The Spanish Costas

The Spanish Costas (coasts) have an enduring appeal which has seen them remain a favourite destination for both holiday makers and expatriates.

Spain’s many varied coastlines are comprised of the Costa Almeria, the Costa Blanca (White Coast), the Costa Brava (Rugged Coast), the Costa Calida (Warm Coast), the Costa Del Azahar (Orange Blossom Coast, the Costa de la Luz (Coast of light), the Costa del Sol (Sunshine Coast) and the Costa Dorado (Golden Coast).



At the north eastern end of Spain in Catalonia is the Costa Brava which goes from Blanes, 60 kilometres north west of Barcelona, up to the French border. The Costa Brava has combined perfect beaches with distinctive countryside to lure tourists back time and time again for their summer holidays.

On that side of the country you will also find the Costa Dorado. The golden coast extends from Barcelona down along the Mediterranean Sea to the city of Tarragona. It has been called ‘golden’ because of the colour of its dazzling sandy beaches.

Further down, on the south east coast of Spain in the province of Murcia and covering about 200 kilometres, is the Costa Blanca. The Costa Blanca is hugely popular with tourists from Germany and Spain who contribute to Benidorm and Alicante being two of the most visited parts of the country. Benidorm is a coastal town in Valencia which started life as a small fishing village but is now a buzzing vacation destination. The Alicante Province is mountainous and has a diverse climate and topography.



Also in Valencia is the Costa del Azahar which stretches between the towns of Alcanar and Denia. It is known in English as Orange Blossom Coast because of the verdant orchards of orange tree groves which provide the backdrop to some stunning beaches.



More southerly still is the Costa Calida which lies in Murcia and covers 250 kilometres of coastline and beautiful beaches. The Costa Calida benefits from a special micro climate which keeps it especially warm and gives it its name.

At the top of the Costa Calida is an inland body of water known as the Mar Menor (small sea) which is a salt water lagoon (The biggest salt water lagoon in Europe in fact) and proves a popular attraction for swimmers who can enjoy bathing there. Near to the Mar Menor is a strip of land known as La Manga which has been heavily developed and is frequently visited by tourists.



Heading around onto Spain’s south coast you will first see the Costa Almeria which has some of Andalusia’s most unspoilt coastline including nature parks and deserts. This is a good place to go if you want to avoid the crowds.



But if you want to be in the mix then continue westwards to the Costa del Sol. The sunshine coast has an energy unlike any other part of the world and has been immortalized in many films including the gangster flicks The Business and Sexy beast with Ray Winstone.
The Costa del Sol has it all. Every type of low budget, self catering and luxury accommodation, 18 hole golf courses, theme and water parks and tonnes of bars, restaurants and night clubs.



As the south coast becomes the west coast and meets the Atlantic Ocean you will finally come to the Costa de la Luz. It is situated in the province of Cadiz and is a favourite haunt of wind and kite surfers due to the blustery conditions there.


Consider getting a Rhino rental car and driving around the Spanish mainland so that you can compare and contrast these coasts for yourself. You can take advantage of Rhino’s unlimited mileage offer on our hire cars and enjoy the journey of a lifetime while experiencing the warmest of cultures.

Other Great Spanish Car Hire Locations:

Car Hire Murcia
Car Hire Barcelona
Car Hire Madrid
Car Hire Malaga Airport
Car Hire Alicante
Car Hire Valencia

Map of the Costas

(click for larger map)