Apr 4, 2023 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns
The Costa Blanca Norte is a paradise on earth. Not just because of its incredible climate but also for its many different landscapes and scenarios. Grab your mobile phone or camera, make sure you have plenty of battery, and get ready to take some stunning photos!
The Red Wall in Calpe
If you are a fan of Instagram you will be well aware that the above photo pictures the Muralla Roja or Red Wall. This construction is located in the Manzanera development and was designed and built by Ricardo Bofill. Moreover, this just happens to be the 50th anniversary of its construction. It was inspired by African adobe towers and it is striking for its characteristic range of colours and its straight lines. The building has been declared a cultural heritage site. The stairs actually inspired those that feature in the famous Squid Game series. And given its rather peculiar beauty it has been used as the scenario for numerous commercial videos for brands such as Zara. It is certainly one of the coolest places on the Costa Blanca Norte!
Cala Barraca in Jávea
This rocky cove is also known as Portitxol as it looks out onto the island of that name, which is some 300 metres across. You can get to the island by canoe or Jet Ski. You could also swim there but be careful if it is windy. This little beach is also striking for its white fishermen’s huts and the well-known blue door. One interesting activity in this area is scuba diving. And other sports include canoeing. Make the most of the dawn light for a truly memorable photo!
Forat de Bernia in Benissa
If you have ever been looking for photos of the beaches in Costa Blanca Norte, you will certainly have come across a picture of this place. It is actually an aperture in the rocks that affords a fantastic view of the bay of Altea. To get there first you must walk along a little hiking trail. It is an easy enough, however as the path can be a bit stony it is best to wear appropriate footwear. It is also gets quite busy along the trail so if you want a photo without lots of people, make sure you set out early.
Altea old town centre
Altea is a charming little town ideal for taking a stroll with your camera. The narrow streets of the old town are a well-known scenario. In fact, the place is often referred to as the “Balcony of the Mediterranean”. It has several iconic spots such as the Glorieta del Maño lookout point. Although if you are looking for something a little bit different, just go for a wander around. However, be ready to climb a few steep hills… The old town centre of Altea is so lovely that a snapshot of just about anywhere here would be worth uploading to your Instagram feed.
Cala Granadella in Jávea
The Cala de la Granadella is close by Cumbre del Sol. This little cove is famous for the blue colour of its waters that ranges from turquoise to emerald green. It is such a lovely beach that it tends to be very popular with visitors. To protect the place, sometimes daily visitor numbers are restricted. As a result we suggest you visit this beach out of season. Make the most of the proximity of your home to take some fantastic photos! It is the perfect scenario for snapshots of nature or water sports such as snorkelling.
The summit of Peñón de Ifach in Calpe
This peak or Peñón as it is known locally is one of the most iconic spots on the Mediterranean coast. And especially appreciated in the Costa Blanca Norte. The limestone peak rises to 332 metres. It has been declared a Nature Reserve and as it receives so many visitors, it is necessary to apply for permission to visit. The reason is that visits are restricted to a daily quota of 300 people. Therefore, if you are thinking about taking some photos for your social networks, bear that in mind. It is a truly iconic place with enormous charm. You won’t want to leave without taking a great photo!
Feb 9, 2023 | Activities/Services, Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns, Otros pueblos
It might not be the best known attraction of the Costa Blanca Norte, but the interior of many of the region’s mountains harbour a network of caves (some of which are open to visitors while others remain inaccessible) that enrich the landscape, and when you venture inside some of them you may well come across vestiges of the past life of this place.
The latest exciting news about the world of caves concerns Cova de les Morretes in Benitachell. Following some important 20th century finds involving treasure, work on restoring the cave has now been completed and if you are walking the Ruta dels Penya-Segats trail, you will come across it in an exclusive location that boasts some of the finest views of the Costa Blanca Norte. A museum no less, that looks out to sea.
These caves once served as a refuge for locals who struggled to make a living from fishing and by working the adjacent terraces. In order to supplement their meagre income, they also dabbled in a bit of smuggling, most likely tobacco.
Having completely restored the walls, roof and some of the interior elements, while at all times keeping the essence of the place and its original materials, the idea of this Cultural Heritage site is to “museumise” the cave so that it can be visited both physically and virtually, making it accessible to anyone interested in paying a visit. So now you have something more interesting to do on your Sunday hiking trail near Cumbre del Sol!
Costa Blanca Norte: cave area
If a visit to the Cova de les Morretes has whetted your appetite, you’re in luck. As we mentioned, the Costa Blanca Norte harbours a multitude of caves to visit or view on your country walk. We tell you about some of them below.
Rull Cave
This cave is in Vall de Ebo. It was discovered by José Vicente Mengual, known as Tío Rull, in 1919. In the 60s it was restored and made available for visits, and remained open to tourism until 1970. Later it was inherited by his heirs who sold it to the Public Authority in in 1995 and it was again opened to tourists, once the installations had been refurbished. Today it is open to the public and you can also take advantage of a guided visit as well.
Las Calaveras Cave
This cave which was discovered in the 16th century is in Benidoleig and is 70 metres above sea level. Its takes its name from the fossilised remains of hyenas, horses, bears, bulls hippopotamus and rhinoceros that were found in the cave interior, which are now housed in Alcoy museum.
Adsubia Cave
Also known as the cave of Canalobres (not to be confused with the Caves of Canelobre) you will find this cave in Adsubia. It is a perfect example of a little corner of the subterranean world that conceals a wealth of valuable natural treasures that are guaranteed to make your visit an amazing experience.
Canelobre Caves
These caves are found in Busot and they are probably the best known of this whole list. They consist of a space extending over more than 80,000 m², accessed through a 45 metre tunnel, in which water and rock have combined over centuries to create impressive stalactites, stalagmites and columns. One interesting fact in this regard is that the roof of the cave is one of the highest vaults in the whole of Spain, measuring 70 metres high. Not only that, due to its magnificent acoustics, it has been used on numerous occasions for music concerts.
As always, the Costa Blanca Norte can surprise you when you are least expecting it. In this blog post we have told you about the caves that can be found in the mountain areas, however, in an upcoming post we plan to tell you all about the wealth of marine caves that lie under the Mediterranean waters. Keep an eye open for our future blog posts!
Jan 30, 2023 | Activities/Services, Other towns
Water comprises almost three quarters of the Earth. Water flows through different places, rivers, lakes, glaciers, seas, and oceans. Most of it in these last two bodies of water, and of those, we only know about 5% of their depths which harbour treasures in the deep just waiting to be discovered.
The Costa Blanca Norte is an unmissable destination for fans of scuba diving. The main reason is the beauty of the marine depths that are host to an enormous wealth of flora and fauna which will delight anyone seeking to explore the sea bed. Throughout this area you will find different routes for diving and there are several schools where you learn about this sport, such as La Galera or Dive & Dive. In this blog post we tell you about some really special ones.
Starting out at La Granadella
For real beginners, or those without much experience who want to get involved in this world, our first recommendation would be to follow one of the underwater routes that you can find at La Granadella beach. It is well known for the beauty of its sea bed and admired by all divers. In fact, the route closest to the beach, from where it can be accessed directly, is an easy one with a maximum depth of around 10 metres.
El Vaporet
A few miles from the port of Denia, you can find “El Vaporet”, a former cargo vessel that sank in the late 19th century. If you dive there you will see several species that shelter in the wreck, as there are no rock formations in the vicinity, and you can find conger eel, lobster, spiny lobster, along with white seabream, gilt head bream and grouper. They are, however, found at a considerable depth, and given the currents there, and possibly reduced visibility, it is advisable to undertake this particular route only when conditions are excellent, and if you are a really experienced diver.
El Freskito
You´ll find this place on the beach of las Rotas de Denia, some 4 km from the port. In the swimming pool created by natural rock and transparent sea water, this easy and beautiful route begins. It’s a good idea to explore the craggy rocks that make up the pool walls as there you may see octopus, European fan worm, spoon worm and perhaps a Moray eel.
Cap de Sant Antoni: La Cullerà and Primera Ensenada
The first of these caves can be found at the foot of the cliffs of the Marine Reserve of Cap de Sant Antoni. If you want to dive in this cave, which penetrates up to 50 metres into the mountain, it is necessary to get permission from the Board of the Environment to explore it. Armed with this permit, you can explore the cave which is at a depth of 9 metres where you will find slipper lobster, meagre, and a conger eel here and there. Not to mention octopus, sea bream, grouper and plenty of meagre hiding in the myriad nooks and crannies in the rocks.
Another excellent route in this area is Primera Ensenada, which is just before you reach the lighthouse. This area is protected (you will need authorisation to enter) and lies at a depth of 16 metres where the sea bed is shaped by the large rocks scattered here and there in the sand, and it offers an exceptionally beautiful and lively environment, perfect for seeking out species that are difficult to spot in other places.
The area around the Cap de Sant Antoni lighthouse is also a place where you can contemplate the beauty of the Costa Blanca marine depths. Here the enormous rocks on the seabed are particularly striking, as they create passageways and a play of shadow and light, providing a spectacle that will charm underwater photographers. Throughout the route you will see the white gorgonian coral, and depending on how close to the rock wall you venture, you can dive down from 12 to 19 metres, a depth at which you can spot an even greater variety of interesting species of flora and fauna.
Doesn’t it make you want to get into your wetsuit? Whether you live close to Cumbre del Sol or you simply came upon this artícle when you were looking for things to do on the Costa Blanca Norte, we would encourage you to enter this marvellous world and discover the best waters that the Mediterranean sea has to offer.
Jan 23, 2023 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns
During the summer there are plenty of plans and things to do in the area and it is normal for the loveliest spots to be full of people, and so it is harder to enjoy them 100%. Due to its enviable climate, the Costa Blanca Norte is one of those destinations that can be rediscovered and also enjoyed during the colder months. In this blog post we suggest some activities and places close by Cumbre del Sol that will make you love the low season in one of the most charming and delightful areas of the Spanish Levant.
The Javea look out trail
There are 15 cliff tops, 15 scenarios, 15 different ways of looking at the sea. From Cap de Sant Antoni to Castell de la Granadella, you can take a trail that will captivate all your senses. You can enjoy views of Montgó, ancient 16th century windmills, look out points, islets, not to mention the local flora and fauna. You will find the complete list so you can map out your itinerary by clicking on this link.
Discover the “other side” of Altea
With its famous dome, its historic town centre, the seafront promenade, the Yacht Club, the beaches… Altea offers everything you can imagine so why not look at this amazing place from another perspective? A great plan for one of those sunny Saturday or Sunday winter mornings would be sailing around the bay of Altea. Not only that, there are a number of sailing schools in the town where you can learn all about this wonderful world.
Trails in Serra Gelada
Although we’d need a whole article to give you an in depth view, in this post we focus on an enjoyable route that begins in el Albir, which is at the end of the “Camí Vell del far”. This trail is two and a half kilometres long and takes you past ochre mines and little beaches culminating in a look out point with incredible views.
Climbing the Peñón de Ifach
This outing is a classic at any time, although it is better enjoyed when the temperature is lower and there are fewer people around. Two and a half hours is the time it takes to be rewarded once you’ve climbed the 332 metres: the most comprehensive views of Calpe and its bays, and on a clear day you can even see Ibiza. But don’t forget to wear the appropriate footwear!
Checking out the Michelin Stars in la Marina Alta
La Marina Alta is also a culinary benchmark in the Spanish Levant. In November 2022 the 7 restaurants awarded the highest accolade for gastronomy in Spain managed to renew their 10 stars which were awarded to the following restaurants:
Audrey’s de Calp, 1 Michelin Star.
Beat de Calp, 1 Michelin Star.
Quique Dacosta de Dénia, 3 Michelin Stars.
Peix & Brases de Dénia, 1 Michelin Star
Casa Pepa de Ondara, 1 Michelin Star.
BonAmb Restaurante de Xàbia, 2 Michelin Stars.
Tula Restaurante de Xàbia, 1 Michelin Star.
Other plans in and around the Costa Blanca Norte
Discover the caves of Canelobre
An extremely attractive option, just a few kilometres away from Alicante, is a trip to the caves of Canelobre. A huge variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns created by the waters around Busot. What’s more, in the interior you’ll find one of the highest vaults in Spain and a stalagmite that is over 100,000 years old.
Guadalest: inland is lovely too
El Castell de Guadalest is a remote village, nestling in the mountains in the shelter of the Xortà, Aitana and Serella mountain ranges, that has retained the Mediterranean essence with its whitewashed houses and their stone paved floors. This is an unmissable destination if you want to discover inland Costa Blanca.
Now that you know about some of the possibilities just a few kilometres from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, there’s no reason to stay home this weekend. For more plans and activities with destinations close to home, stay in touch and look out for our future blog posts.
Nov 21, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Other towns
If you live in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, you’re bound to know all about the warm temperatures and the clear skies almost all year round, making it one of the best places for outdoor activities, such as hiking along the trails in the area or scuba diving in the waters of the spectacular sandy coves just a few minutes from your home. But there’s more, as these perfect conditions have made it a real paradise for golf lovers, as the climate is ideal for keeping courses in excellent conditions and for enjoying the Mediterranean climate as you take a few swings . Keep reading and we’ll tell you all about the best golf courses on the Costa Blanca Norte.
Jávea Golf Club
No way could we begin our list of golf courses without putting Club de Golf Jávea at the top, at just 10 minutes away from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. The course is set on a gentle slope with 9 holes and greens in perfect conditions. The surrounding palm trees, pines and orange trees will make you feel in the middle of nature. Don’t be put off by the fact that there are only 9 holes, because on the second round people can play from different positions and places, which in effect, makes it just like an 18 hole course. The course facilities include a practice green with 14 golf mats, 10 of which are covered, and these are the perfect place to practice your technique. The course also has a Social Club facing the river estuary boasting various species of koi carp and terrapins, along with a restaurant, café and Junior Golf School where kids can learn to play golf with the help of some of the best golf professionals around.
Club Golf Ifach
Another great golf course is Club de Golf Ifach, which is 20 minutes from your home and is a 9 hole courses (with six par 3 and three par 4), equipped with a practice area with 4 cabins, approach area with bunkers and a putting green. It’s a peaceful relaxed place with views of the Peñón de Ifach where you can while away the time practising your favourite sport. Later, you can have a drink in the café or enjoy the varied menu on offer at the restaurant. Not only that, but the club’s facilities are available to members and visitors including the swimming pool and tennis court, and you can hold events and celebrations there.
La Sella Golf Club
Continuing with our list of courses, we come to La Sella Golf Club, in Denia. Set by the sea, and protected by the Montgó mountain, this club will make your swings a different experience with its 9 holes spread over three greens each with a different story and its own special features, as you will discover if you check out their website; not to mention their restaurant El Hoyo 19, with its great selection of traditional rice dishes, sandwiches and other delicious things to eat. And why not finish off a great day on the course by treating yourself to the spa circuit?
Altea Club de Golf
We have yet another recommendation, and that’s the Altea Club de Golf, which is the Sierra de Bernia. This is a par 72 course where you can play 9 to 18 holes, providing a real challenge for golfers of every calibre. The club also provides facilities for members and visitors that include 2 petanque courts where players can use their own bowls or rent them at the restaurant, and you can even join a club that plays every Sunday morning.
Villaitana Golf
And last but not least, you can also practise your best swing surrounded by countryside but with the Benidorm skyline on the horizon at Villaitana Golf, with its 2 golf courses designed by Nicklaus Design: the Poniente with its par 62 course 3,858 metres in length and with views of both sea and mountains, a shorter yet challenging course surrounded by a harmonious backdrop of trees, plants and streams, and the Levante, a par 72 course designed in the American style with wide paths and over 6,576 metres in length.
If you haven’t taken up golf yet, you’ll be looking for some good golf clubs. Follow our upcoming blog posts to discover all the best activities and services close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Sep 14, 2022 | Activities/Services, Benitachell, Grupo VAPF, Other towns
September is a month that brings changes and new starts. During the summer months the Costa Blanca has been one of the top choices for tourism in Spain. However, there is no need to change this once September comes.
With summer’s end we usually think that it’s time to put aside all our plans and escapades, but there is no need. There are still plenty of beaches to visit and enjoy! In autumn or even in winter there are some amazing places to discover in the area. And with so much going for them! The excellent climate for most of the year is one of the main advantages and the reason why the Costa Blanca continues to be a top destination.
If you are thinking of getting out and about around this time, this blog post is for you. Discover some of the places close to Cumbre del Sol where you can spend a few days disconnecting and having some well deserved fun!
Denia
Getting rid of our daily stress is very important. Strolling the sea shore or wandering around the cobbled streets of the town, Denia would be a great choice! It is midway between Valencia and Alicante and it boasts several beaches where you can spend a few days of peace, winding down and relaxing with the family as well as enjoying the rich and varied cuisine. This Alicante municipal district is ideal for disconnecting from the noise and bustle, and for discovering some new pastimes. If you are more of a beach person, the town has a fine sandy beach to offer you that stretches for several kilometres and is close by the town. Check it out!
Jávea
The natural surroundings are what you notice most about Jávea. The beauty of the countryside is an open invitation to spend hours just gazing into the distance and delighting in the fantastic weather in this area. It’s the ideal place for an escape where you can indulge in your favourite sports on land, while surrounded by fabulous views of the Mediterranean. Having enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of this town, you can discover its lovely old centre where you can stroll around and lose yourself in the streets with their white painted houses.
Calpe
When we talk about a town full of history and nature we mean Calpe. A place where you can spend some of your time on sporting activities or discovering its amazing beaches. El Peñón de Ifach is one of the main tourist attractions that you must see if you go to Calpe. Discover some of the area’s native flora and treat yourself to some impressive views of the Mediterranean! It is one of the most visited places on the Costa Blanca.
Benitachell
The views in Benitachell are truly spectacular! And this place is ideal for visiting with all the family. In September this town becomes a haven of peace where you can enjoy nature at its purest, and also it is the ideal place to discover some remote hideaways in the sandy coves where you can simply chill, lost in thought. You won’t regret bypassing the summer and deciding to visit this area in September. Hiking and walking is something that can be enjoyed all year round. And if you’re a fan of sports and scuba diving make the most of September and plunge into the crystal clear waters in this town!
Moraira
This idyllic spot is full of beaches with fine sand and hidden coves with crystalline waters. In Moraira, you will find a castle on the Mediterranean sea shore and you can savour the freshest produce from the fishing port. It’s a holiday that you will love! In September you’ll be struck by the peacefulness and relaxed atmosphere of the town’s streets.
Although we are no longer in high season there are still some days of summer left and some places left to visit. With so many possibilities in Alicante province close by Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, any destination will be the perfect excuse to come and wind down for a few days. Discover the most beautiful spots on the Costa Blanca from September onwards!
