Sep 29, 2021 | Activities/Services
Have you heard of synaesthesia? It is a phenomenon where elements of the physical senses are commonly associated with feelings. An example is how Sundays and life in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol can be linked. That sense of calm and wellbeing so typical of the last day of the week is comparable to daily life in our villas and apartments.
That’s why Sundays are so special here and that is also why we want you to enjoy them as much as possible. So you can connect with the surrounding nature and discover all its hidden corners. This is the idea behind the Diumenges Marina Alta initiative. Have you heard of it? It’s based on physical activity and hiking and walking in Marina Alta. And the main aim is to connect with nature and the countryside in this beautiful part of the world.
Marina Alta covers 750 km2 of terrain which translates to some unique flora and fauna and stunning countryside. Beauty spots include the Peñón de Ifach, Cabo de San Antonio, Montgó and the Pego-Oliva marshlands.
These landscapes can be explored in depth and in good company as you hike the local trails with Diumenges Marina Alta. Fernando Sendra devised and supervises these routes to promote tourism in the area, and to help you spend a different kind of Sunday. Diumenges Marina Alta also has the support of local councils, including La Vall de Laguar, Orba, Parcent, Benigembla and Poble Nou de Benitatxell, home of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. Want to know which are best walks and hiking trails in Marina Alta? We plan to tell you all about them!!
Walking in Altea
Altea and its unique, idyllic setting is ideal for a Sunday walk or hike. Faro de Albir is close by and is one of the most popular destinations for walkers, and the trail you follow along the way is as enjoyable as the final destination. Altea La Vella, Font del Garrofet and the hermitage of Santa Bárbara are other places worth seeing along another of the most frequently trodden paths in Altea. Cap Blanch, Cap Negret… there are innumerable trails in this area of the Costa Blanca with varied levels of difficulty. It’s up to you to decide!
Walking in Calpe
The most obvious and popular walk in Calpe is clearly the one that ends with a climb up to the Peñon de Ifach. In fact the route to the top is really stunning and you won’t be disappointed by the views. But luckily there is so much more to Calpe than the Peñon de Ifach! The La Mola /Cima de l’Òlta is another of the TOP 3 for hikers in Marina Alta. Are you up for the challenge?
Walking in Denia
Denia is the ideal starting point for a walk in Marina Alta which ends on the highest peak of Montgó. As it is a mountain, the route isn’t exactly one of the easiest to attempt but it is certainly the most fun and the most spectacular. Especially if you have views of the Mediterranean in mind at the end of your trek, and as you can bask in utter peace and tranquillity at this altitude.
Nevertheless, if you prefer a little less exertion, the Vía Verde de Dénia, along the now disused former FEVE rail track, is a lovely walk among orange trees where you can experience the very best of rural life. La Cova de l’Aigua or the Racó del Bou are other places you can visit along your Denia walks and trails.
Walking in Jávea
The sea is clearly the main attraction in this coastal resort when walking in Marina Alta. This is why beaches like Portitxol or Barraca are visited so frequently, as aside from offering sun and sand for a perfect day at the beach, they are the ideal scenario for a coastal trail. The sandy coves of Blanca and Sardinera and Cap Prim might well be places to jot down in your walker’s agenda so that you don’t miss out on a single stretch of this coastline.
Walking in Benissa
There are walks and trails in Marina Alta that begin in Benissa and end in other beautiful villages in the area. What is so great about walking is that you can explore so many different villages and discover their traditions on foot and witness changes at first hand. Senija and Lliber which belong to the district of Vall de Pop are just some of the places in Benissa’s trail pack. Camins de Pedra i Aigua is one of the most iconic and fascinating routes. Along the way you’ll discover the traditional hydraulic architecture of these villages, with their wells, ponds, channels and canals, water wheels, …. something really different!
Upcoming Diumenges Marina Alta
From now until the end of this year, Diumenges Marina Alta has several routes planned. Starting out from Orba and for just 5 euros, on 24 October you can enjoy a walk that passes by the castle of the Atzavares. In November you will be able to sign up to walking in Marina Alta to places such as El Seguili or Parcent. And in December, trails to Font Calenta, Sender del Badall and Les Fonts and the Ruta de la Figuereta.
Does all this make you want to start walking? It is a natural, healthy and simple way of getting to know your surroundings and spending your Sunday in places that can be found in Marina Alta and its villages and nowhere else.
Sep 24, 2021 | Cumbre del Sol
Autumn has arrived on the Costa Blanca. And although we don’t have to say goodbye completely to the warm temperatures, the climate is definitely more conducive to getting back to some outdoor sporting activities. That’s why if you’d more or less given up on physical activity this summer, now is the ideal time to get back into your routine and revive mind and body. And one of the other benefits of this autumnal weather is that you can practise sports in the open air and that way you can connect with nature.
Autumn sports to play in the open without leaving Cumbre del Sol
Although we know that you have every creature comfort in your home, autumn is no excuse for giving up outdoor activities altogether. Can’t think of anything? Don’t worry; keep reading as we have a whole list of sports and activities for you this autumn and best of all, you can do them at any time of day!
There’s no question that hiking is an excellent form of exercise in the open air and Cumbre del Sol is one of the best places to enjoy this activity. Did you know that you are surrounded by routes and paths with incredible views of the Mediterranean? Not to mention the Granadella Natural Park, a real green lung extending over nearly 700 hectares, and the habitat of many birds of prey, and even a beetle found only in this area, the Amaladera longipenis, ever thought about trying to find one?
But if you are more inclined to take to two wheels to feel the wind in your face, cycling is your best bet. Can you imagine pedalling along the tarmac following in the wake of some of the best cyclists in the world? You don’t have to go far, Cumbre del Sol is cycling country and witness to this fact are the many La Vuelta races that have been held in the area.
Other sports that you can play without even leaving Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol are tennis and paddle. And this is all thanks to the fantastic facilities overlooking the sea, where both amateur and professional tournaments are frequently held. Why not sign up to some classes to perfect that backhand?
And what could be better for communing with nature than a bit of horse riding round the area. The Cañada del Sol Riding School offers countryside hacking and riding lessons all year round so that you can enjoy all the benefits of the area and the Mediterranean climate from the saddle with a horse as your faithful friend.
And finally, although Cumbre del Sol has everything you need for an exclusive life with all the services and amenities you could wish for, make sure you don’t miss out on some of the hidden treasures that Alicante province has to show you. For example, what about the Mediterranean? Our sea has agreeable temperatures until well into the winter. And so in autumn, with its emptier beaches and those favourable winds, it is easier to surf the waves with your windsurf board, or would you rather just surf? You can also take a dip beneath the waves and discover a real underwater paradise. Diving will tempt you with the clear waters, every kind of fish species, and hidden caves to explore for a memorable underwater expedition.
As you can see, if you love practising sports in the open air you’re in luck, because you’ve chosen the perfect place to make your home: Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is an exclusive and special place and we’re delighted that you can make the most of it. And to make sure that you are up to date with all the news and to learn more about some of the magical beauty spots and corners of the Costa Blanca, don’t forget to read our blog and follow us on these social networks: Instagram and Facebook.
Sep 17, 2021 | Cumbre del Sol
Playing padel at Cumbre del Sol doesn’t just mean practising sport, it is actually a genuinely sensory experience. And that’s not just because you will improve your bone and muscle health, and your resistance, but because it will also be an exercise in socialising with other members of the Cumbre del Sol community. Not only that, but you will be practising on a padel court with some of the very best views in Spain. And yes, that’s right, we’re talking about the Benitatxell padel courts.
Reasons why you should play padel at Cumbre del Sol.
Aerobic racquet sports such as padel or tennis are ideal for developing coordination skills and your flexibility and agility. Now imagine improving and perfecting all these skills while enjoying all the advantages of playing padel at Cumbre del Sol. We’ll tell you all about them!
Playing padel in incomparable surroundings.
You will be playing padel at Cumbre del Sol with fantastic views of the sea. The Mediterranean breeze will accompany every serve and the rumble of the waves will be the soundtrack to your game. If you find it hard to make the effort and get moving, playing sport in this unique setting may well help to motivate you. It’s never too late to try!
The Benitatxell padel courts on your doorstep.
The proximity to your home is another great advantage of playing padel at Cumbre del Sol. These courts are just a step away from your house and that is also pretty exclusive! You don’t need to go anywhere. The five padel courts are right on your doorstep in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
However, even if you are not a resident of Cumbre del Sol you don’t have to worry. These Benitatxell padel courts are open to anyone who would like to play. There are many amateur sportsmen and women who regularly play padel at Cumbre del Sol. And that’s you included!
Padel as a link between the residents of Cumbre del Sol.
And like any team sport, playing padel in Cumbre del Sol is the ideal opportunity to socialise. Now you can get to know your neighbours better while you enjoy playing your sport…. Or when you’re watching a game!
And actually, several tournaments are played and numerous events are held on the Benitatxell padel courts. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to get your fun in the stands or on the court itself. You can choose how you want to enjoy the padel experience at Cumbre del Sol! Either way it will be a great opportunity to strengthen ties and contact with your neighbours.
Having listed the entire advantages, one thing is clear, which is that the padel courts of Cumbre del Sol are a sporting benchmark in the area. Would you like a game on the Benitatxell padel courts? You can book a court by calling +34 634 35 16 71. Dialling this number is the first step towards a new way of enjoying padel. We’re here waiting for you!
Sep 10, 2021 | Activities/Services
The culture of wine and wine production continues to flourish in Alicante, yet it would be nothing without its past and its foreseeable future. It is a tradition bequeathed by the ancestral legacy of wine growing, production and consumption through generations. In fact, the Benimaquia archaeological site in Alicante boasts the oldest vestiges of wine production ever found in the Iberian peninsula. They date from the 6th century BC.
Alicante wine was appreciated by illustrious figures such as Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth 1st, no less. However, the 19th century was its Golden Age. Today, the Alicante wine sector has managed to maintain this tradition and perfect and improve its wines to achieve their present, and well deserved, superior category. This is particularly the case of the wineries in the Marina Alta area. As a result, it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the province.
Consequently, there are plenty of activities, excursions and wineries in Marina Alta for you to visit and learn more about the Alicante wine sector. Wine tourism in this province is very popular in the inland villages and towns. However, the coastal areas also have some very attractive wine producing areas, many of which are found in the Ruta del Vino de Alicante. In fact there are five important wineries in the Marina Alta region, and if you decide to take one of these wine routes, you can’t really go wrong.
Let’s begin with the north. In Jesús Pobre, a village on the outskirts of Denia, you’ll find Les Freses. This Marina Alta winery owes its name to the surrounding land near Montgó where strawberries were grown in the past. There are currently nine varieties of wine from this area. Lands like this with so much history are worth a visit, don’t you think? Les Freses offers a guided visit to its vineyards and its winery which, of course, ends with a wine tasting session. But that’s not all! This Marina Alta winery also offers a visit, accompanied by an archaeologist to l’Alt de Benimaquia, an ancient site. The visit also includes a session tasting the les Freses wines. Both visits cost 15 euros per person.
A little further south you can make a stop at Xaló, home of the Bodegas Xaló winery. The ideal way to discover the muscat – known as moscatel in Spanish – and giró grape varieties is to take a guided tour – minimum 4 persons. For 12 euros you can enjoy a wine tasting paired with cured meats and it could well be something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
In Xaló itself you can visit another important winemaking centre Bodegas Riko. This winery offers the experience of an oenologist’s daily life at first hand. The tour begins in one of the vineyards, where the whole process starts. The visit then goes on to the winery itself where you tour the facilities and learn all about the wine producing sector and the professionals who grow and make the wines. To round off the visit, you will be treated to a tasting of Bodegas Riko’s finest wines and sweet mistela wines. This visit also includes a tour of the century-old winery building.
A little further down the map, you will come to Pla de Llíber, with artisan produced wine at the Pepe Mendoza winery. With 12 hectares of Giró and Moscatel Romano wines, it is one of the most famous wineries in Marina Alta. A pre-booked visit costing 25 euros treats you to a group tour where you will learn all about the history of the vineyards, and the secret of their wines. A secret that you will be able to discover later with a premium tasting of 6 wines paired with cheeses and traditional cured meats.
Finally, we could not end without mentioning Bodega Teulada. Producers of sweet moscatel, moscatel vermouth, semi-sparkling moscatel, moscatel cava and dry white moscatel wine, the winery has 103 partners. And the fact is, as they say, the taste is unique: these are wines infused with the essence of five sea breezes.
Has that whetted your appetite as well? Our blog tour has come to an end, but in the province of Alicante in general and on the Costa Blanca in particular, the wine route continues. Discover more!
Aug 30, 2021 | Activities/Services
With September just around the corner and the onset of autumn temperatures are milder, and perfect for enjoying the final days of summer. The weather is also ideal for visiting and discovering new places.
At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol we are surrounded by the countryside and some amazing landscapes, so there is always somewhere to visit. September is the ideal time for hiking and adventures don’t you think? We have a plan for an outing which is less than 45 minutes by car from Cumbre del Sol. What’s the destination? A fantastic day out in a natural setting.
We’re talking about Peñón de Ifach. This natural park is in Calpe, but it is visible from many other parts of the province. In 1987 the Valencian government declared it a nature reserve covering an area of 45 hectares. However, six years ago the protected area was extended to 53.3 hectares.
The Peñón de Ifach is an outcrop of the mountains known as the cordilleras Béticas, and it rises to an altitude of 332 metres. It provides a striking image, with the peak rising out of the sea in stark contrast to the waters lapping the rock, which is connected to the land by a strip of detritus comprising fragments of rock and shells forming a narrow isthmus.
You can visit the Peñón de Ifach and walk around it. However currently, due to the enormous demand, visiting is restricted and you need to book. Although it continues to be free of charge. As a result, if you’re planning to visit, before you go to Calpe you will need to book a slot to climb the Peñón de Ifach. It’s just a small formality and worth it for a truly enjoyable trip!
The route to the Peñón de Ifach is signposted. Starting out from the car park, the route is about 5 kilometers, and you will discover some amazing sights on the way. One of these is the ruins of the ancient archaeological remains of Pobla d’Ifach. And then, after going through the tunnel that crosses the peak, you will come to a fork. Here you can choose whether to go on to a lookout point or continue your climb to the top. At the summit, on a clear day you can see the islands of Formentera, Ibiza and Cape Santa Pola. You’ll be blown away by the views!
The peak, with its unique location, is a striking sight but it also boasts plenty of interesting wildlife and vegetation. In fact, at the Peñón de Ifach natural park there are over 400 different plant species. Many of these have been classified as in danger of extinction such as the silene de Ifach. While the natural park is notable for its varied vegetation, there is also an abundance of wildlife in the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park. It is a haven for over 80 species of birds, including the European shag and the yellow-legged gull.
As you can see, it’s a great place for an outing from Cumbre del Sol. You can have a picnic in the middle of the Peñón de Ifach park, as there is a specially designated picnic area with shaded tables and a water fountain. Remember, you need to book your visit and then all you have to do is enjoy one of the Costa Blanca’s most prized beauty spots.
Aug 26, 2021 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol
There is nowhere on the Costa Blanca that isn’t worth a photograph. With the colours of the landscape, and the Mediterranean light as a natural backdrop, the place is asking for a set of photographs that could easily be mistaken for a professional photo essay. Have you been to some of the area’s famous beauty spots to snap those stunning photos? That’s our excuse for a trip around the province of Alicante.
The region’s villages harbour some real treasures. Altea is a case in point, with an ancient town centre as beautiful as it is historic. That’s why if you visit, not only will you learn a little more about the town’s past, but you can take away some fine snapshots as an enduring memento of your visit.
Another charming little town in Alicante is Villajoyosa with its colourful houses. However, if you’re a city type, the town of Alicante has some places that are perfect for snapshots, taken with your mobile phone or a camera, it doesn’t matter, you’ll get some lovely pictures.
One such spot is Barrio de Santa Cruz, where you will be captivated by its little streets with the opportunity for some great snaps. Other places providing some excellent views are Paseo de la Explanada and the Santa Barbara castle.
There is always talk of nature’s beauty, and with reason. The Costa Blanca is a perfect illustration of this with water featuring prominently in many of these villages. In Alicante province, the sheltered little coves known as calas are as beautiful as ever. Here are a few names for you: Cala del Portixol, Cala Ambolo, Cala del Moraig, Cala Llebeig, la Granadella… There are also some legendary beaches such as the Isla de Tabarca, all well worth some photos.
Still on the theme of sea and water, another really photogenic spot is the island of Benidorm. You probably know it already, precisely because it has so often been the subject of photographs. So go and see for yourself, and take your own photo as a souvenir. We also recommend the famous Peñón de Ifach, in Calpe. To really appreciate this wonder of nature you need to see it for yourself.
And talking of impressive natural phenomena, we should mention the Cova Tallada, in Jávea. It’s not often you get to photograph a cave like this one. It can by reached on foot or by water in a kayak, which might well give your photos that little extra special touch.
Also don’t forget to visit the famous cliffs and gorges in the area. The Barranco de la Encantada, or the Enchanted Ravine in Planes, is really delightful. Aside from its beauty, it also harbours an ancient legend. It is said that a fairy damsel holds a treasure there, waiting to be found. However she only appears every hundred years. Who knows, she might pose for your photo!
Nature is generous and the Costa Blanca has been blessed with numerous beauty spots, all worth a visit and recording forever. The Granadella Natural Park offers the perfect blend of flora and fauna. And as luck would have it, it is right next door to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, so whenever you leave your villa or apartment you can find something new to photograph.
If you are going to travel around Alicante, further away from the sea and closer to the sky you will find the Sierra de Bernia. These mountains belong to the Cordilleras Béticas range and the landscapes and views you will be able to photograph there would grace the pages of a glossy magazine.
Finally, we need to tell you about the best places on the Costa Blanca for viewing and photgraphing sunsets. From the city of Alicante, the heights of Santa Bárbara castle are ideal for watching the sun go down. However, there are other places in the province which you’ll also want your camera lens to capture. This is the case of Jávea’s look out points, a set of fifteen natural balconies where you can watch the sun as it sets on the horizon.
Equally striking are the sunsets from the Balcón del Mediterráneo and the Cruz de Benidorm. Another place that is also very close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, is Puig de la Llorença. At a height of 445 metres, this vantage point affords incredible views of the evening sun. Have you made your list now? Get your camera and a map and set off on your trip around Alicante province!
