Costa Blanca Market days
Places to visit in Javea
The Northern Costa Blanca is well known, among other things, for its excellent quality of life, the open-minded character of its people and the wealth of opportunities on offer. This applies particularly in the fields of education and culture and in the worlds of sport and leisure.
It has a wide range of public and private hospitals and a buoyant housing market. When combined with the assurance provided by a system of law enforcement that works it makes this area an ideal place to holiday or to live and work.
The Valenciana coastline, this year was awarded with 87 Blue Flags (www.blueflag.org) for their beaches and 11 Flags for their marinas, with Spain in general receiving the highest number of this eco-label worldwide.
This stunning part of Spain has amazing green and mountainous scenery and enjoys a climate that averages 18-19C, with more than 315 sunshine days per annum. Voted as one of the healthiest places to live by the World Health Organisation, this area has something to offer everyone.
Fiestas
Many religious and historical Fiestas take place throughout the year, none more famous than the Moors and Christians. Moraira's in June, Javea and Villajoyosa's are in July, Denia in August, Altea in September, Benidorm in September/October and Calpe in October. Another event not to be missed is the Fallas, when giant painted models adorn the streets of Valencia, Denia, Calpe and Benidorm. The festivities take place the week leading up to the 19th March, on the eve of which the giant figures are set alight.
Markets and Shopping
Shopping in the small villages along the coast still revolve around their thriving colourful local markets. Hundreds of stall owners gather to sell locally grown fruit, veg, clothes, leather goods, shoes, house wares, lace and much much more. For those wanting the full retail experience there two large "La Marina" shopping centres, one near Benidorm and the other in Ondara. Alternatively, a day trip to Valencia or Alicante would impress even the more experienced shoppaholic!
Walking, rock climbing and cycling
The rugged mountains of the Costa Blanca offer a wonderful landscape of pinnacled ridges, enormous crags and shady pines. Orange and almond groves enhance the valleys, whilst attractive mountain villages provide hospitality, offering a real Spanish experience. The area is now one of the most popular climbing and walking areas in Europe so whether you are a beginner and just want some leisurely exercise or a more experienced enthusiast looking for a new challenge the dramatic scenery of sea and mountain combined will not fail to impress.
Days Out
The coast is jam packed with places to go, things to do and all round family fun days out. For nature lovers a
visit to the Fonts de Algar, a natural waterfall in the hills behind Altea, is a must. Or roam through the Caves of
Benidoleig and discover the high stalactites and raising stalagmites.
No trip to the coast is complete without discovering the fortress village of Guadalest as it is constantly rated amongst the top tourist attractions in all Spain. The small village has many artist's workshops and houses carved into the living rock of the pinnacles high above the river which have some of the most spectacular views in the country. Only a short drive is the Paramount Theme park Terra Mitica with white knuckle roller coasters, action shows, log flumes and much more.
The Aqualandia Water Park with water shoots, pools, rapids and waterfalls. Mundomar Marine Exotic Animal Park with dolphinarium, parrot show, flamingos, turtles and sea lions to name a few attractions. Medieval Knights Tournament, a night time show of duels, feasting, jousting and merriment. Vergel Safari Park with lions, tigers, leopards and wolves roaming free in the park, which you drive through in your car. The new TerraNatura zoo with 3 themed continents and water park. Walk through the 3 continents visiting the inhabitants and discovering their habits. For those wanting to live life on the edge why not try one of the go-karting tracks, trial bike or quad trails and for the daring try micro lighting with a fully qualified instructor.
Golf
Golfers have a range of beautiful courses to take advantage of throughout the region, including Club de Golf Don Cayo at Altea, La Sella in Denia, Club de Golf Javea, Ifach in Moraira and Club de Golf in Oliva. All are affiliated to the Spanish Federation and can validate member's handicap internationally, while most have clubs for hire to visitors and provide coaching.
Moraira
Unlike other regions on the Costa Blanca, Moraira´s original charm and beauty remains. The Local Authority has exerted strong planning control and prevented the development characteristic of other Spanish coastal resorts and the terrain, sloping gently from the coast into the pine clad foothills, provides views of the coastline uncluttered with high-rise buildings.
Moraira is still a small and very pretty fishing port with a modern yacht marina and individual whitewashed holiday villas. Situated between Javea and Calpe, Moraira hosts up-market bars and restaurants set amongst spectacular views of the Mediterranean and dramatic mountainous scenery.
Moraira has relatively few hotels and no high rise apartment blocks therefore it has not fallen victim to the package holiday market. With a perfect blend of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and beautiful boutiques, this is the most exclusive area on coast. Moraira's two main beaches are perfect golden sandy bays with fantastic views. Swimming is safe and even at the busiest times the beaches are relatively un-crowded. On the other side of the port, below the old stone watchtower is the beach of El Portet, a Blue Flag beach with outstanding views which is a favorite for families.
The coast has plenty of water sports to offer such as Jet Ski hire, water skiing, deep sea fishing, diving tuition and equipment hire, windsailing, hobi cats for hire, sailing bare back charter or with skipper and kayaking. As well as the numerous water sports on offer, the beaches boast cafe bars, children's play areas, disabled access, port-a-loos in summer and are located within easy walking distance to town. Close to the town are further amenities for the more active such as Sol Park Tennis Club, Go-Karting, Mini Golf, Iffach Golf Club, mountain bike hire, horse riding and sign posted walks.
Between the port and sandy beach are the remains of an old Moorish castle and a tiny chapel steeped in history which is the central point for many fiestas, open air concerts and impressive firework displays. At night children are well catered for with most restaurants welcoming children of all ages. Family fun can be found opposite the town centre where an excellent permanent fairground resides. There are many small rides, mostly suitable for the young but even adults can participate in the bumper cars and hover boats. Alternatively there are safe play grounds situated in the centre of town with lighting. Once they are finished at the fair why not choose from one of several places that serves every flavor of ice cream or browse the stalls of the coloruful street market nearby. Whether you wish to fit as much as possible into your visit or simply watch the world go by you will be smitten with this unique town with its charms which will entice you back time and time again.
Benitachell
A friendly typically Spanish village of narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses and stunning mountain and sea views. The village of Benitachell is situated only 10 minutes inland from Moraira, the pace of life here is gentle and timeless. Every day people fetch water from the natural springs in the village, gather for a chat in the covered market and meet up for a lunchtime tapas at one of the village bars.
From its hill village centre, Benitachell leads gently down to its craggy coast and on to the urbanisation of Cumbre del Sol. Cumbre is the coastal area of Benitachell where the 100m high cliffs drop down into the shimmering sea below. Cumbre del Sol has a mixture of individual villas on private plots, town houses and apartments with communal swimming pools all surrounded by protected green areas and breath taking sea views. The urbanisation itself is well equipped with bars, restaurants, shops, banks, chemist, supermarket, sports and leisure facilities, view points, secluded 'Moraig' pebble beach and Los Tiestos cove.
Calpe
Calpe is one of the more touristy areas on the coast and has grown in popularity among Europeans as a favorite holiday destination. There are 11 kilometers of outstanding sandy beaches which hold blue flags for cleanliness. Calpe will surprise you with its vivid contrast, the town is split in two by the Ifach Rock. The north side of the rock has seen the development of modern apartment buildings and hotels whilst the south side is steeped in history and culture. The rock itself is a 332ft nature reserve which is open to the public with the best views of the whole coast.
Calpe has a wonderful modern marina that sits alongside the old fishing port which is home to some of the best sea food restaurants in the area.
Javea
Nestling between impressive mountains, Javea's large sandy beaches are sheltered by surrounding rocky coves, giving it safe calm waters and a magnificent surrounding landscape. Javea has a mild all year round climate and the Montgo Mountains that lie behind Javea town are now in part a protected nature reserve that is clearly visible wherever you are in Javea.
The bustling "Arenal" beach offers fine sand and shallow waters. Its many services include: play areas for children, natural and artificial shade, small motor boat and skate hire, restaurants, cafas and ample parking facilities. The beach promenade comes alive at night with market stalls selling many gifts and tourist souvenirs, modern bars and nightclubs. Javea old town has an interesting historical centre with tosca porticoes, gothic windows, churches and quaint narrow streets with individual beautiques.
Denia
Denia is a typically Spanish town excellent for shoppers and tourists alike with banks, travel agents, boutiques, museums and the main hospital. Access is easy by car and rail, with the train stopping at three major places, the centre, the Monday market and the hospital. The bustling shopping centre, offering a range of designer and modern clothing, is to be found by walking from the port towards the 16th century castle.
This tree-lined avenue is a great place to sit outside one of the many coffee bars to watch the cosmopolitan lifestyle and admire the historical architecture. Denia is fronted by clean beaches that extend to either side of the town, interrupted only by the traditional fishing port and modern marina.
By night, Denia takes on a different atmosphere and it is worth venturing out in the late hours to discover the stylish Spanish bars, with their small court yards, offering tapas and entertainment until the early hours of the morning.
Two main Fiesta events for the town are the "Falles" in March and the "Bous de Mar" in July.
Altea
Altea is one of the prettiest towns in the Costa Blanca, approx 10km from Benidorm. Altea's old town entails a steep climb of around 200 steps to the Plaza de la Iglesia. From here the views of whitewashed houses and tiled roofs direct the eye towards the sea. Cafes and restaurants are in abundance, together with the small art galleries in the side streets.
Altea has wonderful views and the protection from the cold winds by the mountains behind. The Tuesday morning market is one of the biggest on the Costa Blanca and offers shoes, leather goods, lace, clothes, jewellery and assorted goods.
