Scaling New Heights Along The Costa Blanca

Scaling New Heights Along The Costa Blanca

Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol offers an unparalleled location nestled between the sea and the mountains, giving you the opportunity to enjoy nature year-round. Now that the temperatures have dropped a little and the weather is still good, it’s the perfect season for hiking. We’ve already mentioned some of the most famous routes on the coast, but this time, we’re ready to conquer the mountains. We remind you to always consider your level of experience, take necessary precautions and carry all the necessary equipment (hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, etc.) Are you ready? Here we go!

The Montgó Natural Park, shaped like an elephant with its trunk extended towards the sea, is a symbol of Denia’s surroundings. It offers 6 trekking routes, of varying lengths and intensity, and is the perfect place for you to conquer mountains alongside your family. Most of the trails allow you to reach the top and enjoy impressive views. We recommend the Cova de l’Aigua and Racó del Bou route as it is circular and of medium difficulty. It is 5.5 kilometers long and you’ll need about 3 ½ hours to return to your starting point. The route begins at the hermitage that was built in the 80s, next to the Pare Pere hut. This route allows you to see the cave where water was stored and takes you through the shady area of Montgó, declared a micro-reserve.

Another option is to go to Altea and leave your car at the Casas de Bèrnia, a small village in the town of Xaló. The Serra de Bèrnia circular route, also called El Forat de Bèrnia route, is a medium level hike and is known to be the most interesting and complete in the province of Alicante. This route is a little longer than the previous one, as it is 9 km long and takes 4-5 hours. It offers amazing landscapes, and multiple natural attractions, such as El Forat (a natural tunnel allowing you will cross the mountain range), as well as heritage sites such as El Fort de Bèrnia. Don’t forget to take a flashlight to be able to cross the tunnel!

If you’re at expert hiker, we can offer two challenges: The Barranc de l’Infern and the Puig Campana ascent. These two routes require a lot of training, so we recommend you to walk carefully and opt out if you don’t have the right level.

The Barranc de L’Infern, also referred to as the ‘catedral del senderismo,’ is one of the most unique and popular circular routes in the province of Alicante. It requires great physical strength as it has 6,800 stone steps that lead you to stunning landscapes and a great cultural heritage. The starting point is located in Fleix and from there, you’ll have to follow the PR-CV 147 trail marks (after the Fleix washhouse). The route is winding and takes you across the Barranc de l’Infern twice. Keep in mind that after heavy rains it is very likely that you won’t be able to cross the ravine, so we recommend you wait a few days.

We’re sure this mountain has caught your attention several times. The Puig Campana is the second highest peak in the province of Alicante, with an altitude of 1,408 meters, and one of the most demanding routes. You can climb to the top (15 km) or take the circular route (12 km). To start your climb, you’ll need to go towards the Font del Molí in Finestrat and follow the PR-CV 289 (Volta al Puig Campana) route in an anticlockwise direction as the path is more irregular and it is preferable to do it uphill. You can follow this trail until the end if you’re only interested in the circular route, or change course at the Coll del Pouet crossing to climb to the top. There is also a more strenuous path that passes by the south slope, that’s to say by the quarry, and is known as the “Vertical Kilometer”.

Finally, if you like to go trekking and camping in the mountains, you can climb a section of the Gran Ruta Costa Blanca Interior (GR-330) that passes near your home: Denia-Gata de Gorgos and Gata de Gorgos-Parcent. Hiking is a great activity as you can get exercise and connect with nature. Don’t forget your equipment, check the weather and remember that we must take care of the environment and leave the least no footprint behind. Respect the environment and conquer the heights of one of the most impressive mountains in the Valencian Community.

If you want to know more about Cumbre del Sol and its surroundings, don’t miss our blog articles and be sure to follow us on our social media accounts.

Escape To Tabarca Island

Escape To Tabarca Island

Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, ideally located on the Spanish Costa Blanca between Valencia and Alicante, gives you the opportunity to enjoy the best beaches and endless activities with your family. A few kilometers from your home you’ll find a true paradise: Tabarca, the only inhabited island that’s a part of the Valencian community and where you mustn’t forget to bring your snorkelling equipment.

A visit to Tabarca is practically obligatory and you can discover it in just one day as a small island that’s 1,800 metres long and barely 400 meters wide. Are you wondering how to get there? The best way to get to Tabarca is from the Santa Pola port, just over 8 km away, so it will only take about 15 minutes to get there. However, if you prefer not to go so far by car, you can enjoy a longer crossing and board in Benidorm which will take an 1:15 minutes.

Once on the island, we recommend you take advantage of the morning to discover all its attractions. Head east, towards the Campo area where you can visit the Torreón de San José (an old prison), the lighthouse and a small cemetery from where you can see the islet of La Nao. This part of the island is protected, so you will be able to admire many birds, although you won’t be able to stay to sunbathe on these beaches. However, in this area you can find the best diving circuits, so we recommend that you dive in and discover the caves and native marine species.

After having explored all of this, you’ve probably worked up an appetite, and you’ll be able to choose from over 10 restaurants scattered throughout the island that serve rice and fish, the typical dish being the caldero tabarquino.

Before immersing yourself in the crystal clear waters, you can walk through the streets of the fishing village and visit the fortified wall, declared a Historic-Artistic Site and a Site of Cultural Interest in 1964, to contemplate the island and the Mediterranean. You will also find the churches of San Pedro and San Pablo, built in 1759 and 1770 (currently closed to the public for restoration work) and the New Tabarca Museum in the Almadraba building, an old warehouse used for tuna fishing.

There is no doubt that the greatest attraction of the island is its crystalline waters and dreamy coves. The whole coast offers beaches that you can get to without difficulty and choose as a starting point for your snorkeling circuit. The Cova del Llop Marí, near the town centre, is only accessible from the water and is a real haven for marine species. If Tabarca has known how to protect its seabeds, it’s because its waters are a Mediterranean Marine Reserve.

Don’t hesitate! Book your boat ticket, get your snorkeling gear ready and set sail to Tabarca for an incredible experience. The island has a couple of hotels so you can stay more than one day. And what’s more, they say that the island transforms at night and reveals its true charms.

This is just one of the many activities you can do near your home on the Costa Blanca. Be sure to check out our blog and follow our social networks for all our recommendations.

Weekend Plans Along The Costa Blanca

Weekend Plans Along The Costa Blanca

Do you have plans for the weekend? If you decide to stay home, you can spend a couple of very pleasant days at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, disconnecting from everything in a natural setting with your loved ones and views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can take a dip in the pool or prepare dinner on the terrace or maybe you prefer to enjoy all the services our residential area offers: get ready for a tennis lesson, go for a horse ride or spend an afternoon of shopping at the Las Adelfas Shopping Centre. However, if you have an adventurous spirit and feel like squeezing the most out of the Costa Blanca, read on. Below we recommend the best plans to get the most out of your free time during the autumn season.

If you are passionate about cinema, without a doubt, one of the best plans is just a half hour drive from home: the Autocine Drive-In. The year-round warm temperatures of the Costa Blanca will allow you to enjoy the latest releases; all you need are a couple of chairs! Order dinner and get immersed in history. Drive-In also offers a wide variety of English version films for those who prefer that.

We also have the best plan for nature lovers: Las Fuentes del Algar, less than 1 hour from home. It is a set of waterfalls connected by small water channels and rivers where you can spend the day and go swimming, if you’re brave enough to handle the low water temperatures! Don’t forget your camera to photograph this beautiful setting; you’ll be the envy of all your followers on social media! And, if you prefer saltwater to freshwater, you can also enjoy a splendid boat ride, whether you are a titleholder or not: enjoy being out in the sea, go snorkeling or access hidden coves with magical charm. There are many companies dedicated to managing this type of activity, such as Infinity Sea and Click & Boat.

And, lastly, we have an exciting plan for the most daring. How about a quad ride in Denia? Say goodbye to monotony and discover incredible landscapes on the back of a four-wheeler; you can choose between two different routes: one to the Cape San Antonio or to the ‘Cave of Skulls’ in Benidoleig, which includes entrance and a refreshment. This is a new way of doing tourism while contemplating Denia’s natural landscapes that will captivate you.

Our Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is also the ideal starting point in order to follow the Michelin star route or discover new hiking routes, among other activities. We keep you up to date on our blog, so check in frequently, and don’t forget to follow us on our social media accounts, where we keep you up to date with the latest.

The Best Outdoor Activities in the Marina Alta

The Best Outdoor Activities in the Marina Alta

We know that when you think of the Marina Alta, the first thing that pops into your mind is the large number of blue flag beaches and coves that spread across its coastline. It’s only natural to instantly daydream of enjoying crystalline waters during the beautiful sunny days that Alicante always has to offer. However, we’re here to tell you that you can also find a large variety of outdoor activities near your home in Cumbre del Sol! The Marina Alta has a wealth of tourist destinations and natural parks that are the ideal way to spend a day out in the fresh air.

We’ll start our tour of the Marina Alta in Javea, which is just a 20-minute drive away from Cumbre del Sol. This coastal town has over a dozen observation decks where you can take in the Mediterranean Sea and its stunning natural surroundings like never before. Start your tour at the Mirador de Els Molins, an old watchtower that overlooks the town as well as the blue waters. Make sure to also visit famous observation decks such as the Mirador del Cap Negre, considered to have the best view in all of Javea, and Mirador de La Falzia, with the most impressive panoramic views of the coastline and Portitxol Island.

A little further north is Montgo Mountain, between Javea and Denia. The mountain and its natural park are considered emblems of not just the Marina Alta, but Alicante and the Valencian region itself. Affectionately known as ‘The Elephant’ by locals, this beast might be a little difficult for some to conquer as parts of its hiking route are harder to cross. However, we recommend you give it a try just to visit caves like the Cova de L’aigua and Cova del Gamell. With unforgettable interiors and beautiful views to the rest of the mountain and area, we’re sure you won’t regret the visit!

South of Cumbre del Sol is Calpe, home of the impressive Peñón de Ifach. This imposing rock formation has a natural park at the top with views all the way to Ibiza. It also has an observation deck at the outskirts of the town, the Mirador Monte Toix. We’re sure the views of Calpe’s skyline with Peñón de Ifach at a distance will leave you absolutely breathless. Near the town centre, you’ll also find salt flats, a pocket of nature among the buildings where you can spot flocks of flamingos.

The interior of the Marina Alta also offers some authentic gems that every nature-lover should make sure to visit. La Vall d’Alcalà is a truly remarkable valley that’s rich in history. Within it, you’ll find famous caves such as the subterranean Cueva del Rull, which looks like a fantasy movie come to life. If you’re interested in the prehistoric, we recommend visiting the Sanctuary of Pla de Petracos, which has many cave paintings within its walls.

Nearby, there’s the Barranc de l’Encantada where you can go on an enchanting route full of ponds, waterfalls and unmatchable views of the most beautiful natural landscapes. There’s no better place to spend a hot summer day than Gorg del Salt. It has cool waters all year round thanks to the waterfall that also makes for a cinematic backdrop to your swim.

Other two very different options are the Cave of Skulls (Cueva de Las Calaveras) and the Marjal Pego-Olivia Natural Park. The first is a subterranean wonder, with impressively high walls that are full of rich Paleolithic history. The second is one of the most picturesque ways to enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer. Take a scenic walk through rice paddies, wetlands and rivers with the mountain as your backdrop and a wide variety of flora and fauna to marvel at along the way.

These are just some of the best outdoor destinations you can visit near your home at Cumbre del Sol. To keep up to date with all the activities, events and destinations in and near Cumbre del Sol, make sure to follow us on social media and check out our blog regularly.

Must-See Beaches and Coves in Northern Alicante

Must-See Beaches and Coves in Northern Alicante

Javea

Playa del Arenal is an expansive sandy beach right off the bay of Javea. It’s Javea’s most frequented beach and the reason why couldn’t be more evident! With vibrant blue waters, it’s clear why this beach has been awarded blue flag status. Its gentle slope and fine sand make it perfect for sports by the water, such as football or volleyball. For those who prefer watersports, there’s plenty of businesses that rent equipment nearby. Additionally, it has breathtaking views of the nearby Montgo mountain, which makes a stunning backdrop to an already gorgeous day at the beach.

Cala de la Granadella also has cinematic natural surroundings and it’s one of Alicante’s crown jewels thanks to its crystal-clear waters and incredible views. It offers all kinds of services and amenities, such as lifeguards, hammocks, parasols, kayaking, and it’s a popular option for those who like underwater diving. There are also many restaurants by the seaside. Despite its popularity, it’s usually very peaceful and doesn’t draw large crowds.

Calpe

Playa la fossa, also known as Playa Levante, is Calpe’s most popular touristic destination. Nestled just under Peñón de Ifach, this spectacular blue flag beach is known for its wildlife and natural surroundings. Its calm and clear waters make it the perfect option for families with young children, as well as its long promenade that offers a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

Cala el Raco is the smallest cove on this list which might mean it’s more crowded than most on a weekend. However, it is worth a visit as its unique marine landscape has made it a popular snorkelling destination. Grab your snorkel and swimsuit and head over!

Altea

Playa de la Roda spans over 1400 meters in length and is near the city centre, making it very accessible and ideally situated for a day at the beach. With a wide range of restaurants, bars and amenities nearby, all your needs will easily be met. Its waters are very calm although they have an impressive depth past the shoreline, ideal for anyone who wants to spend the day windsurfing, underwater diving or kayaking.

Cala la Solsida is a small cove with calm waters thanks to its idyllic location that protects it from northern winds. Its waters are barely 2 meters in depth at its deepest point. This, combined with its unique marine fauna and flora, makes it one of the most unique snorkelling spots in Alicante. Its seafloor is covered in starfish, cuttlefish and more!

Moraira

Playa de L’Ampolla is located just under the emblematic Castillo de Moraira (Moraira castle). It is known as the best beach in the surrounding area and its blue flag status is a testament to that. There are rocks near the castle which form paddle pools, perfect for exploring marine life with your children. Additionally, its fine golden sand is ideal for playing sports, building sandcastles or simply spending the day basking in the sun.

Cala el Portet has a uniquely seashell rounded shape. Its waters are known to be very clear and calm all year round, making it a popular snorkelling and underwater diving destination. You can also rent kayaks and explore the stunning cove that’s only 10 meters wide.

Benitachell

Cala del Moraig of course! We’re sure you’re familiar with this blue flag cove which is considered one of the most beautiful coves not just in Spain, but in the world! As a resident of Cumbre del Sol, you have easy access to its coveted waters. This rocky sand cove has everything you need to enjoy a day at the beach. It’s also near the Cova dels Arcs, an icon on the Valencian coast that everyone should visit.

Now that you know some of the best beaches and coves just minutes away from your home in Cumbre del Sol, we recommend you read more about the picturesque towns they’re found in so you can make the most of your travels! For more information about events, activities and must-see destinations, follow us on our social networks!

The Most Enchanting Places on the Costa Blanca

The Most Enchanting Places on the Costa Blanca

Now that it’s summer, we’re sure you’re itching to go out and make the most of it. Living at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol has many advantages, but one of the best ones is its unmatched location. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Puig Llorença mountain, Cumbre del Sol is one of the Costa Blanca’s prized gems. It also has the added bonus of being moments away from many other treasured locations. Get ready to pack your bags for a day trip and find out where you should head to next!

Villajoyosa

‘La Vila’, as it’s called by its residents, is a quaint Spanish town that’s famous for its colourful houses and its crystalline beaches. Take in its one-of-a-kind beauty as you stroll down the beach or through its winding streets that are full of magic. The old town has endless historical landmarks for you to discover, from ancient Roman ruins to medieval walls.

Denia

This port city is home to the striking Denia Castle that sits above the marina. The castle is surrounded by large trees that make for an unforgettable skyline. Within its walls that date back to the 11th century, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum, full of Roman artefacts and rich with history. Enjoy the view from the marina or Denia’s many blue-water beaches. It’ll make an excellent backdrop to the delicious Mediterranean cuisine you’ll be sure to enjoy at any of the seafood restaurants that line the coast.

Javea

Between Denia and Javea you’ll find the Montgo Natural Park. This majestic mountain overlooks these two charming cities, so any route you take will be an unforgettable one. Once you’ve taken in the wealth of flora, you can head over to Cala Barraca. This blue-water beach is lined with white houses with charming blue doors and windows, the perfect backdrop for a day by the water.

Peñón de Ifach in Calpe, near Cumbre del Sol

Calpe

Calpe is another coastal town with a gorgeous skyline thanks to Peñón de Ifach, a rock formation that stands 332 meters tall. If you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with a natural park that’s home to numerous rare plants and animals. Also, you’ll be able to see as far out as Ibiza from the top of the rock!

Altea

Altea’s old town is renowned for being one of the most beautiful on the Costa Blanca. Its white houses, narrow streets adorned with flowers, and endless handcraft shops and restaurants are just part of what makes it pure magic. Start your journey at the Mirador Cronistas, one of the most photographed viewpoints in all of Spain.

These are just some of the stunning locations right near your home on the Costa Blanca. Make sure to keep an eye on our blog and follow our social media accounts for more ideas of places to discover!