The Spanish seaside you’ve never heard of – with unspoilt beaches and ridiculously cheap holidays
FINDING a cheap holiday spot away from the crowds almost feels impossible right now.
However, there is a small Spanish coastline you most likely won't have heard of that ticks both boxes.
Here's everything you need to know about Costa del Azahar.
Why Costa del Azahar?
Found between Valencia and Costa Dorada, Costa del Azahar translates to the Orange Blossom coast.
However, it is often overlooked by tourists heading to the nearby city of Valencia, or other seaside resorts such as the Costa del Sol or Costa Brava.
Despite this, the seaside has stunning white sand beaches, as well as bars and restaurants lining the coastline.
And according to A Place In the Sun, Costa del Azahar is seen as the "real Spain" due to being lesser-known by holidaymakers and developers.
Flights are just over two hours from the UK as well, making it an easy getaway.
What are the best Costa del Azahar holiday deals?
Holidays to Costa del Azahar are much cheaper than other Spanish seaside resorts, starting from £108pp.
According to LoveHolidays, a seven-night holiday is around £726 on average - working out to £182pp.
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For example, you could stay at Apartments Peñismar I y II 3000 for seven nights, with return UK Vueling flights, for just £182pp during the October half-term.
Travel outside of October half term and this drops to just £108p for the seven-night package holiday.
Fancy a last-minute holiday? You can find a similar price if travelling this month from £132pp.
On The Beach also has stays from £632, working out to £316pp.
What is Costa del Azahar like?
The 71-mile-long coastline is known for its beautiful beaches, which don't attract the same numbers as other seaside resorts.
Peñiscola Beach, which has a Blue Flag, is popular with families due to its shallow waters making it safer for kids to play in.
It also has a huge castle, which was the residence of Pope Benedict XIII in 1411.
Tourists have praised the "beautiful beach" for having "pristine white sands" too.
Other highlights of Costa del Azahar include the many orange and lemon groves found in the nearby Spanish countryside, also popular with hikers.
Game of Thrones fans should check out the province of Castellon, which was used to film scenes in Meereen.
There are also a number of festivals throughout the year, with the most famous being the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB), with headliners this year including Franz Ferdinand, Bastille and Zara Larsson.
While famous for its fish, don't forget to try out the local dish Fideau, a type of paella that uses pasta instead of rice.
Don't expect many Brits at Costa del Azahar either - it's mainly Spanish tourists who visit.
One Brit tourist said on TripAdvisor: "Things I found that there were not many bars playing music during the evening, also found there were more German and Spanish tourists than British."
What else do I need to know about Costa del Azahar?
To get to Costa del Azahar, the best way is to fly to Castellon Airport from the UK.
Ryanair has cheap flights from just £15 each way.
There are no restrictions to travel to Spain right now, although you will need at least three months on your passport.
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You may also need to show your hotel booking and that you have enough money for your stay on entry.
Spain uses the euro, with around £10 getting you €11.70.
