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NORTHERN COSTA BLANCA
Please Click an area on the map to find out more about that location.
Between the Costa del Azahar, north of Denia and
Costa Calida, south of Torrevieja, lies the Costa Blanca. It
is not
as
rugged or as cold in the winter as the Costa Brava, north
of Costa Blanca, nor is it as humid or hot in the summer
as the Costa del Sol, in the south. The Costa Blanca has
the best all year round temperatures and the World Health
Organisation has said that the Costa Blanca has the healthiest
climate of the Mediterranean, with this in mind its an ideal
area for people who are asthmatic to live. The Costa Blanca
has 101km of magnificent beaches and coves and the region
has more Blue Flags for safe and clean bathing than anywhere
else on the continent.
The Costa Blanca is divided into two areas The Marina Alta
and the Marina Baixa.
MARINA ALTA
The Marina Alta region lies south of Valencia and north of
Alicante. The principal towns of the Marina Alta include Denia,
Javea, Moraira and Calpe, whilst inland there is the very scenically
attractive Jalon Valley. The main village within the Jalon
Valley is Jalon locally known as the Jewel in the Crown, with
the adjoining picturesque smaller villages of Lliber, Alcalali
and Parcent. The whole area is particularly attractive with
olive and orange groves, vineyards and trees/shrubbery providing
the backdrop to the hills and cliff tops. It is also considered
to be the most picturesque of the Costa’s, boasting white
sandy beaches and sheltered rocky coves lying beneath dramatic
cliffs which then level off into fertile orange groves, almond
and raisin plains, olive groves and vineyards, which are a
key feature of the area's economy. Despite all these natural
attractions, it is still easy to find unspoilt villages. MARINA BAIXA
Is a region located on the white coast, forming
the populations of Altea, Villajoyosa, Alfaz, Finestrat,
Benidorm, Guadalest,
Tarbena and Confrides. It is a very beautiful region with wonderful
sea and mountain views, as well as enjoying good weather almost
all the year. The region provides a variety of contrast from
the hustle and bustle of Benidorm to the peaceful setting of
Guadalest. Guadalest is an ancient town and the tiny network
of streets are fascinating with plenty of souvenir shops selling
leather goods, paintings, ceramics and all the usual tourist
ornaments, plus there is also a Lladro outlet.
DENIA -
 Denia is a beautiful town, which stands on the Mediterranean
coast, between the cities of Alicante and Valencia, where
the sun shines 320 days a year. There's a vast range of places
to visit both in and around Denia - whether you're interested
in the local culture, history,
nature or you just want a fun day out. A visit to the 16th
century castle that dominates the town is a good point to
start
and gives you a view of the whole area. Denia has 20 kilometres
of beaches, which are awarded the European Blue Flag for
their water quality and clean
fine sand every
year. To the north, the fine sand beaches of Les Marines;
to the south, the rocky area of Les Rotes, with its
spectacular coves of transparent waters, ideal for those
who enjoy
diving
or snorkeling. Denia is as busy by night as it is by
day. Not with discotheques, but the hundreds of bars and
restaurants,
many with live
entertainment in the summer months, ensure that the town's
more energetic
visitors are kept entertained until the early hours of
the morning.
The name Denia originates from the Romans, who named the
coast Dianum and developed it as an important base on the
way from
Rome to North Africa. Around the 5th century the cathedrals,
which were dedicated to western gods were removed. Around 713
the followers of Islam took power and re-named it Deniya. In
the year 1036 it was recovered by the Spanish and was given
the name – Taifa de Deniya. When Jaime I seized
the city in 1244, he named it Denia. It developed into a county
in the 14th century. From the year 1612 it was a town.
The city experienced a true upswing in the middle of the 19th
century for the manufacturing and processing of raisins. When
dealing with raisins was no longer profitable, Denia turned
its focus to tourism, which has been its main industry since
the early 1960’s.
JAVEA -
 The
town of Javea is located in the Spanish region of Alicante
on the Costa Blanca. Javea (Xabia) is situated between Cap
San Antonio and Cap
de la Nao and around this area are hidden caves and bays,
which
were once used by pirates and smugglers in the Middle Ages.
Sunbathers, snorklers and scuba divers now use these beautiful
bays.
The streets in the old town of Javea are well worth exploring
and here you will find a magnificent fortified Gothic church
(San Bartolome) and a very good museum which explains the history
of the coast from Palaeolithic times through Iberian, Roman
and Medieval times. (Museo Etnografico 'Soler Blasco'.
In the year 1244, King Jamie claimed Javea back from the Moores.
In the 14th century, King Jamie II built a further fortress
and the town’s walls along the streets of Maria Gallard,
Primicies, Major and Roques.
The 1330’s saw a period of recession which slowed down
the pace of the town’s development until the 15th century,
when an economic recovery with an increase in population began.
This improvement of wealth is clearing reflected, in building
habits. Many new streets were built and the city gates constructed.
The town’s population significantly increased and drew
the attention of the Barbarians, who started to raid the town.
As a consequence, fortresses and churches were built, including
the church Eglesia de Sant Bertomeu ( San Bartolome).
During the early 1500’s plague was prevalent and the
town’s hospital was built. All that is now left of this
hospital is the Capella de Santa Anna.
In the 18th century Javea participated in the succession war
on the side of the Bourbon and gained a number of privileges.
In addition to numerous honorary titles, the city received
permission to build a harbour from which it was able to export
fruit to other
countries. A trade which began with raisins and then extended
to wheat, grapes, bread and olives.
From the second half of the 19th century onwards, the manufacturing
process and export of raisins became the major industry.
MORAIRA -
 The village of Moraira has grown from a small fishing
village to an attractive holiday and retirement resort whilst
retaining
its unique charm that attracts visitors from all over Europe
and is particularly popular with the Spanish who come from
Madrid and Valencia. It has a small and colourful Main Street,
a large marina, excellent variety of local shops, weekly open
markets, harbour-side fish restaurants and bars still all retaining
their Spanish character.
Visitors from all over the world have discovered the magnificent
environment and atmosphere this town offers for holidaymakers
or even for residents from abroad. Sandy beaches like El Portet,
L'Ampolla and Plagetes, and also the tiny rocky coves with
clear blue water (L'Andragó, Punta Estrella and La Cala)
make Moraira the spot for fun, sun and sea sports. The modern
Moraira Yacht Club provides an ideal meeting point for all
enthusiasts.
The first traces of settlements of the community, came from
the stone age and can be seen in the Cova de harvest Cendre
(ashes cave). During the chalk age (2800 to 200 B.C.) this
settlement was abandoned.
There have been many archaeological findings from Roman times,
such as the Morro Castelar and the tower on the Cap d’Or.
Moraira was conquered by the troops of Jacob I in
1244 and the town was later seized by the admiral of Aragon,
Roger de
Lluria and the Dukes of Gandia.
In 1386 Moraira was given community status.
ALTEA
 Altea sits just between the towns of Benidorm and Calpe
and is positioned on a steep hillside 500 meters from the sea
and
above the modern beachfront developments. It is similar to
other towns on the Costa Blanca due to it having a new and
an old part of the town.
The old town being perched high up on a natural balcony over
the sea. It is popular with artists and here amongst the steep,
stepped narrow streets, white houses, orange trees and geraniums
you'll find painters, potters and many more traditional craftsmen's
studios, shops and little boutiques.
The prominent building in Altea is undoubtedly the church
of La Virgen de la Consuelo (a church with a blue dome roof),
which stands at the highest point of this picturesque town
and is surrounded by some excellent restaurants and cafes.
The name Altea comes from the Greek: Altahia (I heal) and
from the river Algar (the river of the health). Numerous groups
of people settled here, including the Iberians, Greeks, Romans
and Moslems.
Under the Greek and Roman leaderships, the region became an
important trade centre. Factories specialised in producing
dried salt fish. The production was further improved by the
Arabians. The economy of Altea was heavily hit in the beginning
of the 17th century due to attacks by pirates, what led to
a dramatic
decline of the population numbers.
In the old town of Altea guns are displayed, which where used
by the Arabians in the attacks against the pirates. Altea in
earlier years was also of strategic importance because the
city lies in the vicinity of the mouth of Algar. The harbour
was perfect for supplying the sailors and fisherman with fresh
drinking water.
CALPE -
 Calpe is a friendly fishing village, which sits close
to the Rock of Ifach on a hill rising up from the last spurs
of the
sierra Bernia in the middle of Spain's Costa Blanca.
It is an authentic tourist site, with a coastline boasting
sandy beaches, cliff faces in some areas and an ancient salt
mine, which all give the town a unique feel of its own.
The
area has a beautiful, clean, golden sandy beach, which always
holds a blue flag for cleanliness issued by the European
Foundation for Environmental Education. Surrounded by dozens
of restaurants, bars and clubs offering a wide variety of
food, drink and entertainment. Calpe is overlooked by the
towering
Penon de Ifach, which juts out into the sea and rises to
over 300 mtrs.
The village has a variety all of its own, it is a place where
modern buildings and wide avenues harmonize with an ancient
fishing village, where locals are proud of their past, yet
welcome tourists and visitors with warm - hearted hospitality.
Calpe is almost three thousand years old and as you would
expect still full of history and tradition. Its strategic location
and natural vantage point, made it an ideal base as a safe
haven. The earliest archaeological
findings – out of the time of the Iberians – were
found at the Ifach cliffs. Later the Romans established a wealthy
colony at the coast whose main activity was the trade of dried
and salted fish.
In the Middle Ages, the local population developed agriculture.
Christians and Moslems lived here peacefully together, despite
the many attacks from pirates between the 14th and 17th century.
When in the 18th century, this permanent threat finally was
removed,
it enjoyed an economic upswing. This has formed the
secure base that has seen the town grow in popularity. Today
it is a popular destination for national and international
tourism.
GATA DE GORGOS
 This
area of the northern Costa Blanca is known for its range of
creative artisan products including, furniture,
basket weaving,
glass, guitars, and ceramics. Situated around one hour from
Alicante airport, Gata is set inland from Javea, and easily
accessible via the main N332 highway and A7 motorway.
Gata
has always been linked to art and handicrafts. Whilst walking
along the Avenida de la Marina Alta and adjacent streets,
the visitor will find a wide selection of furniture and craft
work in palm, wicker and cane. The survival of the traditional
manufacture of wicker and cane baskets is now the national
and international distinctive feature of Gata de Gorgos and
the basis of its productive economy.
THE JALON VALLEY -
 The Jalon Valley (Vall de Pop) is known as
The Valley of Wine. Magnificent mountains that seem to change
form every time you
look at them surround it. Jalon itself lies in the centre of
the valley whilst surrounded by many smaller villages nestled
amongst the grapevines, almond and orange trees. In
the winter months the Costa Blanca is lucky enough to have
nearly
as many sunny days as in the summertime. The Jalon valley
is a walker's paradise, with routes ranging from a very gentle
stroll to a six hour walk around the Sierra Bernia mountains
to the south of Jalon. In late January / early February the
whole of the valley is covered with almond blossom. One can
only
describe
the
view as a magnificent blanket of pink and white.
JALON
 The
village of Jalon revolves around The Old Square where you will
find a fountain around which there is an open market
held
on Tuesday mornings. Seen from the square is the famous Jalon
Church with its blue dome. Roaming around the many small streets,
you will find an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants.
Jalon is very famous for its local wines. There are at least
three bodegas (wine cellars) where you can spend many a leisurely
hour sampling the various types. But beware, some are very
strong!
Jalon was ruled under Arabic domination for five hundred years.
The Arabians built two castles, one for the Solana (the Aixa)
and another in the Bernie. Both fortresses served to control
the valley and the numerous settlers. Further more, the Arabians
left behind the typical house style, for which Jalon is famous
today, i.e. houses of stone and old bricks with large wooden
doors as well as decorated walls.
The Arabic culture influenced life up to its final displacement
in the year 1609. After this period the trade with raisins
became the major economic activity. With the expulsion of the
Arabic’s in 1609, the region
lost a high percentage of its inhabitants. After this loss
of manpower, many farmers from Majorca settled here and in
the 18th and 19th centuries, started cultivating the land,
concentrating on grapes and raisin production.
After the war of independence during the 19th century, the
Countess Almodovar of Jalon granted a new set of rights, enabling
the village to erect public buildings as well as to establish
a school and a church. In 1978 thanks to the common efforts
of the inhabitants of Jalon, the chapel of the Holy Domingo
de Guzman was restored.
ALCALALI
 Located in the Jalon valley half way between Jalon
and Parcent. Originally a Moorish farmstead, it was depopulated
when the
Moors were expelled in 1609. The local inhabitants are mainly
involved in agriculture, especially grapes and oranges. Alcalali
boasts a good number of bars and restaurants offering local
cuisine and international food, some with live music at the
weekends.
 LLIBER
The smallest village in the Jalon valley, next to the
Jalon river, with only approximately 500 inhabitants. The
hospitality that this small village extends to visitors
has to be experienced
to be believed. There is a wine co-operative in the village
with their muscatel wines being a speciality.
 PARCENT
Parcent
is located to the north of the Province, in the Jalon Valley.
Parcent is "paradise between mountains".
Its economy is agriculturist, dedicated fundamentally to the
culture of almonds tree and oranges.
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