Things to do in the Costa Blanca

Jamjar_2

Hi
We are going to Orba (not far from Denia) for a week in October and wonder if anyone has any travel tips ?

We will have a hired car so we are quite mobile.

Our kids are aged 4 and 8, any suggestions on best places to visit, good restaurants, safe beaches etc ?

We are hoping to visit Valencia for one of the days, is the aquarium worth a visit ?

Many Thanks

richardw

The aquarium in Valencia is well worth a visit. https://www.cac.es
The dolphinarium is excellent with great shows. It is vast with lots to see. The children may get tired if they don't have a break for something to eat and drink.
They do have sharks! and beluga whales.
I didn't like some of the enclosures for the seals, they didn't appear big enough to me.

MrSmartprice

Beware of thieves. there are gangs of North Africans who work the tourist areas, and specialise in distraction thefts. Watch out for these people selling cheap tat souvenirs in restaurants and bars, as they are the distraction. While you are talking to them, (even to tell them to sod off) the accomplices are after your bags. Never, ever, even acknowlege them, and ensure bags, cameras etc are not out of sight. Better still, keep everything attached to your person.

It is a sad fact of life that this garbage gets into Spain illegaly and preys on respectable people in this way. Be aware, and you will be fine.

scrouge

Thers a few things to do. Denia has a ferry over to Ibiza. There are boat trips from Denia aswell where you can go Dolphin spotting. A Safari park in Verger, which is good value. If you venture towards Alicante you of course pass Benidorm. But dont think of lager louts and brits-abroad. there are LOADS of good things going on there! Including water parks (aqualandia) and a seaworld type place (Mundomar). They both have websites so check them out. Theres also a themepark (Terra Mitica) and a Zoo aswell. Also check out Guadalest, quaint, old village built high-up and perched on the edge of mountains. Lots more going on ......
Yes there are bagsnatchers etc... but the same as anywhere else you go on hols ! Dont be put off, theres LOADS to do and just be Cautious!
ENJOY ........

MrSmartprice

Yep, absolutely agree with you, scrouge. There are plenty of places to see, and Benidorm is a great place for all ages. Wonderful places to eat too, especially the Spanish restaurants if you can find them! Much better value than the fish & chip bars.

I wasn't trying to put anyone off with tales of thieves, just that they will use any tactic, not just snatching. All you need to be aware of is that the scum are Algerian & Morroccan.

Worth hiring a car for at least part of your stay, especially in winter.

Geoggy

just come back from 2 weeks in javea. has the best beach in the area and lots of places on the promenade to eat. la boheme was great for tapas and carnaval did excellent fajitas.

or if you are on a budget head to scallops at the southern end of the arenal. 7 euros for a three course meal and a bottle of wine - EACH!.

also had some great tapas in denia but we stumbled across the place by accident so i cant tell you where it was.