ALL ABOUT ALBIR

Albir – The Little Gem of the Costa Blanca

Unlike many other Costa Blanca towns Albir has been carefully planned virtually from scratch.Only one or two of the buildings are over five storeys high, its avenues are broad and tree lined, and joy of joy, there is plenty of parking. There is a sense of space and an unhurried atmosphere make getting around a pleasure.

The Beach  With almost 600 metres of clean safe beach, there’s always plenty of room to stretch out. The Playa de Racó de l’Albir has been awarded the prestigious EU Blue Flag classification, denoting its excellent facilities and cleanliness, every year since 2001.

The beach is comprised of very fine smooth pebbles and bathers can take in the views of the Sierra Helada nature reserve to one side, and to the other, the famous Peñon de Ifach, the massive outcrop of rock at Calpe

Beach facilities are excellent, in summer there are three lifeguards on duty, a first aid post and an ambulance on standby for minor injuries.

There are public loos in the centre of the promenade and even fresh water foot showers.

The beach side promenade, the Paseo de Las Estrellas – with Hollywood style plaques honouring the stars who have won awards at Albir’s film festival.

Festivals –  Albir’s climate, hot and dry in summer and nearly always dry and mild in winter, means that whatever the time of year its fiestas are celebrated outdoors in comfort.

Eating Out and Shopping

Albir is blessed with plenty of all types of restaurants; with cuisine from all over Europe and further afield to choose from you will find it easy to find the food for the mood. Also there are lots of nice little shops which make a pleasure to buy your souvenirs.

Leisure & Culture As well as the summer fun Albir also has a host of activities in the cooler season. TheCasa de Cultura cultural centre is busy all year round and has a concert hall, TV studios and exhibition space. It hosts the Film Festival, a Jazz Festival in October and has concerts by international dance companies and orchestras throughout the year.

WALK TO ALBIR LIGHTHOUSE

The walk follows the coast line with splendid views of Calpe rock and the bay of Albir and Altea. It is a very easy walk with very little gradient, and is 5.4 kilometres.

To start the walk drive through Altea towards Benidorm on  the N332 and turn left at the signpost to Albir. Follow the signs to El Tiburon restaurant and continue until the Sierra Helada begins and you will arrive at a car park (free parking) on the right hand side.

Follow the lane which will lead you to the lighthouse.

There are plenty of wild flowers and herbs along the way with the most stunning views. All along the way are various notices giving details of plants and flowers. About half way, on the left hand side you will see the remains of the old ochre mines. These were worked through Roman times into the Middle Ages and up to the beginning of the 20th century. There is a footpath leading down to the remains. Some of the mine entrances are open and you can explore them. Inside are the red and orange veins of the ochre.

A little further along on the right hand side there is a very large cave entrance. It is called “La Boca de la Ballena” which means the whale´s mouth and is, in fact, a shelter.

A little further there is a footpath on the right hand side which takes you to a viewing point. It is worth taking this short diversion as at the top is a plaque giving details of the conservation scheme, saving various micro reserve fossil dunes, prickly juniper, crowberry broom, thyme, and various other plants.

You will arrive at a pair of large iron gates which are locked. If you wish to continue to the lighthouse there is a path to the left of the gates which will take you to the other side and from there the lighthouse is only about 200 metres.

Bus and Taxi Information 

The number 10 bus leaves Albir for Benidorm every 15 minutes from 10.00 to 21.00 and takes about 20 minutes. Bus stops in Albir are no more than 10 minute’s walk apart and are denoted by the letter ‘P’

A taxi will cost around 10€

OFFICIAL FIESTA DATES IN ALBIR/ALFAZ DEL PI – some dates may change but most are static