Rediscovering the Costa Blanca Norte in winter

Rediscovering the Costa Blanca Norte in winter

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

 

interior 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.

Enjoy Christmas in the Costa Blanca Norte

Enjoy Christmas in the Costa Blanca Norte

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.

The magic of the Costa Blanca Norte’s Christmas markets

The magic of the Costa Blanca Norte’s Christmas markets

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.

 

navidad costa blanca

 

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!

VAPF in collaboration with Akira Animal Sanctuary

VAPF in collaboration with Akira Animal Sanctuary

One of the basic pillars of VAPF is to make an active contribution to improving the world we live in. Throughout the year, we collaborate with different associations, groups and NGOs to try and reduce the environmental impact of our activities and projects. As 2022 draws to a close, we thought it would be a good idea to end the year by helping one particular pet that makes millions of homes happy all over the world, namely dogs.

 

Akira Dog Sanctuary and VAPF Pet CostumeContest

There is nothing new about this collaboration.  VAPF has worked with AKIRA Benissa Dog Sanctuary on several occasions, providing the funds needed for the work of maintaining the shelter.  In short, above all we want to help to ensure that the dogs are protected and safe throughout their stay at the shelter. This year it was decided to hold a Pet Costume Contest for pets on 17 December with Christmas as the theme. The best outfits will be awarded prizes and a Christmas hamper will also be raffled. The profits will go 100% directly to the sanctuary.

 

 

A very special shelter

 

The Akira dog sanctuary is set in the woods. The shelter has night time kennels and areas for daytime play and caters for up to 60 dogs. The roofed entrance patio houses facilities for volunteers and dog walkers. The patio on the upper floor boasts a veterinary clinic, an isolation zone for recent arrivals and separate fenced off areas for puppies which can house two different litters of puppies at a time.

In addition, there are three specially marked dog walking trails around the shelter that lead into the surrounding countryside. They vary from a short 20 minute walk, to a longer and more picturesque route which takes 40 minutes.

 

Other ways of collaborating with Akira

Almost all the costs of operating our shelter and caring for the dogs in our charge are paid for with voluntary donations, sponsorship and fund raising activities. So if you are unable to attend the event on 17 of this month,  there are some other ways that you can help the shelter:

  • Buying on Amazon: Akira will receive 5% of the price of any article you buy on Amazon when you click on their web site
  • Akira Shop: you can find the shop at Avenido de Portet 19, Moraira and it is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm. There is also a book stall at Moraira Market on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Fridays of every month, along with a stall at the local Antiques and Collectors’ Fairs. The shop also acts as a ticket office for fund raising events, issues membership forms and deals with general enquiries.
  • Fashion show: twice a year we hold a fashion show to showcase quality items, often designer brands at extremely reasonable prices.
  • Donations: veterinary bills, buying food and medicines for dogs that arrive in poor health and need special care, also for puppies and dogs with special needs. Every donation, however small, makes a difference.
  • Become a volunteer: The AKIRA team has many volunteers; even so they are always looking for more helpers.

 

And, most importantly: do not buy a dog, adopt one instead. As you can see, as well as the Pet Costume contest on 17 December there are lots more ways to help, so that initiatives like the sanctuary can survive and prosper. Look out for our upcoming blog posts to keep up with everything going on close to home at Cumbre del Sol.

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!