Mar 28, 2023 | Activities/Services, Local events
With the onset of good weather, it’s time to get out of the house, breathe in the fresh air and feel the spirit of nature and the light that bring life to Cumbre del Sol. There are endless things to do around your home, however our blog always has something new to offer from end to end of the Costa Blanca Norte.
Benissa is one of the least-known places in the Marina Alta. This gap in awareness of its existence is actually commensurate with its beauty. It has one of the oldest town centres in the area, as well as lovely countryside, beaches and monuments with an endless list of things to do, both in the town and its surrounding area. One of its most picturesque (and unknown) attractions is surely its cave paintings. We tell you about them in this article, where to find them, and how to visit them.
The charm of the unknown
There is nothing like discovering something new somewhere just a few kilometres from your home, and that is exactly the case with these cave paintings. You can reach the place on foot along a hiking trail, just 5 kilometres from Benissa, or if you prefer, you can also get there by car. It is close to the rural district of Pinos at a place called Abrigo de Pinos (Shelter of the Pines but also known locally as “Barranc de la Tía Isabel”).
The shelter is an overhang of chalky rock some 200 metres long which has several caves, in one of which you will find the paintings. They were discovered in 1970, and in 1985 they were officially declared as Cultural Heritage and, subsequently a World Heritage Site. The set of paintings is protected by a metal grill placed on the rock wall so that the paintings can be viewed without getting too close, thus they are protected from deterioration or any other problems. There are four explanatory panels alongside them so that you can situate them in time and understand the figures, as many are camouflaged by the rock. Even so, the one known as “Eva Pinera” has become an iconic figure. Standing with arms akimbo, experts have dated this painting as 6,000 to 8,000 years old. At just 50 centimetres away from this figure, it is possible to discern a zoomorphic representation typical of the Levante which has been partially lost. There is also another portrayal of four figures that appear to be holding hands.
Unmissable Benissa
If having viewed the paintings you are thinking of what else you can do, we suggest that you visit Benissa if you don’t know it yet. In the Marina Alta, and only a short distance from the road leading to places like Calpe, Moraira, Altea, Teulada or Benidorm, the town is easy to reach and an essential stop-off in the Costa Blanca Norte.
One of the reasons that you will love this place is its cuisine. Strongly influenced by the sea and the mountains, it is varied and made with care. The star dish here is “putxero de polp”, or octopus casserole, originally a fishermen’s dish. This stew is made with pulses (beans) potatoes, vegetables and rice.
Benissa is a must-see if you want to discover somewhere in the Marina Alta that is less well-known, but certainly no less charming. Some months ago we published a post on plans for things to do in Benissa and you can read about it here. We suggest that you look out for our upcoming blog posts so that you don’t miss out on anything going on around Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
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.
Sep 29, 2021 | Activities/Services
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.
Aug 18, 2021 | Activities/Services, Benitachell, Cumbre del Sol
The benevolent climate at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, means that summers are longer and we can enjoy fantastic weather throughout September in this corner of the Costa Blanca. If you’re on holiday this month and you have a big family, we tell you how you can make the most of your free time, and make sure that the littlest members will have a very special holiday.
The area surrounding Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is ideal for family fun. We are surrounded by towns and villages that are well established tourist resorts with plenty of cultural activities on offer. We also have amusement parks and water parks close by, a perfect option for children and grownups alike. Want to learn more about what’s on offer? Keep listening!
The great weather means that you can continue to enjoy the beach, the pool and why not water parks as well? They combine water and fun, words that define this time of the year. They can provide more than one memorable day out for children. Benidorm, as the capital of the Costa Blanca is host to most of the water parks. Less than an hour away from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, you’ll find Aqualandia, Mundomar and Magic Robin Hood.
Chutes and slides and other water rides are the main attractions of these parks but that is not all that’s on offer. You can also relax in more tranquil water facilities where visitors can chill out. Aqua Natura is one such place. As well as being entertaining, this Benidorm park also has an educational component. For example, you can get to know the sea lions and learn about conservation of the environment. It is a good way of teaching children how to love animals and nature.
As well as Aqua Natura, another venue that focuses on fauna and flora is Terra Natura. This is a zoo and theme park. Here children can meet their favourite animals up close. The perfect day out? What about making the most of their proximity with a family outing, taking in both places on the same day.
If you’re seeking more adrenaline in your activities on the Costa Blanca you won’t have to go far. Terra Mítica is the most famous amusement park in the Comunidad Valenciana. Arranged into representations of ancient civilisations, it evokes different periods in history, which is also a useful learning opportunity for kids.
Much closer to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, just 15 minutes away by car, is Family Park (Moraira). As the name indicates, it’s a very interesting place to spend a day out on the Costa Blanca with the family. There are seaside activities to be enjoyed for everyone and every age group.
However, aside from parks, at the Resort you can also go horse riding at Cañada del Sol riding stables, play paddle and tennis in the sports zone with trainers and coaches available if you are a beginner, or need to improve your stroke. And if you love the sea at Glamping Dreamsea, there are plenty of activities for all the family, including SUP paddle boarding, kayaking, etc.
Finally, for culture lovers, at Poble Nou de Benitatxell, where you’ll find Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, an event known as “Agost a la fresca” is held every summer. This is an open air cinema festival. Young and old alike will be glued to the screen as they are gently wafted by the warm Mediterranean breeze.
Armed with our list of activities, you and the family will have plenty to do, right up to the last moments of summer. What’s your favourite choice?
Aug 5, 2021 | Grupo VAPF, Real Estate, villas
At VAPF we have been building homes since 1963. The Costa Blanca is the scenario for all our homes, distributed around different towns and villages, all with plenty of tourist, cultural and gastronomic attractions.
Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is our largest residential resort, located in Poble Nou de Benitatxell, where we currently have five developments. The main advantage of all the exclusive homes in Cumbre del Sol is its excellent location. Set high on a hill, yet only a few metres from the sea, Cumbre del Sol forms a natural balcony looking out onto the Mediterranean. The area is surrounded by nature, and the homes enjoy exclusive panoramic views of the sea. In addition, every service is on hand which makes it easy to live there all year round.
Montecala Gardens
Montecala Gardens, with its natural feel, has 2 bedroom apartments currently available, fully equipped and with 2 bathrooms. Luxury apartments in Cumbre del Sol with communal areas that match the exclusive homes, with several pools, ample terraces, children’s play areas, gardens etc. An ideal development for a relaxing family life.
Magnolias Design, ultra-modern independent villas in Cumbre del Sol, designed to make the most of the sea views and with some top design features, with 3 and 4 bedrooms, spacious living areas, outdoor zones with porches, terraces, private pool and garden. The villas are ready to move into now.
However, if you like to walk everywhere, to the sports area, the shopping centre and restaurants, your ideal home is Villa Edén. Located in the Encinas Design development, its architecture and aesthetic are particularly striking. The style is ultra-modern, with clean lines and with white as the defining feature. Three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms on the top floor, all facing the sea. On the ground floor, the living room, and the kitchen with breakfast bar form an extension of the terrace.
Villa Edén
The most exclusive option in the Resort, ideal for those who would like their own customised home, is Residencial Jazmines, a unique location, where there are plots designated for building spacious homes, and currently we have 3 luxury villas under construction, Villa Amanecer, Villa Estrella and Villa Luna , which you are sure to love, or which will inspire you to create your own home with VAPF’s help.
Finally, we present our new residential development in Cumbre del Sol: Novamar Suites 2. A block of exclusive apartments on the Costa Blanca. Right on the sea front, in one of the most exclusive areas of the Mediterranean coast. It has an area specially created to enjoy both outdoors and indoors alike, and all the rooms have access to a terrace, if you are interested, just ask our pre- sales department for more information.
But Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is not the only place where we have houses and apartments available. As we have mentioned, there are other homes in different parts of the Costa Blanca, such as Altea for example. Blanc Altea Homes and Azure Altea Homes 2 are two developments in this area of Alicante province. The latter has two models of three storey homes equipped for maximum comfort, style and elegance: Villa Senza and Villa Plenum. They have plenty of open spaces, both indoor and out, and both homes bask in the Mediterranean light.
Villa Senza
Now let’s take a look at Racó de Galeno-Benissa, where VAPF also has a presence. Three en suite bedrooms, and an impressive master bedroom which is striking in that it has a bathroom equipped with a bath that overlooks the sea. Does that sound good? That’s what Villa Neva, already under construction, will offer. Villa Lena is another of the fabulous homes that we are building. This villa is built for comfort with all the rooms distributed over a single floor.
Finally, we before we finish this blog post, we need to tell you about La Sella. This development of three bedroom apartments in Denia is the jewel in our crown. Golf Suites La Sella has something special for every member of the family: relaxation, fun, sports … You can find it all in a golfing atmosphere with El Club de Golf La Sella just a few steps away. Equipped with both outdoor and indoor heated pools, the communal areas offer some incredible places for simply taking it easy or playing sports to keep fit. You will also find a wellness zone and gardens. Every inch of this development has something to make it ideal for your new life by the sea.
Golf Suites La Sella
Now that you have seen everything we have to offer on the Costa Blanca. Exclusive homes in Cumbre del Sol, apartments in La Sella, Custom Villas in Racó de Galeno-Benissa and Altea, it’s up to you to decide! We will be here waiting to help.
