All about Benissa
Benissa is the oldest and prettiest of the inland towns of the area. In the late 1980s and 1990s the local authorities started to rescue the historical part of the town from gradual decay. They did a magnificent job restoring the town's splendid 17th and 18th century town houses, so taking a stroll around Benissa's perfectly conserved Historic Centre is a true pleasure. Ironwork balconies and heraldic shields decorate the historic buildings that line the narrow streets of the town.
The parish church which is dedicated to Puríssima Xiqueta, the Town Hall, the old Council rooms, the house of Juan Vines and the Franciscan Monastery are just a few of the historic buildings which are worth a look.
Sala del Consell - Town council hall
The Sala del Consell, located in Calle la Puríssima, in the heart of the old town of Benissa, was built at the end of the 16th century at a time of great economic expansion. The Sala del Consell or Lonja de Contratación (Exchange) housed the sessions of the Council and the archive. However, it also served as “Almudí” (for the storage and sale of wheat and other cereals).
Cases del Batlle - Houses of the Batlle
The Cases del Batlle used to be home to the mayor of Benissa. They are located in front of the Sala del Consell. Currently, they house the Bernat Capó Municipal Library and also the interesting art gallery Espai d'Art Contemporani Salvador Soria, in which you will find the municipal collection of art from the painting competition named after the artist who died in Benissa.
Casa Abargues Museum
The Casa Abargues is a 18th-19th century stately home., located in Calle Desamparats, one of the most beautiful streets in the old town.
Inside the house you will see the decoration and furniture typical of the noble households of the time: coats of arms, grand stair-cases, private dining rooms, the spectacular Saló Blau (Blue Room), the old kitchen, stables, rooms for storing agricultural products, the family chapel, and the servants' quarters.
Open hours are Monday - Friday 11.00 - 13.30
The Monument for the "Riberer"
This monument represents the Riberer, a character with a long tradition in Benissa. For centuries many “Benisseros” used to walk to the rice fields of the Ribera, in the province of Valencia, for some extra income to cover their needs.
Church of the Puríssima Xiqueta
"La Catedral de la Marina" this is one of the largest churches in the region, construction of this church began in 1902 and was completed in 1929. It is 35 metres high and neo-Gothic in style and is just beautiful inside.
Franciscan Monastery - C/ Pare Zacarías, 27
In 1611 a group of Franciscan monks settled in Benissa where they founded the Convento de la Inmaculada Concepción (Convent of the Immaculate Conception), monastery that opened on the 23rd September 1613. The bell tower and the cloister were renovated in 1992. Inside the church there is an interesting altarpiece and a small museum in which the visitor can see various pieces that originated in the monastery, the old seraphic school, and souvenirs and other objects donated to the order by the monks throughout the long history of the monastery.
Market day in Benissa is Saturday morning.
Beaches
Although Benissa is located inland, it also has 4 kilometres of beautiful coastline. The Cala de la Fustera is the best to visit as it has the largest car park! The small beach is sandwich between cliffs along which are two great coastal walking paths.
Ideas of places to twin Benissa with day or night
- Visit Benissa on a Saturday morning to enjoy the lively market in the streets beside the impressive parish church. Make the 6 kilometre drive to the coast and take a walk along the stunning coastal paths from Cala de la Fustera.
- Take a stroll around the impressive historic quarter of Benissa and relax with a morning coffee, then head onto Calpe.
One of our top 20 Places to visit in the area.
Getting to Benissa from Benidorm
Coast and Caves Excursion with Round Town Travel The first stop on this coach trip is a stop at Benissa.
Alsa Bus, Journey time around 1 hour cost approx 6€
Tram - Line 9, to Denia, approx 54 mins
Car, either via the Ap7 (toll road) or the N332 approx 34km 25mins drive
Taxi, Approximate cost - 45 -55€