Costa Blanca, with its sun-soaked beaches and vibrant tourism scene, is much more than just a holiday destination. Located in the southeastern region of Spain, Costa Blanca’s history stretches back thousands of years to Roman rule. Shaped by various civilisations, its culture is a dynamic fusion of traditions that continue to thrive today.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking for an authentic Spanish experience, keep reading our guide to the history and culture of Costa Blanca.
Origins and early history
The history of Costa Blanca is as rich and varied as the land itself. The region has seen many civilisations leave their mark, including Romans, Visigoths, and Moors. Each group contributed to shaping the cultural and agricultural landscape.
For example, during Roman rule, cities like Alicante flourished with irrigation systems that are still in use today. The Moors, who ruled from the 8th to the 13th century, introduced new farming methods, such as the terraced agriculture still visible across the region.
Rise of tourism and modern identity
Tourism has become an integral part of Costa Blanca’s modern identity, with the name “Costa Blanca” originally introduced as a marketing tool in 1957. Named to promote the region’s pristine coastline to the British public, the rise in international visitors led to developments in town planning in the local areas. Benidorm is one key spot, as it was transformed from a small fishing village into a major holiday resort.
As interest in Benidorm holidays continued to grow, so did the skyline. High-rise hotels and apartments were all constructed to accommodate the influx of tourists. This helped Costa Blanca become synonymous with sun, sea, and sand. Due to the influence of tourism, its identity became globalised, which continues to shape its growth today.
Cultural festivals, museums, and local traditions
Of course, just because tourism has influenced parts of Costa Blanca doesn’t mean that you can’t find any cultural treasures. In fact, one of the region’s most famous cultural events is the Misteri d’Elx. A UNESCO-recognised medieval play, ‘The Mystery Play’, recounts the assumption of the Virgin Mary.
The city of Elche also boasts an ancient palm grove, known as the Palmeral de Elche (another UNESCO heritage site). There are also a great variety of museums across the area, which help to inform visitors on the deep history that stretches back to prehistoric times.
Cuisine, language, and everyday life
The culinary scene in Costa Blanca is a reflection of its coastal and agricultural heritage. Fresh seafood, tapas, and rice-based dishes, such as paella and arroces con pollo, dominate the region’s menus.
The region’s language landscape is a blend of Valencian and Spanish, with Valencian (a dialect of Catalan) being widely spoken alongside Castilian Spanish. Of course, the influence of British tourists is also evident, with British pubs, stores, and cuisine becoming common in tourist-heavy areas, like Benidorm.
