Jan 12, 2023 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Something special
La Marina Alta is so much more than a stroll by the seaside and warm temperatures, it is also the perfect place for enjoying delicious cuisine in the local restaurants, with menus that list the best rice dishes, seafood, and fish, not to mention other appealing specialities. As proof of this gastronomic wealth, 10 Michelin stars have been awarded to 7 Costa Blanca restaurants. Come with us on a culinary tour, where we tell you all about these restaurants, with their star dishes, and how to enjoy this great adventure for discerning palates, just a few minutes from your home in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.
Quique Dacosta Restaurant – 3 Stars
We have to start with the three starred Restaurant Quique Dacosta in Denia. Can a taste actually be beautiful? Beyond the aesthetics of the dish, the award winning chef has revolutionised kitchens with his gastronomic venture. That is, he endeavours to cook beauty, with the aim of promoting feelings and emotions in diners with every mouthful that they taste. As to the menu, the restaurant offers scant information, instead preferring to keep up the sense of intrigue until the end, in fact, they describe how the dishes are created based on the most iconic products and “other unknown” ones. Are you ready for the experience? To read more about the concept, and to make a booking , check out this link. However, given that the restaurant is in high demand, you will probably have to add your name to the waiting list.
Bon Amb – 2 Stars
Another place that is an essential visit is Bon Amb in Jávea. This restaurant, which has earned two Michelin stars, serves dishes based on a particular fishing practice namely, l’encesa, the ancient skill of fishing from the cliffs of the la Marina Alta. The menu follows the route of the encesers, and is divided into three different menus, each representing the path from the fields and market gardens to the Mediterranean sea: Cabàs, Canyís and Ham; all of which are accompanied by their aperitifs and desserts and with 8, 10 and 12 courses respectively. The restaurant is currently closed for holidays and will reopen on 9 February 2023.
Casa Pepa – 1 Michelin Star
In the meantime, you can book a table at Casa Pepa in Ondara, the Michelin starred restaurant that recently joined forces with the Bon Amb family, aiming to continue the legacy of Pepa Romans, who was able to recreate the essence of local gastronomic tradition in an innovative manner and bring it to the dining table. If you want to try some of the most iconic and delicious local dishes, you can book a table here.
Peix & Brases – 1 Star
For another unmissable experience, check out Peix & Brases in Denia. Awarded a Michelin star, this restaurant is clear regarding its aims, namely, without tradition there is no vanguard, which is why it looks to the future with its dishes, yet retains all that we have learned from the past. With its Essence and Tasting menus, you can enjoy a variety of dishes, typical of la Marina Alta cuisine, from a different yet absolutely delicious perspective. Not only that, but at Peix & Brases, you will find a completely different concept known as Mediterrasian, a more laid back part of the restaurant, as its name implies, which provides fusion dishes combining our culture with oriental cuisine. Mediterranean philosophy and Asiatic influence of the purest kind. For bookings, visit this link.
Tula – 1 Star
Continuing our recommendations, Tula in Jávea offers what they call real seasonal cuisine with Mediterranean ingredients, selected and prepared with the warmth and care of traditional home cooked food. Their menu is a celebration of the Mediterranean sea, and a treat for seafood lovers. To enjoy the experience of this Michelin starred restaurant, you can book here.
Audreys’s by Rafa Soler – 1 Star
Beat – 1 Star
Finally, Calpe also boasts a Michelin star, in fact it has 2, both of which are run by the AR hotel group. Let’s start with Audreys’s by Rafa Soler, which aims primarily to surprise the palate of its diners, while retaining the culinary memory that is the legacy of Valencian cuisine, yet with the most elegant style. You can book your table here, so don’t miss out on this experience. Another starred restaurant is Beat, which, with its techniques and preparation, displays sophistication that places local produce at centre stage. Its three menus,: Inspiration, Taste and Nature will delight the palate, book your table at reservas@ar-hoteles.com or call 900 103 798.
Now that you know all about the best restaurants close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, there’s no excuse not to start the year with a proper festive meal. And remember, we are always here with our blog posts to let you know what’s going on in the Costa Blanca Norte.
Jun 8, 2022 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Other towns, Otros pueblos, Something special
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 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.
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?
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 30, 2021 | Activities/Services
With September just around the corner and the onset of autumn temperatures are milder, and perfect for enjoying the final days of summer. The weather is also ideal for visiting and discovering new places.
At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol we are surrounded by the countryside and some amazing landscapes, so there is always somewhere to visit. September is the ideal time for hiking and adventures don’t you think? We have a plan for an outing which is less than 45 minutes by car from Cumbre del Sol. What’s the destination? A fantastic day out in a natural setting.
We’re talking about Peñón de Ifach. This natural park is in Calpe, but it is visible from many other parts of the province. In 1987 the Valencian government declared it a nature reserve covering an area of 45 hectares. However, six years ago the protected area was extended to 53.3 hectares.
The Peñón de Ifach is an outcrop of the mountains known as the cordilleras Béticas, and it rises to an altitude of 332 metres. It provides a striking image, with the peak rising out of the sea in stark contrast to the waters lapping the rock, which is connected to the land by a strip of detritus comprising fragments of rock and shells forming a narrow isthmus.
You can visit the Peñón de Ifach and walk around it. However currently, due to the enormous demand, visiting is restricted and you need to book. Although it continues to be free of charge. As a result, if you’re planning to visit, before you go to Calpe you will need to book a slot to climb the Peñón de Ifach. It’s just a small formality and worth it for a truly enjoyable trip!
The route to the Peñón de Ifach is signposted. Starting out from the car park, the route is about 5 kilometers, and you will discover some amazing sights on the way. One of these is the ruins of the ancient archaeological remains of Pobla d’Ifach. And then, after going through the tunnel that crosses the peak, you will come to a fork. Here you can choose whether to go on to a lookout point or continue your climb to the top. At the summit, on a clear day you can see the islands of Formentera, Ibiza and Cape Santa Pola. You’ll be blown away by the views!
The peak, with its unique location, is a striking sight but it also boasts plenty of interesting wildlife and vegetation. In fact, at the Peñón de Ifach natural park there are over 400 different plant species. Many of these have been classified as in danger of extinction such as the silene de Ifach. While the natural park is notable for its varied vegetation, there is also an abundance of wildlife in the Peñón de Ifach Natural Park. It is a haven for over 80 species of birds, including the European shag and the yellow-legged gull.
As you can see, it’s a great place for an outing from Cumbre del Sol. You can have a picnic in the middle of the Peñón de Ifach park, as there is a specially designated picnic area with shaded tables and a water fountain. Remember, you need to book your visit and then all you have to do is enjoy one of the Costa Blanca’s most prized beauty spots.
Apr 6, 2021 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol, Otros pueblos
244 km of coastline, 20 villages and an average annual temperature of 18 °C. The Costa Blanca is a paradise, and we know we don’t have to do anything to prove it! Still, we want to tell you about some of the peculiarities of this region and encourage you to visit its most emblematic places.
First of all, why the name Costa Blanca (White Coast)? There are different theories, but the most convincing one is clear just by observing the landscape. From the sky, the view of this coast is, as its name suggests, white. From its sandy beaches to the architectural aesthetics of its villages and white homes like those of VAPF. This white contrasts with the crystal-clear blue waters that further enhance the radiance of the coastline. Another theory attributes this famous name to British Airlines. According to this theory, the airline used this name in 1975 to promote a flight between London and Valencia.
If there is one thing that stands out about the Costa Blanca, it is the geography. Have you heard of the Peñón de Ifach? This corner of the region, located in Calpe, is home to a natural park that is free to visit but does require reservations. From Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol you can reach it in half an hour by car, so it’s a great option for a day trip!
But Calpe is much more! Without going any further, the Baños de la Reina (Queen’s Baths) is next to the Salinas de Calpe. These are artificial pools that are carved into the rock and which contain a lot of history. Initially dedicated to aquaculture, today they make up one more historical attraction along the Spanish Costa Blanca. You can enjoy activities such as snorkeling to discover its underwater tunnels.
We were talking about the characteristic white color that washes the facades of the Costa Blanca. It’s not just Santorini or Ibiza that enjoy such views! Just a few kilometers from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, Altea stands as a white paradise. This town is beautiful from the outside but holds just as much charm on the inside. Its many monuments and landmarks show the passage of time and the mark that history has left on it. A good overview of all this can be experienced by taking a walk through the Old Town. It stands out for its preserved old town with its cobblestone streets, white houses and flowerpots.
And if you are a history buff, you can head towards Denia. Just over half an hour’s drive from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, here you can travel through centuries of history in just one day! Denia Castle is home to Roman, Muslim and medieval Christian remains. These traces can be found all over the city, from the historic district of Les Roques to the Torre del Gerro. The latter is a watchtower-built centuries ago with the aim of controlling the coast and its visitors.
All this geography filled with history and incomparable natural landscapes offers many interesting hiking routes. In Denia, the Montgó natural park is both a landscape and a viewpoint from which to contemplate the Mediterranean Sea. The hiking trails are only part of the many routes that can be done from Cumbre del Sol. One can also enjoy them cycling, scuba diving, etc…. there is no time for boredom!
So you can see that your life at Cumbre del Sol is filled with plans surrounded by nature and full of history. And for more suggestions, don’t hesitate to visit our blog and follow us on Facebook and Instagram – you too can be part of the Costa Blanca!
