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.

Natural landscapes, wild life on the Costa Blanca

Natural landscapes, wild life on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is one of the most incredible places for enjoying the countryside. Circled by the Mediterranean sea and its rocky mountains, the area is full of places for you to disconnect and discover the local landscape.

Thanks to its wealth of flora and fauna, the Costa Blanca is an ideal tourist destination for couples, friends or families.

La Sierra de Mariola

The Sierra de Mariola Natural Park lies between the districts of la Hoya de Alcoy, El Condado de Cocentaina and Valle de Albaida. This area extends over 17 thousand hectares and is rich in plant life and vegetation. Aleppo pines cover most of this mountain range. The incredibly profuse plant life boasts around 1200 species in this area alone.

This beautiful spot is immensely valuable in environmental terms and it is perfect for hiking or family tourism. The “Green Route: in the shade of the ice houses” is one of the best known trails. There are others too, such as the “Blue Route. The water trail” the “Red route,: a date with history” and the “Yellow route : Solana lookout point”.

The Sierra de Mariola has an amazing wealth of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. The natural park is home to many species. These include Iberian lizards, rabbits and partridges.

The river Polop separates this natural area from the Natural Park of la Font Roja. Two amazing places inland on the Costa Blanca for you to wander and explore.

La Font Roja

The Font Roja Natural Park is also known as ‘El Carrascal’. This area, extending over 2,200 hectares was designated a nature reserve in 1987 and is set in the districts of Hoya de Alcoy and Ibi. It has some extremely diverse ecosystems thanks to different microclimates in the zone. It’s a true wonder of nature!

With its fantastic landscapes and ecology it is one of the most important parks in the Comunidad Valenciana. It is particularly striking for its deciduous woodland. The extensive forest has led to a wealth of rich and diverse wildlife. Robin, wild boar and sparrow hawk are just some of the species that inhabit this nature reserve.

The la Font Roja Natural Park has several hiking trails such as the ‘Yellow Route: El Menejador’, the “Red Route: Barranc de l’Infern’ and the ‘Blue Route: El Xicotet’.

The countryside around the towns of Dénia, Jávea and Calpe on the Costa Blanca are worth exploring at any time of year.

Serra Gelada

The Serra Gelada Natural Park is a protected area of the Costa Blanca. A nature reserve that encompasses both land and sea, with plenty of trails for hikers and walkers. The abundant vegetation of this mountain range harbours caves, fossilised dunes and paleontological remains, all interesting for tourists. The mountains roll down to the sea in the form of cliffs over 300 metres high. A walk here with amazing sea views is a real treat!

At Serra Gelada you will come across two micro reserves with some very interesting plant species. Sea birds provide the most interesting fauna on land. Breathe the pure oxygen in a place where humans have left no trace of activity. Switch off, do some sport and enjoy nature. Yes, it can be done!

Flora y fauna Costa Blanca

El Peñón de Ifach

This is one of the city’s most iconic places. El Peñón de Ifach Natural Park is in Calpe. This impressive rock adjoining the land rises 322 metres above the sea. The surrounding natural park has a rich historic heritage and some unique plant life. One of the most frequently visited tourists spots on the Costa Blanca!

La Granadella Natural Park

La Granadella Natural Park lies south of Jávea, and extends over 750 hectares. It is one of the few totally unspoiled places on the Mediterranean coast.  It is the perfect place for hikers and walkers. Discovering the native plants will be an easy task here. Aside from the spectacular view you can explore the wealth of plant life which is unique to this place and found nowhere else!

There are times when it is not easy to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, enjoy nature and breathe pure fresh air. However, it’s possible at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol! Visit the Costa Blanca and explore its natural treasures. Unique and exclusive places, where you can simply appreciate the wonders of nature.

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.

Cumbre del Sol: everything you need on your doorstep

Cumbre del Sol: everything you need on your doorstep

The Costa Blanca Norte is a paradise on the Mediterranean, it has beaches, excellent climate and nature.  An enormous range of outdoor activities. And there is a place where you can enjoy it all.

But it is not just all the open air activities that characterise this zone. Stay with us and discover the services and events that you can enjoy in Cumbre del Sol.

Living in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is so much more than living between the countryside and the sea. In this post we will tell you about the essential services and many other options that you can enjoy in this location.

Belgium’s national fiesta – 21 July

At VAPF, every year, we celebrate Belgium’s national day. Where? At the La Cumbre restaurant where residents and friends of Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol and the surrounding area gather to celebrate this special day. The amazing views and the excellent climate add to the festive atmosphere, in an event during which, among other special moments, a number of prizes will be raffled, donated by local establishments in Cumbre del Sol. A fun event for all the family.

Padel Tournaments

If you are a fan of sports, at Cumbre del Sol you can enjoy amazing views as you play padel. North Costa Blanca Padel Club is organising two tournaments this summer from 28 July to 1 August and from 26 to 28 August. Make sure you sign up and have a great time enjoying the atmosphere.

Cumbre del Sol Beaches

At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol summer is the most eagerly awaited season of the year: a paradise where you can enjoy life surrounded by nature and with amazing sea views. An area bounded by the Mediterranean, where you have innumerable beaches and coves, and unique places on the Costa Blanca.  Fall in love with beaches close by Cumbre del Sol!

  • Cala Moraig: this beach in Benitachell is sheltered by cliffs. Surrounded by mountains and nature it is an absolute paradise; one of the most beautiful little coves in Cumbre de Sol.  You can spend hours there just making the most of the peace and tranquillity of the place, and enjoying a swim in the crystal clear waters.
  • Cala Tiestos: close to Cala Moraig this is a great choice for anyone seeking privacy and silence. Surrounded by mountains, it is tiny and a bit of a hideaway. It is the perfect place for disconnecting, and breathing in the fresh air while you enjoy the blissful silence. Access by land is not easy and is best reserved for the more adventurous.
  • Cala Llebeig: another beach in Benitachell. It is small and U-shaped which means that there are no strong currents in the area, something that makes it one of the most attractive places in cumbre for snorkeling.

Lady Elizabeth School Summer Campus

Summers at Lady Elizabeth Summer Camp are unique.  A way of living and learning with experiences and adventures for kids. Moments that children will treasure forever, and a great way of spending one of the best ever summers of their childhood.

The Summer Camp begins in July and ends with the final fortnight of August. These are intense weeks of activity where they can try new activities; dance, cookery, tennis, karate classes, or handicrafts to bring out their most creative side.

Lady Elizabeth School is one of the best international schools in Spain, with over 51 different nationalities and it is unquestionably a great investment in your children’s future.

Outdoor activities and other services

At Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol you can find all the services you need for your daily life. Not only that, the sports facilities at Cumbre del Sol have activities of all kinds. Tennis, paddle, horse riding, including glamping among other activities. Not to mention the Mediterranean food and cuisine at Cumbre del Sol! There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal in the area. But that’s not all! So that you feel at home and have everything you need from day to day, you will find other services like supermarkets, hairdressers, health centre, etc. and if you find it hard to relax, visit the Pure Wellness Centre! The residents of Cumbre del Sol have just about everything they need.

In short, at Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol you have an area filled with activities and essential services, and much much more! Looking after yourself, having fun, staying fit, and enjoying some pleasurable activities are simple tasks here. Remember to check out our upcoming blog posts which will keep you abreast of all the plans, activities, and new events near and around Cumbre del Sol.

Charity gala at Cumbre del Sol in aid of Save The Children

Charity gala at Cumbre del Sol in aid of Save The Children

On 30 June we held our first charity gala at Cumbre del Sol in aid of the NGO Save The Children. The dinner was held at Restaurante la Cumbre, where a great time was had by all with music, entertainment and a chance for our neighbours and friends to meet up.

VAPF is a company that takes its social commitments seriously at both local and international levels, and as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, it includes activities involving financial support to organisations such as UNICEF, Fundación Vicente Ferrer, Aldeas Infantiles, among others. Therefore this provided an ideal opportunity, in addition to having a good time, to hold an event that would benefit (including charity raffle) Save The Children.

A memorable evening

The event was held at 8 pm at Restaurante La Cumbre and was attended by over 80 people. Guests were welcomed with a cocktail to one of the most special nights of the year at Cumbre del Sol while neighbours and friends were either reunited or introduced to each other in a warm and welcoming relaxed atmosphere.

Shortly after, with appetites whetted, the guests were seated to enjoy the menu prepared by the restaurant. Exquisite local products prepared with care and love were enjoyed by all the diners..

charity gala

As diners enjoyed their dessert, tickets were sold for the charity raffle in aid of Save The Children. Gifts had been donated by local businesses and service providers at Cumbre del Sol including: Supermercados Pepe La Sal, Centro Clínico Dr. Thomas Dubrocki, Dreamsea Mediterranean, North Costa Blanca Paddle Club, Naútica Mengual, Restaurante La Cumbre, Montgó Verd, Hípica Cañada del Sol, Cumbre del Sol Preowned and Farmacia Cumbre del Sol.

Following the raffle and presentation of the prizes, the evening continued with a live music performance, and dancing, all adding to the fun atmosphere of the evening.

Results?

As well as having a great night out, the charity raffle made over 700 euros which will go directly to Save The Children. Thanks to their work of defending and ensuring the rights of children, this NGO manages to help over 133 million children in more than 118 countries throughout the world.

With this blog post we would like to thank everyone who attended the fiesta for their support and solidarity with Save The Children, and for demonstrating that there are many ways of collaborating with good causes. Why not take a look at VAPF’s Corporate Social Responsibility and we hope to see you at the next event: the Belgian fiesta on 21 July!