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Explore coastal bays from Calpe by car, foot, boat or SUP TOP PLACES TO VISIT LOCAL AREA Alicante Airport 52 minutes TOP PLACES TO VISIT Benissa 5 minutes Calpe 8 minutes Jalon Valley 12 minutes Moraira 25 minutes Above: Coastal bays from Calpe. Below: Jalon Valley landscape La Olla Island 15 minutes Altea 20 minutes Denia 15 minutes Benidorm 30 minutes Javea 30 minutes Online version available: https://indd.adobe.com/view/bb094b70-bee2-4513-a51e-d1cbc7f1d050 This is personal opinion, of course, as there ALTEA BEACH If you pop into Altea after for breakfast or tapas we recommend: are so many amazing places to explore in PLANTSHACK ALTEA - (plant-based vegan cafe) - 665 32 99 96 - this beautiful area . Please find your own www.plantshackaltea.com hidden gems and share the joy. RESTAURANT CASA DEL MAR - 966 88 15 04 - www.reatobarcasadelmar.es DIFERENS ALTEA - 966 88 33 41 - www.diferens.com TOP PLACES TO VISIT ALTEA OLD TOWN Altea is a white, cheerful and cosmopolitan town that surprises visitors at ALT EA every step. Make sure to also explore Altea´s Old Town, a little further on from La Olta island. Parking can be a challenge in peak seasons, so allow time for this! The LA OLLA ISLAND, Altea (15 minutes) old town comes alive at night, it is best at sunset as there are two stunning Our top favourite is La Olta Island, we call it LOVE ISLAND as it was where viewing points to watch the changing colours over the sea. Be prepared to we fell in love! We continue to go there when we have free time, either sup chuff, huff and puff your way up, as this is a steep climb. Locals know the boarding, swimming with our friends or taking our dogs to the dog beach! easiest ways up, but we will let you find your own way. Just follow the view Hire a kayak or SUP (stand up paddle) board from Cranc Kayak hire to the tiny of the church spire, it is an icon of the area. Once arrived to the top, reward island. It is not too far, and the water moderately shallow. The views from the your self with a cold beer or wine and settle in for some people watching. We island are outstanding. You can also swim there, staying close to the string of have listed our favourite places to enjoy here. If you want to eat, you will need bouys if you are less confident. In fact, every Saturday morning there is a free reservations in summer. swim club (all levels) leaving from the Merendero Arrecife (Play Olta de Altea) at 8.30 am. Park at the back of SH Villa Gadea Hotel, there is a carpark that leads THE CROWN OF INDIA - 865 67 32 59 - www.crownofindiaaltea.com directly to the beach. Organised by Lee of Plantshack Altea (WhatsApp to join THE ICE CREAM FACTORY - 670 36 75 83 +34 665 32 99 96, or just be there on time and find the group). There is a dog BISTRO SHABBY CHIC - 651 77 08 43 - www.bistroshabbychic.com beach here, so furry friends will also enjoy the trip. ALTEARTE BAR - 608 81 45 89 - www.altearte.com El CASTELL PIZZERIA - 965 84 48 65 - www.elcastellaltea.com CRANC SURF - 660 36 38 50 KAYAK CLUB ALTEA - 678 72 20 39 BERNIA NATIONAL PARK (various starting points) LÒLLETA RESTAURANTE ALTEA - 966 88 05 44 - www.lolleta.com The Sierra de Bernia National park can be reached from Jalon or Altea. It EL CRANC CHIRINGUITO - 965 84 34 39 - www.elcranc.com dominates the view from Altea and onwards. We can see it from the villa. PLANTSHACK ALTEA - (swim club) 665 32 99 96 - www.plantshackaltea.com The Bernia Ridge dominates the view of the area. A superb mountain with various routes to ascent the peaks. Pass through the low mountain tunnel to PORTO SENSO be behold views over Altea, Albir and Benidorm. We have hired a boat numerous times from the same company as they are professional and good value. The rest of our top places to visit are not in any order of preference, as it would ALQUILAR BARCOS - https://www.altea-calpe-benidorm-alquilerbarcos.es be too difficult to order them. They are just great and it depends on the mood, the weather and your desire to explore! Let’s keep going… CALPE ´beach-crawl, stopping to visit the less accessible coves, or hire a boat to get the most out of the experience. There are many secluded and nudist beaches also, if you prefer no tan lines! There are leaflets on the kitchen table in several CALPE ROCK Ifach, Calpe (10 minutes) languages. A great moderate trek, but I will class it as challenging as there are points you really have to pay attention! Over the years time and money has been spent ALGAS LÁNDRAGO RESTAURANT (Beach bar & food) - 965 74 42 68 - to make this route safer as it is one of the most visited trails in the area, with www.algasbarlandrago.com TOP PLACES TO VISIT 100,000 visitors. Why? Because PEÑON IFACH BAR LA CABANA - 675 08 07 78 - https://www.barlacabanamoraira.com is the most iconic mountain of the entire Costa Blanca. This impressive 332 meters limestone pillar is surrounded by the sea. It is a very famous climbing MORRO DE TOIX (15 minutes) spot. It is a very easy drive from the villa, follow your sat nav or the signs from This climbing Mecca is close to our house. If you are not a climber but want to main street in Calpe and there is free parking here: try, then we advise these companies. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JTCb4BFMY3ftqk6j8 http://www.compasswest.co.uk/who-we-are/ To summit, averagely 45 minutes each way, plus time to enjoy at the top. https://costa-vertical.com We recommend allowing 1 hour each way, just to be sure. After the trek, you can visit the port area and historic fish market for tapas and cold drinks (you deserve it!). If you want to walk a little further down the beach to Playa de La Fossa, you can visit our favourite restaurant in Calpe, Da Vittorio, but you will need reservations no matter what time of the year! It is very popular. MORAIRA BEACHES & PORT (25 minutes) RESTAURANT DA VITTORIO - 722 33 75 86 We drive via the back roads (past Benissa train station) to enjoy the epic sweeping views. Once arrived there is plenty of free parking. This area CALPE COAST (8 minutes) is teaming with small sandy beaches, caves, coves and rocky bays for Calpe offers a choice of blue flag beaches where you can relax, play with the snorkelling. Most people head for the main sandy beach, with its castle, pretty children, or enjoy a range of activities and sports. Calpe has a wide range boutique shops and beach bars. Take time to explore. There is a night market of restaurants, cocktail Sky bar, pubs and shops to explore. We recommend in the summer. Cala El Portet is a firm favourite in Moraira. reserving a spa day, then get dressed in your best to enjoy your cocktails in style, watching the sun set over Calpe. Epic. PREMIUM RESTAURANT - 634 33 38 65 MORAIRA BOAT ADVENTURES (Near Cala Portitxolet) - 610 40 03 08 - RESTAURANT DA VITTORIO - 722 33 75 86 www.morairaboatsadventures.com SUITOPIA SKYBAR (reserve a table for sunset) - 865 75 11 11 - CLUB NAUTICO MORAIRA - 965 74 44 61 - www.cnmoraira.com www.suitopiahotel.com SUITOPIA THALASSIAN SPA (luxury spa day & massage packages) - www.suitopiahotel.com CALPE to MORAIRA beach explore We often visit the more secret beaches as we like the adventure of getting somewhere away from the crowds! You can make a Calpe to Moraira BENISSA outdoor space in the villa. The Sierra Olta National Park can be reached from the villa without a car, for those wanting a challenge! It is an area famous for trekking, climbing and mountain biking. 5-hr return trek to summit, is BENISSA COAST (25 minutes) moderately challenging in the cooler months, but in summer may be a bit too Benissa Town and Benissa coast are two different areas, which can be hot. Check out our Wikiloc for this and smaller local treks. confusing. In the cooler months we trek the coast via the ecological path of Benissa Coast, 4k of rocky shoreline with cliffs and breath-taking views. See DENIA TOP PLACES TO VISIT Wikiloc ´Paseo Ecologico Benissa´, by author Benissa Turisme. This path also joins with other treks, so be sure to plan your route if you want to spend time exploring. We usually treat ourselves to a beer at Cala le Bassetes, while en- Denia is a big place to explore! I lived there for years and was still happily route, just to keep hydrated! finding new hidden places of interest. You can use a car or use the tourist train. Cala de la Fustera is actually within the Benissa Coast, a top-rated white There is a Marina, a Port (for Ibiza ferries), and old town, ´tapas alley´ and also sandy beach which could be mistaken for the Caribbean. For this reason it is a modern pop-up food court called Els Magazinos with many different eateries highly populated in the summer months, as it is very small. and outdoor eating/seating areas. On top of that, there are miles of sandy beaches - Playa de las Marines, Deveses, Boletes and my favourite Molins. All OCEANA CLUB - 634 31 39 24 - www.oceanacostablanca.com have their own vibe so you can do your own research. If you like snorkelling, RESTAURANT CORAL BEACH - 965 83 69 80 my opinion is that Les Rotes is fantastic, you will see plenty of fish here. There MANDALA BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT - 965 74 78 47 are several small caves and also shade created by rocky overhangs. You can take a picnic or visit one of a number of fish restaurants and tapas bars. You BENISSA TOWN (5 minutes) can park at Playa de la Marineta Casiana and walk the entire Les Rotes area, Benissa town is known for the varied medieval heritage. It has cafes, but in the summer it may be a little hot. Playa de la Marineta Casiana is a restaurants, a fruit market and four large chain supermarkets, so is very small, still water bay, great for water sports and SUP Yoga. convenient. We love that all the supermarkets are close, as we can visit The marina is a good area as it has parking and lots of top restaurants like them all easily. There is every service or facility you could need in one place! Republic Lounge and Basta!, Great views and there is a fun pool bar Zensa I often stop in Pa De Sucre for a coffee and breakfast. There are leaflets on Marina, for those looking to have a chilled ibiza pool bar vibe. the kitchen table listing the shops and restaurants in Benissa, also, for more Benissa restaurants and take-aways, please see our printed information Lastly, probably good to mention the 11th & 12th century’s Castle of Denia - booklet. We see Pere at Entrena gym for a good workout so we can keep the iconic. There are artefacts on display, but what I found more interesting was beers flowing without the excess...if you like to train hard, he is the man. the view down to the bay. There used to be a cafe there, where you could enjoy a drink and soak up the sweeping views. I hope there still is! I could ENTRENA GYM & PERSONAL TRAINING - 669 22 98 26 - write a book on things to see in Denia, so its best to find out more at the Denia www.entrenabenissa.com tourist information centre. ANNA ESTECTICA & BEAUTY - (WhatsApp) 649 83 54 46 THE CHAMAN THERAPY (massage) - 696 13 84 94 RESTAURANT EL FARALLO - 966 43 06 52 - www.elfarallo.com PA DE SUCRE CAFE - 965 73 08 59 ZENZA MARINA - 966 42 77 47 - www.zensa.es ZENZA LOUNGE (port - great place to watch the sunset!) - www.zenza.es/ SIERRA OLTA zensalounge (Can walk from the villa, or drive 10 minutes to a closer start point) REPUBLIC LOUNGE - 965 75 39 47 - www.republicdenia.com 587m Monte Olta is the mountain you can see from nearly every room and BASTA - 965 75 39 88 - www.basta.es CHICA DE AYER BAR - 679 44 21 07 - www.lachicadeayerdenia.com VALLE DE POP favourites for beachside drinks and dining in plush decor. For coffee head to D´órigin cafe, but don’t be in a hurry. To dance the Cuba Bar can be fun after a few Cuba-Libres. JALON VALLEY (12 minutes) Cyclists will adore this valley, beginners and advanced alike. Paul is an avid WELLNESS CENTRES cyclist, so he takes me here as I am a newbie to the sport. The quiet twisty A detox day or pampering session may be in need. The Sea attracts the rich roads have a cycle friendly policy. Those not into sports can explore the TOP PLACES TO VISIT and famous from all over the world. A great alternative that will also reset your Saturday antiques market. Lets loosely call them antiques! But it is a pleasant body is La Cirsaida. Both offer detox, walking, massages, yoga and relaxation. stroll all the same, as the stalls eventually meet the river and you can continue walking into the flat valley of beautiful trees. After haggling on prices and SHA WELLNESS CLINIC - buying lots of things we don’t need, we usually stop at Casa Aleluya for some https://shawellnessclinic.com/en/sha-alicante-spain/ great coffee and baguettes. LA CRISALIDA RETREATS - https://lacrisalidaretreats.com Jalon Valley is most famous for its rolling fields of pink and white in February, when the orange, lemon and almond blossom bloom. In this also a wine region, so you will find guided winery tours. SIERRA GELADA NATIONAL PARK The stunning Sierra Galada National Park has many treks, walk and paths to XABIA BIKE TOURS XALO - 966 48 11 43 - www.xabiabike.com secret beaches. The light-house walk attracts local families, friends, joggers, CASA ALELUYA - 966 48 00 30 - https://www.facebook.com/AleluyaBar/ cyclists and dog-walkers in large numbers. WHY? Because the views are jaw- dropping. Picture perfect views of Sierra Bernia National Park and beyond, to Calpe. There is a walk into Benidorm which is 4hrs one way and not advisable from late May to end of September, as there is no shade. But I highly advise it ALBIR if you are here in cooler months. G¡Walk one way then catch a taxi back. DE LAB BEACH LOUNGE - 744 61 04 18 - https://buonmenu.com/delab ALBIR BEACH (30 minutes) ZERO ZERO - 966 88 07 63 - https://zerozeroaltea.com/en/ A large mix of nationalities- Norwegian, Dutch, Swedish and Russian - really BREW ROCK MUSIC BAR - https://brewrockbar.com gives the area a contemporary and cosmopolitan feel. There is a shift in culture https://parquesnaturales.gva.es/es/web/pn-serra-gelada here. You will see crowds eating dinners at 5pm (yes, in Norway they like to eat early!), While in Spain the usual dining time is 10pm…Even the live music starts here early, at Brew Rock Music Bar, meaning us tourist folk not used to the Spanish late nights can still be in bed by midnight (if we wish!). BENIDORM I think Albir should be kept a secret for the locales to continue to enjoy, as FONTS (30 minutes) even in the summer months there is space on the beach and the restaurants Fonts del Algar (or Fonts de L’Algar, as it is also known) is a series of are not too busy. But alas, you deserve to know. It is a stones throw away impressive waterfalls. Visitors may walk beside the river, swim in the rock from Altea, its more famous neighbour. Albir doesn’t have the same authentic pools, have a picnic or relax under the shade of the pine trees. Spanish charm as Altea, but is equally as interesting. The area is buzzing with chic and trendy restaurants, bars and clubs, with a price-tag to match! GUADALEST (65 minutes) Guadalest castle, built 1,300 years ago, is a pretty and historic village perched De Lab is an Asian fusion restaurant that sells cocktails and poke bowls, the on a tiny pinnacle. It has beautiful views of the green valley, making it one of food is amazing, but you need to reserve. Zero Zero and Goa are other firm the most visited tourist attractions in Spain. Explore La Olla Island, Altea - swim, kayak, boat or SUP TOP PLACES TO VISIT TOP PLACES TO VISIT Sup Pilates con Cranc, La Olla o Denia . Abajo: Valle de Jalón Sup Pilates with Cranc, La Olla . Below: Cycling in Jalon Valley TOP PLACES TO VISIT EXAMPLE 4-DAY ACTIVITY ITINERARY Day 1 Thursday Day 3 Saturday Arrival day Alicante Airport Cycling Jalon Beniconnect Airport transfer to venue 9.30am Group A - Cycle Jalon Valley 1/2 day 4 hrs 12 Arrivals Cycle tours or cycle hire Xabia Bikes Xalo Relax & unwind 4pm Yin Yoga at the villa (all levels) Local Teacher 2pm Lunch & siestas 5.45pm Explore Altea Beach, Marina & Old Town 5pm Beach Hatha Yoga (all levels) Local Teacher 8pm Dinner Shabby Chic (Altea Old Town) Altea 5.45pm La Olla Island 3hrs - Excursion Cranc Hire Stand Up Paddle (SUP) or kayaking & sunset Day 4 Sunday (Option to try SUP Yoga or SUP Pilates) Trek Monte Olta 5-6hrs (Moderately Challenging) 7pm Island picnic snacks Take-away Plantshack 8am Plantshack Detox Juice, Fruit & Snackbox 9.30pm Relaxation, dinner & drinks at Villa 8.30am Self-guided trek Sierra Monte Olta 587m 5-6hrs Harrisons Catering Follow our many treks in the area, via WIKILOC, Profile name: Venue Olta VISTA (member since 2018) Day 2 Friday https:www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/user.do?id=4325959 Climbing in Calpe 2.30pm Lunch **PAELLA** & Tapas Bob´s Catering page x 8.00 Breakfast 4.30pm Siestas & massages Therapists, see poster 9.30am Climbing calpe 1/2 day 4 hrs 7.00pm Cocktails at balcony or pool area Climbing companies listed 9pm Candlelight drinks on balcony & pool area 2pm Lunch & siestas 5pm Calpe Beach Spa Monday - Departure day 5.30pm Calpe beaches (option to trek Ifach Peak) 10.00 Breakfast & departure 8pm Show cooking BBQ at Villa Bob´s Catering 9.30pm Relaxation or Cinema with popcorn Cala El Portet, Moraira Partida Benimarraig 17 Benissa 03720 VISIT Costa Blanca - Spain PLACES PLACES TOP 10 VISIT TOTO