Pending
Preparing to upload...
Uploading...
Upload failed.
Upload completed.
( left)
|
There are so many places to visit on the Costa Blanca, both on the cost and further inland that we have divide the Costa Blanca into two sections, the North - Alicante to Denia and The South - Alicante to Pilar de la Horadada. This page will concentrate on the NORTHERN area.
The word Costa Blanca literally means "White Coast" and the Costa Blanca covers an area of over 200 kilometres (120 miles) on the Mediterranean coastline in the Alicante province, on the south eastern coast of Spain. It extends from the town of Dénia in the north, beyond which lies the Costa del Azahar (or Costa dels Tarongers), to Pilar de la Horadada in the south, beyond which lies the Costa Cálida. There are plenty of places to visit on the Costa Blanca.
Northern Costa Blanca
Alicante, Alcoy, Algar Waterfalls, Altea, Alfaz del Pi/Albir, Benissa, Biar, Benidorm, Calpe, Cocentaina, Denia, El Campello,, Elda-Petrel, Guadalest, Jalon, Javea, Jijona, Moraira, Ondara, Orba, Ontinyent, Teulada, La Villajoyosa, Xativa
Many of the places listed above in the North are easily accessible by local trains or buses, or hire a car for a few days to really explore the area
Elche, Guardamar del Segura, Novelda, Orihuela, Santa Pola, Tabarca Island, Torrevieja
Discover the Best Beaches on the Costa Blanca
North Costa Blanca Area
Click on the links for a FULL information page on each location.
Places to Visit, Costa Blanca North - ALICANTE, Coastal
Alicante is a port city and the capital of the Alicante province. Its old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, has narrow streets, coloured houses and a lively nightlife scene. From here, an elevator or a steep climb leads to medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast. For lots more information and the top 10 things to do in Alicante click here
ALCOY, Inland
Alcoy is a large Spanish city located Located in the Valencian Community, inland from the coastal resorts on the Northern Costa Blanca and is also known as and referred to as Alcoi, Alcoy is the biggest industrial town in the area but still has lots of history and things to see.
This attractive city is situated at the foot of Serra Mariola and the Font Roja natural park.
Places to Visit, Costa Blanca, North - ALGAR FALLS, Inland
Algar Waterfalls at only 15 km from Benidorm and 3 km from the center of Callosa d'en Sarrià, direction Bolulla, This area was declared a Wetland protected by the Valencian Government.
The visit is a route through a circuit of 1.5 km in length along, where you can walk through the bed of the river Algar ("cave " in Arabic), see the spectacular waterfalls and the numerous sources springs that spring from the rock, the "tolls" (pools of water) where you can take refreshing swims in crystal clear very cold water.
Places to Visit, Costa Blanca, North ALTEA Coastal
Altea is without doubt one of the most charming towns to be found on Spain’s ‘White Coast’, located in the region of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. The town is just 11 kilometres north of Benidorm, yet the two resorts are worlds apart. Altea is similar to other Costa Blanca towns in that it has a new and an old neighbourhood. The old section is perched on top of a hill from where you will find really spectacular views.
All in all Altea is a pretty town, popular with both holidaymakers and those fortunate enough to be able to live in the area; For lots more information on Altea click HERE
ALFAZ DEL PI or L’Alfàs del Pi
Alfaz del Pi is a town located in the province of Alicante, on the Costa Blanca, Spain. The town nestles in the foothills of the Sierra Helada, in the district of the Marina Baixa, just 6km from Benidorm.
Places to Visit, Costa Blanca ALBIR Coastal
Albir boasts a wonderful beachfront, with spectacular views to the huge rock Peñon de Ifach at Calpe.
Albir is actually classed as part of Alfaz del Pi area. The first thing you will notice about Albir is no high-rise buildings or hotel blocks. Albir has grown from a small community in the last few years into a great holiday destination.
Surrounding Albir is the Sierra Helada (meaning Frozen Mountain), which is a protected nature reserve. Albir beach is a pebble beach with clear water and has been awarded the blue flag of the European Community for the quality of its water, available facilities and for having all kinds of events on and around the beach.
Places to Visit, Costa Blanca, North BENIDORM, Coastal - this website is all about Benidorm so not much needed to be said here.
Benidorm has been a tourist destination within Spain since 1925, when its port was extended and the first hotels were built, though it would not be until the 1950s that it became renowned as a summer destination for people coming from inland Spain, especially Madrid. Today it is known for its hotel industry, beaches and skyscrapers and receives as many tourists from abroad as from Spain.
You will find lots of information on this website all about Benidorm
Places to Visit on the Costa Blanca BENISSA Inland
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. More information HERE
Places to Visit on the Costa Blanca CALPE, Coastal
Calpe, also spelt without the 'e' as Calp, is instantly recognised by the mighty Penon de Ifach, the huge rock which rises 332 meters out of the Mediterranean sea. This has stood guard over the town and witnessed its transformation from sleepy little fishing village into tourist magnet.
Calpe is best known for its fine sandy beaches and great value fish restaurants. There are two stunning beaches to choose from, one either side of the mighty rock. Both beaches have beautiful long promenades and a great selection of bars and cafes. The fish restaurants are to be found mainly around the marina and the town centre has some excellent local shopping facilities, including a large street market.
Places to visit on the Costa Blanca DENIA Coastal
Denia is situated 51km North of Benidorm, about a 45 minute drive it is set on the northern edge of the Alicante region and backed by the impressive mountains of the the Montgo Natural Park.
A lovely place to visit when in Benidorm! There is the ruined castle which guards the town and has stunning views out over the marina, the natural park of Montgo and the Torre del Gerro.
There is also 20 kilometers of coastline which include both rocky and sandy beaches, the fish market, the old town and the impressive tree lined main shopping street as well as the museums
Costa Blanca North EL CAMPELLO Coastal
El Campello is a modern coastal resort, which boasts 23 kilometres of quiet, pearly white, sandy beaches. Situated 14 kilometres north of Alicante and just a 30 minute drive from Benidorm, it is also easily accessible from Benidorm by Tram (train)
Located facing the Lalmadrava beach, near the residential development Poble Rspañol, El Campello boasts a beautiful natural environment, with an outlook to the beach and sea, and a mountain backdrop.
The Paseo del Mar (promenade) is almost 2 miles long and makes for a lovely evening stroll in the setting sun. During the day take advantage of the beaches and sea.
FINESTRAT Inland and La CALA FINESTRAT Coastal
Finestrat, The Village - The picturesque village, which hugs the mountain side of Puig Campana, has beautiful views from the mountains down to the sea; the architecture has a distinct Moorish influence and many of the houses are colourfully painted. Friday is market day.
La Cala Finestrat - Just a short 15 minute ride or so from Benidorm to the wonderful sandy beach area of Finestrat which is ideal for families, grab a coffee in one of the many beach side cafes (a wonderful place to just sit and watch the world go by)
GATA de GORGOS, Inland
Gata de Gorgos is an old Spanish town situated on the main N332 from Alicante to Valencia. Set inland, Gata is in-between the inland towns of Pedreguer and Teulada.
It is famous for its basket and cane ware made out of esparto and palm, sold in the local shops. Gata is also well known for its Moscatel grapes, these are grown and then using traditional methods, dating from Muslin times, made into the famous wine.
You will also find the famous Las Cuevas Rojas, (red caves) here, there are three cavities, between 10 and 20 meters high, of an intense red color (hence the name), located in the Canela ravine, next to the valley that forms the Gorgos river.
Places to visit, Costa Blanca North - GUADALEST, Inland
The 'Eagle's Nest', is located about 25 km inland from Benidorm along the CV-70 road, It enjoys one of the most spectacular locations of any village in Spain, set high up on a pinnacle and carved out of a mountain top in the midst of truly stunning scenery.
It has a population of only 200 but is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain.
Costa Blanca North, Jalon and the Jalon Valley, Inland
The Jalon Valley, comprises of nine villages and small towns, each one offering something different, Alcalali, Benigembla, Benissa, Castell de Castells, Lliber, Murla, Parcent, Senija and Jalon (Xalo). Jalon boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Spain, with its landscape of olive and pine trees, intermingled with orange groves and vineyards
Jalon town is located around 1 hour 15 minutes drive to the north east of Alicante airport, 14 kilometres, about 20 minutes drive from the northern Costa Blanca town of Calpe and about 30 minutes drive from Benidorm itself.
Costa Blanca North - JAVEA, Coastal
Javea is a small, historic town, free of high rise buildings. The clean, warm, blue Mediterranean Sea laps the beautiful beaches and coves that Javea has to offer.
With its variety of landscape, ranging from sandy coastlines to rugged mountain areas, its mild year-round climate, its careful planning policies and extensive tourist facilities, Javea is a jewel on the Costa Blanca, combining 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 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Alicante towards the north-eastern tip of the Costa Blanca. More information about Javea HERE
LA NUCIA, Inland
La Nucia is a municipality of the Marina Baixa (21km2), Alicante, in the Valencian Community.
La Nucia overlooks fields of fruits and vegetables and has become a popular place for expats to live as it is so close to the coast. Popular urbanizations in La Nucia include: Barronco Hondo, Colloma, Bello Horizonte and El Tossal
In the town you find different architectural styles, in the old town area there are picturesque Gothic buildings; the old Hermitage of San Vicente Ferrer, the Purísima Concepción Parish; the magnificent Library Building. It is also worth visiting: the Avenida Portilla viewpoint, the Plaza Mayor and the Plaza de los Musicos.
Costa Blanca North, MORAIRA, Coastal
Moraira is small coastal town situated in the beautiful mountainous north-eastern tip of the Costa Blanca, about 45 mins drive from Benidorm (42km)
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.
Costa Blanca North, POLOP, Inland
The village of Polop is located inland in the Costa Blanca North in an area known as the Marina Baja (Baxia). The local economy is based mainly on agriculture, almond, citrus fruits and olive trees are among the major crops so much of the surrounding countryside is covered in polythene to act as giant greenhouses.
The village is a delight to explore and perfect for a morning or afternoon stroll. The hill, where the old castle used to be is encircled by a medieval wall, and is a 'must' to walk up you will also find the old Municipal Cemetery here. Follow the zig zag path and you'll be well rewarded with some fabulous views.
Costa Blanca North - La VILA JOIOSA (formally VillaJoyosa), Coastal
Villajoyosa or as from 17th September 2020 to be known only as La Vila Joisa in Valencian the name literally means the 'joyful village'. This wonderful town is located just South of Benidorm (10 km) and only a 30 minute drive North from Alicante, on the N-332 along the coast.
It is famous as a centre for the production of chocolate, which could be the reason for its name! The town has three chocolate factories, all of which can be visited. The Valor Chocolate factory is perhaps the most famous, but there is also the Perez Factory and the Clavileno Factory, so you'll be spoilt for choice!
Why travel is good for you - Relax Like a Boss
Obviously there are many more towns and villages to visit, if you would like to see a certain place listed on the page above please comment below and we would be happy to produce an information page.
Algar Falls - Font de Algar. The village of Algar is a complete contrast to Benidorm and is a real area of natural beauty. The Waterfalls are such a peaceful place, where you can just sit and relax while dipping your toes in the icy cold water in one of the 7 different pools. For the more adventurous there are areas designated for diving into the cold water, if you dare! The average water temperature summer or winter is around 18ºc.
There are also some lovely souvenir shops on the way up to the entrance of the falls, selling local produce such as Nisperos (medlar fruit) which are grown locally in Callosa.
There are no shortage of restaurants in Algar with 5 different restaurants all selling excellent typical Spanish meals and snacks, and each have their own swimming pool which you can use free of charge if you eating at their restaurant or for a small fee of around 3€pp.
Although the Algar Waterfalls have been very popular with the Spaniards and local residents for many years, it was the inclusion in one of the episodes of ITVs hit series “Benidorm” that made it famous with the British and those coming on holiday to Benidorm wanting to visit this little village.
So if you want to get away from the hustle & bustle of Benidorm for the day and relax in this secluded paradise or you just want to see where Madge fell into the icy waters from her scooter visit this wonderful place.
Top tip - take some plastic swimming shoes with you as the bottom of the pools is very rocky. These are available at the shops there but you will find them half the price in Benidorm.
Is it suitable for the disabled and pushchairs? In summer, when the secondary entrance is open you can access the main swimming area with no problem. Outside this period access with a pushchair/wheelchair is complicated because there are many steps and steep inclines. Obviously this is a mountain setting.
TICKET PRICES - Buy tickets online HERE
High Season - from 15th June to 15th October
Adults - 5€
Seniors - 4€
Students - 4€
Children 4 - 10 - 2€, Under 4 - FREE
Low Season - from 16th October to 14th June
Adults - 4€
Seniors - 3€
Students - 3€
Children 4 - 10 - 2€, Under 4 - FREE
There are also group discounts available for 20 or more people you would be best calling in advance - 965880153.
Opening hours 2022
January - 09.00 - 15.30 closed 1st & 6th
February - 09.00 - 15.30
March - 09.00 - 17.30
April - 09.00 - 18.00
May - 09.00 - 18.00
June - 09.00 - 19.00
July - 09.00 - 20.00
August - 09.00 - 20.00
September - 09.00 - 19.00
October - 1st - 7th 09.00 - 19.00, 8th - 16th 09.00 - 17.00 17th - 31st 09.00 - 17.30
November - 09.00 - 17.30
December - 09.00 - 15.30 CLOSED 24th, 25th & 31st
Other Facilities at the Falls
Restaurant
First Aid
Tourist Information Centre - 96.588.01.53
Life Guard (seasonal)
Toilets
GETTING TO ALGAR
By Car from Benidorm - Take the exit for Benidorm along the CV- 70. Follow all roundabouts straight. pass through La Nucia, Polop, in Polop take thesecond exit off the roundabout towards Carretera de Callosa d'en Sarrià/CV-715.In Callosa d'en Sarrià take the second exit off the roundabout into Carretera de Bolulla/ CV-715. Follow for about 2 km. this road and turned right. Follow for about 1 km.this road (CV-7531). Duration approximately 25 minutes.
Parking at the Fuentes del Algar
The only free parking in the area is the one enabled by the Tourist Office of Callosa d'en Sarrià, located about 700 meters from the main entrance of the fountains. The rest of the car parks are private and paid, generally around 3€ but you normally get the fee back if using their restaurant.
Coach trips to Algar Waterfalls with Round Town Travel
Algar Falls and Guadalest coach trip with Round Town Travel
BY BUS
The number 18 Llorent bus - for times etc
The bus takes just over an hour, there is only one bus per day so check the timetable for pick up times at each location but it collects from the top of the Avd Mediterraneo normally around 10:00am. The bus drops you off at the Algar waterfalls and returns around 17:10pm (please confirm these times with the driver as they are subject to last minute changes),
The ALSA bus line arrives to the centre of Callosa d’en Sarrià, from there to the Algar Waterfalls (at 3km.) you can get a taxi (around 7€).
BY TAXI
Book your day out here with a private taxi with Best Benidorm Transfers (entrance fee not included), normal cost of a day trip by coach is 22.50€
Up till 4 pax.....50 euros
Up till 8 pax.....70 euros
We drop you off at the entrance And 4 or 6 hours later pick you up, you decide on the time spent at Algar.
For anyone wanting to do a bit of extra walking there is a route to Bernia Fort - Starting at the Algar Falls camping site. From here you walk uphill and take a left turn just just before the Dino Park and follow this road for approx 15 minutes to a sign post on the left hand side. Follow this directional sign and stay on the marked tracks until you reach the Bernia Fort.
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
Find information of other places to visit in this section of the website
Join the Benidorm Seriously Facebook group
Anyone who has been to Benidorm will have noticed the spectacular Puig Campana mountain in the distance, (the one with the hole/gap in it, the gap is known as the El Portell The Gate).
Puig Campana literally translated in English as Bell Hill is a mountain that forms part of the Prebaetic System it has an altitude of 1,406 metres (4,613 ft), and is the second highest peak in the Alicante Province, it is located in the area of Finestrat only 10km from the coast. This mountain is also know as the Sleeping Giant.
From the base of the mountain it may seem that there is only one peak, but in fact there are two, the taller of which is not easily visible from the base of the mountain, the gap is an optical illusion.
This gap is said to be the source of the name of the nearby village of Finestrat, because ‘finestra’ means window and fishermen used the notch to guide them home when they were out as sea.
A large part of the vegetation on the north eastern side of the mountain was burnt by a forest fire in 2009. The fire started on 24 January when a high voltage electricity pylon was blown over by strong winds. Some 1,000 hectares were reduced to ashes and around 15,000 people were evacuated from 25 urbanizations.
There are various legends connected to the hole in this mountain and it is claimed to actually be Isla de Benidorm but tests were done in 1987 by Professor B. Granier, and it was found that the rocks at the core of the Puig Campana are Late Jurassic in age whereas Benidorm Island is made of limestones and are Early Cretaceous (Albian), making the island around 5 million years younger than the mountain.
Here are a couple of the local legends:-
This is my personal favourite. - A very long time ago, in ancient times there was a peaceful giant named Roldán who lived near Benidorm, a beautiful town on the Mediterranean coast. Although the giant was very kind and friendly the local people were terrified of his fearful appearance and lots of unfounded myths were told about him, which forced him to live isolated from the rest of the population looking after his flocks of sheep and cows.
One day the giant met a woman who showed no fear of his size and appearance. Very soon they fell in love and decided to get married. The woman’s parents accepted reluctantly the strange marriage but told them they couldn’t live in the village, so they went to live in a log cabin on the mountain. They lived together happily for a while. One afternoon, the giant was on the way to his cabin and met a wanderer who informed him that his wife was seriously ill at home and she would die when the sun set behind the mountains. Only the sunshine could keep her alive.
When Roland came home he found his wife in the state in which he was told.
Roldán took his wife in arms and headed to the top of the mountain to get the most of the sunshine. The sun had already begun to set behind the summit, and that would stop forever the life of his cherish wife. In an attempt to delay the concealment of the sun, the giant demolished part of the wall of the mountain, he pulled an enormous rock from the top of the mountain and threw it through the air down to the sea, forming a small island still visible from the summit. But the sun continued its journey and eventually failed to illuminate the ground and that was the end of the woman's life. Roldán, shattered, led the woman's body to the rock that had fallen into the sea so that it could serve as a final resting place. Desolated, the giant, lay in the sea by his loved wife and while holding her let the water cover his head and drowned by her side.
The other legend is about a giant that was living in the Puig Campana. He felt in love with a beautiful lady from Finestrat town. As he knew that she will never fall in love with him he decided to kidnap her and took her to the mountain, but all the people from the village got together and rescued her. The giant got so upset that he kicked the mountain and a piece fell out, landing again in the sea and creating the Benidorm Island.
CLIMBING THE PUIGE CAMPANA MOUNTAIN.
There are various guided tours you can take.
There are three routes you can take: “Volta de la Serra” is the most common route to the peak, the second route “Ascension Puig Campana is a bit more complex and the third route is the “Cami de la Cove del Roget”.
The most direct ascent is from Finestrat, starting at Font del Molí, heading towards the mountain's south face. From here, a long, steep, scree slope can be seen. It is possible (although unpleasant) to ascend the scree directly, or follow the trail which runs parallel to the scree slope on the right hand side. Both the trail and the scree slope are marked with fading red painted symbols. The trail is easy to lose in mist so only attempt this in good clear weather conditions. From the top of the scree slope, the trail turns east towards the summit. There are lots of criss-crossing paths here, which makes the route very difficult to follow.
The routes are classed as low to medium difficulty so they are apt for all hikers and the duration of the routes vary between 4 to 6 hours depending on the route chosen. All routes start from the Font del Moli.
If climbing take plenty of time and allow yourself enough daylight hours, mountain rescues are not uncommon
Leave your detail, name,telephone number and route etc with someone before you attempt the climb.
Never go on your own.
It can also get very cold at the summit so be prepared. Take plenty of water and food with you.
Wear the proper clothing and shoes etc.
If it becomes too difficult turn back. SAFETY FIRST, ALWAYS.
Elche is also known as the City of Palms as it is located within the largest Palm forest in Europe. This city has two international UNESCO awards; one for its palm groves and the other for its religious play, the Misteri d’Elx which the people of the city have performed annually in August since Medieval times. The week’s play is rounded off with one of Spain’s loudest firework displays know as the Nit d’Alba.
Elche is Situated about 1 hours drive from Benidorm and well worth a visit.
You can explore Elche by following our Elche city walking route. Why not climb the narrow steps up to the roof of the Basilica, from where you get a wonderful view over Elche and its palms. You can visit the various museums including the award winning Archaeological and History Museum or get to know more about the palms at the Huerto del Cura. Stroll through the Municipal Park and go into the Visitors Centre for an audio visual introduction to the city or take the small Tourist Train.
Elche has some great shopping. The Salvador Artesano shoe factory outlet is the largest of all the Salvador Artesano shops and is a must for all shoe lovers as it is about the size of a football pitch! Nearby is the El Corte Ingles department store. It sells everything that you would expect, is open during siesta and has free parking! The L’Aljub is a large indoor mall with Eroski, Bershka, C&A, Zara, H&M, Primark and many more shops, plus a Comic Park to keep the Children entertained and free parking!
The Tourist Office for information about the museums and other places of interest:
Remember that most museums are closed on a Monday and for siesta which is generally 14.00-16.00 in the winter and 14.00-17.00 in the summer. And also Elche Rio Saffari Park.
Getting to Elche from Benidorm
Tram to Alicante 1 hour 9 mins - Alicante to Elche - 29 mins
Taxi around 50 mins cost aprox 85€ - 110€
Bus - Interbus bus departing from Benidorm and arriving at Elche. Services depart every three hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 1 h 15 min.
Drive - around 50 mins AP-7 with tolls or via A-70 and AP-7 with tolls or via N-332 and A-70 NO tolls
Find more places to visit in the Surrounding Area
Join the Benidorm Seriously Facebook Group
Feel free to express you opinions or ask questions in the comments box below
Monitored "almost" 24/7/365