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The Costa Blanca, which stretches along Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast, is divided into different comarcas, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Two of the most well-known comarcas in this region are Marina Baja and Marina Alta. This article highlights the most important comarcas of the Costa Blanca and focuses on the differences and special features of Marina Baja and Marina Alta, as well as specific traditions and fiestas of the region.
The Costa Blanca is divided into several comarcas, including:
▶ Marina Baja
▶ Marina Alta
▶ L'Alacantí
▶ The Lower Vinalopó
▶ El Baix Segura (Vega Baja)
▶ El Comtat
▶ L'Alcoià
▶ The Marina
Marina Baja (also known as Marina Baixa) is a dynamic region with a population of around 195,000.
The administrative centre is Benidorm, known for its striking high-rise buildings and lively city life. In addition to Benidorm, other important towns belong to the comarca, such as Altea, Finestrat and La Nucia.
Altea, a picturesque town with around 22,000 inhabitants, is known for its charming old town with narrow streets and the iconic blue-domed church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo. Finestrat, which includes both coastal and mountain villages, offers a quieter lifestyle and is known for its traditional architecture. La Nucia, with around 20,000 inhabitants, is an up-and-coming town with modern infrastructure and numerous leisure facilities.
The Marina Baja region is particularly popular with foreign residents. In Benidorm, foreigners make up around 28% of the population, with many British, Dutch and German citizens living here. Altea and La Nucia also have numerous foreign residents, making these places international communities.
Marina Alta (also known as Marina Alta) is located in the northern part of the Costa Blanca and has a population of around 180,000. The administrative capital is Dénia, a historic port town with a rich cultural heritage and an important fishing industry. Other significant towns in the region include Jávea, Calpe and Pego.
Dénia is known for its castle and port, which serves as a gateway to the Balearic Islands. Jávea (Xàbia in Valencian), with around 27,000 inhabitants, offers picturesque bays and the impressive Montgó Natural Park. Calpe, known for the striking Peñón de Ifach rock, attracts visitors with its beaches and nature reserves. Pego, a more rural town with around 10,000 inhabitants, is surrounded by orange and almond groves and is known for its traditional festivals.
Marina Alta is also home to many foreign residents. In Jávea, the proportion of foreign residents is around 53%, making this town one of the most international on the Costa Blanca. Calpe follows with a proportion of around 47% of foreign residents, who mainly come from the United Kingdom, Germany and France.
L’Alacantí and El Baix Vinalopó
L'Alacantí is the comarca that encompasses the city of Alicante, the administrative centre of the Costa Blanca with a population of around 330,000. The region is an important economic and cultural centre with numerous attractions, including Santa Bárbara Castle and the lively seafront promenade.
El Baix Vinalopó includes cities such as Elche, known for its palm grove, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elche has a population of around 230,000 and is famous for its shoe industry and historic old town.
Traditions and fiestas in L'Alacantí and El Baix Vinalopó
Alicante: The Hogueras de San Juan in June, the city's biggest festival, during which giant papier-mâché figures are burned. Another important event is Semana Santa (Holy Week) with its impressive processions.
Elche: The Misteri d'Elx, a medieval drama performed every August in the Basilica of Santa Maria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palm Sunday procession is also an important festival.
The Lower Segura Valley (Vega Baja) and El Comtat
El Baix Segura, also known as Vega Baja, has towns such as Orihuela with around 77,000 inhabitants, known for its cathedral and historic buildings. The region is characterised by fertile agriculture and a strong farming tradition.
El Comtat is a more rural comarca known for its picturesque villages and natural areas. Cocentaina, the administrative capital, has around 11,000 inhabitants and is famous for its historic castle and annual medieval festival.
Traditions and fiestas in El Baix Segura and El Comtat
Orihuela: The Fiestas de la Reconquista y de Moros y Cristianos in July are one of the city's biggest celebrations. Another important event is Semana Santa, with its impressive processions.
Cocentaina: The Fira de Tots Sants in November, one of the oldest and largest fairs in Spain, which has been celebrated since the 14th century. Another important event is the Moros y Cristianos festival in August.
Local features and differences
While Marina Baja is more urban and touristy, Marina Alta captivates visitors with its natural beauty and rural charm. Marina Baja has a larger international community, especially in Benidorm, while Marina Alta is more influenced by the traditional Spanish way of life.
