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.
Sep 10, 2021 | Activities/Services
The culture of wine and wine production continues to flourish in Alicante, yet it would be nothing without its past and its foreseeable future. It is a tradition bequeathed by the ancestral legacy of wine growing, production and consumption through generations. In fact, the Benimaquia archaeological site in Alicante boasts the oldest vestiges of wine production ever found in the Iberian peninsula. They date from the 6th century BC.
Alicante wine was appreciated by illustrious figures such as Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth 1st, no less. However, the 19th century was its Golden Age. Today, the Alicante wine sector has managed to maintain this tradition and perfect and improve its wines to achieve their present, and well deserved, superior category. This is particularly the case of the wineries in the Marina Alta area. As a result, it has become one of the main tourist attractions in the province.
Consequently, there are plenty of activities, excursions and wineries in Marina Alta for you to visit and learn more about the Alicante wine sector. Wine tourism in this province is very popular in the inland villages and towns. However, the coastal areas also have some very attractive wine producing areas, many of which are found in the Ruta del Vino de Alicante. In fact there are five important wineries in the Marina Alta region, and if you decide to take one of these wine routes, you can’t really go wrong.
Let’s begin with the north. In Jesús Pobre, a village on the outskirts of Denia, you’ll find Les Freses. This Marina Alta winery owes its name to the surrounding land near Montgó where strawberries were grown in the past. There are currently nine varieties of wine from this area. Lands like this with so much history are worth a visit, don’t you think? Les Freses offers a guided visit to its vineyards and its winery which, of course, ends with a wine tasting session. But that’s not all! This Marina Alta winery also offers a visit, accompanied by an archaeologist to l’Alt de Benimaquia, an ancient site. The visit also includes a session tasting the les Freses wines. Both visits cost 15 euros per person.
A little further south you can make a stop at Xaló, home of the Bodegas Xaló winery. The ideal way to discover the muscat – known as moscatel in Spanish – and giró grape varieties is to take a guided tour – minimum 4 persons. For 12 euros you can enjoy a wine tasting paired with cured meats and it could well be something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
In Xaló itself you can visit another important winemaking centre Bodegas Riko. This winery offers the experience of an oenologist’s daily life at first hand. The tour begins in one of the vineyards, where the whole process starts. The visit then goes on to the winery itself where you tour the facilities and learn all about the wine producing sector and the professionals who grow and make the wines. To round off the visit, you will be treated to a tasting of Bodegas Riko’s finest wines and sweet mistela wines. This visit also includes a tour of the century-old winery building.
A little further down the map, you will come to Pla de Llíber, with artisan produced wine at the Pepe Mendoza winery. With 12 hectares of Giró and Moscatel Romano wines, it is one of the most famous wineries in Marina Alta. A pre-booked visit costing 25 euros treats you to a group tour where you will learn all about the history of the vineyards, and the secret of their wines. A secret that you will be able to discover later with a premium tasting of 6 wines paired with cheeses and traditional cured meats.
Finally, we could not end without mentioning Bodega Teulada. Producers of sweet moscatel, moscatel vermouth, semi-sparkling moscatel, moscatel cava and dry white moscatel wine, the winery has 103 partners. And the fact is, as they say, the taste is unique: these are wines infused with the essence of five sea breezes.
Has that whetted your appetite as well? Our blog tour has come to an end, but in the province of Alicante in general and on the Costa Blanca in particular, the wine route continues. Discover more!
Jan 15, 2021 | Activities/Services
Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is a residential development located in an idyllic setting in the Marina Alta region, a region known for its gastronomy, its natural surroundings and its magnificent villages. So, to enjoy nature, there is nothing like a family outing in the area around your home. One of these must-do routes is the 8 villages route (Ruta dels 8 pobles). A curious name, isn’t it? Read on, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
This trail connects the 8 picturesque villages of the Vall de Gallinera, in the centre of the Marina Alta: Benirrama, Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, La Carroja, Llombai, Alpatró and Benissili. You can do this walk at any time of the year, but we recommend going in March when the cherry trees are in bloom and doing it in one or two trips. If you choose to walk the 15 km in a single day, you can return to the starting point by bus; another option we suggest before starting your route on foot is traveling to the end with two cars and leaving one parked, so that you can drive back once you have finished the walk. The bravest can go through the Serra Foradá on the way there and return through the 8 villages (more than 25 km). However, if you prefer to rest and do the route in 2 days, you can always stay in any of these picturesque villages. The most important one is Benialí, where the tourist office and the town hall of Vall de Gallinera are located.
As you may already know, this 15 km route passes through the valley, so you will find a rather flat and rocky terrain. For this reason, as for any other excursion, we can only recommend that you always wear appropriate footwear, protect yourself well, especially from the sun, and always carry a small backpack with water and a snack. The great advantage of this excursion is that you will find bars and restaurants in every village, as well as fountains and laundry rooms.
The charm of this route lies in the beauty of the valley and the history of its villages. It is an activity that brings you closer to nature and enriches you on a cultural level, as everything you come across takes you back in time. In fact, the Arab origin of these 8 villages is still present in their names. The whole family will be delighted with this adventurous experience.
If you have already done this route and are looking for more ideas, we remind you that this same valley is full of different trails, such as the Benissili castle trail. For more suggestions, don’t hesitate to visit our blog and follow us on Facebook and Instagram– go out and explore the world around you!
Nov 12, 2020 | Activities/Services, Cumbre del Sol
If you’ve chosen to live on the Costa Blanca, you will benefit from an exceptional quality of life: a mild climate year-round, surrounded by natural landscapes and a region rich in gastronomy and history. Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol is located in the heart of the Marina Alta region and just a few kilometres away from nice towns that are waiting to be explored. Therefore, we’ve decided to tell you all about some of them so that you can get to know the whole area both in summer and in winter.
Benissa: Interior and coast
Benissa is a coastal town that we recommend you visit on a walk from the centre. The cobblestone streets and historical buildings of the town will transport you directly to the medieval era. It’s worth noting the church, the old hospital (which now houses the Town Hall), the Andrés and Pere Bigot houses and even the Abargues Museum house dating back to the 18th century, which you can visit.
Another advantage of Benissa is, without doubt, its coastal location. The Fustera beach is the largest and is perfect for spending a day with the family, while the Llobella and Advocat coves are ideal for diving. In addition, you can explore this last part of the Ecological Path: a 4 km long path that borders the sea and offers an impressive view of Calpe and Moraira. If you feel like doing the whole route, you can go as far as Calpe (9 km).
Calpe: History and culture
The symbol of Calpe is undoubtedly the Peñón de Ifach. It is a 332-meter-high rock formation that offers a breath-taking view and is home to many species. This walk requires good physical fitness, at least after passing the tunnel.
Continue along the promenade and contemplate the magnificent Roman ruins that were built between the second and fourth centuries. In the water you can find remains of a fish farm, while on the other side of the promenade you can find hot springs ruins.
Another part of the city that you can’t miss is its historical centre. Go to the Plaça de la Villa and stroll the cobblestone streets with colourful houses. In addition, the Torreó de la Peá defensive tower, built in the 15th century, awaits you at the end of your walk and houses the Museum of Collections.
Dénia: History, cuisine and shopping
There‘s no doubt that the most impressive element of Denia is its castle, where the archaeological museum is also located. After learning about its history, take a stroll through the old town to do some shopping or taste the region’s typical dishes. Furthermore, take the time to get lost among its narrow streets to discover the city’s various neighbourhoods; the fishermen’s neighbourhood (Baix la Mar) is colourful and Les Roques is characterized by its one-story simple homes. This walk will give you the opportunity to explore the lesser known locations of the city, like the church, the castle’s tunnel (used as refuge during the war) or the Els Magazinos gastronomic space.
The tour ends at the port’s breakwater so you can admire the city from this vantage point and to discover the great variety of trails that are in the surroundings.
Now all you have to do is choose one of the destinations to have a little adventure! Don’t forget to check out our blog regularly and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out all about life on the Costa Blanca and our luxury villa and apartment developments.
Aug 25, 2020 | Activities/Services
We know that when you think of the Marina Alta, the first thing that pops into your mind is the large number of blue flag beaches and coves that spread across its coastline. It’s only natural to instantly daydream of enjoying crystalline waters during the beautiful sunny days that Alicante always has to offer. However, we’re here to tell you that you can also find a large variety of outdoor activities near your home in Cumbre del Sol! The Marina Alta has a wealth of tourist destinations and natural parks that are the ideal way to spend a day out in the fresh air.
We’ll start our tour of the Marina Alta in Javea, which is just a 20-minute drive away from Cumbre del Sol. This coastal town has over a dozen observation decks where you can take in the Mediterranean Sea and its stunning natural surroundings like never before. Start your tour at the Mirador de Els Molins, an old watchtower that overlooks the town as well as the blue waters. Make sure to also visit famous observation decks such as the Mirador del Cap Negre, considered to have the best view in all of Javea, and Mirador de La Falzia, with the most impressive panoramic views of the coastline and Portitxol Island.
A little further north is Montgo Mountain, between Javea and Denia. The mountain and its natural park are considered emblems of not just the Marina Alta, but Alicante and the Valencian region itself. Affectionately known as ‘The Elephant’ by locals, this beast might be a little difficult for some to conquer as parts of its hiking route are harder to cross. However, we recommend you give it a try just to visit caves like the Cova de L’aigua and Cova del Gamell. With unforgettable interiors and beautiful views to the rest of the mountain and area, we’re sure you won’t regret the visit!
South of Cumbre del Sol is Calpe, home of the impressive Peñón de Ifach. This imposing rock formation has a natural park at the top with views all the way to Ibiza. It also has an observation deck at the outskirts of the town, the Mirador Monte Toix. We’re sure the views of Calpe’s skyline with Peñón de Ifach at a distance will leave you absolutely breathless. Near the town centre, you’ll also find salt flats, a pocket of nature among the buildings where you can spot flocks of flamingos.
The interior of the Marina Alta also offers some authentic gems that every nature-lover should make sure to visit. La Vall d’Alcalà is a truly remarkable valley that’s rich in history. Within it, you’ll find famous caves such as the subterranean Cueva del Rull, which looks like a fantasy movie come to life. If you’re interested in the prehistoric, we recommend visiting the Sanctuary of Pla de Petracos, which has many cave paintings within its walls.
Nearby, there’s the Barranc de l’Encantada where you can go on an enchanting route full of ponds, waterfalls and unmatchable views of the most beautiful natural landscapes. There’s no better place to spend a hot summer day than Gorg del Salt. It has cool waters all year round thanks to the waterfall that also makes for a cinematic backdrop to your swim.
Other two very different options are the Cave of Skulls (Cueva de Las Calaveras) and the Marjal Pego-Olivia Natural Park. The first is a subterranean wonder, with impressively high walls that are full of rich Paleolithic history. The second is one of the most picturesque ways to enjoy everything the outdoors has to offer. Take a scenic walk through rice paddies, wetlands and rivers with the mountain as your backdrop and a wide variety of flora and fauna to marvel at along the way.
These are just some of the best outdoor destinations you can visit near your home at Cumbre del Sol. To keep up to date with all the activities, events and destinations in and near Cumbre del Sol, make sure to follow us on social media and check out our blog regularly.
