If you are up for lovely beaches, clear waters, constant sunshine, and the general charm of the Mediterranean, exploring the East Coast of Spain is the ultimate holiday destination! First, though, you might be wondering where to start, so check out this Spain East Coast Exploring - An Ultimate Guide for Beginners!
If you are struggling with making plans, check out our guide and learn all you can about where and when. Let’s go!
Spain East Coast Exploring - An Ultimate Guide for Beginners
Barcelona
First of all, let’s make our way through Barcelona. Technically, the East Coast of Spain starts here, and good for you - the city is extremely rich in history, culture, and entertainment.
You should start your exploration with the most prominent and most important landmark here - the Sagrada Familia Basilica. The construction is a life’s work of the Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudi, and not visiting would be sinful!
Then, take a stroll through their most famous street - La Rambla, to see more of their authentic culture, and if you have the time, study Picasso’s art at the Picasso Museum!
Before moving on, we suggest you sit down and try the traditional Catalan cuisine at Dos Pebrots restaurant. You might really like the new flavors!
Valencia
For your next stop, jump on the Barcelona to Valencia train! The city is colorful and extremely vibrant, so you will not have a dull moment.
First and foremost, make your way to the City of Arts and Sciences, an ultra-modern structure of cultural venues displaying the best of contemporary art and mind-blowing science. As much as you will learn, most of it will leave you shocked! You can find a ton of Cool hotels to stay in Valencia to make your experience even more memorable.
To see the perfect example of Valencian Gothic style, tour the La Lonja de la Seda, a stunning 15th-century monument of Valencia’s golden age, which has also been recognized by UNESCO. La Lonja de la Seda played an essential part in the trading business back in the day.
Last but not least, visit the city’s cathedral, an architectural masterpiece of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. You will find chalices inside that are claimed to have been used by Jesus himself.
Alicante
When you finally want your trip to take a bit of a different direction, meaning beaches, you should take Valencia to Alicante train and prepare for an actual Mediterranean holiday.
The historical port is one of the most visited parts of Spain, most of it due to its scenic locations, great beaches, and delicious food. There is the widely-acclaimed Postiguet Beach, settled right next to the Old Town. Enjoy the golden sand and strong waves - you need to have some relaxation, after all.
If the heat, however, gets a bit too much, head to the city and see the Castle of Santa Barbara, a fortress of medieval Arabic origins that looks particularly captivating at night time. It also allows you a great panoramic view of the city and the coastline!
For real history buffs, we recommend the Archeology Museum, exhibiting the prehistorical items found in Alicante and explaining the city’s development and origins in great detail.
Benidorm
Not far from Alicante lies the beautiful town of Benidorm. Even though now the city is best known for its lavish hotels, skyscrapers, and vast beaches, you should know that there is way more than the contemporary feel to it.
There were most likely settlements in Benidorm as far back as 3000 BC, including evidence of Roman and Punic remains. So, as fun and as modern as the town seems now, it has a great sense of historical significance.
If you want superb beaches, we suggest those of Levante and Poniente, but if you would like to spend your time a bit more actively, there are things to do as well!
For example, you can go hiking and trail to La Cruz de Benidorm, a wooden cross of the city that has a fascinating backstory! Back in the 20th century, the city was deemed sinful, so there was a religious expedition to carry this huge wooden cross across Benidorm to rid the region of all of its wrongdoings.
Finally, take a short trip to Guadalest, a small Moorish town established in the early-middle ages. This might just be what you need to get away from the noise and energy of Benidorm.
Enjoy the energy and very distinctive feel only the Spanish can provide! Your trip will surely be great, but make sure to follow our guide before making any plans.
For a first-time traveler, this might just be what you need. Have fun and adios!
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