Dec 23, 2022 | Activities/Services, Club Amigos del Sol, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Fiestas, Otros pueblos, Something special
Although Mariah Carey announces it every 1 November, it isn’t until December that officially we can start talking about lights, turrón, or Christmas carols. The most magical time of the year is here, so make the most of the warm weather on the Costa Blanca Norte to get out and about and get into the Christmas spirit. Stay around and we’ll tell you all about the good things happening just a few minutes from your home in Cumbre del Sol, where you can make the most of the authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Altea: more special than ever at Christmas
Altea is much more than a place to enjoy or the lights or to do a bit of Christmas shopping, it is also the perfect place to enjoy some fun activities. Have fun on agility tracks, games or gymkhanas in the Town Square, and the Christmas concert with the SFA Choir in the church at 7.15 pm on Saturday. Not only that, but every morning on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th December is a special time for children as Father Christmas will be waiting for them in the Town Hall Square to hear about the presents they’d like. Have you written him your Christmas wish list yet?
Father Christmas and the Lion King in Benitachell
These dates are also good for enjoying the Street parade with Father Christmas on 24th December in Benitachell accompanied by music from the Colla la Llebetjà Poble Nou de Benitatxell Orcherstra. Later, children can have their photos taken with Santa Claus in calle del Mercat and they can leave their wish lists with his helpers, the elves. This year there is also a really fun event for anyone who loves Disney when on Monday 2nd January in the marquee in the Plaça de Les Pesqueres there will be a performance of the Lion King at 7.30 pm; can you think of a better way for an evening out with the family?
Christmas in every corner of the Costa Blanca Norte
Jávea has also prepared some very special holiday events for residents and visitors alike. On 26th December, the second day of the Christmas holiday, the Craft and Artisans’ Market will be held on the seafront promenade Xàbia Port, the perfect plan for rounding off the Christmas weekend. Not only that, but the Yacht Club and its rowing section will be there from 9 am as part of its activities. If you want to join in you will need to register with Nadal Jove Esportiu, on 28th and 29th December in the plaza de la Constitución.
Continuing with sporting events, 22nd December is the date chosen by Calpe to celebrate the San Silvestre Fun Run; don’t forget to wear fancy dress, as there will be 3 individual and 3 group prizes. And if you don’t have plans yet for New Year’s Eve, put Calpe in your diary: the town hall has prepared a fabulous party for the whole family from 5 to 8 pm, and if you want to carry on, don’t worry the night is still young: at 11.30 there will be another celebration to take leave of the outgoing year which is going to be a lot of fun.
Finally, last but certainly not least, all the municipalities have programmed their own Three Kings Parades on 5th January in the afternoon, a true spectacle of magic and excitement which all the little ones will love. Visit the website of your favourite town hall to find out times and the route that the procession will take and don’t forget to check out our upcoming blog posts to find out everything that will be going on near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Dec 19, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Something special
December brings the official start of the Christmas season. The streets are festooned with Christmas lights, the shop windows brighter and more alluring than ever, the supermarkets well stocked with turrón, marzipan and other Christmas treats. And of course, the Christmas markets, filling the streets and squares of Marina Alta’s villages with festive magic.
The blue and white of the villages of Costa Blanca Norte are enhanced during these festivities with the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Christmas. In this blog post we tell you about some of the Christmas markets that you can find in the villages around Cumbre del Sol where you can source some really original gifts.
Teulada Moraira Market
This traditional market is held in the Avenida Santa Catalina and Plaza de la Constitución in Teulada.
It is one of the Costa Blanca Norte’s classic markets. The area is full of Christmas figures as part of the market, along with fun photocalls, a children’s play area and stalls where you can buy everything you need for Christmas, including gifts of course. Not only that, but the market offers numerous and varied activities with jugglers, puppets and concerts, and you can find all the information you need about them here.
Jávea Christmas Charity Market and Fair
It is always important to remember those less fortunate than ourselves, and this is especially true at Christmas. The Xàbia Association of Belenistas (Christmas Cribs and Nativity Scenes) and some private individuals have got together to organise the 2nd Christmas Market in the historic town centre. The market will be selling decorations and Christmas products, and the Christmas Crib makers of the town will be selling their figurines for the crib and they will also be mounting a Nativity Scene. Proceeds from the products sold will be given to Cáritas in Xàbia.
Calpe Fira de Nadal
After a 2 year break Calpe will once again be holding its Christmas Fair in the streets of the old town. This will be the 8th edition of this event and this year the main attraction will be the street entertainment and shows. There will be travelling shows, children’s workshops (tattoos, face painting, key rings, and blowing bubbles) conjuring tricks, and theatre. There will also be a wooden merry go round in the town square, traditional games and a moveable wooden hut featuring Father Christmas. And like all craft markets, there will be 35 stalls featuring businesses, hotel and catering establishments and several local associations selling all kinds of Christmas sweets and delicacies.
Benitachell Christmas Market
From 16 December you can visit the Mercat de Nadal de Benitatxell. This market has a wide range of stalls where you can find all kinds of Christmas products and sweets, jewellery, accessories, clothes, etc. There will also be a gymkhana, theatre, and activities for children.
Even if you only visit one of them, we hope that you have a really Happy Christmas at Cumbre del Sol. If you want to keep abreast of everything that’s going on in the Costa Blanca Norte, make sure you read our blog posts so that you don’t miss out!
Dec 16, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Something special
One of the basic pillars of VAPF is to make an active contribution to improving the world we live in. Throughout the year, we collaborate with different associations, groups and NGOs to try and reduce the environmental impact of our activities and projects. As 2022 draws to a close, we thought it would be a good idea to end the year by helping one particular pet that makes millions of homes happy all over the world, namely dogs.
Akira Dog Sanctuary and VAPF Pet CostumeContest
There is nothing new about this collaboration. VAPF has worked with AKIRA Benissa Dog Sanctuary on several occasions, providing the funds needed for the work of maintaining the shelter. In short, above all we want to help to ensure that the dogs are protected and safe throughout their stay at the shelter. This year it was decided to hold a Pet Costume Contest for pets on 17 December with Christmas as the theme. The best outfits will be awarded prizes and a Christmas hamper will also be raffled. The profits will go 100% directly to the sanctuary.
A very special shelter
The Akira dog sanctuary is set in the woods. The shelter has night time kennels and areas for daytime play and caters for up to 60 dogs. The roofed entrance patio houses facilities for volunteers and dog walkers. The patio on the upper floor boasts a veterinary clinic, an isolation zone for recent arrivals and separate fenced off areas for puppies which can house two different litters of puppies at a time.
In addition, there are three specially marked dog walking trails around the shelter that lead into the surrounding countryside. They vary from a short 20 minute walk, to a longer and more picturesque route which takes 40 minutes.
Other ways of collaborating with Akira
Almost all the costs of operating our shelter and caring for the dogs in our charge are paid for with voluntary donations, sponsorship and fund raising activities. So if you are unable to attend the event on 17 of this month, there are some other ways that you can help the shelter:
- Buying on Amazon: Akira will receive 5% of the price of any article you buy on Amazon when you click on their web site
- Akira Shop: you can find the shop at Avenido de Portet 19, Moraira and it is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. There is also a book stall at Moraira Market on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Fridays of every month, along with a stall at the local Antiques and Collectors’ Fairs. The shop also acts as a ticket office for fund raising events, issues membership forms and deals with general enquiries.
- Fashion show: twice a year we hold a fashion show to showcase quality items, often designer brands at extremely reasonable prices.
- Donations: veterinary bills, buying food and medicines for dogs that arrive in poor health and need special care, also for puppies and dogs with special needs. Every donation, however small, makes a difference.
- Become a volunteer: The AKIRA team has many volunteers; even so they are always looking for more helpers.
And, most importantly: do not buy a dog, adopt one instead. As you can see, as well as the Pet Costume contest on 17 December there are lots more ways to help, so that initiatives like the sanctuary can survive and prosper. Look out for our upcoming blog posts to keep up with everything going on close to home at Cumbre del Sol.
Nov 29, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Something special
The Costa Blanca is an ideal destination for fans of sport: from professionals to aficionados and those who come just to enjoy sporting events as spectators.
Its mountains, beaches, the excellent road network and the extensive range of facilities make this part of the Spanish Levant a unique destination for practising sport at any time of the year.
The Marina Alta District League
Once again this year, the Marina Alta District League will be holding its traditional competitions with 14 sporting events, athletics, badminton, basketball, mountain biking, chess, five a side football, rhythmic gymnastics, karate, multi-sports, swimming, padel, Valencian handball, tennis and volley ball.
In this new edition, the towns of Benissa, Calpe, Denia, Benitachell, El Verger, Els Poblets, Gata de Gorgos, Jesús Pobre, La Rectoría, Vall de Laguar, La Xara, Murla, Ondara, Orba, Pedreguer, Pego, Teulada-Moraira, Xàbia and Xaló will be taking part. All these competitions and activities are run by the Marina Alta District League, which was founded in 1994 so that all the towns in the area could enjoy ongoing competitions.
The Xarxa Esportiva is the body that coordinates all these activities (you can see their events calendar here) and it undertakes to promote sport in all the local towns and districts in the area, announcing to the general public and to local organisations the volume and quality of the activities organised by the Marina Alta sports network for young people.
There is no question that the added value of an organisation that promotes sport and sporting events is a bonus if you are seeking somewhere new to live. By making room for sport in their lives, young people will have a huge range of sporting activities to choose from, together with other things to do, leading a healthy life with a host of outdoor pastimes on the Costa Blanca Norte practically all year round. .
And that’s not all
If there is one thing that the Costa Blanca Norte is known for, it’s the climate and temperatures that mean that you can play sport every day of the year while you enjoy the spectacular countryside and discover a few small corners of paradise.
Cycling
Cycling is the king of open air sports. The Costa Blanca Norte is blessed with numerous cycling routes through fantastic countryside that will delight cycling buffs, and you can discover them in this article.
Swimming
Because the beach is not just for summer. Autumn and springtime (and winter as well for those who are especially brave) are great for enjoying the Mediterranean when it is so much quieter than during the summer season. A few lengths first thing in the morning will set you up for the day, brimming with energy. Do you know the best beaches and coves on the Costa Blanca Norte? If not, take note of the ones we mention in this article.
Hiking and trails
Are you interested in panoramic views? If so, what could be better than seeking out some of the countryside routes and trails in the area. In summer, the mountains often take a back seat when the sea is the focus for nearly everyone, but out of season this area gets the attention it deserves and everyone can enjoy days out in nature. Take a look at this post that we published a while back, and we mention a few places as a taster here:
Sierra Helada. With cliffs rising to 300 metres, and some exceptional plant life. There are itineraries for every taste and an 8 kilometre trail for you to follow.
Sierra de Bernia. The views of the Alicante coast from the sierra de Bernia mountains are spectacular, especially after crossing El Forat, a path excavated in the rock.
Peñón de Ifach. This is Calpe’s landmark, rising up majestically over the sea. It is a protected nature reserve and easy to get to, and although the second part of the route is a little bit more difficult, when you see the views you’ll know that it was worth it.
After seeing all the activities available to you, doesn’t it make you want to get moving? Discover another side of the Costa Blanca Norte through sport and don’t forget to look out for our upcoming blog posts to find out everything going on in and around Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
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.
Oct 6, 2022 | Activities/Services, Club Amigos del Sol, Cumbre del Sol, Events, Residential Estates, Something special
Maybe it’s the great weather all your round, or that special blue of the Mediterranean at Costa Blanca Norte. Perhaps it’s the peace and tranquillity that pervades the atmosphere… Or it could be an accumulation of all those things. What is certain is that at Cumbre del Sol every single moment is special. And as we love to have an excuse for an event, we thought what could be better to celebrate the start of the new school year at Lady Elizabeth School than holding a brunch and inviting the parents of the pupils at the best international school in the area? And it proved to be one of the most special days of recent weeks!
Villa Veleta: the perfect scenario
Once classes had begun at 9 am in the morning, the parents of pupils headed to the event. Villa Veleta was the venue chosen to host the brunch. The terrace of this impressive villa, designed by VAPF in the heart of Residencial Jazmines, and with wonderful sea views was the ideal place for parents to meet up after the summer break. In turn, the new residents of Cumbre del Sol and the parents of the new students got together to chat and discuss things in a healthy and relaxed atmosphere along with representatives of Lady Elizabeth School and agents from the VAPF Group, while they enjoyed a buffet-style brunch with a sumptuous array of food and drinks.
The event ended around 12 am and the guests left the villa and returned to their daily routines after spending a morning with a difference.
Lady Elizabeth School: a benchmark in Costa Blanca Norte
Lady Elizabeth School, which has a collaboration agreement with the VAPF Group, is one of the best international schools in Spain. It offers a complete education from infant school to university entrance level, which means that your children can spend their entire school days there with compulsory education requirements fully covered, so that there is no need for them to change school, thus ensuring an atmosphere and environment that prepares them perfectly for university. With students of all nationalities, classes are given in English and Spanish, as well as other languages, both as part of the academic syllabus and in any extracurricular activities, and this makes Lady Elizabeth the perfect school for families living in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
As we mentioned at the start of this post, at Cumbre del Sol every moment is special. Follow our upcoming blog entries to find out all about future events, activities and things to do at Costa Blanca Norte.
