On the east coast of Spain lies the Costa Blanca ('White Coast') with its healthy sunshine and cool sea breeze. From Amsterdam to Alicante it is about 2200 km by car. By plane it takes only 2 hours. There is a good bus service to Torrevieja and Alicante. A visit to the city of Alicante, just 8 km away, is highly recommended. Here you can spend a pleasant day shopping or visit museums and monuments. Also recommended is a trip to the village of Santa Pola with its salt lakes, also only 8 km away. This was formerly an idyllic fishing village and once a major Roman port. The 17th century fort houses an archaeological museum and aquarium. From the coast of Santa Pola you can easily go by ferry to the small island of Tabarca. The island has a population of only 40 people and almost everything is prohibited: camping, water skiing, etc. Nevertheless, hundreds of people visit the island on a regular basis. The city wall which surrounds the village has three towers and all of the streets lead to the church square. The most interesting building has to be the house of the bailiff, where you will also find the only hotel on the island. Another recommended goal for young and old is the aqua park in nearby Torrevieja (30 km). Here you will find several large swimming pools with slides. You can also go horseback riding (on the beach accompanied by a guide or take lessons) or visit the golf course of Rojales (10 km). Summers are long in this area (from late April to mid-October) and winters are mild (the temperature is not lower than 12 degrees) so the Costa Blanca is the ideal year round destination!