the breathtaking Canelobre caves at Busot near Alicante. Check local information for details about concerts that take full advantage of the acoustics and dramatic lighting at this year-round attraction. www.cuevasdecanelobre.com
Lemon Express
Take the train from Denia to Alicante. Sway and rattle through the countryside on the charming railway meandering down the coast, plunging through tunnels and over bridges. Kick back and tuck into a picnic en route before hitting the shops and sights of one of the coast's most sophisticated cities. Further info
Keep in mind that under-3s often go free and attractions may offer cheaper entrance after 3pm. Check websites for the most up-to-date information on promotions and offers.
And remember, this area is chock-full of welcoming restaurants, cobbled towns, idyllic harbours, plentiful play areas and bustling marketplaces - just mooching about can provide endless entertainment for all the family.
Have you visited the Costa Blanca in Easter before? Where do you go for great family days out near Javea? Will you take a family holiday in Easter 2011? Let us know your top tips - email your photos and give us your top tips blog@villaspain.co.uk.
