Altea and Guadalest, two of the most beautiful villages in Spain

Altea and Guadalest, two of the most beautiful villages in Spain

It is a given that the Costa Blanca has a wealth of beaches and sandy coves with their crystal clear waters and EU blue flags, and it is something that we are all aware of. However, in addition, and just a short distance away from those beaches, you can find the most charming villages in the Mediterranean as well. And now it isn’t just us telling everyone this, because recently, the National Geographic magazine published its list of 100 most beautiful villages in Spain, which means that a visit is definitely on the cards for 2023, and two of these are very close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.

 

Altea: The Pearl of the Costa Blanca

“With the sun’s first rays, Altea wakes to the screeching of gulls as they faithfully hover over the seagoing craft moored in the port, along with others that, on the distant horizon, are a reminder that this Alicante village was once peopled by fishermen and labourers”; so begins the description of Altea in the article. It comes as no surprise that the “dome of the Mediterranean” makes the list too, but that doesn’t make it any less a matter of great pride. There are myriad reasons for its inclusion, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses that lie cheek by jowl with the blue dome of its church, it manages to create a pure Mediterranean landscape that makes you want to explore each and every little nook and cranny of the place. From the highest and most ancient part of the village you will be treated to unique views of the two sides of the Costa Blanca Norte, namely, the mountain sierras of Aitana, Bernia and the Puigcampana on one hand, and Punta Albir, the Morro de Toix and the Peñón de Ifach circling the bay, on the other.

In addition, a visit to the Monastery Church of the Carmelitas Descalzas, La Torre de la Galera, which have been declared a Cultural Heritage site, La Torre Bellaguarda, the Palau de Altea and a stroll along the seafront, will provide images and snapshots that will stay in your memory forever.

In the entry on Altea it also mentions the well-known neighbourhood of El Fornet “with its narrow cobbled streets and its white houses festooned with a colourful jumble of geraniums, jasmine and bougainvillea”.

 

Guadalest, an unmissable mountain trip

Just the mere fact of its history should earn it a well-deserved mention in lists of this kind: Guadalest was moulded both by the hand of man and the force of nature following the earthquakes of 1644 and 1748, when the citadel castle of San José was virtually destroyed. Today it still stands proud and open to the sky with several sections of the wall remaining along with its keep which is still easily recognisable.

 

interior costa blanca norte

 

Strolling through the small historic centre, which is reached through the only door in the ancient walls, is like stepping into another world. The town hall square with its statue of San Gregorio and the medieval prison provides a meeting point for visitors. Special mention should be given to the Casa de los Orduña, from where you can access the top of the castle. The village is crowned by the famous castle of the Alcozaiba, which recalls the medieval origins of the village, and from here you can view the mountain sierras of Xortà and Serrella, along with the mountains of Aitana and Bernia.

In the outskirts, you will find the reservoir, wetlands and the dam of Guadalest. This is one of the most picturesque places in inland Costa Blanca, and not to be missed if you visit the village. The water from this reservoir comes from the river Guadalest which, with its blue waters, frames this lovely village. The reservoir, as well as contributing to the charm and beauty of Guadalest, also boasts a really easy and pleasant hiking trail that circles the whole reservoir so you can see the fantastic countryside up close as you breathe in the fresh mountain air.

Altea and Guadalest are as different from each other as they are special. Each one has its own charm and special features that make the villages unique, and it is not the first time that National Geographic mentions them. In its 2022 list, it included the village as one of the five most beautiful villages of Alicante province. Don’t forget to check out our upcoming blog posts where we will tell you more about some of the most special places in the Costa Blanca and the surrounding area.

New Year’s Resolutions at Cumbre del Sol (V): Fun family time

New Year’s Resolutions at Cumbre del Sol (V): Fun family time

There are many resolutions we make, write down on paper on the 31 December and then stay there without nothing much done. Instead, there’s another type of resolution that won’t make you waste your ink, but you will have to invest time in.

Wanting to spend more time with loved ones is something that won’t fit on paper. However, spending more time with family should always be a resolution as it’s never enough! That’s why this 2022 will be your year to enjoy thousands of family plan near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. Here are the most interesting ones!

Family Amusement Parks

If you have young children at home, these plans are perfect and are guaranteed to make them very happy. There are many different theme parks scattered all over the Costa Blanca, but when it comes down to it, Benidorm is the king. Terra Natura is a park very focused on fauna and flora. It is a theme park and zoo where the little ones can see their favourite animals up close.

Near Benidorm, in Callosa d’en Sarrià, you have another chance to spend the day with family. DinoPark is an educational theme park with dozens of life-size robotic and static dinosaurs with sounds. It also has different play areas, a paleontological playground, a 3D cinema and a botanical cactus garden.

Visit charming towns with family

If we had to make a list of beautiful and picturesque villages near Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, we would never finish this article! That’s why we have chosen two that we think are worth a family visit for a different kind of day out.

Guadalest is an hour’s drive away from Cumbre del Sol. Guadalest is a medieval village, and has been named one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. With 208 inhabitants, the Castell de Guadalest is its main attraction and gives a glimpse to that time period where the remnants of it can still be seen. Furthermore, It is surrounded by nature, as Guadalest is situated in the valley between Sierra de Xortà and Serrella, Sierra de Aitana and Sierra de Bernia.

A little closer to Cumbre del Sol, 50 minutes by car, is Callosa d’En Sarrià. This village is divided by two rivers: the Algar and the Guadalest, a perfect place for spending time with family! This town also has a lot of history: the archpriestly church of San Juan Bautista or the Castle Walls are proof of this.

Enjoy nature with family

Last but not least, family plans in the heart of nature have to be included, because Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is surrounded by it! The Pego-Oliva Marshes are the perfect place to start these family-friendly routes. This natural park is one of the largest areas for biodiversity in the Mediterranean. It is formed by the water of the rivers Bullent-Vedat and Racons-Molinell, and the aquifers of Mostalla and Segària. A mixture that undoubtedly leaves you with incomparable views and a family day out that you will remember for the rest of the year.

Another close-by natural park to Cumbre del Sol is Serra Gelada. Located between the coast of Benidorm and the cost of Albir, it covers more than 5,600 hectares. Its cliffs are the perfect backdrop to see the Mediterranean from another point of view. Moreover, this family-friendly walk is not only a sport, but also fun!

As you can see, this resolution is easy to achieve. Because spending time with family is really a gift, and in a place like Cumbre del Sol, everything is there for it to happen.

Activities for the whole family on the Costa Blanca

Activities for the whole family on the Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca is much more than a destination with a good climate and beautiful beaches and coves; it is also an area which offers a huge variety of cultural and leisure options to enjoy. When you live in Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort, you’ll find fun for the whole family.

Less than an hour from Cumbre del Sol is Benidorm, one of the cities in Alicante with the most going on. The city is home to the area’s best theme parks as well as activities for all ages and tastes. Take note and get ready to enjoy some family adventures!

If you want fun and thrills, Terra Mítica is the perfect place to spend a family weekend surrounded by attractions, rollercoasters, and all types of shows for the young… and the young at heart! This Benidorm theme park immerses visitors in ancient Mediterranean civilisations by dividing the park into five areas: Egypt, Greece, Rome, The Islands, and Iberia. To recharge your batteries, there are also several cafés and restaurants where you can rest and relax. Are you ready for an adventure? Terra Mítica opens its doors once more for the spring/summer season on the 13th April.

Terra Natura Park, in Benidorm, is also a great place to visit with the family. Animal lovers in particular will enjoy themselves here, as there are over 1,500 animals of 200 different species. This is a next generation zoo where visitors can observe and come into contact with the animals in spaces which recreate their natural habitats, a new concept known as “zoo immersion” which provides a variety of activities for fun and learning with the family.

Another option for a day out in nature surrounded by animals is Mundomar, a park with different species of mammals, birds, and reptiles which also offers a range of shows and unique experiences such as swimming with dolphins or sea lions.

During the hot summer months, it’s not only beaches you can enjoy in Benidorm; there are also several water parks such as Aqua Natura, which is located next to Terra Natura and will be open from the 26th April, and Aqualandia, which will open on the 25th May. Both are home to a range of water-based attractions for all tastes and ages and are sure to offer an unforgettable family experience.

Aside from Benidorm, close to Cumbre del Sol there are lots of other towns where you can enjoy some great family days out. For example, in L’Alfàs del Pi you can see the fun and original themed shows at the Conde Alfaz castle, which begins its season on the 6th April with the Medieval Robin Hood: a dinner-show set in 12th-Century England. It will be an unforgettable adventure which will place you in the heart of the action.

Are you a family of chocolate lovers? In Villajoyosa’s Valor chocolate museum you’ll have the opportunity to learn where chocolate comes from and all about the production process. Prefer museums? Then don’t miss the Guadalest Miniatures Museum, located in a charming area in the natural surroundings around Guadalest Castle, the ideal place to enjoy with the family.

If you’re looking for other outdoor activities, you could also choose to go go-karting at one of the centres in Javea, Teulada, or Benidorm, or maybe go to Altea to play minigolf at Mundigolf.

Cumbre del Sol Residential Resort offers a variety of options for you and your family, so don’t miss the updates on our blog and our social media channels to stay up to date with everything that’s going on in the area.