What To Avoid While Visiting Historical Sites On The Costa Blanca

There are wonderful places to visit and things to see in the Costa Blanca, there are Roman Ruins, Medieval towns, and religious buildings. To have the best possible experience, it is a good idea to know some background so that you can enjoy the visit while showing respect for local customs.

Dress Code

If your excursion includes entering any place of worship, ensure that your choice of clothing is modest and covers the shoulders and knees. Spain is a Catholic country, so this sign of respect is very much appreciated.

Take Care

A lot of older historical sights on the Costa Blanca will have worn pathways and delicate structures so avoid stepping on or touching anything that might be fragile and follow designated routes. It is best not to lean on walls. Many of these remains are ancient, and a lot of care is taken to preserve them. If they are unstable, your own safety is also a concern.

Noise

Some historical sites in Spain may be ancient places of worship and minimal noise is therefore requested for those who wish to reflect. This ensures a calm and peaceful atmosphere for everyone to enjoy the ambiance of the building.

Photography

It is natural to want to record your memories and history of the places you visit in the Costa Blanca but, do look out for any restrictions. Art galleries usually prefer not to photograph the works, particularly to protect the paintings, frescos, or sculptures from damage that might be caused by flash photography. It is better to buy a postcard of the work so that the funds can go towards their upkeep and take family photos outside the building itself. If you are wishing to photograph people, guards, or any religious ceremonies, always ask first; some may not be comfortable, and for others it may be prohibited.

Local Customs

During your travels in Spain, you will inevitably come across local festivals or ceremonies and sometimes these will happen in a historical area. Once again, remember to dress appropriately and be mindful of the significance of these events to the community.

Souvenirs

Shopping in the Costa Blanca is very tempting but, do be wary of street vendors close to places of interest because the trinkets they sell are often poorly made and overpriced. Look instead for official shops selling locally made crafts and souvenirs that support the heritage and preservation of the town or monument.

Be Careful

Although the crime rate on the Costa Blanca is low, opportunistic crimes do exist, and pickpockets will take advantage of large crowds distracted by the fascination of what they are seeing. Gentlemen should not keep wallets and phones in their back pockets, these are easy targets, and ladies should consider wearing handbags across their body rather than loosely hanging from their shoulders.

Language

If you are new to the Costa Blanca, then it is a great idea to learn a few polite Spanish phrases and words, Although many people, particularly in tourist areas and at historical sites, galleries, etc will speak good English, a quick “Hola” or “Gracias” can go a long way. You will find that service and assistance will frequently be a little more friendly and efficient if you just try.

Respect boundaries

Many historical buildings and places of interest in Spain have areas that have restricted or private areas to both protect delicate artifacts, protect visitors from animals, and protect the privacy of people living there if it is a grand home that is being visited. Ensure that you do remain in the designated areas to avoid damage, because not doing so can be illegal.

Follow the rules

Each place you visit in the Costa Blanca will post own sets of rules so please do make sure that you are aware of and adhere to these. Avoid taking large bags/backpacks which could bump into and damage artifacts, most sites will provide lockers for storing personal items. Additionally, in most places, pets will not be allowed in case they disturb wildlife or cause any damage. 

Conclusion

There is so much to see and enjoy in Spain, particularly on the Costa Blanca. Make sure that any excursions taken are suitable for your own capabilities and those of your family or friends, so that you can return home safely and with the best possible memories of this wonderful place.