Mar 28, 2023 | Activities/Services, Local events
With the onset of good weather, it’s time to get out of the house, breathe in the fresh air and feel the spirit of nature and the light that bring life to Cumbre del Sol. There are endless things to do around your home, however our blog always has something new to offer from end to end of the Costa Blanca Norte.
Benissa is one of the least-known places in the Marina Alta. This gap in awareness of its existence is actually commensurate with its beauty. It has one of the oldest town centres in the area, as well as lovely countryside, beaches and monuments with an endless list of things to do, both in the town and its surrounding area. One of its most picturesque (and unknown) attractions is surely its cave paintings. We tell you about them in this article, where to find them, and how to visit them.
The charm of the unknown
There is nothing like discovering something new somewhere just a few kilometres from your home, and that is exactly the case with these cave paintings. You can reach the place on foot along a hiking trail, just 5 kilometres from Benissa, or if you prefer, you can also get there by car. It is close to the rural district of Pinos at a place called Abrigo de Pinos (Shelter of the Pines but also known locally as “Barranc de la Tía Isabel”).
The shelter is an overhang of chalky rock some 200 metres long which has several caves, in one of which you will find the paintings. They were discovered in 1970, and in 1985 they were officially declared as Cultural Heritage and, subsequently a World Heritage Site. The set of paintings is protected by a metal grill placed on the rock wall so that the paintings can be viewed without getting too close, thus they are protected from deterioration or any other problems. There are four explanatory panels alongside them so that you can situate them in time and understand the figures, as many are camouflaged by the rock. Even so, the one known as “Eva Pinera” has become an iconic figure. Standing with arms akimbo, experts have dated this painting as 6,000 to 8,000 years old. At just 50 centimetres away from this figure, it is possible to discern a zoomorphic representation typical of the Levante which has been partially lost. There is also another portrayal of four figures that appear to be holding hands.
Unmissable Benissa
If having viewed the paintings you are thinking of what else you can do, we suggest that you visit Benissa if you don’t know it yet. In the Marina Alta, and only a short distance from the road leading to places like Calpe, Moraira, Altea, Teulada or Benidorm, the town is easy to reach and an essential stop-off in the Costa Blanca Norte.
One of the reasons that you will love this place is its cuisine. Strongly influenced by the sea and the mountains, it is varied and made with care. The star dish here is “putxero de polp”, or octopus casserole, originally a fishermen’s dish. This stew is made with pulses (beans) potatoes, vegetables and rice.
Benissa is a must-see if you want to discover somewhere in the Marina Alta that is less well-known, but certainly no less charming. Some months ago we published a post on plans for things to do in Benissa and you can read about it here. We suggest that you look out for our upcoming blog posts so that you don’t miss out on anything going on around Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Apr 5, 2022 | Activities/Services, Events, Fiestas, Local events, Other towns, Otros pueblos, Something special
With April comes Easter, a time that’s interesting to tourists in almost all parts of Spain and, in particular, in Costa Blanca. Here’s a series of plans and options near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol to spend this holiday season in one of the most popular destinations throughout the year.
Easter brings an extra incentive to any resident or anyone who wants to spend a few days here, a truly luxurious offer. Watching the traditional processions with excitement, exquisite cuisine, and the famous dreamy beaches, all tied together with rich historical and cultural heritage sites.
Torrijas and Easter mona cake – easter’s sweet staple foods
When Easter arrives, it’s tradition in Costa Blanca to bake some of the famous Easter sweets. Flour, yeast, milk, egg, butter and sugar are more than enough to make the famous mona de Pascua cake. On Easter Sunday itself, tradition rules in Alicante. Families get together to have a snack and eat this dessert outside in nature (beach, mountain, countryside…). Interestingly, the mona has always been considered a loving gift from the grown-ups to the youngest members of the family.
The other star dish of Easter in Costa Blanca is torrijas. It’s surprising how something so simple can have such a spectacular flavour. Stale slices of bread soaked in red wine or milk with lemon and cinnamon, dipped in whisked egg and then fried in oil. Some people serve them coated in cinnamon and sugar and others sweeten them with syrup.
Processions in Alicante
Holy Week in Costa Blanca is, above all, a festival of religious tradition that year after year attracts many visitors due to its incredible, emotional processions. Throughout the municipalities of the area, you can enjoy activities such as the famous procession of silence on Holy Thursday and the procession of the Holy Burial, the protagonist of Good Friday, in which women who wish can accompany the Holy Sepulchre dressed in a black shawl and veil. Two processions in the city of Alicante are worth mentioning: the procession of the Holy Supper on Holy Thursday, which is one of the most famous in Spain and helps a good cause, as after the procession, the food that is placed on the table of the procession is donated to a home for the elderly. And, on the other hand, the palm trees of the Explanada are witnesses to the most popular and familiar procession of all those celebrated in the city, that of the Borriquita on Palm Sunday.
Other processions to take into account if you want to experience what Holy Week is all about are those of La Pasión in the town of Orihuela, in which more than 8,000 Nazarenes and around 1,200 musicians parade; and the procession of Los Tres Abrazos (The Three Embraces) in Crevillente.
Days out, music, markets…
There is also room for other non-religious activities to enjoy Easter in Costa Blanca. It’s a tradition in some towns such as Moraira-Teulada to play live music in the streets. In the city of Alicante, the Jornadas de Cuaresma (Lenten Days) are held to promote the hotel and catering industry throughout the province with the help of the best chefs in the area.
It’s also interesting to wander around the historic centre of any municipality in Costa Blanca, especially those of Altea, Dénia, Benitachell and Moraira, and discover their most emblematic spots, such as the medieval market that takes place in Calpe during easter, where you can buy typical Costa Blanca handicrafts.
And what about outdoor plans? Easter is the perfect time to discover natural areas such as the Benitachell cliffs route, take a stroll along the L’Andragó cove in Moraira or have an aperitif in the marina of Altea.
As you have seen, during Easter Week the towns and villages of Costa Blanca dress up and put on hundreds of events that make the Alicante coastline a splendid place to be. The perfect mix of discovering and getting to know religious traditions and enjoying a unique area on the Mediterranean coast. Don’t miss our next blog articles in which we will continue to tell you about more things to do near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Aug 10, 2020 | Events, Local events
Last week we had one of the best weeks of the summer at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol – with great weather, lots of sunshine and plenty of opportunities to make the most of the gorgeous natural surroundings. However, there’s something that made last week particularly exciting… The padel tournament we held in our courts!
This event was organised by the North Costa Blanca Padel Club and sponsored and hosted by VAPF. The tournament ran from the 6th of August to the 9th and it consisted of various daily matches. Everyone who participated was paired up and split between different categories of varying difficulties. Each match was more exciting than the last; it was a pleasure to watch people with a range of abilities try their best and truly enjoy playing sports in our facilities.
Every day, the matches began at 16:00 and lasted until late the evening. The players and audience got to enjoy the best of the Costa Blanca’s weather while simultaneously enjoying the game. Beautiful sunny skies melted away into a breathtaking sunset, which then gave way to the refreshing sparkling night sky.
Everyone involved showed stupendous sportsmanship. Even as the tournament became more and more competitive, the element of friendliness and community remained. It is a joy to see a wide variety of residents come together and enjoy Cumbre del Sol and all it has to offer. Regardless of who won or lost, everyone seemed more than satisfied to have gotten a chance to participate and give their all.
At VAPF, we are proud to host events such as this one which helps establish Cumbre del Sol as one of the benchmark residential developments on the Costa Blanca. As you can see, Cumbre del Sol is an idyllic place to live for much more than its unmatchable location. There are endless amounts of activities to enjoy nearby, from exploring nearby blue flag beaches to discovering hidden gems a stone’s throw away. If this left you wanting to pick up a racquet and put on your tennis shoes to play a few matches yourself, don’t forget, you can book a slot in our padel courts whenever you want. All you have to do is contact Gary at +34 634 351 671 or gary@ncbpadel.com.
Lastly, to keep up-to-date with all the events and activities in the area, follow us on our social networks and check out our blog regularly.
Jul 27, 2020 | Events, Local events
One of the best things about living at Cumbre del Sol is the endless activities you can take part in nearby. From hiking to horse riding, our idyllic surroundings and thought-out facilities are perfect for all kinds of hobbies. With picture-perfect weather almost every day of the year, Cumbre del Sol is ideal for anyone who likes to spend their days outdoors and lead an active, healthy lifestyle.
As you already know, our sports facilities are a fantastic option for all sports lovers. We kicked off the summer by hosting the Region of Valencia Tennis Challenge in our tennis courts. The event was the first of its kind, as it was the first professional sporting event to be held in Spain during the COVID-19 crisis. At VAPF, we are happy to announce we are once again hosting a sporting event in our facilities! The North Costa Blanca Padel Club is organizing a padel tournament, sponsored by VAPF.
The tournament is set to start on the 6th of August and continue until the 9th. Each game will start at 4pm and carry on until late in the day. This will allow players to enjoy Cumbre del Sol’s lovely evening weather and have a picturesque Costa Blanca sunset as the backdrop throughout the entire tournament. There will be a minimum of three matches per day and the tournament is being divided into three categories of varying difficulties. The categories are coed, so if you register without a partner, you’ll have no problem getting one assigned to you.
Registration is open until August 2nd, so be quick and register now! It’s an ideal way to make the most of your summer while making some unforgettable memories. Registration is 15€ per player, per category. If you’re interested in joining, please contact Gary from the North Costa Blanca Padel Club at +34 634 351 671 or at his email, gary@ncbpadel.com. Additionally, everyone who signs up and participates will get a free t-shirt as a gift!
We look forward to seeing all of you take part in the tournament and enjoy your summer to the fullest. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! If you want to keep up to date with all the wonderful events and activities in the area, don’t forget to follow us on our social networks and to always keep an eye on our blog.
Jul 2, 2020 | Activities/Services, Events, Local events
It’s summer: the sun is shining, the weather is perfect and the temptation to go for a swim is stronger than ever! Although, if you live at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, you’ll know almost every day of the year is like this on the Costa Blanca. Summer is usually synonymous with going on holiday, and this year should be no exception! We’re offering you the opportunity to have a luxury getaway just minutes away from your home. Experience nature like never before at Dreamsea Mediterranean, located at the heart of Cumbre del Sol, just above Cala del Moraig.
Dreamsea Mediterranean combines glamour and camping for a luxurious glamping experience. If you want a complete holiday, you can spend a few nights in their double or twin tents, which offer the same comforts and amenities as the best hotels. No holiday is complete without good food, which is why their restaurant is full of exquisite Mediterranean dishes. Enjoy the local flavour as you look out onto the sea. Of course, that’s not all you can do at Dreamsea Mediterranean. Take relaxation to the next level at the swimming pool with sea views or enjoy a refreshing cocktail or smoothie in the solarium. There’s even a designated chill-out area, perfect for grabbing a book and enjoying the crashing of the waves under a canopy of trees.
One of the best ways to relax at Dreamsea Mediterranean is attending Iva’s yoga classes. Start the day with vinyasa yoga (8:30 – 9:30 AM) or round out the afternoon with a yin yoga class (7:00 – 8:00 PM). You can join any day of the week and each class is only 10€. If you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in the world of yoga, you can get a Dreamsea Yoga membership for 55€. Additionally, you’ll also receive 7 online videos of different smoothie recipes as a welcome gift. These recipes are part of Iva’s online course about the chakra system.
Get even more in tune with your body and sign up for Iva’s ‘Breath is Life: Pranayama Workshop’, where you’ll learn yogic breathing techniques to help relax your nervous system. The workshop will take place at Dreamsea Mediterranean on July 19th at 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Get more information on Facebook or visit her website directly; the registration fee is 25€.
Once you’ve let go of all your stress and cleared your mind, you can also explore your wild side. Dreamsea Mediterranean organizes all kinds of water sports and outdoor activities, such as stand-up paddling, kayaking, snorkelling, hiking and mountain biking. Explore Cumbre del Sol and its gorgeous natural surroundings, each activity is guaranteed to be an unapparelled experience.
Rest assured that Dreamsea Mediterranean is following health authorities’ recommendations and protocols. All employees will always be wearing a mask and gloves, guests will always be a safe distance from each other and temperature is taken on arrival. Rooms, common areas and surf material are regularly disinfected as well. Learn more about their safety measures here.
Make the most of your summer at Dreamsea Mediterranean, rediscover Cumbre del Sol through the eyes of a tourist on holiday and create unforgettable memories.
Jun 12, 2020 | Events, Local events
Summer is once again around the corner, and even though this year is a little different because of COVID-19, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time from your home at Cumbre del Sol. To make our summer more enjoyable, the Poble Noe de Benitachell Town Hall has launched a “Literature Online” programme through the municipal library.
This initiative aims to bring literature into homes across the municipality in the most entertaining way possible. From Thursday, June 11th to the 13th of August, the town hall will upload literary video workshops to its YouTube channel and social media profiles. “Literature Online” will delve into two main themes: literature-inspired recipes and feminist literature.
“Literature Online” Schedule Poster
First of all, the literary-inspired recipe workshops are designed to make the summer a blast for all the kids at home. These videos will also shine a spotlight on some of the most famous literary works. Children will learn to cook alongside Harry Potter, Games of Thrones and Don Quixote of La Mancha. Get ready and don’t miss out on this literary opportunity on the following Saturdays at 11:30 am: June 13th, July 11th and August 8th!
This programme will also feature reviews of the most important literary works that feature women as their main protagonists. These video-workshops will include the following books: We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; A Room of One’s Own by the famous British writer, Virginia Woolf; Like Water for Chocolate, an intense novel by the Mexican author, Laura Esquivel; and The Feminine Mystique by Pulitzer Prize winner, Betty Friedman. The workshops will be uploaded at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 11th and 25th, July 16th, and August 13th. Don’t forget to write it down so you don’t miss it!
Furthermore, the fun doesn’t have to stop when the videos are over. You can also send in photos and videos of your recipes, as well as participate in debates and conversations about the books that were reviewed.
You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the greatest literary works and enjoy yourself to the fullest this summer, and all of this without having to leave home! Whether you’re on your terrace, sunbathing by the pool or lounging in your spacious dining room, you’ll be able to make the most of your two greatest passions: literature and summer on the Costa Blanca.
