If you thought the name “Costa Blanca” was some ancient, romantic title whispered down the ages, I’m afraid I will have to burst your bubble.
The truth is far less poetic, it was down to a clever bit of marketing.
These days, “Costa Blanca” instantly conjures up sunny images of Alicante’s coastline. Just like other Spanish stretches of sand with their snappy names, Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Cálida, this one stuck fast.
You might assume it’s called the Costa Blanca because of the white beaches, chalky rocks, or those bright whitewashed houses lined with Mediterranean blues and yellows. Sounds plausible, doesn’t it?
But no.
The name didn’t even come from Spain. In fact, it was dreamed up in England.
Back in 1957, British European Airways was on a mission. Spain’s Mediterranean coast was becoming the go-to holiday spot for sun-starved Brits, so the airline decided to sell its new London–Valencia flights with a bit of flair. They needed a name that sounded sunny, exotic, and easy to remember.
“Costa Blanca” was born and the name stuck.
