The Costa Blanca in September (II): Unique destinations

The Costa Blanca in September (II): Unique destinations

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.

costa blana norte

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!

Perfect places for diving on the Costa Blanca

Perfect places for diving on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca boasts over 200 km of coastline with 170 beaches, many of them with an EU blue flag.  Given these dimensions, the area is considered to be one of the best and most fun coastlines in Spain for divers.

The Costa Blanca, and particularly its northern end, is home to some of the most delightful sandy coves and beaches in the Spanish Levante. With water temperatures averaging 20ºC in summer and 14ºC in winter, snorkelling, diving or any other water sport is practically a requirement here. However, 170 beaches are a lot of beaches, and so, would it help if we told you about some of the best ones?

A classic: La Granadella

Considered to be one of the finest beaches in Spain, Granadella is a magical spot where the sea and the mountains merge to perfection.  Thanks to the peaceful waters and the seabed of gleaming white sand, diving here is a unique experience and ideal for watching marine life.
If you want more, there is another possibility for diving in Jávea in Portixol, known as the most “instagrammable” beach on the Costa Blanca.  What makes it so special? Probably the fact that it forms a bay surrounded by high cliffs.

Diving at the foot of the Peñón de Ifach?

Yes it is possible. We are talking about El Racó, a pebbly little cove with crystal clear waters brimming with sea creatures of every kind, with a perfectly signposted underwater route, and so it is ideal for diving and snorkelling fans.

Los Arcos Cave: emblem of the Costa Blanca

El Poble Nou de Benitachell has one of the best beaches for diving namely, Cala Moraig. This cove harbours some of nature’s wonders among its rocks. Not only that, what makes this place really special is the los Arcos Cave.  One of nature’s most stunning spectacles, it has been produced by the sea eroding the rocks over the years to form a cave with natural stone pillars. It is very popular with snorkellers and it is relatively easy to reach. Other interesting routes for diving in Benitachell can be found in  Cala Llebeig and Cala Testos, and for more information about these beaches check out this link.

For those seeking something completely different, there’s nothing better than spending a few days at the impressive DreamSea Mediterranean Camp, at Cala Moraig, which has attained almost cult status with Mediterranean lovers, for its amazing glamping experience. Nature + Sea + Activities, what more could you ask?

Close to Benitachell, in the municipal district of Benissa, you’ll find cala Pinets. This sheltered yet rather wild little cove has a pebbly shore. It is ideal for switching off while you snorkel or just decide to spend some time communing with the sea.

diving-costa-blanca

And there’s more! Altea, Dénia…

As we mentioned at the start of this blog, with over 200 kilometres of coastline there are many (but never too many) beaches. Not all of these are found close by villages and little known spots. In popular towns like Altea you can also find some interesting possibilities for having a good time such as Mascarat beach. Furthermore, in Dénia you will find the clearest most transparent waters of the Costa Blanca at El Fresquito beach, which may not be the best known, but this is precisely where its charm lies.

Now perhaps you have a better idea of how many beaches, coves and caves there are of every kind and for every taste. Make the most of them because there is still a month of summer left and you can enjoy every single one, and then tell us which is your favourite!  Don’t miss out on our coming artícles about other activities and things to do on the Costa Blanca Norte.

An activity-filled summer on the Costa Blanca Norte

An activity-filled summer on the Costa Blanca Norte

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.

fuegos artificiales 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.

The importance of culture in Costa Blanca Norte

The importance of culture in Costa Blanca Norte

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 Fiestas

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.

 

altea costa blanca cultura

 

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?

 

Sundays are for walking and discovering Marina Alta

Sundays are for walking and discovering Marina Alta

Have you heard of synaesthesia? It is a phenomenon where elements of the physical senses are commonly associated with feelings. An example is how Sundays and life in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol  can be linked. That sense of calm and wellbeing so typical of the last day of the week is comparable to daily life in our villas and apartments.

That’s why Sundays are so special here and that is also why we want you to enjoy them as much as possible. So you can connect with the surrounding nature and discover all its hidden corners. This is the idea behind the Diumenges Marina Alta initiative. Have you heard of it? It’s based on physical activity and hiking and walking in Marina Alta. And the main aim is to connect with nature and the countryside in this beautiful part of the world.

Marina Alta covers 750 km2 of terrain which translates to some unique flora and fauna and stunning countryside. Beauty spots include the Peñón de Ifach, Cabo de San Antonio, Montgó and the Pego-Oliva marshlands.

These landscapes can be explored in depth and in good company as you hike the local trails with Diumenges Marina Alta. Fernando Sendra devised and supervises these routes to promote tourism in the area, and to help you spend a different kind of Sunday. Diumenges Marina Alta also has the support of local councils, including La Vall de Laguar, Orba, Parcent, Benigembla and Poble Nou de Benitatxell, home of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. Want to know which are best walks and hiking trails in Marina Alta? We plan to tell you all about them!!

Walking in Altea

Altea and its unique, idyllic setting is ideal for a Sunday walk or hike. Faro de Albir is close by and is one of the most popular destinations for walkers, and the trail you follow along the way is as enjoyable as the final destination. Altea La Vella, Font del Garrofet and the hermitage of Santa Bárbara are other places worth seeing along another of the most frequently trodden paths in Altea. Cap Blanch, Cap Negret… there are innumerable trails in this area of the Costa Blanca with varied levels of difficulty.  It’s up to you to decide!

Walking in Calpe

The most obvious and popular walk in Calpe is clearly the one that ends with a climb up to the Peñon de Ifach. In fact the route to the top is really stunning and you won’t be disappointed by the views. But luckily there is so much more to Calpe than the Peñon de Ifach! The La Mola /Cima de l’Òlta is another of the TOP 3 for hikers in Marina Alta. Are you up for the challenge?

Walking in Denia

Denia is the ideal starting point for a walk in Marina Alta which ends on the highest peak of Montgó. As it is a mountain, the route isn’t exactly one of the easiest to attempt but it is certainly the most fun and the most spectacular. Especially if you have views of the Mediterranean in mind at the end of your trek, and as you can bask in utter peace and tranquillity at this altitude. 

Nevertheless, if you prefer a little less exertion, the Vía Verde de Dénia, along the now disused former FEVE rail track, is a lovely walk among orange trees where you can experience the very best of rural life.  La Cova de l’Aigua or the Racó del Bou are other places you can visit along your Denia walks and trails. 

Walking in Jávea

The sea is clearly the main attraction in this coastal resort when walking in Marina Alta. This is why beaches like Portitxol or Barraca are visited so frequently, as aside from offering sun and sand for a perfect day at the beach, they are the ideal scenario for a coastal trail. The sandy coves of Blanca and Sardinera and Cap Prim might well be places to jot down in your walker’s agenda so that you don’t miss out on a single stretch of this coastline.

Walking in Benissa

There are walks and trails in Marina Alta that begin in Benissa and end in other beautiful villages in the area. What is so great about walking is that you can explore so many different villages and discover their traditions on foot and witness changes at first hand. Senija and Lliber which belong to the district of Vall de Pop are just some of the places in Benissa’s trail pack. Camins de Pedra i Aigua is one of the most iconic and fascinating routes. Along the way you’ll discover the traditional hydraulic architecture of these villages, with their wells, ponds, channels and canals, water wheels, …. something really different!

Upcoming Diumenges Marina Alta

From now until the end of this year, Diumenges Marina Alta has several routes planned. Starting out from Orba and for just 5 euros, on 24 October you can enjoy a walk that passes by the castle of the Atzavares. In November you will be able to sign up to walking in Marina Alta to places such as El Seguili or Parcent. And in December, trails to Font Calenta, Sender del Badall and Les Fonts and the Ruta de la Figuereta.

Does all this make you want to start walking? It is a natural, healthy and simple way of getting to know your surroundings and spending your Sunday in places that can be found in Marina Alta and its villages and nowhere else.