Alicante, Montaditos and fun

Alicante, Montaditos and Fun Sharing a memory by R Colclough

I have always wanted to visit Alicante, so my invitation from Marian, a nice Spanish lady was greatly received.
My journey began from Benidorm, the place I was currently visiting. I was told the best way to go would be on the tram. I purchased a return ticket from the station office. The cost of the ticket was very reasonable, and the staff were most pleasant and helpful. I did not have to wait long for my tram.

The journey was most enjoyable, stopping at small towns, with magnificent views of the Spanish coastline. The journey took just over one hour. Travelling alone, I felt comfortable and safe. I was somewhat nervous in my approach, as I have not dated for a long time. My barriers were raised from the hurtful pains of the past. Yet no grudges no hate, as we pass through this wonderful world, we walk the song of confrontation and love. I am just a bloke trying to get by like everyone else, though just maybe, I can have some fun along the way.

I arrived at the station in Alicante. I proceeded to the exit, reaching the outside of the station, I looked around the city, historical buildings, open spaces, spotlessly clean sidewalks, and tiled promenade's, also a varied range of retail outlets, bars and other services. I will refrain from the word cosmopolitan, it's more than that. A thriving combination of new and old, the diversity of Alicante holds a fascinating gift for those who walk the path of its city life.

I text Marian to inform her of my position, and she came as quickly as she could. She greeted me with her lovely smile. I looked upon her face, and she gave me her heart, the world transformed with the glow of the city, and the breath of the sea, this was to be a most joyful day.

Alicante, Montaditos and Fun

We then strolled down a beautifully tiled pathway towards the sea holding hands. She could speak a small amount of English, and I could speak a small amount of Spanish, although we got by, enjoying each others company. I find some things can be said without talking, a glance or a smile can say a lot. Her good manners and her heartfelt charm gave me a feeling of respect for her, and my treatment towards her was of etiquette and kind. It is important to be right and proper, the befitting way to treat a nice Spanish lady. Reaching the end of the pathway and crossing the road, the harbour, a painting of blue and white, the boats bobbing around to the soft music of the sea. If you listen carefully you can hear the calm whispers of the sea, empowering your senses and flavouring your thoughts. Marian then introduced me to the masters of the past, an architectural dream, the magnificent buildings designed by men of vision, monuments to stand through the immortality of time. This city of life, a time capsule of history, echoing the achievements of so many things. The people of Alicante can walk with pride retaining their values of tradition and family life.

 

After all that walking, it was time for a bite to eat, we rested at a very pleasant pavement cafe. Marian suggested that we have montaditos something I have never tried before.
They were small baguettes with a choice of delicious fillings at a reasonable cost. You don't need to go to a 5-star restaurant to find good food. I have sampled street food in many countries, if the food sellers are popular and busy, you know it is a good and a safe place to eat. We enjoyed our montaditos, and we washed it down with cold beer.
Marian then asked me if I'd like to go for a walk or dancing, as in Alicante the dancing starts on a Saturday afternoon, so it was dancing for me.

Alicante, Montaditos and fun

We spent the rest of the afternoon drinking beer and dancing to Spanish music, although I was the only English person in the bar, I felt very welcome. The dress code was casual but smart.
There was no bad behaviour in the bar, just respectful feelings towards each other.

We had great fun, but with the evening curtain drawing slowly over the Alicante sky, it was time for me to catch my tram. After a tearful goodbye at the station, my journey began to my good friends in Benidorm. When I returned to Benidorm, my mood changed, touching my very soul, I felt different somehow. My barrier lowered thanks to Marian, and my mistrust in love, reduced to just a small echo in time. I now look forward to my next travelling encounter, it's good going to Benidorm, having good times and drinking, but, there is so much more to do and see. The history and culture, the glowing happiness and contentment of the Spanish people, it's all there for you. So when you are in Benidorm, take a bus ride jump on a tram, you will not be disappointed.

Article and photography by Benidorm Seriously member R Colclough

More information about Alicante and things to do can also be found here 

All about Guardamar del Segura

Guardamar del Segura is a coastal town and municipality in the province of Alicante, in the Valencian Community, it is located on the southeast coast of the province and is part of the Vega Baja del Segura region. 

Guardamar is located at the mouth of the Segura river and that explains how Guardamar got its name as the Guardian of the Sea (In Spanish guarder is to guard and mar is sea). 

Guardamar is well know for its miles of fabulous sandy beaches, pine forests and sand dunes, another famous landmark is the Castillo (castle) which sits to the west of the town.  The town itself is very Spanish.

Places to visit -Costa Blanca South

Things to see in Guardamar.

Marina and River Port

At the mouth of the river you will find Guardamar’s marina, yacht club and dunes.  At the compact marina you will find fishing boats some larger yachts and small motor boats, this is where you will find the fish market ‘Llotja de Peix’ in Valencian.

Here you will find a wide range of water sports: sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, diving, canoeing and boating, as well as schools and courses in sailing, fishing competitions and regattas organised by the Yacht Club.

Guardarmar Town

The town itself is very Spanish but it does have all year round services such as restaurants, bars, shops, banks, etc. Every Wednesday in the central streets of the town there is a market where many people come to buy products such as food, clothing and furniture, the market is very popular with the local residents and tourists.

There is also a large sports center with paddle, tennis, football and a large heated swimming pool which is open all year. It also has a library where there is free wifi and computers for public use.

Guardamar del Segura has 16,000 inhabitants most of the year but during the months of July and August the population doubles. 

Guardamar Castle -  Guardamar was actually a walled village with a castle at the highest point, this area was inhabited from the 7th century BC. The village and castle were founded in 1271 as a royal town by Alfonso X of Castile,  Although there is not actually a lot left of the castle as in 1829 the area was hit by a severe earthquake and the castle and village were destroyed it was abandoned and the inhabitants moved to the lower lands next to the sea. Its still well worth a visit just to get the most beautiful panoramic views of the city the surrounding beaches, the orchards and the dunes.

Excavations have exposed important archaeological remains, including the collection of terracotta exvotes (offerings the ancients made to their gods. These offerings were deposited in shrines or places of worship and could consist of figurines representing people or animals, weapons, food). 

Rábita Califal.  This is a unique military and religious fortress of Muslim origin it is the only monastic complex from the Omeya Andalusí period (10^th-11^th century) which is almost fully preserved, due to the fact that after it was abandoned in the middle of the 11^th century, due to the civil war which the Caliphate underwent, the whole rábita remained buried and protected 

It spent almost nine hundred years this way, hidden under the sand, until 1897, when during reforestation works a tablet was found with Arabic inscriptions.

Mira Engineer House-Museum, also known as the Forest House, where the engineer who repopulated the Dunes of Guardamar was born so that they did not bury the village more than 100 years ago. Today his house has become a place worth visiting. In which you can see photographs, furniture and equipment related to the work of the repopulation of the dunes.

Archaeological Museum of Guardamar. Visiting this museum is like taking a trip through the history of the city. You will meet the first settlers, Roman, Islamic and Bajomedieval culture. In the museum you will find a section of archaeology and another of ethnology, however, you will discover the history of Guardamar!

The Pinade of Guardamar and the Dunes - The Dunes and Pine Forest of Guardamar del Segura are declared a Site of Community Interest (SCI). It is one of the most beautiful natural spots on the Costa Blanca. The dunes are formed from the sands contributed by the sea, forming several dunes that cover the entire district coastline, from north to south. 

There are 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of Mediterranean forest planted on the dunes, which border 11 km of golden sandy beaches of the highest quality.

There has always been a dense pine forest in this area but in the 18th century vast areas were cut down to build warships and never replaced, this caused major problems, together with the erosive processes of the river over the unprotected basin there was a considerable increase in sediment, this was later redistributed along the coastline by the action of the sea but the easterly wind forced these sediments further inland causing more problems for the northern part of the village and the surrounding orchards.  The dunes advance at a rate of between 2 and 8 meters per year.

In 1897 the Guardamar Dunes Defence and Repopulation project was announced and were given the task of fixing the dunes, trees and reeds were planted and even today as the sands bury them new plants are introduced to stop the incoming sand from the sea advancing too far inland, there are more than 600,000 trees of different species such as pine, palm, cypresses and eucalyptus trees. planted over the space of four decades, these pine woods are a necessity to protect the entire coastline.

You can enjoy a circular stroll through the entire 6.2kms of dunes or take a short wander along some of the various wooden walkways leading you through the trees and colourful flowers, its also a popular spot for birdwatching.  There are plenty of parking spots to be found.

Parque Alfonso XIII is a natural park, with an abundance of pine tree providing the park with many excellent natural recreation areas, offering shaded walkways and picnic areas. The Dunas de Guardamar del Segura forms part of the Parque Alfonso XIII.

Reina Sofia Park

This fabulous park is great for relaxing, people watching or letting the children play, paths and bridges wind through the park over waterways and lakes.   There are plenty and picnic tables and chairs located at beauty spots throughout, but its the beautiful wildlife which is the main attraction and Reina Sofía park is naturally blessed with some of the Mediterranean’s most endearing creatures such as peacocks, red squirrels, ducks, turtles and other migrating and resident birds.

The park has a large playground providing plenty of entertainment for younger children, and an open-air theatre offers live performances throughout the year and during the summer months a funfair with rides and food stalls is open and from mid-June to mid-August.  There is plenty of parking alongside the Parks.

The welcome shade, local facilities, and the close proximity to the beach makes Reina Sofía park an enjoyable experience for all the family, whatever the time of year.

All about Guardamar del Segura

Fiestas in Guardamar

Tree Festival: Celebrated on January 31st.  One of the most outstanding celebrations in defense of the woodland in Spain

Holy Week. Easter:  The Passion of Christ is celebrated with solemn and heartfelt processions presided over by the imagery of the steps of the different brotherhoods and with stagings in the streets.

Planto de la Foguera, June 21st a monument of cardboard and wood where criticism is exposed to the local and world events of the year. The eve of San Juan takes place on the beach the

Moors and Christians:  celebrated in the last two weeks of July.

Patron saint festivities: They are celebrated on October 7th in commemoration of our Lady of the Rosary.

Guardamar Beaches - Guardamar del Segura has some of the best beaches on the Costa Blanca, with the dunes provide a natural backdrop for 11 kilometres of sandy beaches.

Tossals beach

Tossals beach is an unspoiled Naturist Beach on the north bank of the Segura river, its find sand and the quality of the water and thick vegetation and natural sand dunes are the main attractions here, length 1,661m

Vivers beach

Situated next to the Segura river to the north and Babilonia beach to the south, this beach has 2km of soft, fine sand and is an important dune area with historic, archaeological sites.

Babilonia beach 

Situated between the central beach and Vivers is this interesting beach, also known as Babylon beach, the main attraction here is the houses of Babylon which are gorgeous beachfront villas decorated with tiles.

Centre beach

This is the beach nearest to the town centre and is a blue flag beach with fine sand and crystal clear waters.  The picturesque Renia Sofia park is situated near by.

Platja La Roqueta

Open beach located in the town’s urban and semi-urban area to the south. It borders with Centre Beach to the north and Montcaio Beach to the south.   Length: 1,164 m

Platja del Montcaio

Open spaces and small open dunes best describe this beach almost 1,5 km long. It has fine golden sands. It is a transition zone between the city’s urban development and the dunes to the south.  Length: 1,451 m

Platja del Camp

More than two kilometres of fine golden sands make this quiet natural beach a very special environment. Surrounded by a coastal countryside landscape there is a large area of dunes fixed with Mediterranean vegetation.  

It is a part of the Guardamar Coastal Pinewoods with pines and other trees and species. There are no buildings here making this natural area even more pleasant and quiet.  Length: 2,021 m

Platja de les Ortigues

Located on the edge of Guardamar district towards Torrevieja. It is a vast virgin beach of fine golden sands, with wide open spaces and an environment of dunes in an area where the Mediterranean delivers its best of intense blues.

Located next to the El Camp Beach, on the final stretch of the Guardamar Coastal Pinewoods. It is a wide strip of golden sands where you will be able to enjoy long walks.

All about Guardamar del Segura

Getting to Guardamar

By Car - Guardamar del Segura is located on the Costa Blanca south of the Valencian Community, 25 km south of Alicante International Airport by the N-332 road.

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Places to Visit, Costa Blanca South

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 SOUTHERN 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.

The name "Costa Blanca" was supposedly invented in 1957 by "British European Airways", which advertised their flights from London to Valencia with this slogan.

Southern Costa Blanca Area

Elche, Santa Pola, Tabarca Island, Novelda, Orihuela, Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, The Orihuela Costa is located in the south of Costa Blanca, this area includes La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Dehese de Campoamor,  Villamartin, Pinar de Campoverde, Los Dolses, La Fuente and Mil Palmeras

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

Discover the Best Beaches on the Costa Blanca

Click on the links for a FULL information page on each location.

ALICANTE, Coastal, included on this page as its sort of the north/south divide 

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

ELCHE (ELX)

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. More information HERE

Places to Visit, Costa Blanca South

SANTA POLA (Coastal) 

Santa Pola is situated on the Costa Blanca South it is a popular holiday destination for many, especially the Spanish themselves, its close proximity to the Airport helps and it is only a few miles from Alicante city.

Unlike many of the other nearby coastal towns, Santa Pola remains busy all year round as it is a working town with a busy port, every evening you can see the fishing boats return with their daily catch. The port also has a lovely marina.  More information can be found HERE

TABARCA ISLAND 

The tiny island of Tabarca is one of the top tourist destinations within the Costa Blanca. A visit here is just like stepping back in time, although it can feel quite crowded during the height of summer as over 4,000 people visit it daily! In 1986 the island and and its surrounding waters were declared a protected marina and bird reserve.  MORE INFORMATION HERE

NOVELDA (Inland) 

 

Novelda is a municipality located in the province of Alicante, in the region of Medio Vinalopó. referred to as ‘The Grapes Valley’.  This area is famous for its grapes and wine production.

Novelda is also known as “The City of Saffron.” Throughout history, this spice has been a major export for the city.  Marble also plays an important part in this area, manufacturing and processing of marble is the main industrial activity in the city, some of most important marble and lime mines are located here, clay, gypsum and silica mines are also found in this area. That is why it is also known as the Marble World Centre all over the globe. 

The top attractions to visit in Novelda are: Santuario Santa Magdalena, Casa Museo Modernista, Castillo de la Mola, Iglesia Arciprestal de San Pedro Apostol.  MORE INFORMATION HERE

GUARDAMAR del SEGURA (Costal) 

Guardamar is located at the mouth of the Segura river and that explains how Guardamar got its name as the Guardian of the Sea (In Spanish guarder is to guard and mar is sea). 

Guardamar is well know for its miles of fabulous sandy beaches, pine forests and sand dunes, another famous landmark is the Castillo (castle) which sits to the west of the town.  The town itself is very Spanish. MORE INFORMATION HERE

ORIHUELA (Inland)  

The city of Orihuela is full of museums and religions buildings, the town center is declared a historic and Artistic Monumental due to its rich heritage.  Even if you are not a “cultural” lover, Orihuela is worth a visit.  Take a walk beside the Rio Segura which runs trough the city where you will find many nice shops, restaurants and tapas bars.

The old part of the city is to the north of the Segura River, the new part on the south. Historic buildings include the 14th-century cathedral; the Church of Santiago (once a mosque; rebuilt in the 18th century).  Places to visit the 14th-century Church of Santas Justa y Rufina, with an 18th-century facade; and the College of Santo Domingo (1516–1701), the former university.  MORE INFORMATION HERE

TORREVIEJA (Coastal)

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.  FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

THE ORIHUELA COSTA 

 

The Orihuela Costa is located in the south of Costa Blanca, this area includes Punta Prima, La Zenia, Cabo Roig, Dehese de Campoamor, Villamartin, Pinar de Campoverde, Los Dolses, La Fuente and Mil Palmeras.

The Orihuela Costa is the perfect place for beautiful sandy beaches, there are 11 beaches, which stretch for over 16 km, it is also well known for its fantastic golf courses such as Campoamor, Las Ramblas and Villa Martin. FIND LOTS MORE INFORMATION ON ALL THE PLACES MENTIONED ABOVE HERE

LA ZENIA BOULEVARD, SHOPPING CENTER

La Zenia Boulevard shopping center is the largest in the province of Alicante, situated on the Orihuela Costa, south of Torrevieja about 1hr 15 mins drive 120km from Benidorm via the AP7 or an hour and a half via the N332 109km.

It is a shopping center designed for visitors to enjoy and have fun, with something for everyone, its beautifully designed with over 90 different species of vegetation and cooling water sprays during the hot summer months, there are plenty of rest areas, a giant LED screen where you can enjoy the best sporting events and the most interesting documentaries, as well as a stage  for  free concerts and performances. FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE

TORRE de la HORRADADA, More information to follow

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PLACES TO VISIT ON THE COSTA BLANCA NORTH

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.

Little Venice, Port Saplaya, Valencia

Little Venice, Port Saplaya, Valencia - Port Saplaya is locally known as "Little Venice" due to its colourful houses lining the waterways, In Valencian Port Sa Platja, means ‘harbour and its beach’

Port Saplaya is situated just north of Valencia (about 10 minutes by car),  It is located in the eastern part of the municipality of Alboraya, about 5 km north from Playa de la Malvarrosa. Journey time from Benidorm is around 1hr 35 mins (145km)

Port Saplaya is a purpose built residential area which houses may holiday homes, apartments and villas. 

It was built in the 70s and is famous for its colourful houses. It is very busy during the summer months but out of season it is wonderfully quiet, calm and peaceful.  

 

The harbour area was created from a redundant sea port, the harbour has moorings surrounded by terraced houses painted in pastel colours, allowing the boat users to arrive at the doors of their houses

There are various inlets around the marina area all surrounded with the colourful houses and apartments, the marina, located at the centre of the development is only accessible on foot.  These characteristics, together with the colour of the buildings, have earned it the nickname "little Venice". 

There are 2 main squares (piazza) located at each end of the town are surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants offering local dishes and this is one of the best place to try horchata (horchata is a drink very similar to milk but it has a distinctive nutty taste, since it’s made from “chufa”, an edible tuba with similarities to both celery and nutmeg), traditional ice cream or tasty bocadillos de calamares with alioli sauce. 

Plaza Major in the south zone and the Plaza de la Senyoria in the north zone, open at one side and surrounded by arches on the other three. 

The whole village is pedestrian, surrounded by just one road, which permits Access to underground garages.

Little Venice, Port Saplaya, Valencia

THE BEACH

Port Saplaya also has two beaches which are separated by the entrance to the port, both are easily accessible and have various services

All along the beach front you will find plenty of bars and restaurants to sit and enjoy the sea breeze and the wonderful views

LENGTH: 475 meters

WIDTH: 45 meters / Lots of variation

COASTAL FACADE: Semiurban

ARENA: Golden Sand / Dark - Sand

FORM OF ACCESS: Easy walking / Car / Boat

PARKING: Yes / Unguarded / Between 50 and 100 

BUS: Yes / Intercity (Line at 4 Km)

HOSPITAL: Clinical Hospital of Valencia 5 km away.

NUDISM: NO

TOILETS: NO

SHOWERS OR WASHES: YES

TRASH: YES

RENT HAMMOCKS/UMBRELLAS: NO

SPORTS AREA: YES

CHILDREN'S AREA: YES

RENTAL OR YACHT CLUB: YES

DIVING PRACTICE: NO

Fiestas

The festivities of Port Saplaya are dedicated to the Virgin of Carmen, patron saint of the navigators, and are held the second or third week of July, after the major festivities of Alboraya. Most of the activities take place around the Senyoria Square and the Luis Saiz Díaz promenade (north promenade), and include a Mass to Our Lady and a seafaring procession in her honour.

Little Venice, Port Saplaya, Valencia - History

Port Saplaya was built at the beginning of the 70s as a Project among a group of business people and local landowners near the beach at Alboraya. The area is well known for the drink, horchata, made from tiger nuts. To grow the nuts a special combination of soil and sand is needed.

Before the 70s the beach was difficult to access and was not really used despite being only 3 kilometres from Valencia.

The Project was inspired by similar designs on the Cote D’Azur in France and the Italian Riviera, mainly Port Grimaud in the gulf of Saint Tropez, building a harbour and docks surrounded by buildings where each owner could moor up beside his or her house.

The interior design was carried out by designer Agnès Borel, who was also responsible for designing a host of details on the site that give it its unique character. Most of the cast iron balconies seen on the houses are antiquities.

Getting to Port Saplaya from Benidorm

Obviously driving is the easiest option but you could take public transport to Valencia as there is ample free parking in the shopping centre nearby, plus plenty of free street parking.

The roads that access Port Saplaya are as follows:

V-21	North access to Valencia Une Valencia the A-7.
CV-311	CV-311. Link Alboraya with Port Saplaya and V-21.

 

Car Hire

From Valencia by public transport

Metro tube train to Rafelbunyol and then getting a bus or taxi from the station to the beach area.

There are local buses to Alboraya and Patacona  which run every day hourly.  There is also a seasonal bus service departing from Valencia.

The charm of the buildings around the canals, the gardens, the beach, and the friendliness of the locals all make this a place well worth a visit.

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