The Famous Costa del Azahar?

Have you heard of the Costa del Azahar? Well, unless you are Spanish, or have been lucky enough to holiday there, then you probably haven't. Why is that? The Costa Brava, the Costa del Sol, and even the Costa del Azahar's neighbour the Costa Blanca, are all really well known, and yet this beautiful part of Spain goes largely unnoticed.

The Costa del Azahar is named after the orange blossom that flowers in the region twice a year, and is the favoured holiday destination of the Spanish. This is one of the few Costas that still retains some of the traditional Spain, a far cry from its neighbour the Costa Blanca.

While the Costa Blanca is crowded, commercialised, and heavily geared towards the British tourist, the Costa del Azahar is more authentic and less congested, and it has to be said considerably cheaper. So what are you going to get on your holiday, if decide to switch from your normal Costa Holiday?

For those of you who like to spend your time soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea, the Costa del Azahar has ninety miles of some of the cleanest beaches in the whole of the Mediterranean. Its long coastline stretches the length of the province of Castellon in the community of Valencia, from Vinaros in the north to Almera in the south, and some consider it extends further south to include Valencia town.

Along the coast there are of course some busy places, but there are more beautiful ancient towns and fishing villages along this stretch of coast that probably any other Costa in Spain. Also just off the coast lies the archipelago of the Coumbrets a protected national park. If you travel inland you will find that both the landscape and the buildings reflect the influence of the Moors.

This province of Spain is known for its ceramics, textiles, and wood-carving, but its main claim to fame has to be the cuisine. I have to be honest, I don't think I have tasted fresher seafood or vegetables anywhere in the world. If you travel inland you had better be prepared to let you belt out a notch or two, because the glorious food seems to be never ending. I don't think the restaurant owners or a locals no what a small portion is. If you do come to the Costa del Azahar you have to try the pork and lamb dishes, they are out of this world. However, my favourite dish has to be 'arroz a banda', a combination of fish, rice, potatoes, and garlic, totally delicious.

If all the food leaves you feeling a little bit lethargic why not work it off by visiting the La Tomatina festival, well they call it a festival but to me it is just a great big tomato fight. I guarantee you will never see a bigger mess in all your life, but it is great fun.

I hope this article has given you a little taste of what the Costa del Azahar is like. Next time you book your holiday why not try the Costa del Azahar, you will never regret it    

Article submitted Monday, September 01, 2008
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