Aug 10, 2022 | Activities/Services
The Costa Blanca is one of the most incredible places for enjoying the countryside. Circled by the Mediterranean sea and its rocky mountains, the area is full of places for you to disconnect and discover the local landscape.
Thanks to its wealth of flora and fauna, the Costa Blanca is an ideal tourist destination for couples, friends or families.
La Sierra de Mariola
The Sierra de Mariola Natural Park lies between the districts of la Hoya de Alcoy, El Condado de Cocentaina and Valle de Albaida. This area extends over 17 thousand hectares and is rich in plant life and vegetation. Aleppo pines cover most of this mountain range. The incredibly profuse plant life boasts around 1200 species in this area alone.
This beautiful spot is immensely valuable in environmental terms and it is perfect for hiking or family tourism. The “Green Route: in the shade of the ice houses” is one of the best known trails. There are others too, such as the “Blue Route. The water trail” the “Red route,: a date with history” and the “Yellow route : Solana lookout point”.
The Sierra de Mariola has an amazing wealth of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. The natural park is home to many species. These include Iberian lizards, rabbits and partridges.
The river Polop separates this natural area from the Natural Park of la Font Roja. Two amazing places inland on the Costa Blanca for you to wander and explore.
La Font Roja
The Font Roja Natural Park is also known as ‘El Carrascal’. This area, extending over 2,200 hectares was designated a nature reserve in 1987 and is set in the districts of Hoya de Alcoy and Ibi. It has some extremely diverse ecosystems thanks to different microclimates in the zone. It’s a true wonder of nature!
With its fantastic landscapes and ecology it is one of the most important parks in the Comunidad Valenciana. It is particularly striking for its deciduous woodland. The extensive forest has led to a wealth of rich and diverse wildlife. Robin, wild boar and sparrow hawk are just some of the species that inhabit this nature reserve.
The la Font Roja Natural Park has several hiking trails such as the ‘Yellow Route: El Menejador’, the “Red Route: Barranc de l’Infern’ and the ‘Blue Route: El Xicotet’.
The countryside around the towns of Dénia, Jávea and Calpe on the Costa Blanca are worth exploring at any time of year.
Serra Gelada
The Serra Gelada Natural Park is a protected area of the Costa Blanca. A nature reserve that encompasses both land and sea, with plenty of trails for hikers and walkers. The abundant vegetation of this mountain range harbours caves, fossilised dunes and paleontological remains, all interesting for tourists. The mountains roll down to the sea in the form of cliffs over 300 metres high. A walk here with amazing sea views is a real treat!
At Serra Gelada you will come across two micro reserves with some very interesting plant species. Sea birds provide the most interesting fauna on land. Breathe the pure oxygen in a place where humans have left no trace of activity. Switch off, do some sport and enjoy nature. Yes, it can be done!
El Peñón de Ifach
This is one of the city’s most iconic places. El Peñón de Ifach Natural Park is in Calpe. This impressive rock adjoining the land rises 322 metres above the sea. The surrounding natural park has a rich historic heritage and some unique plant life. One of the most frequently visited tourists spots on the Costa Blanca!
La Granadella Natural Park
La Granadella Natural Park lies south of Jávea, and extends over 750 hectares. It is one of the few totally unspoiled places on the Mediterranean coast. It is the perfect place for hikers and walkers. Discovering the native plants will be an easy task here. Aside from the spectacular view you can explore the wealth of plant life which is unique to this place and found nowhere else!
There are times when it is not easy to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoy nature and breathe pure fresh air. However, it’s possible at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol! Visit the Costa Blanca and explore its natural treasures. Unique and exclusive places, where you can simply appreciate the wonders of nature.
Aug 3, 2022 | Activities/Services, Events, Fiestas
Summer is for having the best time ever and for getting the most out of this season. And if you are lucky enough to live on the Costa Blanca, you couldn’t be in a better place. By now there are not many new beaches you haven’t swum on, you have discovered all the little coves on your list and … maybe some of you fancy something just a little bit different. Well, there are a whole host of plans and activities with a difference that you can enjoy on the Costa Blanca Norte and, best of all, they are all really close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol!
Benissa, el Poble Nou de Benitatxell and Teulada-Moraira: sport and culture in equal measure
Starting with the two places closest to Cumbre del Sol, in Benissa and el Poble Nou de Benitatxell there are all kinds of activities and summer fiestas on the Costa Blanca. For sporty types, North Costa Blanca Padel Club is organising two tournaments this summer from 28 to 31 July and from 26 to 28 August. Be sure to sign up and have a great time practising sport in the open air.
In the same municipal district, el Poble Nou de Benitatxell will be holding its famous “Agost a la Fresca” until 28 August. This includes a full agenda of activities with cinema, literature, talks, family activities, music, dance….. and all just a few kilometres from your home in Cumbre del Sol.
By August, Benissa is reaching the final stage of its Local neighbourhood and Rural district fiestas. An extensive list of activities of all kinds, for every taste and for enjoying one of the loveliest towns of the Costa Blanca. You can check out all the activities by clicking this link. The town has also been celebrating its Viu L’Estiu (Viva the summer) activities since June, and these will continue until the end of September. We suggest you take a look at the programme and drop by or join in some of the events.
As well as these activities, we recommend one of the guided visits as a top activity. These are held in the district and they take you from the historic town centre to the hermitage of Santa Ana and to the now renowned Ecology Trail. The talks are given in several languages and afterwards you’ll find that you have totally fallen in love with Benissa.
And that’s not all going on around here, in Teulada-Moraira you can try what is surely one of the most original activities on the Costa Blanca. These are the theatrical guided visits. It’s a great way of discovering the place, and an opportunity to visit and enjoy the shopping night, the grand music gala and the moscatell fiesta.
Tradition and fiesta in Altea
We couldn’t leave out the dome of the Costa Blanca in this article. All of life is there in Altea, it is the Mediterranean in its purest form, it is all about wanting to return again and again. There are some incredibly varied, enjoyable, cultural and festive activities on offer. Almost every day there is something to do or to discover. From guided tours around key parts of the town to the famous Craft Fair (from July to September) in the Church Square and the celebrated concerts with Música Aboquetanit (7 July – 25 August), You will be reminded that Altea is the home and source of inspiration for thousands of artists of every kind. One of the high points of all these activities are the popular fiestas of San Roc and San Lorenzo, with the latter featuring the impressive Castell de l’Olla which lights up the whole bay of Altea.
Dénia: where variety is the spice
Dénia is another of those places where summer is really for LIVING LIFE to the full. The town council has organised several activities during the high season for residents and visitors alike aside from enjoying the fabulous and magical beaches of the Costa Blanca.
As is customary, the municipal district is promoting a healthy lifestyle with its Sport on the beach initiative. Up until 31 August, you can practise tai chi, pilates, keep fit, aerobics, kyusho dimak and zumbalee at Marineta Cassiana and Punta del Raset. Not only that, but the town is known for its live music as it is host to the Dénia Jazz Festival, which is held every August. This year will be its seventh edition and the 2022 bill of events certainly matches the circumstances.
As you can see, culture is a deep seated aspect of the character of this town. As such, another date for taking your friends and family out on a summer’s evening is to Les Bassetes park. Under the umbrella of Culture in Les Bassetes, the park hosts musical events and film screenings. And while we’re talking about film… don’t forget the series of feature films screened throughout the month of August at the Vora Mar cinema in Punta del Raset!
However, the main summer events in Dénia are the Moros y Cristianos fiestas, which are held in the first half of August. A perfect way of soaking up the town’s history and tradition concentrated in this event.
Fiestas, activities, culture, history… and all really close to Cumbre del Sol! In summer, the Costa Blanca has a whole lot more to offer than you may think. Make sure you take a look at our future blog posts so that you can keep abreast of everything going on in the most magical coastal region of Spain.
Jul 25, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol
The Costa Blanca Norte is a paradise on the Mediterranean, it has beaches, excellent climate and nature. An enormous range of outdoor activities. And there is a place where you can enjoy it all.
But it is not just all the open air activities that characterise this zone. Stay with us and discover the services and events that you can enjoy in Cumbre del Sol.
Living in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is so much more than living between the countryside and the sea. In this post we will tell you about the essential services and many other options that you can enjoy in this location.
Belgium’s national fiesta – 21 July
At VAPF, every year, we celebrate Belgium’s national day. Where? At the La Cumbre restaurant where residents and friends of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol and the surrounding area gather to celebrate this special day. The amazing views and the excellent climate add to the festive atmosphere, in an event during which, among other special moments, a number of prizes will be raffled, donated by local establishments in Cumbre del Sol. A fun event for all the family.
Padel Tournaments
If you are a fan of sports, at Cumbre del Sol you can enjoy amazing views as you play padel. North Costa Blanca Padel Club is organising two tournaments this summer from 28 July to 1 August and from 26 to 28 August. Make sure you sign up and have a great time enjoying the atmosphere.
Cumbre del Sol Beaches
At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol summer is the most eagerly awaited season of the year: a paradise where you can enjoy life surrounded by nature and with amazing sea views. An area bounded by the Mediterranean, where you have innumerable beaches and coves, and unique places on the Costa Blanca. Fall in love with beaches close by Cumbre del Sol!
- Cala Moraig: this beach in Benitachell is sheltered by cliffs. Surrounded by mountains and nature it is an absolute paradise; one of the most beautiful little coves in Cumbre de Sol. You can spend hours there just making the most of the peace and tranquillity of the place, and enjoying a swim in the crystal clear waters.
- Cala Tiestos: close to Cala Moraig this is a great choice for anyone seeking privacy and silence. Surrounded by mountains, it is tiny and a bit of a hideaway. It is the perfect place for disconnecting, and breathing in the fresh air while you enjoy the blissful silence. Access by land is not easy and is best reserved for the more adventurous.
- Cala Llebeig: another beach in Benitachell. It is small and U-shaped which means that there are no strong currents in the area, something that makes it one of the most attractive places in cumbre for snorkeling.
Lady Elizabeth School Summer Campus
Summers at Lady Elizabeth Summer Camp are unique. A way of living and learning with experiences and adventures for kids. Moments that children will treasure forever, and a great way of spending one of the best ever summers of their childhood.
The Summer Camp begins in July and ends with the final fortnight of August. These are intense weeks of activity where they can try new activities; dance, cookery, tennis, karate classes, or handicrafts to bring out their most creative side.
Lady Elizabeth School is one of the best international schools in Spain, with over 51 different nationalities and it is unquestionably a great investment in your children’s future.
Outdoor activities and other services
At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol you can find all the services you need for your daily life. Not only that, the sports facilities at Cumbre del Sol have activities of all kinds. Tennis, paddle, horse riding, including glamping among other activities. Not to mention the Mediterranean food and cuisine at Cumbre del Sol! There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal in the area. But that’s not all! So that you feel at home and have everything you need from day to day, you will find other services like supermarkets, hairdressers, health centre, etc. and if you find it hard to relax, visit the Pure Wellness Centre! The residents of Cumbre del Sol have just about everything they need.
In short, at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol you have an area filled with activities and essential services, and much much more! Looking after yourself, having fun, staying fit, and enjoying some pleasurable activities are simple tasks here. Remember to check out our upcoming blog posts which will keep you abreast of all the plans, activities, and new events near and around Cumbre del Sol.
Jul 6, 2022 | Activities/Services, Events, Other towns
The province of Alicante is also known as Alifornia, especially during the summer months, a verbal pun combining Alicante and California, because the fact is the holiday vibe, the endless stretches of sandy beaches and the culture and nightlife have made Alicante and its coastal towns more than a match for the American Golden State.
Now that summer is here and the sun and the blue of the Mediterranean set the scene with a landscape bound to make anyone smile, we propose a series of plans and activities of all kinds to get the very best out of this little piece of California in Europe (or maybe California is the American Alicante? Calicante perhaps?)
Alicante – History and leisure
Just an hour’s drive by car from Cumbre del Sol, in the heart of Alicante city, you can visit the Castle of Santa Bárbara. This historic fortress makes the most of the summer months and until 4 September 2022 it has extended its opening hours from 10 am to 11 pm and alongside the extra hours a huge range of leisure and entertainment activities are available. From 15 to 17 July you can visit an area that offers gastronomy, decoration and a great atmosphere with pirate and medieval themed exhibitions. Musicians and actors will be performing all over the place and there will be a market with craft stalls, along with games and children’s entertainment. There are many more activities that you can check out by clicking on this link.
Music and Mediterranean sea: a great combo
Music in the open air, an area with restaurants, cocktail bars and beach clubs… Sounds good right? Well then this summer you need to take a trip down to the port of Alicante, which will be hosting the StageConfetti y Fiera event. Rulo y la Contrabanda, Shuarma, The Levitans and Mon Laferte, are just some of the first acts who have signed up to perform on stage in the new venue at the Port of Alicante.
And for true music buffs, you couldn’t do better than take a look at the agenda of Área 12. It’s the perfect place in Alicante to take in a concert and then go for a drink at the Mahou Beer Garden. Leiva, Beret e Izal, and many more artistes will be performing there this summer. Other interesting possibilities are the music events Low Festival and Boombastic. You’re spoilt for choice. Take your pick!
Something a bit more chilled?
As we mentioned at the start of this post, the Alifornian spirit pervades not only the provincial capital but it is also thriving in Costa Blanca Norte. Live and enjoy the Summer any way you want. Who wouldn’t like something a little more relaxing from time to time. If you don’t feel like spending a day on the amazing beaches and sandy coves that line the coast, why not enjoy some theatre at Auditori de Altea or a guided walk through one of Benissa’s charming areas.
Musical, cultural, historical, and natural activities … the leisure and entertainment on offer this summer within a few kilometres of Cumbre del Sol is both extensive and varied. Choose your favourite events and activities and get ready to enjoy the rest of the summer in Alifornia, and don’t forget to keep an eye on our upcoming blog entries.
Jun 22, 2022 | Activities/Services, Otros pueblos
Altea, Jávea, Dénia… These are probably the first three names that come to mind when thinking of the Costa Blanca Norte. These incredibly beautiful towns are known for their historic centres, beaches and surrounding countryside. But there is always something new to discover on the Costa Blanca. Just a few kilometres away from Cumbre del Sol, between Calpe and Moraira, in the Marina Alta district, there is a charming place with hidden coves, cliffs, beach bars and a whole lot of history. Still don’t know which place we mean?
Benissa, quite unfairly, does seem to be the “Cinderella” of the Costa Blanca Norte. Many municipalities and towns in the area are much more popular with both national and international visitors. Are you interested in discovering what this place, which is like an open air museum, has to offer? Carry on reading, and we can tell you now, there’s so much more to this place than meets the eye.
Wander around the historic centre
The historic centre of Benissa is unquestionably one of the best preserved on the Costa Blanca. Start your route at Plaza del Portal and stroll around the Placeta de l´Esglesia Vella, passing by the Andrés family and Pere Bigot homes, houses which together form a particularly original annexe of Alicante University. You can continue along Puríssima and Desamparados (where the ancient noble families of Benissa once lived), two of the town’s most iconic streets. You should also check out the Casa Museo Abargues and, close by, the Riberer Monument, which pays homage to the Benissa agricultural workers who went to work in the rice fields of the Valencian Ribera. To complete your visit to the historic centre, save the best for last, namely, the church of the Puríssima Xiqueta, known locally as the Cathedral de la Marina.
A stroll along the coast…. Or a swim
The historic centre is incredible, but Benissa also has its own beach. 4 kilometres of coastline bordered by stretches of beach and coves that run the whole length of the municipal district. The Benissa Ecology Trail (the name given to the coastal route) is a pleasant path that joins a string of beaches, some of them very well-known, such as Cala Les Bassetes and Cala de la Fustera. The trail was restored in 2006, with a view to protecting and conserving the cliffs and recovering the native ecosystems.
Even so, sometimes you just feel like kicking off your shoes and simply chilling in the waters of the Mediterranean. Apart from those we mentioned above, there are many more beaches to choose from such as Cala Pinets (with its incredible sunsets), Cala La Llobella, or Cala Baladrar (which has the best views of the Peñón de Ifach).
Sierra de Bernia
Benissa covers quite a large municipal area, which means that you can enjoy both the sea and the mountains in just one place. The Sierra de Bernia is ideal for enjoying countryside and discovering the local flora and fauna as you wander along one of its many trails. We recommend the following routes, La Solana, Molí del Quisi and dels Riberers.
Gastronomy
And why not? We are in the Costa Blanca after all, and its cuisine is one of its biggest attractions. Clearly demonstrating this combination of sea and mountains, one of Benissa’s most typical dishes is puchero de pulpo or octopus stew, made with pulses, potatoes, vegetables and rice. But there is so much more to discover about the Costa Blanca’s cuisine, here you can find an article about Denia’s gastronomy that can equally be applied to the whole coastline.
Now you have seen everything that you can do in Benissa. Visit this little known jewel of the Costa Blanca and discover somewhere completely new. What are you waiting for? And besides, another advantage is its excellent location in Alicante province as Benissa is just a few kilometres from Altea and Calpe, where you can continue to enjoy more sea and sand.
Don’t miss our upcoming articles in this blog to discover more activities, places and curiosities in the area of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Jun 14, 2022 | Activities/Services, Club Amigos del Sol, Cumbre del Sol, Sin categoría, Something special
Lady Elizabeth Summer Camp is just what your children need. For the duration they will attend a top international school with excellent educational facilities. And that’s not all, the exclusive surroundings of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. are an extra bonus. It’s an ideal way of making new friends, and creating summer memories that they will never forget, with a host of new and fun experiences.
How long will the camp be? The Summer Camp will take place throughout the month of July and the first two weeks of August. And it’s possible to sign up for just a week or for the whole duration. Your children will have the opportunity to make some unique friendships, speaking in Spanish, English or both languages at once. The Summer Camp is the ideal place for gaining proficiency in both languages and for developing new skills. Not only that, but depending on your preference, you can choose half day (until 1.30 pm), or for two more hours, it’s possible to enjoy a whole day. Lady Elizabeth School is well aware of how important it is to adjust to the needs of every student.
Programme of activities according to age
The skills learned during the Summer Camp will depend on your children’s age. Nursery age kids will enjoy activities such as swimming and dancing. They will also have art and craft classes to encourage their creative side. All the activities will be supervised and taught in English.
For children aged from 5 to 11 years, the programme includes a wide variety of classes. From circus skills to cookery, taking in sports like tennis or karate as well. At this age it is very important to provide a variety of activities, as this will help children to discover their skills and to develop these in future.
Students aged 11 years and over will have a very special programme, carefully prepared to combine academic material with different activities. Carpentry, photography and also outdoor sports such as Stand Up Paddle. These are just a few of the many activities and experiences that they will enjoy at Summer Camp this year.
What if you don’t have a house in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol? Thanks to the excellent Residential Programme, children can lodge with a host family or at the school’s own hall of residence.
Lady Elizabeth School: A top international school
If you want to learn more about the school, you might like to know that it is one of the best international schools in Spain. In fact, it is extraordinary in that students attending the school represent over 51 different nationalities, making it an international hub, just like its location. In addition, the school follows the British curriculum, which can provide pupils with greater opportunities for the future.
Furthermore, Lady Elizabeth School is acutely aware of the need for students’ learning to include other areas, aside from their academic subjects. As a result, there are plenty of after school activities available. The school also likes to encourage healthy competition between students through different sports activities. The facilities are excellent, with classrooms set aside specially for music and computer studies. There is also a heated swimming pool, an indoor gym and courts for playing a number of different sports.
It is essential to point out that in 2019 we signed an agreement with Lady Elizabeth School. As a result, the children of VAPF’s clients can take advantage of studying at one of the best international schools in the area. The children of our employees are also able to attend the school.
For further and more detailed information about the Summer Camp at Lady Elizabeth School, you can contact them directly by telephone: 680 769 427 (English) 636 946 521 (Spanish). Or, if you prefer, you can email them at s.alexander@laudelayelizabeth.com or s.altamira@laudeladyelizabeth.com.