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.

The best golf courses on the Costa Blanca Norte

The best golf courses on the Costa Blanca Norte

If you live in Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol, you’re bound to know all about the warm temperatures and the clear skies almost all year round, making it one of the best places for outdoor activities, such as hiking along the trails in the area or scuba diving in the waters of the spectacular sandy coves just a few minutes from your home. But there’s more, as these perfect conditions have made it a real paradise for golf lovers, as the climate is ideal for keeping courses in excellent conditions and for enjoying the Mediterranean climate as you take a few swings . Keep reading and we’ll tell you all about the  best golf courses on the Costa Blanca Norte.

 

Jávea Golf Club

No way could we begin our list of golf courses without putting Club de Golf Jávea at the top, at just 10 minutes away from Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol. The course is set on a gentle slope with 9 holes and greens in perfect conditions. The surrounding palm trees, pines and orange trees will make you feel in the middle of nature. Don’t be put off by the fact that there are only 9 holes, because on the second round people can play from different positions and places, which in effect, makes it just like an 18 hole course. The course facilities include a practice green with 14 golf mats, 10 of which are covered, and these are the perfect place to practice your technique. The course also has a Social Club facing the river estuary boasting various species of koi carp and terrapins, along with a restaurant, café and Junior Golf School where kids can learn to play golf with the help of some of the best golf professionals around.

 

Club Golf Ifach

Another great golf course is Club de Golf Ifach, which is 20 minutes from your home and is a 9 hole courses (with six par 3 and three par 4), equipped with a practice area with 4 cabins, approach area with bunkers and a putting green. It’s a peaceful relaxed place with views of the  Peñón de Ifach where you can while away the time practising your favourite sport. Later, you can have a drink in the café or enjoy the varied menu on offer at the restaurant. Not only that, but the club’s facilities are available to members and visitors including the swimming pool and tennis court, and you can hold events and celebrations there.

 

La Sella Golf Club

Continuing with our list of courses, we come to La Sella Golf Club, in Denia. Set by the sea, and protected by the Montgó mountain, this club will make your swings a different experience with its 9 holes spread over three greens each with a different story and its own special features, as you will discover if you check out their website; not to mention their restaurant El Hoyo 19, with its great selection of traditional rice dishes, sandwiches and other delicious things to eat. And why not finish off a great day on the course by treating yourself to the spa circuit?

 

club golf altea

 

Altea Club de Golf

We have yet another recommendation, and that’s the Altea Club de Golf, which is the Sierra de Bernia. This is a par 72 course where you can play 9 to 18 holes, providing a real challenge for golfers of every calibre. The club also provides facilities for members and visitors that include 2 petanque courts where players can use their own bowls or rent them at the restaurant, and you can even join a club that plays every Sunday morning.

 

Villaitana Golf

And last but not least, you can also practise your best swing surrounded by countryside but with the Benidorm skyline on the horizon at Villaitana Golf, with its 2 golf courses designed by  Nicklaus Design: the Poniente with its par 62 course 3,858 metres in length and with  views of both sea and mountains, a shorter yet challenging course surrounded by a harmonious backdrop of trees, plants and streams, and the Levante, a par 72 course designed in the American style with wide paths and over 6,576 metres in length.

 

If you haven’t taken up golf yet, you’ll be looking for some good golf clubs. Follow our upcoming blog posts to discover all the best activities and services close to Residential Resort Cumbre del Sol.

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.

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!