On the Spanish east coast lies the Costa Blanca (the 'White Coast') with its healthy sunshine and cool sea-breeze. The distance (by car) from London to Alicante is 1888 km (including 1660 kms of motorway). Flying from London to Alicante takes 2.5 hours. A visit to the city of Alicante, only 8 km away is highly recommended. Pass the day in the capital shopping or visiting museums and monuments. Don't miss out on the town of Santa Pola with its salt lakes, also only 8 km away. This idyllic fishing port was once an important Roman harbor. The fort, dating from the 1600's, houses the archaeological museum and an aquarium. Take the ferry from the Santa Pola coast to the small island of Tabarca, with its population of only 40. Here nearly everything is prohibited (camping, water-skiing, etc.) yet the island attracts hundreds of visitors daily. The city wall surrounding the village has three towers. Several narrow streets lead up to the church square. The most peculiar house is the stadtholder's residence which houses the island's only hotel. A real must for young and old is a visit to the aqua park in neighbouring Torrevieja (30 km). Here you will find huge slides as well as several swimming pools. You can enjoy horseback riding (beach rides or take lessons) with Dutch instructors, or visit the Rojales golf course only 10 km away. Summers are long in this area (from the end of April to the second half of October) and winters do not get colder than ca. 12 C, so you can visit the Costa Blanca all year round!