ALL ABOUT ALBIR

Albir - The Little Gem of the Costa Blanca - Albir is part of the Alfaz del Pi Municipality and is the coastal area.

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.

Update 1st Sept 2020 -Albir beach going smoke-free. Albir’s Raco beach will be added to the network of no smoking beaches

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 toilets in the centre of the promenade and even fresh water foot showers.

July 2021 - During the high summer months Albir beach has amazing access facilities for people with reduced mobility, with reserved parking, ramps and special walkways for wheelchairs, and places with shade in the area which was formerly the biblioplaya.

This new service has chairs, amphibious crutches and a specific walkway, the chair allows people to enter the water assisted by specialized personnel, allowing people to enjoy the sea in a safe setting.

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.

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.

It is also the home of The Church and Brew Rock (just on the Altea border) both great bars for food and entertainment.

Market days

A large market is held every SUNDAY in the car park on the high street.

28th June - Albir Artisan market", in the Raco area of the main beach (By the anchor) 15 stalls can be found here the market, open from 18.00 until 24.00, selling all types of interesting goodies.  Open nightly until 5th September.

Leisure & Culture

As well as the summer fun Albir/Alfaz del Pi 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

January

Three Kings, January 5th Place: Carpa Municipal

March

March 1st, Carnival, Calle Federico Garcia Lorca.

San José, 18th and 19th, Location: Plaza Mayor

May

Celebrations of the Creueta, 2nd, 3rd and 4th May , Place: Plaza de la Creueta

June

San Juan, June 23rd , Location: Playa del Albir

August - Feast of Albir 19th - 21st - Eucalyptus Park

September

Copletes, Sept. 12th , Location: Plaza Mayor

October

Valencia Day, October 9th

November

Fiestas patronales of the Holy Christ of the Good Success. Place: L'Alfás Del Pí. Days: 06,07,08,09 and 10 November.

December

Celebrations of the Immaculate Conception, 6. 7 and 8 December.

FIND OTHER PLACES TO VISIT ON THE COSTA BLANCA NORTH HERE 

Albir in 1988

Beautiful photos of Albir 2021 taken by Benidorm Seriously Member Sharon Nolan Gordon 

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All About ALTEA

Altea is without doubt one of the most charming towns on the Costa Blanca North. It's old town is packed full of character and the impressive church with its blue and white tiled dome roof has to be one of the most photographed landmarks of the area.

The N332 splits the town in half. On one side are the sandy and pebbly beaches which are backed by the long promenade and the marina. On the other side of the road is the old and new town. The tram station and busy Tuesday morning market are both to be found in the new town.

GETTING TO ALTEA FROM BENIDORM CATCH THE NO. 10 BUS. anywhere along the Avenida Mediterraneo COST 1.55€PP

Or the Local Tram

Places of interest and ideas of things to do in Altea

Old Town: steep cobbled streets packed with character, restaurants and shops.

Market: large Tuesday morning.

Church: Nuestra Senora del Consuelo with famous blue and white tiled dome.

Beaches: sandy and shingle beaches.

Promenade: long beach front with great selection of bars and restaurants.

Marina: at southern end of town.

Tram Station: for tram south to Benidorm and Alicante or north to Denia.

The impressive church (Nuestra Señora del Consuelo) overlooks whitewashed buildings and a bustling square, filled with quality restaurants and cafes that encourage you to linger over lunch. Inside the church is flooded with light through the glorious stained glass windows and the murals and sculptures on display are equally beautiful.

Back outside look at the bell towers and you'll notice that one of the three, destroyed in the Spanish civil war, has been left as a symbolic reminder of the destruction that conflict causes.

A must see is the famous Mirador Cronistas de Espana, this is also know as the viewpoint of the Plaza de la Iglesia and from here you get the most amazing views of Altea the bay and port. a great photo opportunity day or night.

The cobbled streets, filled with wrought iron balconies overflowing with flowers, urge you to explore. Wander by the stylish shops selling handmade pottery, jewellery and other artifacts and you can see the old walled town has a unique charm.

The many small art galleries reflect that Altea was a haven for artists because of the fabulous light experienced here and along with the artisans, writers and musicians they gave the place a bohemian feel.

The Old Town Square at Altea

Finally don't miss the opportunity of a photograph of the views. From the church square you can enjoy the vista of the sweeping bay, the mountains and a distant Benidorm with its high rise buildings.

Ideas of places to twin Altea with day or night

Spend the morning in the hustle and bustle of the large street market, which is held every Tuesday near the new town. Then jump on the tram and visit Denia for a bit of lunch before enjoying the return journey back through the beautiful scenery of the Costa Blanca North.

Visit the tourist magnet that is the nearby Fonts del Algar waterfalls

head to Allbir for a walk along the long beach front promenade and a filling menu del dia at any of the lovely restaurants which line it.

Altea Marina

Parking: is in the car park and is free

From here: walk down to the port, turn left and walk away from the boats for the sandy beach and promenade.

Altea Market  - Tuesday Morning

Altea Tram Station

From here: there is only one platform which is used by the trams going north and south. Buy your tickets on the tram.

Beaches

News - 24th May 2021 -  The massive project to refurbish and modernise the seafront of Altea has now started.  This work will continue for the next 12 months and will have a direct impact on 29 businesses along the front,  steps have been taken with the project to allow them to continue working as much as possible.

Below is an artists impression of what the new sea front will eventually look like.

The beach of Altea is over 5 km long and is divided into the stony Cap Negret beach to the north of Altea, followed by the La Roda beach next to the old town and the largest beach the Cap Blanc to the south which blends into the coast of Albir.

Altea and the surrounding mountains

Some kilometers away from Altea you will find the mountain area of Sierra de Bernia which reaches up to 1130 mt high hills. From that area you will have a nice view on the Altea area and the coastline. All around Altea there is a huge construction boom happening over the past years. Not so much along the coastline but more in the hills surrounding Altea.

Main Fiestas in Altea

June - Sant Antoni, San Juan

The famous Tree Festival this is generally held at the beginning of San Juan, the village men find a large poplar tree, drag it through the streets to the main square in the old town (to show their masculinity), once the tree is in the square it is then erected and tied to nearby buildings and the men take it in turns to climb the tree to see who can get the highest.  A fun festival where looks of wine is drunk.

July - Sant Pere, Sant Jaume and Santa Anna,

August - Sant Roc, Sant Llorenç, Sant Isidre, Sant Lluís The fireworks of Castell de L’Olla,

September - Sant Tomàs, Moors and Christians 

HISTORY

Like many of the fishing villages along this coast, Altea goes back many centuries. It has been settled by Iberians, Greeks, Romans and Muslims, and then eventually the Christians when it was captured in 1244 by James I of Aragon.

All these civilizations were especially drawn to Altea because it is where the mouth of the River Algar (which further inland feeds the popular Algar Waterfalls) meets the sea and this provided plenty of fresh water for sailors and fisherman, and the town prospered by producing dried salt fish.

But life was far from the idyllic town you see today; in the 17th century, increased pirate attacks caused a decline in the population and economy. Furthermore, its privileged position so close to the sea meant that for centuries whenever there was bad weather the waves crashed into the front line buildings and the inhabitants literally had to leave the doors open and let the waves crash through their homes. This was eventually solved quite recently in the 1970’s by the building of a dyke. But, although this protected the buildings it took away the town’s beach – and even worse, over the years the lake ‘el charco’, (the puddle) created on the inside of the dyke generated bad smells and was generally considered unhealthy.
And so in 2016 the external dyke was removed, the lake dredged and the whole area replaced with an artificial beach. This acts as a break water so the buildings are still protected, but is far more useful for the locals and this new attraction has also done wonders for tourism.

MORE PLACES TO VISIT ON THE COSTA BLANCA NORTH

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Top tips for taking the perfect Spanish siesta

Top tips for taking the perfect Spanish siesta - Multiple scientific studies in recent years have proven that a short sleep after lunch provides health benefits, including stress reduction, and improves alertness and memory.

Every Spaniard knows the advantage of retreating to a cool dark room during the hottest hours of a summer afternoon for a quick 40 winks.

So for those that can find the time, here is The Local’s guide to taking the perfect afternoon snooze.

Make it a habit
A siesta is only beneficial if it forms part of the regular daily routine rather than a one-off. Once you get into the habit of a postprandial nap it forms part of the natural cycle of the body and missing it could be worse for one's health than skipping a meal.

Make it short
Sleep too long and the effects could be detrimental, according to various sleep experts. Research undertaken found that the optimum length of a nap is 26 minutes and that when a 26 minute nap is taken during their working hours, efficiency increased by 34 per cent.

Find a quiet dark corner
Both noise and light can disrupt the ability to fall asleep easily so limit

distractions by pulling down the blinds or use an eye shade and blocking out street sounds with earplugs or white noise.

Settle in a comfy chair
Siestas should take place on a sofa or in a comfortable armchair and not in bed, where one is more likely to fall into a deep sleep. If you do fall into a deep sleep it is much harder to wake up and you will likely be left feeling groggy for hours.

Have a pre-nap cup of coffee
For double revival coordinate a caffeine boost along with your nap. Caffeine takes about 20-30 minutes to take effect, so drinking a cup of coffee before getting in a bit of shut-eye means it’ll just be kicking in as you are waking up.

Set an alarm
If you don’t want to risk drifting into a sleep cycle that could leave you drowsy then always set an alarm.

Don’t feel guilty
Scientific research has shown time and again that siestas are good for you. So don’t guilt yourself out of a free and natural health benefit because of a long to do list. Remember you will be much more efficient and focused if you recharge your batteries.

HAVE A GOOD SIESTA

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All About - Valencia

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, with one million inhabitants. Situated in the centre of the Spanish Mediterranean coast it is the centre of the corridor uniting North Africa to South East Europe. A city rich with cultural monuments and museums which  have made it a continual attraction for tourists. . The construction of the “City of the Arts and Sciences”, museums, Opera houses and the “Oceanografic” by famed architects with “Calatrava” at the head, have changed the classic image of Valencia to one of a modern and pioneering city.

Internationally famous sporting events have based their headquarters in Valencia. The America Cup, the most famous round the world yacht race has held two of its finals in the capital. Today, as in Monte Carlo, Valencia has an urban Formula One circuit that attracts millions of followers to the area.

All this and more has converted the city into the inevitable destination for any trip to the Mediterranean.

Stroll through Valencia, and absorb the vibrancy of a city where historical tradition and interesting modern architecture stand side by side.

THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA

Valencia Oceanografic

Breath taking architecture. And over 500 species of marine life. Oceanografic is Europe’s biggest marine park and one of Valencia’s newest attractions. So it’s a treat for animal lovers or anyone who’s already seen the city. Part of the amazing City of Arts and Sciences, the first thing you’ll notice is its avant-garde buildings - they look like they’re from another planet. Inside, you’re greeted with nine themed areas, all replicating different oceans and marine ecosystems from the Mediterranean to the Antarctic. Highlights include a spectacular wetlands sphere, an enormous Atlantic aquarium and an ice-cold, igloo-shaped Arctic that’s home to Beluga whales. You’ll also get to see colonies of comical penguins, sealions, sharks and a staggering 45,000 other examples of fish and other species. And rounding everything off is a huge dolphinarium staging dolphin displays. A day to remember, your trip includes transport to and from Benidorm and extra free time to explore Valencia under your own steam, too.

City of Arts and Sciences

If you come to Valencia a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences is a must. Work of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, several of its buildings have become icons in the city. It is a scientific and cultural leisure complex which can be enjoyed with family or friends, covering around two kilometres of the former riverbed of the River Turia

With the philosophy "Not touching is prohibited" you can imagine what kind of museum this is. The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum offers different interactive exhibitions about science and technology. You can visit without entering the ground floor, where there is usually a temporary exhibition, some shops, the bathrooms and a restaurant. You will need a ticket for the remaining exhibitions. The Museum also offers scientific workshops for all visitors for which you will have to buy a separate ticket.

The Hemisfèric

The Hemisfèric is a digital 3D cinema, with a huge 900 metre concave screen, which almost envelops spectators. Several films are screened daily, mainly educational documentaries of no more than 45 minutes which are suitable for all audiences. You will receive a pair of innovative 3D glasses with your ticket enabling you to change the screening language. If you are travelling with children, there is usually a film geared towards children once a day.

The Umbracle

The Umbracle is a huge, open-access garden covering more than 17,000 m2 where you can stroll around and take in the typical Mediterranean plants and contemporary sculptures. Terraza Mya opens its doors at night during the summer months, where you can have a drink under the moonlight. The public car park of the City of Arts and Sciences is located just below the Umbracle.

The Ágora

The most recent building at the City of Arts and Sciences, the Ágora is a versatile venue hosting a wide variety of events. It is not usually open to the public and cannot be visited but worth seeing just for its spectacular architecture.

Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. Opera house

If you are a music-lover then the Palau de les Arts is the place for you at the City of Arts and Sciences. From October to November, its programme includes operas, concerts, zarzuela and ballet. When not being used for performances.

The Assut D’or Bridge

Also work of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, the Assut D’or Bridge crosses the former riverbed of the River Turia, between the Science Museum and the Ágora. There are several lanes for traffic in both directions and there is a pedestrian bridge in the centre connecting the two banks of the Turia Gardens

Barrio del Carmen.

The architecture in this part of the city is a historical collage. Roman, Arabic and Gothic buildings all line up next to each other. Alongside the 13th-century cathedral, the silk exchange is one of the most important buildings here. In 1996 UNESCO made it into a World Heritage Site, because it stood as a symbol of the city’s power and wealth throughout the ages.

Mercado Central or Mercat Central (English: Central Market)

This is a public market located in across from the Llotja de la Seda and the church of the Juanes in central Valencia.

In 1839, the spot had been used to inaugurate an open-air marketplace called Mercat Nou. By the end of the century the city of Valencia sponsored a contest for the construction of a new roofed market. A new contest in 1910 selected the present design by Alejandro Soler March and Francisco Guàrdia Vial, who had trained at the School of Architecture of Barcelona and collaborated with Luis Doménech Montaner. Construction began in 1914 and was not fully completed until 1928

The style blends a modern Art Nouveau style but mirrors some of the architectural influences of nearby buildings such as the Gothic Llotja de la Seda and the eclectic Gothic-baroque church of Sants Juanes. It celebrates the power of iron and glass to permit the construction of large open spaces, but still utilizes domes at crossings.

Most vendors sell food items, although souvenir shops and restaurants are located inside the market as well. It is a popular location for tourists and locals alike.

Hop on Hop Off Tourist Bus

The most convenient way to see Valencia's main sites and attractions is with the hop on hop off tourist bus. On a holiday in Valencia you will not be able to miss the open top buses travelling all over town. Valencia's hop on hop off tourist bus offers the opportunity to see Valencia's highlights all in one organized trip. This is especially useful if you are only in Valencia for a short amount of time. The tour bus will provide you with a means of getting around the city whilst also providing commentary and information on the history of the places that you are visiting.

You can use the bus tours in two different and distinct ways. You may wish to use the Valencia tours bus as a novel means of getting around the city. You can hop on and off at whatever destinations you choose and can rest assured that the bus will take you to the must-see tourist hot spots. Alternatively, you may just choose to experience the full tour in one go, gaining an overview of what the city has to offer and taking note of particular places of interest to return to later on during your trip. Valencia hop on hop off tourist bus makes both options possible and convenient.

BioPark - Valencia

The Bioparc Valencia opened its doors on 28 February 2008. This innovative zoo, in which the barriers are practically invisible and the animals feel right at home, covers some 100,000 square metres and is located in the Parque de Cabecera within the former Turia Riverbed.  

Contrary to traditional zoos, this park has the unique feature of bringing the visitor totally into the habitat of the animals. This is known as zoo immersion and to be quite honest this is the nicest Zoo we have ever visited. 

Bioparc’s main objective is to promote respect for animals and make the general public aware of importance of protecting the environment through a commitment to education and the preservation of the animals.

Leopards, lemurs, hyenas, lions, giraffes, gorillas, rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, porcupines, ostriches, elephants, otters… all coexist in this zoological world, which offers moving experiences at every bend in the park at every minute of the day.

You will  find: Reflections of Africa in Bioparc Valencia. Bioparc displays a range of African flora and fauna and the different habits in which they live together. However, Bioparc is not limited to Africa, since the plan is to expand it over the next few years by 20,000 metres in order to dedicate a portion of the zoo to Southeast Asia and South America flora and fauna.

GETTING TO VALENCIA FROM BENIDORM 

Organised Coach Trip with Round Town Travel

By Car

Travel time if you take the Ap-7 (139)km) about one and a half hours.

ALSA BUS - Route Benidorm - Valencia

Journey time - 1h 45m, Guide Price €12 - €17, Frequency, hourly - Check times and prices here. Tickets can be purchased: at the station, online or over the phone +34 902 42 22 42

By Train

Alicante to Valencia The train journey time between Alicante and Valencia is around 1h 54m and covers a distance of around 179 km. The fastest train normally takes 1h 44m. Operated by Renfe Viajeros

How to get to Alicante from Benidorm by tram

If you are visiting Valancia, take a slight detour and visit Port Saplaya, known as Little Venice, you certainly wont regret it 

Find information of other places to visit in this section of the website

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