On the Spanish east coast lies the Costa Blanca. the 'White Coast'. with its health-improving sunshine and a cool sea-breeze. The distance by car from London to Alicante is 1888 (including 1660 via motorway). Flying from London to Alicante takes 2.5 hours. A visit to the city of Alicante at 8 km is very recommendable. Pass the day in this town for shopping or visiting musea and monuments. Don't miss out on the town of Santa Pola with its salt-lakes. also at 8 km distance. This idyllic fishing-port was once an important roman harbour. The fort. dating from the 1600s. accommodates the archeological museum and an aquarium. Take the ferry from the Santa Pola coast to the small island of Tabarca. Only 40 inhabitants live here and almost everything is prohibited: putting up tents. 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 Aquapark in the neighbouring Torrevieja (30 km). Here you find huge slides and several swimming-pools. You can enjoy horse-back riding with Dutch instructors. (beach rides or taking classes) or visit the Rojales golf-course at 10 km. Summers last long in this area (from the end of April until half October). Winters do not get colder than ca. 12 C. You can visit the Costa Blanca all year round.