On the Spanish east coast lies the Costa Blanca (the 'White Coast') with its healthy sunshine and cool sea-breeze. The distance from London to Alicante (by car) is 1888 km (including 1660 km via motorway). London to Alicante by air takes just 2.5 hours. A visit to the city of Alicante, 8 km away, is highly recommended. Pass the day shopping or visit local 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. Although only 40 people live here, and almost everything is prohibited (camping, water-skiing, etc.), still the island attracts hundreds of visitors daily. The city wall surrounding the village has three towers and several narrow streets lead up to the church square. Yet the most peculiar house is the stadholder's residence, which houses the island's only hotel. A real must for young and old is a visit to the Aquapark in the neighboring Torrevieja (30 km). Here you will find huge slides and several swimming pools. You can enjoy horseback riding with Dutch instructors (beach rides or lessons) or visit the Rojales golf course 10 km away. Summers are long in this area (from the end of April until the second half of October). Winters do not get colder than ca. 12 C so you can visit the Costa Blanca all year round!