With white, powdery beaches that bask in the sun, studded with fragrant lemon groves and whitewashed houses, the Costa Blanca, Spain's White Coast, is the epitome of the idyllic, relaxed Mediterranean way of life.

There are 38 blue flag beaches on the Costa Blanca coast, more than any other destination in Europe . Blue flags are designated by the European foundation for Environmental Education as having clean water and top facilities.