Forget Benidorm – these days, Alicante is more famous for its bonfires than its foam parties. The annual bonfires of Saint John (or San Juan in Spanish) traditionally mark the official start of summer. It basically involves partygoers staying up late all week with a dizzying schedule of fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays, all while burning papier mâché statues to celebrate the summer solstice. And it's totally normal to leap over bonfires on the beach at night and run into the sea. Not that different from Benidorm, then.
We know – the outskirts of Benidorm isn't the first place you'd expect to find a five-star Thai-style resort, but don't think that Asia Gardens isn't pure luxury. Rather than packed beaches, there's an acre of lush gardens (with 200 Asian plants that have been brought over), seven swimming pools and a Thai spa that rivals the real deal. It's the ideal come down after a week spent burning cardboard effigies.
It'd be rude to come to the Costa Blanca without lying prostrate on a beach for at least part of your trip. But take yourself away from the standard city beach stretches, and you'll find Cabo de las Huertas. Its rocky coastline is full of coves and hidden strips of beach, and its turquoise waters are perfect for surfing, windsurfing and diving. Naturists are said to favour the beach too, if you're, er, into that…
