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With fairly limited public transport options to tour the Costa Blanca (other than selected and often expensive coach excursions) its no wonder many are opting for car hire when travelling around Spains ever-beautiful White Coast. Alicante Airport is probably your best bet to find cheap car hire, given the wider choice of vehicles that are made available to tourists (this is significantly important if travelling with a family) who then are able to discover the countless beautiful sights, cities and towns of this illustrious stretch of coast at a pace that suits them.

From Alicante, the possibilities are endless. The city itself has a number of interesting historical points of worth such as the Castle of Santa Barbara (one of Spains largest fortresses) and also the Castle of San Fernando, although it is the proximity to the beaches, shops and old town that make this pretty city such a pull.

Heading north from Alicante using the quick Autopista 7 route and then the N332 you will find attractive coastal villages such as El Campello and Villajoyosa, discovering quiet beaches and nice restaurants by the water. This is at odds with the famous package-holiday haven of Benidorm, which features nice, but busy beaches in peak season, although is a wise destination to take in if travelling with a family due to the number of attractions and waterparks.

Stick with the N332 as you head further north following signs for Denia. You will find some of the Costa Blancas best beaches at Calpe as well as the iconic Penon de Ifach rock formation, churches and an archaeological museum.

Keep on the N332 and also make a stop at the village of Javea. The harbour here is magnificent by sunset and is also where you will find many excellent restaurants and museums. If youre feeling energetic, a rewarding walk can be made into the hills to the Cabo de Nao San Martin for a stunning panorama of the coast. Finally to the north of Alicante; nearby Denia should also be visited. Its 11th-century castle sits high above the city, which is full of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars; not to mention the Club de Holf La Sella Denia owned by Jose Maria Olazabal.

The drive south is also rewarding. Either keep using the N332 if you want to take in further coastal views and seaside towns such as Torrevieja (which again has great beaches and waterparks) or use the A7/E15 for a quick route to the historic city of Murcia where there is much sightseeing and shopping available to occupy your time including the awesome Cathedral de Santa Maria, the Palacio del Almudi and a number of excellent museums.