The Costa Blanca in August is so much more than crowded beaches. It is a land with deep historical roots, where spectacular centuries-old traditions are still very much alive in small towns. To experience them, however, you need to leave the coast and head inland. Picking up the keys at our car hire at Alicante Airport gives you a passport to a world of authentic, local experiences. We'll show you how to "collect" unique memories in August by moving freely between the most exciting events on the Costa Blanca.
Misteri d'Elx – A Journey to the Heart of the Middle Ages (UNESCO List)
The most important and remarkable event of August is undoubtedly the Misteri d'Elx (Mystery of Elche). This is a medieval liturgical drama on the theme of the Assumption, which has been performed without interruption in the Basilica of Santa María since the 15th century and has been inscribed on the list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity UNESCO. The performance takes place on 14 and 15 August and is a mystical experience that transports the audience to another era.
How to plan a visit to Elche effectively?
Elche is famous not only for the Mystery but also for the largest palm grove in Europe, the Palmeral de Elche. Car hire in Alicante allows for perfect day planning: in the morning you can visit the exotic Huerto del Cura garden in the heart of the palm grove, and in the afternoon head to the basilica for the performance. This is a comfortable combination of two UNESCO-listed sites, impossible to achieve in one day by public transport.
Castell de l'Olla in Altea: The Magic of Fireworks at Sea
On the Saturday closest to 10 August, the charming town of Altea becomes the stage for one of the most extraordinary pyrotechnic displays in Spain. Castell de l'Olla is a fireworks show launched from platforms at sea, creating a magical spectacle.
The challenge? Logistics.
A car allows you to cleverly avoid traffic jams – you can drive up to one of the hills surrounding the town or park in a neighbouring village and cover the last stretch by local tram. This flexibility is the key to enjoying the spectacle stress-free.
Local Fiestas: Experience the Authentic Spirit of the Region
August is also the time when many smaller towns hold their local festivals.
In Villajoyosa a colourful medieval market is often held, and in Dénia you can come across the famous Bous a la Mar. These are authentic events full of local colour. Having a car gives you incredible freedom. Hear about an interesting fiesta in a town 30 km away? You simply get in and go. It is precisely this spontaneity that turns a trip into a real adventure, and you get to discover the hidden treasures of the Costa Blanca.
Ready to discover the real face of the Costa Blanca?
The independence that a car provides is the key to taking part in all these extraordinary events. Don't limit yourself to one place! Check available cars and prices in Alicante.
