Dec 13, 2021 | Activities/Services
Is there a way where you can explore virgin coves, discover myth and history and at the same time learn about the region’s flora and fauna? Visiting the islands of Alicante allows you to do all this in one go. These islands are a treasure chest full of surprises. In this article, we’ll tell you about four islands in Costa Blanca.
Isla de Tabarca
Tabarca island is the only island on this list with a local population. The easiest way to get there is from the Santa Pola Port on a catamaran. Arriving at the port, you’ll discover beautiful crystal clear waters that are so inviting you’ll want to take a dip. In this marine reserve, you can swim and dive, watching the fish in their natural habitat. A day of snorkelling and laying on the beach is a day sure to awaken your appetite, but don’t worry because on this island you can go to one of its restaurants and enjoy a delicious rice dish.
Isla de Benidorm
The island of Benidorm does have a local population, but of a different kind – sea birds land here to fish and to rest. If you love bird watching, on this rock you’ll be able to see all types of species from peregrine falcons, pallid swifts and the Sardinian warbler, amongst many other species.
But the surprises about this island don’t stop there. There are many different legends and fables about how this triangular hunk of rock came to be in the sea. One story goes that the giant, Roldan, carved a piece of rock out of the Puig Campana mountain so that the last rays of light could pass through and shine on his lover for longer, who was cursed to die after sundown. That is why the island of Benidorm is also known as Roldan’s rock. This island Is the best place to be for those who want to have some fantastic views of the Benidorm skyline.
Would you like to visit? You can easily access the island from the port of Benidorm and the Rincón de Loix. Boats leave every hour starting from 10am.
Isla de Portitxol
The island of Portitxol is just in front of the famous Barraca beach in Jávea. On this island, you’ll be able to find archaeological remains from when the romans used it as a port. Here’s a fun plan: go on a small hike around the island trying to find foundations of roman columns, Phoenician ceramics and marble pavements. Don’t let its size fool you! This small island hides great treasures waiting to be found.
Isla del Descubridor
The name of this island (Explorer’s Island, in English), according to popular belief, is said to be named after a local sailor that was part of Christopher Columbus’s crew. Whether it’s true or not, what is sure is that this island is the perfect place for those who love scuba diving. This is your chance to swim with the animals that inhabit the sea floor that’s full of surprises! From a wall that’s full of anemones and colourful sponges to a small cave called the “Dolphin’s cave”. In it, you’ll the remains of a dolphin resting in the water there. And the best yet is that it’s all close to Cumbre del Sol.
If you go on a day trip to one of these islands, here’s some advice. I f you want to make the most out of what these islands have to offer, it’s best to go in autumn and winter. And don’t be afraid of the weather, the climate in Costa Blanca is pleasant all year round! So, you can visit these islands peacefully and enjoy the natural world away from the throngs of people. Our recommendation is to prepare a picnic to take with you so you can spend the whole day exploring the island you choose.
Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? If you want more recommendations for what to do in Costa Blanca, keep up to date with our blog and don’t miss out!
Sep 24, 2020 | Activities/Services
Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol offers an unparalleled location nestled between the sea and the mountains, giving you the opportunity to enjoy nature year-round. Now that the temperatures have dropped a little and the weather is still good, it’s the perfect season for hiking. We’ve already mentioned some of the most famous routes on the coast, but this time, we’re ready to conquer the mountains. We remind you to always consider your level of experience, take necessary precautions and carry all the necessary equipment (hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, etc.) Are you ready? Here we go!
The Montgó Natural Park, shaped like an elephant with its trunk extended towards the sea, is a symbol of Denia’s surroundings. It offers 6 trekking routes, of varying lengths and intensity, and is the perfect place for you to conquer mountains alongside your family. Most of the trails allow you to reach the top and enjoy impressive views. We recommend the Cova de l’Aigua and Racó del Bou route as it is circular and of medium difficulty. It is 5.5 kilometers long and you’ll need about 3 ½ hours to return to your starting point. The route begins at the hermitage that was built in the 80s, next to the Pare Pere hut. This route allows you to see the cave where water was stored and takes you through the shady area of Montgó, declared a micro-reserve.
Another option is to go to Altea and leave your car at the Casas de Bèrnia, a small village in the town of Xaló. The Serra de Bèrnia circular route, also called El Forat de Bèrnia route, is a medium level hike and is known to be the most interesting and complete in the province of Alicante. This route is a little longer than the previous one, as it is 9 km long and takes 4-5 hours. It offers amazing landscapes, and multiple natural attractions, such as El Forat (a natural tunnel allowing you will cross the mountain range), as well as heritage sites such as El Fort de Bèrnia. Don’t forget to take a flashlight to be able to cross the tunnel!
If you’re at expert hiker, we can offer two challenges: The Barranc de l’Infern and the Puig Campana ascent. These two routes require a lot of training, so we recommend you to walk carefully and opt out if you don’t have the right level.
The Barranc de L’Infern, also referred to as the ‘catedral del senderismo,’ is one of the most unique and popular circular routes in the province of Alicante. It requires great physical strength as it has 6,800 stone steps that lead you to stunning landscapes and a great cultural heritage. The starting point is located in Fleix and from there, you’ll have to follow the PR-CV 147 trail marks (after the Fleix washhouse). The route is winding and takes you across the Barranc de l’Infern twice. Keep in mind that after heavy rains it is very likely that you won’t be able to cross the ravine, so we recommend you wait a few days.
We’re sure this mountain has caught your attention several times. The Puig Campana is the second highest peak in the province of Alicante, with an altitude of 1,408 meters, and one of the most demanding routes. You can climb to the top (15 km) or take the circular route (12 km). To start your climb, you’ll need to go towards the Font del Molí in Finestrat and follow the PR-CV 289 (Volta al Puig Campana) route in an anticlockwise direction as the path is more irregular and it is preferable to do it uphill. You can follow this trail until the end if you’re only interested in the circular route, or change course at the Coll del Pouet crossing to climb to the top. There is also a more strenuous path that passes by the south slope, that’s to say by the quarry, and is known as the “Vertical Kilometer”.
Finally, if you like to go trekking and camping in the mountains, you can climb a section of the Gran Ruta Costa Blanca Interior (GR-330) that passes near your home: Denia-Gata de Gorgos and Gata de Gorgos-Parcent. Hiking is a great activity as you can get exercise and connect with nature. Don’t forget your equipment, check the weather and remember that we must take care of the environment and leave the least no footprint behind. Respect the environment and conquer the heights of one of the most impressive mountains in the Valencian Community.
If you want to know more about Cumbre del Sol and its surroundings, don’t miss our blog articles and be sure to follow us on our social media accounts.
Oct 11, 2018 | Cumbre del Sol
The 244-km stretch of the Costa Blanca in Spain is home to a huge number of interesting cities, some of which are included in our first post of this series. Though this time we may be leaving Denia’s delicious culinary delights behind, we won’t be forgetting about sports such as scuba diving and golf in our tour of the Costa Blanca’s must-visit cities… and many of them are found within easy distance of Cumbre del Sol!
Have you ever admired the beauty of the San Antonio cove in Javea, been impressed by Benidorm’s collection of skyscrapers, or visited the castle in Guadalest? Carry on reading to discover all there is to see in these three cities!
Javea: go diving in an unrivalled natural environment
There’s no denying the beauty of Javea. All you need to do is go for a stroll along the long Primer Muntanyar / Benissero beach and look out at the horizon to appreciate it for yourself. As well as the Mediterranean’s stunning crystal-clear waters, there is the San Antonio cove to the north and Prim cove to the south which together create a panoramic image that you’re not likely to forget.
As a city which is surrounded by beautiful landscapes such as these, scuba diving is a frequent activity. A huge number of schools in the Javea Sailing Club offer packs and courses to help you get started with this underwater sport.
If you love the sea but not going underwater, there are other options for you! The Surfski School offers courses personalised according to level, from beginner to level 5.
Beyond the water sports and activities, visits to protected spaces such as San Antonio cove, Granadella Forest Park, and Portitxol Bay are almost obligatory in Javea. There are many routes and trails available to enjoy the walk as you head out to these stunning spots.
Guadalest: hiking and museums in a unique location
Guadalest owes its fame to the postcard-worthy beauty of its castle, but this small town with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants offers many more surprises! Beyond the famous San José castle, the main reason why Guadalest is part of the association of The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain, you can also visit many more musuems and enjoy the range of hiking trails.
There are nine diverse museums: from the Micro-Giant museum full of sculptures of all sizes imaginable to a medieval museum with perfectly conserved artefacts. When it comes to hiking, one of the most recommended routes, barely 1.5km in length, is one which goes from Guadalest to the nearby town of Castell de Castells. On the walk you will have the chance to appreciate one of the area’s greatest charms, the reservoir.
Benidorm: golf and more under Spain’s most famous skyline
When you think of Benidorm, the image of its buildings grazing the sky is undoubtedly one of the first which comes to mind. However, the city with the most skyscrapers in Spain after Barcelona and Madrid offers more attractions than we could imagine. For example, the impressive Serra Gelada is home to the National Park, which is one of the most visited in Spain.
Leisure and sport are some of the main activities in Benidorm. Close to the city you’ll find the Terra Mítica theme park as well as the Aqualandia water park, which is the ideal place to cool off during the hot summer months.
Benidorm’s sporty side makes it one of the best options for playing golf. Las Rejas Open Club offers a small course which is ready and waiting to challenge the most experienced players or be the perfect starting point for those who want to learn.
So, when you live in the paradise location of Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort you’ll have a huge range of interesting cities less than an hour away by car. What are you waiting for? Begin your new life in Cumbre del Sol today!
Aug 23, 2011 | Cumbre del Sol
Cumbre del Sol video page
We invite you to watch the latest video produced and published by Grupo VAPF about Cumbre del Sol residential park It is now available at the Grupo VAPF website here.
This new video by VAPF contains photos of Moraig beach at Cumbre del Sol residential complex —in Benitachell, between Jávea and Moraira— and its properties, location, available services, etc.
This video stands out for the quality of its images, taken on February 2011, showing how the coastline of Costa Blanca norrth currently is.
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