Feb 20, 2023 | Uncategorized
It is a given that the Costa Blanca has a wealth of beaches and sandy coves with their crystal clear waters and EU blue flags, and it is something that we are all aware of. However, in addition, and just a short distance away from those beaches, you can find the most charming villages in the Mediterranean as well. And now it isn’t just us telling everyone this, because recently, the National Geographic magazine published its list of 100 most beautiful villages in Spain, which means that a visit is definitely on the cards for 2023, and two of these are very close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Altea: The Pearl of the Costa Blanca
“With the sun’s first rays, Altea wakes to the screeching of gulls as they faithfully hover over the seagoing craft moored in the port, along with others that, on the distant horizon, are a reminder that this Alicante village was once peopled by fishermen and labourers”; so begins the description of Altea in the article. It comes as no surprise that the “dome of the Mediterranean” makes the list too, but that doesn’t make it any less a matter of great pride. There are myriad reasons for its inclusion, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses that lie cheek by jowl with the blue dome of its church, it manages to create a pure Mediterranean landscape that makes you want to explore each and every little nook and cranny of the place. From the highest and most ancient part of the village you will be treated to unique views of the two sides of the Costa Blanca Norte, namely, the mountain sierras of Aitana, Bernia and the Puigcampana on one hand, and Punta Albir, the Morro de Toix and the Peñón de Ifach circling the bay, on the other.
In addition, a visit to the Monastery Church of the Carmelitas Descalzas, La Torre de la Galera, which have been declared a Cultural Heritage site, La Torre Bellaguarda, the Palau de Altea and a stroll along the seafront, will provide images and snapshots that will stay in your memory forever.
In the entry on Altea it also mentions the well-known neighbourhood of El Fornet “with its narrow cobbled streets and its white houses festooned with a colourful jumble of geraniums, jasmine and bougainvillea”.
Guadalest, an unmissable mountain trip
Just the mere fact of its history should earn it a well-deserved mention in lists of this kind: Guadalest was moulded both by the hand of man and the force of nature following the earthquakes of 1644 and 1748, when the citadel castle of San José was virtually destroyed. Today it still stands proud and open to the sky with several sections of the wall remaining along with its keep which is still easily recognisable.
Strolling through the small historic centre, which is reached through the only door in the ancient walls, is like stepping into another world. The town hall square with its statue of San Gregorio and the medieval prison provides a meeting point for visitors. Special mention should be given to the Casa de los Orduña, from where you can access the top of the castle. The village is crowned by the famous castle of the Alcozaiba, which recalls the medieval origins of the village, and from here you can view the mountain sierras of Xortà and Serrella, along with the mountains of Aitana and Bernia.
In the outskirts, you will find the reservoir, wetlands and the dam of Guadalest. This is one of the most picturesque places in inland Costa Blanca, and not to be missed if you visit the village. The water from this reservoir comes from the river Guadalest which, with its blue waters, frames this lovely village. The reservoir, as well as contributing to the charm and beauty of Guadalest, also boasts a really easy and pleasant hiking trail that circles the whole reservoir so you can see the fantastic countryside up close as you breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Altea and Guadalest are as different from each other as they are special. Each one has its own charm and special features that make the villages unique, and it is not the first time that National Geographic mentions them. In its 2022 list, it included the village as one of the five most beautiful villages of Alicante province. Don’t forget to check out our upcoming blog posts where we will tell you more about some of the most special places in the Costa Blanca and the surrounding area.
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.
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!
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.
