May 23, 2022 | Events, Other towns, Otros pueblos
Promoting identity, protection, and preservation of natural and cultural heritage is considered to be especially valuable for humanity. This is, and for a long time now, one of the main works of UNESCO (United Nations Educations, Science, and Culture organisation). The title World Heritage Site is a distinction for these types of places. In the Costa Blanca, and around it, we’re lucky enough to have a few of these places.
Before talking about these marvels, we want to briefly clear something up. Firstly, there’s two main types of heritage. “Cultural heritage”, which refers to monuments, groups of buildings and sites that have historical, artistic, or archaeological value. In this category, you’ll also find places with scientific, ethnic, or anthropological value. “Natural heritage” refers to exceptional physical, biological, and geological formations. This goes for animal habitats, endangered plants, and area that have scientific, conservation, or visual value. On the other hand, we also have “Intangible cultural heritage”, which includes living inherited practices and expressions from our ancestors. This is heritage that is passed down generation to generation, like oral traditions, scenic art, social customs, rituals, festivals…
All along the Costa Blanca and all around it, we have places that include all three types of heritage. Take note and plan a weekend escape to visit them!
El palmeral (Elche)
Over 200,000 palm trees look down on the urban centre of Elche. Since the year 2000, the place of the Costa Blanca has become a World Heritage site.
The Mediterranean diet
This diet was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, the reasons being it’s richness, variety, and health benefits. You can enjoy the Mediterranean diet in all its form in the Costa Blanca. And along the whole coast of the Valencian Community! From markets where exquisite raw materials are sold all the way to the best restaurants that have kept this tradition and the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Flagship restaurants known for exploring this cuisine, respecting its differentiating features, and being recognised worldwide for its variety of flavours and textures and for its health benefits.
Cave art
Cave art in itself is a unique cultural manifestation. And it also represents the prehistoric society that lived in the place where the Costa Blanca is today. In and around the area, there are plenty of these depictions, but if we had to recommend one in particular, we’d go for the following: Moixent with the drawings Abrigo de la Penya and Abrigo de Gontran. You can also visit the ones in the Caroig massive (Cueva de la Araña y abrigos del Barranco Moreno).
The mystery of Elche (Elche)
Declared as Oral heritage and Intangible world heritage in 2001, the Mystery of Elche is a cultural treasure in the city. This work of medieval origins is also known by the name of La Festa. It embodies all the years of the Basílica de Santa María de Elche’s history in the month of August. This activity celebrates the festival Virgen de la Asunción (the Virgin of Ascension).
Strong cultural legacy
The cultural legacy of the Costa Blanca brings together all kinds of activities and places that are steeped in history and tradition. Moors and Christians in Denia, Alcoy and Calpe, festivals in Altea and Alicante, Moorish quarters and castles in Guadalest and Javea are some of the best known experiences in the area. The options are almost endless and we encourage you to discover this land.
From rock castles at the foot of the Mediterranean, to those narrow cobbled streets where the smell of the sea mingles with the refreshing scent of jasmine, to massive parades of people, the magical Night of San Juan… everything feeds into an immense tradition and legacy.
In addition to the World Heritage Sites that we have reviewed in this entry, the Costa Blanca has some of the most beautiful historic centres in Spain. Clear examples are the Barrio de Santa Cruz in Alicante and those of Javea, Denia, Benissa and Teulada. All of them sharing one common feature: the Mediterranean sunlight.
Don’t miss our blog articles where we’ll give you more ideas on plans all over the Costa Blanca.
May 12, 2022 | Benitachell, Events, Fiestas, Sin categoría, Something special
When we talk about Benitachell, the best sunsets on the Costa Blanca quickly come to mind. From the most secluded coves to the large, well-known beaches that are visited every year by thousands of tourists. And the residents of Cumbre del Sol are lucky enough to enjoy it all year round. As well as its cuisine and wide variety of plans that can be as relaxing or as daring as you like.
But there is so much more. If you don’t know what to do over the coming weekends and you feel like spending time with your loved ones, using International Family Day as an excuse, we’ll tell you how you can make the most of your free time in the Benitachell area.
Viewpoints and nature
Benitachell is full of contrasts: hills and valleys, coast and inland, beaches and high cliffs… Nature has taken root all the way along the Costa Blanca, creating an environment worthy of admiration. We find all kinds of natural features such as the Falla del Moraig and the Vasenilla depression. And also, the cliffs of La Marina are a spectacular place to go on a trip with the family. Another good plan is to climb Puig Llorença, from where you can see as far as the island of Ibiza. Or descending down to the underground river of Moraig is also an attractive plan.
The municipality has several locations from where you can ponder beautiful scenery. The viewpoints are distributed throughout the town centre and along the coast. They thus offer film-like views with the Mediterranean as the protagonist at all times. Cantal de Gener, Mirador del Poble, del Portalet, dels Testos, Morro del Bou, Racó de l’Illot… There is a wide range on offer and you won’t be able to visit them all in one day. So, take it easy and enjoy each one of them in your own time.
Beaches: a classic
What could be better than a day at the beach with the family? In just two kilometres, you can enjoy amazing coves with crystal clear waters and underwater caves.
- Cala dels Testos. One of the main attractions of this cove is its exclusivity due how difficult it is to access. You have to descend down a ravine with a rope or enter by boat (or other craft) along the coastline. This is activity is not suitable for young children, but it is undoubtedly a very special route for the more adventurous.
- Cala de Llebeig. Llebeig cove is an unspoilt cove, with no tourist services, it still has a special charm. Some of its caves were used to store fishing gear in the past.
- Cala del Moraig. Aguas de azul intenso, acantilados y cuevas marinas. ¿Te suena la Cova dels Arcs? Deep blue waters, cliffs and sea caves. Are you familiar with the Cova dels Arcs? You’ve probably seen it on many Instagram posts. Well, it’s in this cove and seeing it is an experience you have to live. And here’s a little secret: there is a beautiful route, known as the Cliffs Route (Ruta de los Acantilados), which connects Cala Moraig with Cala Llebeig.
For the little ones: Les Fonts Park
A different kind of playpark, in tune with the surrounding area. Here, children will not only find fun challenges but also “big” ones. The playpark includes different games that stimulate children’s motor development and balance. As well as being fun, they enrich them as people. The entire playground is almost made up of wood and rope. In addition, close to the playpark is a large grassy area, an ideal place for picnics and relaxation. A good place to keep an eye on the children, as you can see the whole park from there.
Leisure, sport… and literature!
How about something that combines leisure and sport? Benitachell is also known for its cycling routes which are suitable for all levels. From the Calistros-Abiar route that starts in the town centre or for the most demanding cyclists, the route along Puig Llorença.
Around Cumbre del Sol are several picnic areas where you can enjoy a family day out. You can find them in the Garsivá and Testos recreational areas.
The importance of having access to culture, education, and thought is also very important in Benitachell. In fact, one of its town missions is to make its library known as a cultural vehicle. You also need to have time to relax, and what better than to disconnect by reading a good book!
In this article, we’ve given you different plans to enjoy your next family weekend. Stay tuned for our next posts. Because, as you know, summer is coming and it will surely be full of special activities on the Costa Blanca North.
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.
Mar 15, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns, Residential Estates, Something special
We enjoy one of the best climates in the world here in Costa Blanca. Approximately 300 days of sun and mild temperatures for most of the year.
This, along with a backdrop of mountains and beaches, make the area a top choice for people. For tourists, athletes, and even professional sports teams. In fact, many professional atheletes have chosen to stay at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol as a temporary residence for their training sessions, where they can enjoy a home here. In this area of the province, they go on routes, train, or prepare for competitions. In fact, some championships, such as the La Vuelta a España cycling race, have passed through this area. For example, the 2019 edition crossed the Alto del Puig Llorença, in Residential Resort Cumbre Del Sol.
Of course, there must be something special about this area for both professional and amateur athletes alike to have a soft spot for the place. From Alicante to Dénia, in this article we will tell you some of the reasons why the Costa Blanca is a cyclist’s paradise.
The Climate
We’ve already talked about how wonderful the climate is. But even though we enjoy this weather, and we may consider it normal, it is far from the norm. It’s not easy to find an area with so many hours of sunshine and ideal temperatures for outdoor sports all year round.
Sea and Mountain – Two Sides of The Same Coin
The blend and, sometimes, mimicry of sea and mountain along the more than 100 kilometres that run along the North of Costa Blanca offers cyclists a plethora of possibilities to adapt the routes according to their level as an athlete. As well as the characteristics of their bikes such as wheels, suspension and frame.
A Safe Environment
Safety for cyclists is a number one priority. Many coastal areas don’t have the proper infrastructure for cycling tracks. The Comunidad Valenciana and different localities within Costa Blanca (particularly in the North) have spent years working on creating a safe system that’s always up to scratch for practicing sport.
Not only do they look after the roads, which go from flat planes for beginners to more demanding climbs on stretches with hardly any traffic, but they also take care of the mountains. Mountain biking is one of the most promoted activities in North Costa Blanca due to the sea and mountains we mentioned earlier. In fact, there are two MTB centres in Vall de Pop and El Comtat.
Cyclists’ Territory
The Costa Blanca North is an area which, over the years, has become a reference point for cyclists. The hotel sector has benefited from this by knowing how to prepare its facilities to meet the needs of an athlete. In most of them you can find swimming pools and spas. These are the ideal place to rest and relax the muscles after a day’s cycling. Other hotels include gyms for training and cycling centres for repairing bicycles.
After this series of features that make North Costa Blanca an ideal destination for cyclists, doesn’t it make you want to start cycling? In this article you can see several routes around Cumbre del Sol to get you going.
Mar 9, 2022 | Activities/Services, Other towns
Its white architecture, cobbled streets in the old town, mere kilometres away from beaches with crystal clear water, and just like any paradisiacal island, hides hidden coves. The tranquillity of its winter, the liveliness of its summer… Whatever it is, the town of Altea has that something that grabs you, that makes it a unique place to lose yourself in and, if you feel like it, to find yourself.
Here’s a series of must-see places to discover Altea on your first visit to this town on the Costa Blanca North. If you have already been here or you live here, take notes, maybe there’s something you’ve been missing out on.
Walk round Altea’s old town
One of the things that, under no circumstances, you cannot miss if you want to discover Altea’s beauty with your own eyes. Put on comfortable shoes and go uphill, because getting there by car is quite complicated due to the fact that most streets here are pedestrianised.
However, it’s worth it (extremely so). Go for a stroll through these labyrinthine streets while admiring the beauty of every corner. The Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo crowns the city and is a must-see in this area.
The Cronistas Lookout Point
A few metres from the Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, and in the highest part of the old town, is the Mirador de Cronistas, from where you have the best panoramic views of Altea, the sea and the mountains.
Lose yourself in the Garden of the senses
Altea is known for its beaches, but in this municipality on the Costa Blanca there is also space for more tropical areas. The Garden of the Senses is perfect for getting in touch with nature through its more than 3,000 square metres of plants from all over the world.
Serra Gelada Natural Park
Another way to discover Altea especially for hiking aficionados. Just a few kilometres from the town is this natural park that overlooks the sea, with incredible landscapes to enjoy while walking along one of the park’s different routes.
We suggest a couple of options for different levels. On the one hand, La Ruta del Faro de l’Albir, completely accessible and with views of the Bay of Altea, the Serra de Bèrnia and the Serra Gelada itself. A perfect route to do with children or if you are just starting out hiking.
Another option that is more intense is the Travesía de la Serra Gelada, a linear route through the entire mountain range. It is about 8.5 kilometres long and lasts about 4 and a half hours, linking the Albir Information Point with the Benidorm Cross. It can be done in both directions, or you can do the route there and back. But, before you venture out, bear in mind that it is a demanding route due to ups and downs, don’t choose a very hot day and make sure you hydrate yourself well.
Marina Greenwich Port
The marina of the city curiously coincides with the Greenwich Meridian 000º 00′ 00″. Just for that coincidence alone, it is worth coming here. It is also an ideal place to relax on the many terraces and restaurants near the harbour and enjoy the whole bay
Barra Grande and Racó del Corb Coves
As you would expect, being in the north of Costa Blanca, we have to talk about coves. The beaches of Altea are quite well known and you won’t have much trouble finding the most popular ones. We recommend two options that are not so well known, but more amazing than the ones you will find in the first Google results.
Both are located north of the town and both are difficult to access as you have to go down a steep slope, but once you get there, you will see that the effort is rewarded.
Tip for both: wear booties for diving or similar footwear when swimming and, of course, snorkelling gear for diving into the crystal-clear waters.
As you have seen in this article, Altea is a town to discover that hides beauty in every corner. With these plans, what are you waiting for? Go and organise a getaway to this jewel in the north of Costa Blanca.
Feb 16, 2022 | Activities/Services, Events
Do you like getting to know a place’s culture? Even though the Costa Blanca has a splendid climate, you may want to venture a bit beyond just the beach and the pool. Around Cumbre de Sol, there’s so many cultural activities for all tastes. Whether it be spending time with friends or family, the area offers plenty possibilities. Come with us and read about the best plan over the next couple weeks. Let’s start!
A few kilometres away from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, Teulada Moraira is a place full of charm and fun plans of all types. The band El Diluvi and their eclectic mix of folk, cumbia and reggae presents their new disc “Present” on 5 March in the city’s auditorium. A few days after, Loles León Will take to the same stage to play in a musical based on his life “Una Noche con Ella”. Teulada Moraira also has several ethnography and history museums to discover the region’s past and its customs.
Benissa also has a calendar full of cultural plans and activities. For the next few days there are cultural exhibitions, cinema and children’s activities on offer. “Especias” (Spices) is an interesting journey of the region’s history and gastronomy through the world of condiments that enrich local cultural dishes. It starts 11 March in the University’s headquarters in the city. The museums and monuments of Benissa make for an even more spectacular weekend plan.
For those who want to explore new places, a good plan is to go on a guided visit through Calpe and go up the impressive Peñón de Ifach. And there’s lots of culture there too! In the town council’s exhibition room is a fantastic pictorial exhibition “el mar, la mar…” by César Val from the 4 to 30 March. And to finish your stay in Calpe, how about going back in time to remember days gone by? This is what the exhibition Lucía Ferrer “Aquellos maravillosos años” shows in the antiques museum.
The main theatre in Alicante is one of the most important cultural centres in the lively province’s capital. Throughout the month of March, there is a lot on offer. “The festival of magic” in Alicante will take place, operas from Nabucco and Aida de Verdi, classical Russian ballet and different events for young children will also be a part of the programme.
Without leaving Alicante, ADDA (Auditorium of the province of Alicante) is a paradise for classical music lovers. During the next few weeks, its stage will welcome young talent of all types. Jazz, opera, zarzuela, and even classical guitar from Fabio Zanon, amongst other events.
If engines are more your thing, then you can’t miss the Historical Vehicles Museum in Valle de Guadalest. It has an impressive collection of over 140 motorcycles and microcars from the 1920s to the 70s, right in the middle of nature.
As you can see, near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, you have a wide range of possibilities for everyone to enjoy culture. The most difficult thing now is deciding where to start. You’ll figure it out of course!
