All About El Campello

El Campello is only about 30km from Benidorm and well worth a visit if you fancy a quieter day on the beach.

El Campello has quite a few historic buildings and remains almost unchanged by tourism and has a lovely relaxed atmosphere of a traditional seaside town.

One of the most impressive building is the watch tower, Torre de la Vigía Illeta, which dominates the harbour. this was built in the 16th Century to protect  the coast against  pirates attacks.

Below the watch tower, on a small peninsula,  are the ruins of Illeta which are among the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. It is a 5,000 year old settlement, founded by the Iberians and later inhabited by the Romans. From the Iberian period unique circular buildings, in which crockery, arms, and even graves have been found, are preserved. From the Roman period, some small spas and pools carved into the rock.

There are two areas to the port: the marina, where is the "Club Nautico Campello" with more than 400 berths, and the nearby fishing port with its market, where you can watch the fish auctions during the week-days.

Fish Market - The fish auction takes place every evening from Monday to Friday, between 6.00pm and 8.00pm. The market is closed on local or national fiesta days. The El Campello fish market is in the Lonja del Puerto (which means Harbour Fish Market) in a large white building.

Unlike a lot of wholesale fish markets, El Campello actively encourages visitors to come and visit.Wholesale buyers from all the big restaurants and supermarkets come here to buy their fish. Individuals can also just buy a tray of fresh fish to take home. Sometimes the fish is so fresh, they are actually still flapping about in the market!  Check out the Gamba Roja (Red Prawns). The Gamba Roja from this part of Spain are considered the finest in the whole country. Considered an absolute delicacy in this region, they are also very expensive in the markets and supermarkets you find in town.

Local Market day is every Wednesday from 8.00 until 14.00  You can find this market in the village centre near the town hall. On the Plaza del Ayuntamiento it has about 180 stalls. They offer lots of fresh food articles and general products.

During October each year, the town holds its moros i cristians (Moors and Christians) festival. The festival includes daily "battles" through the town.  There are numerous parades and late night fireworks displays. The evening parades through the centre of the town are a must see with very extravagant costumes being worn.

The Beach

16th June 2020 - The town hall of El Campello has decreed that smoking is forbidden on their 23km of beaches .  The beaches are to be part of a regional initiative called "Playas sin humo" (Beaches without smoke).

The promenade "Voramar de les Escultures", which is named after the artist Vicente Ferrero, which starts at the watch tower and which leads up to the beach Playa de la Almadraba. Along the beach promenade, there are colorful fishermen's houses, and lots of bars, cafes and restaurants.

The best beach to visit in El Campello is the Muchavista Beach. Playa Mucahvista is seven kilometres long and has maintained its blue flag status for many years.  The adjacent beach promenade leads to the Playa de San Juan in Alicante.

There are numerous beaches and coves nearby, including the rocky Coveta Fuma, bays with sandy beaches such as Cala Venta and La Nuza.

Getting to El Campello

The easiest way of course is by car, via the N332, distance 32km time around 34 minutes, there is plenty of parking.

Tram - Every 30 minutes. Tickets cost 2€ - 4€ and the journey takes 46 min for up to date times and prices check HERE

ALSA operates a bus from Benidorm to El Campello 4 times a day. Tickets cost 4€ - 7€ and the journey takes 40 min. Alternatively,

Taxi as a rough guide a taxi will cost in the region of 55€ - 75€ from Benidorm

Why not combine a trip to  Villa Joyosa on the same day.

For more places to visit in the area, check out this section of the website 

All about - JAVEA

Javea is a small, historic town, with no high rise buildings. The clean, warm, blue Mediterranean Sea laps the beautiful beaches and coves that Javea has to offer.

With a variety of landscape, ranging from sandy beaches to rugged mountains, Javea combines beauty and modern facilities with the charm of an ancient fishing village.

The town is situated between the San Antonio and La Nao points and enjoys the impressive and magnificent protection of Mount Montgó.

Approximately 50 minutes drive from Benidorm towards the north-eastern tip of the Costa Blanca.

History & Culture

Javea old town is steeped in history and it’s evident in the architecture, with its Tosca stone porticoes, gothic bay windows, wrought iron window bars and balcony railings.

The church of San Bartolemé in the town centre is an example of late gothic architecture with a defensive character. The "Soler Blasco" Archaeological Museum is close by in the narrow streets and offers a wealth of information about Iberian history.

This historic church can be found in the Plaza de la Iglesia and the oldest parts dates back to 1304, the bell tower which is 30 meters high and stands at 86m above sea level was also used as a watchtower to defend the town from the seafaring Berber pirates.

This building is of Elizabethan Gothic style. It has a large Gothic nave with three chapels on each side that are framed by buttresses.

This building is considered one of the best models of ogival art (an arch with a pointed apex) in the Valencian Community.

Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 10.30 - 12-30 and in the afternoons, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays it is open 30 minutes before Mass

Mass times - September 1st to June 30th, working days at 08:00 Tuesday to Friday 19:30 p.m., and holidays at 10:00 a.m, 12:00 p.m. and 19:00 p.m. July 1st to August 31st working days 08:00 am; Tuesday to Friday at 20:00 p.m., eve at 19:30 p.m. and holidays at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 19:00 p.m.

Markets

In the centre of town the covered indoor market sells all sorts of fabulous fresh local produce: fruit, vegetables, meat and fresh fish are brought up from the port daily.
This market is located in Plaza Celestino Pons, and is generally open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 14:00 / 17:00 to 21:00, & on Saturdays mornings from 08:00 to 14:00 hours

Market day in Jávea is Thursday, and can be found in the Plaza de la Constitución square.

Port & Marinas?

The importance of the town’s maritime activities is apparent in the port area; known as Aduanas de Mar, it boasts a lovely promenade and some excellent fish restaurants where you can enjoy the ‘catch of the day’.

The fishing harbour is situated next to a attractive marina full of interesting yachts, a lovely area for a morning or evening stroll, if you time it right you will catch the fisherman coming in with their daily catch, a daily fish auction is held, not open to the public, but you can stand outside and watch the proceedings.  You can of course grab yourself some fresh fish from the shop just outside the auction house, you will see the locals rush down to claim their dinner.

Dominating the fishing port is the modern silhouette of the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto, with its roof depicting a ships hull.  The Iglesia de la Virgen de Loreto (church) built in 1967 this is one of the most modern churches you’ll ever see, with fantastic avant-garde design which is based on a single ship with an oval plan this design is very unusual. The 12 slender pillars outside are an allegory to the 12 apostles. This is such a rare design for a religious building,

Address: Calle Pío X, 9, 03730 Jávea, Alicante, Spain, (situated in the district of Duanes de la Mar)

Opening Hours: 9:00 am until 8:00 pm, throughout the year, extended until 9:00 pm. during the summer months.

Beaches - May 2022 Cigarettes banned from Jávea beaches

Jávea town hall has approved ‘various measures designed to improve environmental protection on the coast’ in a full council meeting, including a declaration that people cannot smoke on any beach in the municipality.

Javea has 20 kilometres of coastline, with a choice of beaches.

The Arenal area offers a beautiful sandy bay with palm trees and play areas for children. The bay is framed by the promenade with its wonderful choice of bars and restaurants offering national and international specialties.

Granadella beach is a spectacular cove situated just South of Javia and is well known among diving enthusiasts.  Parking is a few meters from the beach, and it is recommended to arrive early in the morning as this is a popular beach with many locals.

Playa del Montañar, sits next to the harbour and is the beach used by the locals.

Bahia de Javea – Playa de la Grava

This is the perfect spot if you are a water sports enthusiast. This rocky beach links El Arenal and the Marina. you will often see kite surfers, sailing boats and kayaks here.

Cala Blanca, which means “White Beach”, this is a small pebble beach with crystal clear water, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling.  This beach is only accessible by foot through a narrow steps along the rocks, therefore it is a much quieter beach.

Shopping
Javea is a great place to shop with an excellent choice of shops and boutiques.

Sports
Javea has an excellent choice of sea sport and fishing facilities. The modern yacht club at the sports marina has nearly 300 berths and offers all types of water sports: sailing, fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, and windsurfing.

Fiestas

As with any town there are lots of smaller fiestas but these are the main ones.

January, 19th - 21st dates may vary - San Sebastian · Bull Running -
San Sebastian has been the patron saint of Xàbia since medieval times when the terrified population of the village prayed to his image for special protection as the 'Black Plague' devastated Europe. Largely forgotten in recent years, the celebrations have been resurrected with bull-running around the church square.

February - CARNAVAL · Fancy Dress Processions 26th Feb 2022

Kids and Adults Procession through the Historic Centre of Xàbia

The children’s party will start at 17.00 with a parade from the Plaza Marina Alta to the Plaza Constitución.

Adults party from 23:00 hours in the Plaza de la Constitución, with a parade and musical entertainment.

Semana Santa - Easter Fiesta, dates vary

From 28 April – 3 May Javea pays homage to Jesus the Nazarene

July 14th - 22nd, Moors & Christians parades.

September -  1 - 8th 1 –8, the town celebrates their patroness Our Lady of Loreto.

Cuisine
The local cuisine of Javea is typically that of the Costa Blanca, which combines delicacies from both land and the Mediterranean Sea. Many civilizations have lived in this area (Celts, Iberians, Greeks, Romans, Muslims), all of which have all left their mark on the gastronomy.

If you have a sweet tooth then you will love the homemade pastries and deserts the whole region is famous for Jijona ice-cream (Nougat), which is made with the almonds of the region.

Outside the town, following the road to the San Antonio cape are the architectural sites that include the monastery of Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, a series of small hermitages clutch the slopes of the mountain and ancient windmills dominate the landscape. 

The Ermita del Pòpul de Jávea

Another popular place to visit whilst here, this is situated on the road from Jávea to Jesús Pobre (CV-735), about 3 kilometers from the center of Xàbia, (carrer Ermita 1), it sits on  the southern slope of the Montgó, formerly a rural area but now highly urbanized.

It is one of the oldest buildings in Xàbia dated in the 1972th century.

Throughout its history it has been modified, especially in the XNUMXth century, when it was deeply re-modelled and various elements were added, despite the interventions, the original Gothic building is intact.

The Cape of San Antonio

Situated just to the North of Javea, this is a nature reserve that covers an area of 110 hectares situated between Mongo mountains and the sea, here you will get fantastic views of the surrounding area, there are 15 different look out points, on a clear day you can even see Ibiza, you will also find a light house which has been in use since 1855 the cliffs at this point are 175m high, there are also 16th century watchtowers and old windmills, so if you fancy some hiking this is the area to head to.

Whilst in this area visit Cova Tallada (carved caves)

This is a cave excavated in the foothills of Cabo San Antonio above sea level, these served as a quarry to the Muslims and the excavated rock were used in the construction of some of the most unique buildings of Denia, including its castle, its shapes and its cavities make this cave a must see.

Go swimming at the cave (wear non slip shoes) and enjoy the crystal clear waters and enjoy looking at these spectacular rocks and the caves walls. There’s even a rock t0 stop the waves coming in so the water is very calm. If you want to go deeper into the cave make sure that you take a torch because its quite dark the further you go in, but there are a lot of interesting things deeper in to the cave.

Its about a 1km walk from the end of the road with lots of wooden steps and a rope to help you get to the bottom so not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties or young children. drive from Javea on route marked  PR-CV 355.

Getting to Javea from Benidorm

By car, 57.3km via the AP-7 approximately 45 mins (tolls)

or take the scenic N332 coast road, approximately 1hr 10 mins, 46km

Public Transport

Javea itself does not have a tram station, you would need to to go to Denia or Gata do Gorgos which is the closest inland stop near to Javea (there is also a stop by La Sella Golf resort which is between Denia and Javea and then get a bus or taxi.

Taxi from Benidorm- cost approximately 55- 70€

ALSA bus, journey time around 1 hr 30 mins, buses run 3 times a day, cost approx 12€

Find other places to visit in on the Costa Blanca North

Like/Follow Benidorm Seriously on Facebook or join our very own Social Club

All About - MORAIRA

Moraira is small coastal town situated in the beautiful mountainous north-eastern tip of the Costa Blanca. The resort is conveniently placed between the airports of Alicante and Valencia (about 90km from each).  About 45 mins drive from Benidorm (42km)

The surrounding region has a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, with beautiful and unspoilt scenery and many small villages to explore.

The town itself has pleasantly grown from a small fishing village to an attractive holiday and retirement resort, retaining its considerable charm that attracts visitors from all over Europe. It’s also particularly popular with Spanish holidaymakers from Madrid and Valencia.

Moraira has an impressive marina, an excellent variety of local shops, markets, harbourside fish restaurants and bars and best of all has still managed to preserve its Spanish character.

Beaches
The two main local sandy beaches, gently shelve away into the Mediterranean Sea; both have been awarded the prestigious EEC Blue Flags for cleanliness and are well-tended and very safe for family bathing.

Photo by Tracey Billing

Eating out
Moraira offers plenty of good quality restaurants, including eight Michelin recommended restaurants in the immediate area, three of which are star rated and not too expensive.

Markets
If you like open markets then, aside from the weekly Friday market held next to the beach, you could plan a visit evey day of the week to the various markets held in neighbouring towns and villages.

Apart from enjoying the buzzing Spanish activity, you can buy some excellent, cheap fresh fruit and vegetables, local specialities, herbs and spices, leather goods, clothes, rugs, fresh and silk flowers, souvenirs, pottery and a whole variety of other goods.

Fiestas
As in all of Spain there are numerous fiestas (festivals) held throughout the year in the region; with specific festivals held in April, June, July and November in Moraira itself, and Moriara Music Festival which is held every June and attracts thousands of people from all over the area.

Getting to Moraira from Benidorm 

Car - Take the N332 for the most scenic journey

Bus - Take the ALSA bus to Calpe, 40mins around 3 - 6€, runs 4 times a day, then from Calpe to Moraira take the local Autobuses Ifach 18 mins, this only runs twice a day.

Taxi - average price 50€ 65€ each way

Train - Local train to Teulada (hourly), then onto Moraira (twice a day) cost around 5 - 7€

FIND OTHER PLACES TO VISIT HERE

Photos from Benidorm Seriously Group Members

David Elsworth

David Elsworth - Playa El Portet, Moraira

Tracey Billing 

Photo by Tracey Billing

Photo by Tracey Billing 

Photo by Tracey Billing 

Photo by William Mccurdy

Photo by William Mccurdy

Photo by William Mccurdy

Moraira Bull Run, part of the Fiestas of Sant Jaume, normally takes place during the last week in July

All About - Torrevieja

Torrevieja is situated on the Costa Blanca, approximately 45 minutes south of Alicante airport, about an hour and a half drive from Benidorm (113km)

The name Torrevieja comes from the small tower that used to look down over the harbour.

It isn’t a resort in the package holiday sense, there are only a few hotels and the area is much loved by the Spanish who flock here during the summer months for their holidays. The town is surrounded by excellent urbanisations, all with pools and beautiful gardens and the whole area enjoys fabulous beaches with fine sand and crystal clear waters.

Torrevieja was more or less completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1829 (see more in the history of Torrevieja below)

Torrevieja is voted by WHO (World Health Organisation)  as on of the top 10 healthiest places in the world to live, this is due to the properties of the salt lakes.

Torrevieja Salt Flats - It is not permitted to bath in the lakes

These salt flats from around the 13th Century cover an area of over two thousand hectars.  There are two lagoons, La Mata and Torrevieja, these are set two metres above sea level and are joined together by a channel built in 1928. La Mata (the smaller one) is the heater where the sun does its work and the lake in Torrevieja is the concentrator, where the salt is extracted, this lake can extract around five hundred tons of salt per hour.  Production tends to take place when Torrevieja starts to heat up in June and ends in October the salt is collected and deposited into large salt mountains.

The pyramid shape prevents rain water from washing away the salt as it simply runs off the sides. The salt is then split into different categories and sizes depending on its final use. Altogether, there are 14,000 different uses for salt including making glass, PVC manufacture, and in the textile, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. It is also used to de-ice the roads.

The Torrevieja salt lake turns pink during certain times of the year this is caused by pigments of the Halobacterium bacteria which lives in the salty environment.

The salt is then moved directly to the ships by conveyor belts linked to the ports so it can be exported abroad. Norway is the main importer while Italy, Portugal, UK, USA, Ireland and Denmark are also major users. Within Spain, Torrevieja salt is sent to Galicia for use by food companies and to Catalonia and the Basque country.

The main attraction is for bird lovers are the flamingos where up to 2,000 can be seen during the breeding season. Many of them will turn a gorgeous shade of pink from eating the shrimps in the water. There are about 100 types of wading, aquatic and marine birds plus other animals in this protected natural park.

Torrevieja Salt Museum - Museo del Mar y de la Sal 

The Museum of the Sea and the Salt is an ethnological museum, here you will find a display of handicrafts made of salt, a collection of photographs  time. model boats, archaeological material, articles for fishing and navigation and learn the general history and how the salt is produced.

Opening hours  - Closed Monday. Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. From Wednesday to Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.Free entrance. CHRISTMAS closed 24, 25, 26 and 31 December, 1 and 6 January. Tel - 966 704 643 Address - Calle Patricio Pérez, 10, 03181, Torrevieja

Playa La CuraBeaches
All of the local beaches hold the European Blue Flag for ‘Clean Sea’ and excellent facilities. La Mata, Los Locos, El Cura, El Acequión and Los Náufragos together make up the beaches of the Torreviejan coast.

There are marvellous coves in the northern part, as well as the saline swimming pools, which can be found beside the Juan Aparicio promenade right in the centre of the town.

The promenades and the fishing port are attractions in their own right for visitors to this part of the Southern Mediterranean.

Playa La Cura is Torrevieja´s most urban beach.  It´s not a massive beach at only 375 metres long and 27 metres wide so does get crowded in the summer so get there early to get a good spot.

Playa Los Naufragos - Blue flag beach

Playa Las Naufragos situated south past the marina and port this is a popular long and sandy beach, being so central it can get very busy during peek season.  

Torrevieja’s natural pools

Just south of El Cura are two beautiful small natural swimming pools, lined by palm trees, these pretty coves are ideal for bathing or snorkelling with crystal clear water.

These pools have been created by a group of small breakwaters to make these little beaches surrounded by rocky areas, one sandy pool is just south of the Paseo Duque de Levante breakwater and the other just a few meters south.

Cala Ferris

Situated at the southern end of Torrevieja and less well-know with palm trees, small dunes and crystal clear water.

Cala Piteras - Blue Flag Beach

Perfect for swimming or snorkelling, a small but popular beach.

Playa de los Locos

A lovely sandy beach just up the coast from Playa la Cura. It stretches 760 metres long and 27 metres wide with plenty of parking nearby so it's a popular spot to enjoy a day in the sun.

Torrevieja Port 

Here you will see a variety of boats from hundreds of chic and sleek yachts to traditional fishing boats bringing home the days catch. Most of the port's activities today are to do with the salt industry.

There is also a S-61 Delfin submarine sitting in the port, which was the first Spanish navy ship to be turned into a floating museum. You will also find  two further floating museums, the Albatross III patrol boat and the Pascual Flores schooner, which is a reconstruction of the ships used by Torrevieja sailors to export salt.

Entry to Torrevieja floating museums is €2. There is a minimum height of 1.15 metres. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm in winter and 6pm to 10.30pm in summer. Closed August 15. It’s also closed on rainy days for safety reasons.

Open Air Markets

Every Friday Torrevieja holds one of the largest open-air markets in Spain and sells all kinds of food, textiles, clothes and accessories. A smaller market can be found at La Florida on a Saturday. Street markets can be found every day of the week in different areas.

Aquapolis Water Park

In Aquópolis Torrevieja you can find attractions for all tastes, the park is easy to find as it is located next to the N 332.  The park has 600 parking spaces.

The History of Torrevieja

The name of this settlement is owing to the many maritime watch towers that lined the Mediterranean coast and of which there is still a replica in the form of the Torre del Moro panoramic viewpoint.

Torrevieja was formed in 1750 and quickly became a popular fishing village that exploited the salt flats as a second income.

The main history of this town is the earthquake which took place on 21st March 1829, which completely destroyed the town.  The earthquake forced a complete rebuild of the town under the direction of the military architect Larramendi.

Today it is a  multicultural cosmopolitan city and has 100,000 inhabitants with 180 different nationalities on the state list.

Getting to Torrevieja from Benidorm

The easiest way is to drive either via the N332 or the A7 toll road.

There are NO direct links to Torrevieja

By bus

Either the Alsa bus to Alicante then onto another bus to Torrevieja

or a bus to the airport and the transfer bus to Torrevieja

Coach - Rosa Tours, you would need to pre-book tickets cost 10€ (+34)966717783 - (+34)675956059

By Tram - there is NO train station in Torrevieja

tram/train from Benidorm to Alicante then walk to to the bus station which is over the main road.

Find other places to visit in this section of the website

Join the Benidorm Seriously Facebook Group