Spain: Costa Blanca (Alicante)

99 Coastal Destinations Rated: Bottom Rated

Score: 43

Mass tourism has eclipsed the rich heritage of this sunny coast. The skyscraper-crowned tourist city of Benidorm draws criticism on cultural and aesthetic grounds. However, some panelists noted that the intense concentration of tourists in one spot may save the environment elsewhere.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"The historical role of the destination has been completely overwhelmed by its new second home sea-and-sun orientations."

"Overdeveloped coastal stretch lacking in integrated planning. But, the city of Benidorm applies sustainable practices in water use and waste treatment."

"Educating visitors and locals may help recover this area. Tourism has developed so much that neither natural nor cultural quality of the place is there anymore. Even food is standard because it is only produced for mass tourism."

Book your next trip with Peace of Mind
Search Trips

"Pockets of social and cultural integrity add to aesthetic appeal, but the authentic, unspoiled bits of coastline are heavily fragmented."

« Back to Full List of Bottom-Rated Destinations

Read This Next

7 of the best places to learn Spanish around the world
The essential guide to Switzerland
Slow down in the Cinque Terre—and enjoy a glass of wine

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet