The History Of Costa Blanca | Houses Sale In The Costa Blanca

Many who buy property in the Costa Blanca are seeking the warm climate and relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean. Still, the area's history is fascinating and draws people to the white coast.

From ancient civilizations to modern resorts

Some things have always attracted people to Spain’s Costa Blanca: the mild climate, long stretches of coastline sheltered by fertile mountains, and the clear waters with an abundance of sea life. People have been drawn to living in the Costa Blanca since ancient times, and today, more than ever, buying a property in the Costa Blanca is on many a wish list. 

Early settlers

Iberian tribes first settled in the Costa Blanca as early as 3000 BC and were known for their skilled metalwork and agriculture, which laid the foundation for subsequent inhabitants of the area. Roughly 2000 years later, the Phoenicians arrived and started the maritime trade in the area, establishing ports in Altea and Villajoyosa; they introduced the alphabet and promoted trade throughout the area. In the 6th century BC, they were followed by the Carthaginians, who ruled the area, constructing fortifications and expanding trading networks. Visible signs of their time in the area can be seen in archaeological sites in Denia and Villajoyosa. Modern people buying property in the Costa Blanca might find excursions to these sites of interest when considering days out in the area.

Romans

When the Romans conquered the area in the 2nd century BC, they brought with them prosperity and constructed cities including Alicante, known in Roman times as Lucentum. The city had a magnificent infrastructure with baths, aqueducts, and other buildings that showed their engineering skills. The influence also infiltrated the language, law, and culture of the area, shaping its identity even today. When you buy a home in the Costa Blanca, you might be interested in visiting the ancient settlement of Lucentum, which can be found in Albufereta just a few kilometers from the modern city of Alicante. The name comes from the Latin word lucre and translates as City of Light. This makes sense today when you experience the brilliant sunshine in the area, particularly during the summer months. The area may not have been conserved had it not been for a persistent archaeologist from Sweden, Solveig Nordstrom, who fought property developers at the height of the early tourism boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s. 

Medieval Times 

The decline of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD began a period of instability with various Germanic tribes passing through the area, leaving signs of their presence in the architecture prior to the arrival of the Moors in the 8th century. This era is celebrated throughout the region with traditional Moors and Christian fiestas up and down the coast throughout the year. People who buy a villa in the Costa Blanca today enjoy participating in these colorful reenactments and festivities. The Moors introduced new agricultural and irrigation techniques to the area, and towns like Javea and Altea flourished under their rule. This can still be seen today in the design of the traditional whitewashed houses, cultivated terraces, and citrus groves.

The retaking of the land by the Christians following centuries of struggle in the Peninsula reached the Costa Blanca in the 13th Century AD, and the region was incorporated into the Crown of Aragon under the reign of James 1. The area took on a unique blend of both Christian and Islamic cultural styles that can still be seen in many of the buildings as well as in town and street names today. If you find a property for sale in Benissa, Benidoleig, or other similar places, the prefix “Beni” comes from the Arabic word meaning “sons of.” After the Moors were expelled from the country, the Crown actively encouraged immigration from other parts of Spain to repopulate the area.

Exploration

The sixteenth and fifteenth centuries were ruled by exploration enabled by the Costa Blanca ports like Alicante, which allowed for global trade with the Americas as well as other Mediterranean countries. However, piracy was also prevalent, and you can see many coastal watchtowers and forts along the coastline to this day. If you buy a villa in Moraira, you will see a good example of one on the hill overlooking El Portet, known as the Torre del Cap d’Or.

Modern History

Relative peace and prosperity came to Costa Blanca, with the thriving production of grapes, olives, and citrus fruits that provided the main economy in the area. However, the 19th century heralded the renewal of tourist interest in the area, with many Europeans drawn to the area’s beautiful scenery and mild climate. The arrival of the railway towards the end of the 19th century enabled easier travel, and the “grand tour” was a popular pastime for wealthy Europeans coming of age 21 years old. As travel became more accessible with lower-cost package holidays, tourism became the main source of income in the area. Those who visited loved the area, and many now buy a house in the Costa Blanca either for family holidays or as their permanent home.

Cultural Harmony

The Costa Blanca now combines elements of its past with its modern persona, both in its architecture, agriculture, and cuisine, which combines wonderful Mediterranean and Arabic influences. If you want to become part of Costa Blanca’s history and follow in the footsteps of Romans, Moors, and others, then contact our friendly team at Hamiltons of London to help with your search for a home in Spain.