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!
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 13, 2022 | Cumbre del Sol, Events, Fiestas
On 30 June we held our first charity gala at Cumbre del Sol in aid of the NGO Save The Children. The dinner was held at Restaurante la Cumbre, where a great time was had by all with music, entertainment and a chance for our neighbours and friends to meet up.
VAPF is a company that takes its social commitments seriously at both local and international levels, and as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, it includes activities involving financial support to organisations such as UNICEF, Fundación Vicente Ferrer, Aldeas Infantiles, among others. Therefore this provided an ideal opportunity, in addition to having a good time, to hold an event that would benefit (including charity raffle) Save The Children.
A memorable evening
The event was held at 8 pm at Restaurante La Cumbre and was attended by over 80 people. Guests were welcomed with a cocktail to one of the most special nights of the year at Cumbre del Sol while neighbours and friends were either reunited or introduced to each other in a warm and welcoming relaxed atmosphere.
Shortly after, with appetites whetted, the guests were seated to enjoy the menu prepared by the restaurant. Exquisite local products prepared with care and love were enjoyed by all the diners..
As diners enjoyed their dessert, tickets were sold for the charity raffle in aid of Save The Children. Gifts had been donated by local businesses and service providers at Cumbre del Sol including: Supermercados Pepe La Sal, Centro Clínico Dr. Thomas Dubrocki, Dreamsea Mediterranean, North Costa Blanca Paddle Club, Naútica Mengual, Restaurante La Cumbre, Montgó Verd, Hípica Cañada del Sol, Cumbre del Sol Preowned and Farmacia Cumbre del Sol.
Following the raffle and presentation of the prizes, the evening continued with a live music performance, and dancing, all adding to the fun atmosphere of the evening.
Results?
As well as having a great night out, the charity raffle made over 700 euros which will go directly to Save The Children. Thanks to their work of defending and ensuring the rights of children, this NGO manages to help over 133 million children in more than 118 countries throughout the world.
With this blog post we would like to thank everyone who attended the fiesta for their support and solidarity with Save The Children, and for demonstrating that there are many ways of collaborating with good causes. Why not take a look at VAPF’s Corporate Social Responsibility and we hope to see you at the next event: the Belgian fiesta on 21 July!
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 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.
Jun 8, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns, Otros pueblos, Something special
The Costa Blanca is a favourite tourist destination. It is just like an open air museum filled with history, culture and festivities. Aside from its fabulous beaches, there are many places of interest that are worth a visit, and the splendour and cultural heritage of its villages invite you to explore and discover them further.
Romanesque churches, historic neighbourhoods with their Arab architecture, or castles from a bygone age. Fiestas, monuments and tradition which will take you back to remote times as you explore the cultural heritage of the villages in this area. Discover some magical places just a step away from the Mediterranean seashore!
Festivals and fun on the Costa Blanca
There’s a festive spirit in the streets of the Costa Blanca’s towns and villages all year round. Participation in these celebrations is always a popular activity. You have probably heard of the night of San Juan or the Moros y Cristianos fiesta. However, first things first, what do you actually know about their origins?
Moros y Cristianos
Altea, Denia, Calpe, Villajoyosa or Alcoy are well known for their popular celebrations of the Moros y Cristianos festivities held in honour of the patron saints of these Costa Blanca towns.
As the oldest residents will tell you, faithful to their religious beliefs, thanks to these patron saints, the Christians were able to overcome the Muslims in battle. This historic celebration spans a period of 3 to 5 days and is held in a number of cities and at different times of the year. The highlight of this fiesta is the Desembarco – the disembarkment – which commemorates the arrival of the Moorish troops on the coast and their battle on the beach with the Christian forces determined to reconquer the land. It’s an impressive spectacle!
Altea is synonymous with festivity. Almost every month there is a fiesta in this municipal district, but it is in summer that the fiestas really come into their own.
Easter Week and Corpus Christi are the main religious events of the year. In February the streets are vibrant with colour as the residents celebrate their famous Carnaval. Meanwhile, Castell de l’Olla celebrates on the Saturday that falls closest to feast of San Lorenzo in Altea. It holds Spain’s biggest fireworks display from the sea. It also celebrates its own Moros y Cristianos fiestas.
San Juan Bonfires
When summer comes, this area of the coast attracts worldwide interest. The San Juan Bonfires begin on 19 June, and the ‘Mascletás’, the Proclamation, processions, street parades, firecrackers and bell ringing are all part of the festivities, culminating in the famous bonfire night the ‘Cremà’ (24 June).
Fireworks
The culmination of all these festivities and Bonfires is a particularly special event. The celebration takes place every year after the bonfires, held from the 25 to 29 June. Postiguet beach is host to a fireworks contest. The most stunning pyrotechnic displays can be found here on the Costa Blanca.
History and much more on the Costa Blanca
The historic quarters of many of the area’s towns are another major attraction of the Costa Blanca. Neighbourhoods that harbour amazing legends and impressive monuments.
Altea church
In the heart of Altea’s historic centre, this church dates from 1607, when it was first built. A stroll around its square and the surrounding area will take you right back to the 16th century. The church has been a mute witness to the passage of time in the town becoming an historic and cultural icon of Altea.
Bust of Cervantes
In Dénia, the most famous part of town is known as Explanada de Cervantes, where you can find a bust of the celebrated writer Don Quixote. The story goes that in 1580 when Cervantes was freed from prison he went to the port of Dénia, kissing the actual spot where this monument now stands.
The Castle Route
There are over 100 castles on the Costa Blanca. Fortresses that were the strongholds of the ancient Visigoth kings and the most important monarchs in the area. The Castle Route will draw you into a magical cultural experience. There are many such citadels along the route that runs from the mountains down to the sea.
Legends, culture and festivities that bear witness to the Costa Blanca’s wealth of mystery, entertainment and fun. Living history alongside the Mediterranean sea. How about choosing it as a place to live?
