http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_rss.php The latest from VillaSpain Travel Blog en-us info@villaspain.co.uk (VillaSpain Webmaster) Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:27:38 +0000 Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:27:38 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=29 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=29 There are some really nice restaurants near in Moraira, which is only about 7 minutes drive from the villa. One in particular which we found really nice was the Bajul Indonesian Restaurant, second street on from the car park situated in Moraira town. Another, which we found enjoyable was just on the outskirts of Moraira, on the road to Calpe - the Gemissant, which is an italian restaurant, nice food for a reasonable price. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=28 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=28 It is always nice to be able to say a few words of the local language when you are abroad but it can be a bit daunting. Picture this …… before your holiday and with all good intentions you buy a phrase book so you are ready to converse with the locals and ....... be at one with them. You arrive in the country all excited and raring to speak "the lingo". Sit down in a restaurant, look at the menu, flip through the phrase book and even before you can decipher the first word the waiter is there, towering above you, rattling off a sentence ... or is it one very long word, I'm sure there were no gaps in between!! Anyhoo, you are staring open mouthed at him and already you know he has decided that… you are a moron!! O.K, quick say something …. Errr ……... avez vous … err …a cuppa…. Doh!! We've all been there haven't we? There is so much in a phrase book that by the time you look a word up, 6 hours have passed!! It is much better to learn just a few good words/phrases rather than try and prepare for every eventuality. So I have listed a few simple words and phrases below. If you wish to learn more Spanish then please go to <a href=/spanish.php title="Learn Spanish">http://www.villaspain.co.uk/spanish.php</a>.<p>A few every day words/phrases:- Goodbye - adiós<br /> Hello– hola [<b>ola</b>]<br /> Left/Right <b>izquierda</b>/derecha [<b>ith-keer- dah</b>]<br /> No/Yes – no/ sí<br /> Pardon - perdón<br /> Please - por favor<br /> Sir/Madam/Miss – señor/ señora/ señorita<br /> Thanks – gracias [grathyas]<br /> You're welcome - de nada<br /> Do you speak English? - ¿<b>Habla</b> inglés? [<b>ah-blah</b>]<br /> No Comprendo – I don’t understand<br /> Can you help me? - ¿<b>Puedes</b> ayudarme? [<b>poo-edes</b>]<br /> How much is it? - ¿Cuánto es? [kwanto es]<br /> We're looking for … - Estamos buscando [es-tamos boos-kando]<br /> Restaurants:-<br /> I would like to see the menu, please? - ¿ <b>Quiero</b> ver el menú, por favor? [<b>key-ero</b>]<br /> To start, I would like …? - De primero me <b>gustaría</b> … [<b>goos-tayria</b>]<br /> For the main course ... - Como plato principal….…. A phrase book is always a good idea anyway. Once you are comfortable with the few basic words above you will then feel more confident to refer to the phrase book more often. Thus expanding your language skills. Like us, people all over the world appreciate it if you try saying a few words of their language. It shows you are trying, that you respect their country and their language. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=27 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=27 Gasolineria cafe (look for the Blue Bull) - on the road to Moraira is excellent for home-made cakes and refreshments. The owners are most welcoming. La Fustera Supermarket is approx 100m from the cafe and is open on a Sunday until 2.00 and they do beautiful meats for BBQ and are exceptionally reasonable on most prices. La Mamma Mia italian restuarant in Calpe is exceptionally good and reasonably priced. Superb market in Calpe on a Saturday Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=26 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=26 Flamenco is a traditional Spanish musical genre combining Cante (song), Baile (dance) and Guitarra (the guitar). Originating from the province of Andalusia the flamenco can tell all imaginable stories from tragedy to comedy, and love to politics using song, dance and music to bring the story alive. Stories abound of the hazardous mountain landscape, where murderous highwaymen and bandits would kill their victims for the smallest sums of money, some of whom would become the stuff of legends, glorified by the romantic writers of the time. Flamenco is a passionate and seductive art form, a mysterious and misunderstood culture that has been burning in Andalucía for nearly five hundred years, and today flamenco has thousands of aficionado’s worldwide. Originally many of the classes were illiterate, so the music and songs were passed on orally, eliminating any written history from being recorded. Many of the groups involved in the beginning of the flamenco culture were later persecuted, including the gypsies, the Jews and the Moors, taking any existing evidence with them at the time. Flamenco has been shrouded in mystery for many years, and it has only in recent years become known to, but not fully understood by, the rest of the world. Flamenco music made a comeback in the late eighteenth century in a time often referred to as the Golden Age of Flamenco. Singing and dancing performances started growing in popularity in the cities of Seville and Malaga and quickly spread throughout the province of Andalusia. As the movement grew, so did the different styles of flamenco; as local dance movements and traditions influenced the original art form. Many people mistakenly think of flamenco as being a form of dance, although it originally started as a form of singing to tell a story. Dance was later added to express the songs with movement to the music. The entire art form is a complex blend of music, dance and song and to the untrained eye may look wild and ardent. The sophisticated footwork and complex rhythms of music combine together to make flamenco the passionate art form that it is today. Flamenco is presented in many different varieties, and the colourful polka-dot dresses, castanets, and mellow tones of the acoustic guitar have become emblematic of Andalucía, but these do not represent the authentic side of flamenco. Castanets are not part of true flamenco, they are an element that has been added to enhance the finger snapping. Keep an eye out for the posters telling you were and when you might catch a show. If it’s authentic then you will never forget it. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=25 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=25 This was my first visit to Costa Blanca Spain and I must say it exceeded my (very low) expectations. My preconceived notion about Costa Blanca was rows of high-rise hotels, English restaurants and beaches crammed with “lobster” people and not a word of Spanish heard within miles. Why did I go? I was going with a group of friends and according to budget, travel time, weather etc Costa Blanca was the one that ticked all the boxes. I didn’t mind too much as it’s the company that makes or breaks a holiday ... and I enjoy my company... only kidding!! Two friends did the homework and looked for villas to rent. There were hundreds of sites that rent villas and millions of holiday villas to view. Finally we booked a lovely villa with Villa Spain and managed to get cheap flights to Spain via their site. Our holiday in Spain finally arrived and we arrived at Alicante to brilliant sunshine … so far so good!! The villa was very clean and well equipped and one of the best villas I have stayed in. The villa was a short distance to the beach in El Portet, which I preferred to Moraira or Calpe because it was smaller and had a fantastic bar/café right beside the beach where they served delicious Paella and house wine was very nice and reasonable. We had printed off the info from the website of Villa Spain under Area info page, “Things to do” which enhanced our holiday. Four clueless women, well clueless on holidays in Costa Blanca, needed all the help we could get. Just to set the record straight we are not entirely clueless, just ask anybody (well anybody who does not know us). We had bought a map (my idea) and a phrase book (again my idea, obviously the brains in the outfit). So we managed to go sightseeing to the many places of interest. We visited Guadalest, which was amazing. It really was like time stood still. Views were breathtaking and we had a lovely lunch at XORTA which was recommended by Villa Spain. Another visit was to Elche, Costa Blanca because we had read it was steeped in history with buildings dating from the 8th Centruy. We all were looking forward to being immersed in historic splendour …… o.k o.k, we actually went because it was the “Spanish footwear capital”…… Sigh …. Heaven!! We did see the historic buildings aswell, honest…. Erm… through the shoe shop window but we did see them. We all decided we would come back here one august to see the fiesta with fireworks. Our next visit was Benidorm, Costa Blanca, I know, I know, what was I thinking, Lobsterville!! But according to Villa Spain website there is a lot to see, so we decided Benidorm Palace with a meal and cabaret. It was like seeing a Vegas show. Never been but this is what they looked like in the old movies!! Had a wander around the old town beforehand and had a siesta on the beach after a few obligatory riojas …. When in rome!! Didn’t fancy the Medieval Tournament just outside Benidorm though, I don’t know but the thought of King Alejandro and the round table or Sir Leonardo just didn’t do it for me!! (my version not actual…… just incase their lawyers are reading my Blog!!) and while we are in fantasy land.. (just incase George Clooney is reading my Blog … MARRY ME!!) We also visited Calpe and climbed the rock. The views (above photo) were amazing and the birds fly eye level when you get higher which was really weird. We didn’t get to the top as half way up we realised it’s lunchtime and with great disappointment and a heavy heart we descended to a local tapas bar. O.k you can wake up now, I’ve finished. It really was a great villa holiday in Spain and I’m glad my friends chose Costa Blanca. Always try new things, you just never know. Kind Regards Jackie and the Girls (women) Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=24 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=24 Winter months in Javea are fairly quiet, however there are still plenty of cafes and restaurants open. Lots offer a 'menu of the day' at very cheap prices but still good quality. Weather on our 15 day trip in November was sunny every day except two rainy days, daily temps averaged 19c, but it gets chilly in the evening so you need some heating in your accomodation. We had similar sunny days in January averaging 17c and no rain at all! Javea has a choice of two distinct areas which which are approx a mile apart along the sea front. The port and old town area is more traditional, again with plenty of bars/cafes and restaurants. The promenade cafes are popular in the daytime with locals and visitors. Alternatively you have the Arenal end of Javea which is more modern and buildings less attractive but still plenty of shops, restaurants/bars etc. Also a large sandy beach which is kept very clean. No package holidays visit Javea, but lots of Brits and non Spanish as a popular area to own second homes or retire to. Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=23 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=23 We recommend a trip to the mountain village of Guadalest, wonderful views with eagles flying near by. For a special treat try the restaurant. Trish And Simon Leverett Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=22 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=22 We had a wonderful week at "Amber". A couple of bad weather days, but that didn't deter us from doing what we wanted to do. The villa is very comfortable and well equipped. We also liked the location very much as we were able to walk to the beach and also to downtown Moraira. The fact that there were so many "Brits" there made it very easy for us in communication as most people there were able to speak english. We especially liked Moraira. We travelled about in the area and were very happy we were in Moraira and not some of the other areas with high-rise buildings. Many good restaurants in Moraira. We especially enjoyed Xin Xiang Chinese food (great food and exceptional value for our money) and also the Himilaya Restaurant. Mary Greatorex Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=21 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=21 Just returned from a week in Moraira staying at the Villa Estrella. Villa was lovely and in a great location. We had a long chat with the pool man. Really lovely guy who filled us in on the local news etc. We really like the Moraira area there is so much to do and plenty to see. With Denia, Calpe and Altea just minutes away you can get out and really see the sights of this area. Try some of the walks for a change from sunbathing. Go to the local Tourist office and they will provide you with maps and details of how easy the walks are and roughly how long they will take. Don't forget to visit the local markets too. You can get some great bargains and once again it makes a nice change from laying on the beach or by the pool. Will definitely be going back again next year and will use Villaspain. Hassle free bookings of great villas. Stuart Smart Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=20 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=20 We visited the commercial centre (Cumbre del Sol) on a few occasions. The Obsession Lounge (I think that was the name) was superb, with good food and entertainment at the weekends. We wished we had found it sooner. The Irish bar was a good venue to just sit and have a drink and watch the world go by. The service was very good and the waitress even remembered our drinks from a previous visit. We have mixed feelings about the Chinese restaurant. The first time we went we sat inside and the service and food was very good but not very busy. The next time we went we sat outside and they were very busy and the service and food went into decline. They couldn't seem to cope with all the tables full at the same time. Food was cold and we didnt get everything we ordered. We didn't visit a 3rd time....! The smaller cafe just along from the Chinese was very good as we went there the first day. Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=19 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=19 The place was quiet, green, beautiful. The villa was really spacious, cozy and comfortable. Two floors had separated entrances, we and our guests liked an opportunity to have some privacy. It was a bit far from a sea but we had a car and it was not a problem at all. There are plenty of good restaurants in Moraira (we visited few, all places were full of people). The center of the city is busy all night, plenty of places to eat (authentic food, seafood, which is great) or to have a drink on an open air with a sea view. There is also a restaurant along the main beach which we used to have a lunch at. We really liked it. We really enjoyed our one-week vacation. (above: Olga's photo of Moraira beach) Dr Olga Vassieva Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=18 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=18 The resort of Moraira was unknown to us but a real treasure and a wonderful spot. We would consider re-visiting the resort. The restaurant recommended by your web site guide - Le Dauphin, is absolutely fantastic! What a location and the food was superb with impeccable service. The pool man was a lovely fella who was also very sociable and helpful - please let him know that the restaurant he recommended in Xavea/Javea was exactly what we wanted and he was spot on with his description. It was right at the Northern end of the 'rocky beach' as he called it, the second restaurant in, we sat outside, next to the beach with large candles lit around the tables. You could sit and people watch, there were musicians walking up and down the strip of restaurants giving entertainment to the diners. They did a menu of the day for only €12 so was very reasonable but you could choose other things from the main menu if you preferred. The food was very traditional Spanish - paella was on the menu of the day. It seemed popular with Spanish as well as tourists. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=17 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=17 Rising from the sparkling blue Mediterranean sea, the precipitous rock formation called Penon De Ifach watches over the bay of Calpe. One of the most famous sights along the Costa Blanca coastline, Spain, Penon De Ifach is now a protected Natural Park. In former times the rock was used as a watchtower - an excellent vantage point to spot attacks from Berber pirates and warn the surrounding community. Nowadays Penon De Ifach is a peaceful refuge for many plant and bird species and though it is a popular destination for tourists, there is a limit put on the number of people allowed to climb the rock at any one time (so arrive early during the busy months). There is a walking trail which takes you all the way to the summit by way of a tunnel constructed in 1918 to make the climb easier, but be warned, although the walking is reasonably easy on the lower slopes, it becomes very tricky beyond the tunnel. The summit of Penon De Ifach offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and makes it well worth the effort of the 330m climb to the summit. Some rare bird species can be seen on the rock including Audouin's gull, Eleanora's falcon and the peregrine falcon. There are also many species of wild flower including one rare orchid species found only on Penon De Ifach. The views are breathtaking from this rock. You can see the whole coastline of Calpe and beyond from different vantage points. Penon De Ifach can be easily accessed from the CV 746 at Calpe which branches off the main coast road - N332. Also close by is the AP-7 motorway, via junctions 63 or 64. Whilst you are visiting Penon De Ifach do not forget a trip into Calpe, formerly a medieval fishing village, now a major tourist destination due to its fine sandy beaches and fantastic water sports facilities. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=15 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=15 As a first time blogger and as part of the team at Villaspain it occurred to me that I should say something of great interest, or so I think, so I have saved myself until now. Others can be the judge. Feeling guilty about carbon emissions when travelling? How many of us have the inclination to carbon offset our holidays or even have the time to source the best solution if we were so inclined? There are so many contributing factors that create too much CO2 in the world that it is, in my opinion, unfair for anyone to be made to feel guilty about taking that holiday abroad by plane. Just how many times can you holiday in the UK before you want to escape? Some airlines do have a program of carbon offsetting, which you can view on their website. The introduction of the carbon offsetting that started in 2008 (Plant a Tree for Free), is an unusual step forward for us at Villaspain, since it allows all travellers to our villas to be guilt free about their holiday trip with us. Even though we do not sell flights or car hire this simple program compensates for everyone in the party by carbon offsetting the entire trip to one of our villas in Spain. What we do is simply plant a tree for every person on the booking form (including children and babies), at no cost whatsoever to the holidaymaker. The total count is shown on a clickometer on the homepage. Few simple facts; Examples of CO2 emissions when travelling to Alicante Spain from the UK are shown below, according to calculations by the Carbon Neutral Company; London to Alicante return flight 1,763 miles = 0.4 tons of CO2 Glasgow to Alicante return flight 2,472 miles = 0.5 tons of CO2 Car hire 300 miles (based on a 4 door 2 ltr petrol car, with 2 sharing) = 0.05 tons of CO2. A single person will therefore contribute approximately 0.50 (½) ton of CO2 in total for the transport involved for their return flight and car hire usage within Spain. A tree will absorb .71 tons of CO2 in its lifetime, which more than compensates for the trip over its lifetime. Since it makes no difference where you plant a tree for carbon offsetting, then it can be considerably more beneficial to plant in areas of the world that can actually help local communities too. These trees used in agroforestry and reforestation techniques will also help to restore the natural resources of rural farmers' degraded lands. The fast-growing trees will offer the farmer food, fodder and fuel, as well as land stability and fertilizer. Planting of the one-year-old healthy saplings is conducted independently by an accredited non profit-making tree-planting charity specialising in agroforestry throughout the developing world, where it is most needed in bringing social and economic benefits to the local communities. For more info about the trees then click on the CO2 Free Trees clickometer at the top of our homepage. Feeling better already? Bruce Gibson (soletrader of Villaspain) Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=14 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=14 It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but head for the villages and countryside north of Alicante and the vibe changes from turismo to tradicional. An hour and a half into my drive north of Alicante and I noticed something pretty dramatic - suddenly, almost within the turn of a corner, the landscape changed from brown and arid to green and mountainous; the high-rise concrete hotels gave way to smart villas, and I found myself in lush valleys of oranges, almonds and lemon groves. There are few places in the world where the northern part of a small coastline contrasts more with the south. I went expecting a landscape of mass tourism but, in the northern part of the Costa Blanca, I found quaint Spanish villages where bar owners spoke only 10 words of English, and I found a part of Europe where life goes on the way it has for decades, with siestas religiously adhered to, and local customs and culture still very much a part of everyday life. This part of Spain is undoubtedly one of the wealthiest in the country. Tourism earns considerable returns for the locals and property prices reflect the number of well-heeled northern Europeans who buy a second home in this tempting area. The weather has a lot to do with this. In the region's main town, Denia, the sun is said to shine 320 days a year. Denia Denia's skyline is dominated by the 18th-century Castillo de Denia. Not only does a trip to this honey-coloured fortress give you an insight into the region's long history, the building's grandness offers an excellent opportunity to get your bearings. Twenty miles of Blue Flag beaches extend from Denia to the north; head south and the rocky coves provide excellent scuba sites. I loved Denia. It had the feel of being a real working town. With its pavement cafes, smart shops (wonderful fashion boutiques!) and bustling indoor market I felt as if I was in a small version of Nice. There's just so much life about the place. Maybe that's why the town celebrates more fiestas than any other in Spain - quite an achievement. The biggest is the Hogueras de San Juan (22-24 June). Similar to the Fallas Festival in Valencia, it features hundreds of huge papier måché sculptures, representing anything from politicians and celebrities to hot issues of the moment. These are set up in the main streets and squares, only to be set alight in spectacular bonfires on June 24 to celebrate the arrival of summer. The carnival lasts through the night and, although there is no rowdy behaviour or drunkenness, the party atmosphere is positively electric. During July the town celebrates Santissima a Sangre, which celebrates the town's patron saint and the blood shed by Jesus Christ. Events include infamous Toros a la Mar bull running around the seafront, in which young men run in front of the bulls before throwing themselves into the sea. The following month, on August 14-16, sees the Moors and Christians Fiesta. This Moorish 'invasion' is re-enacted every year with the accompanying canon- and musket-fire and the following day the Christians stage an attack and retake their castle with even more enthusiasm. For a great fish restaurant in Denia go to Restaurante mena, Final las Rotas (tel +34 96 578 0943). An excellent assortment and under €15 a head. Jávea Well worth a visit is neighbouring Jávea, a portside town of 20,000 which sits astride a hill. I loved wandering the narrow streets with old houses built from Tosca sandstone. They cluster around the 15th-century Gothic fortress church of San Bartolome. No high-rise buildings are allowed in Jávea which explains its attractive landscape. Pueblo, the old village of Jávea, has made few concessions to tourism. Whitewashed houses surround the bay, and it's a great place to just sit in one of the outdoor cafes watching the fishermen bring in their fresh catches or watch the sailing boats set off from the marina. I stayed in a villa near Jávea run by the excellent operator Villa Select. Set halfway between Jesus Pobre and Jávea old town, Casa Valls sleeps 10, has its own tennis court and pool and is surrounded by its own two-acre oasis of orange and lemon groves and tropical gardens. In early summer it costs £1,295 a week and even in July and August it is still available at under £2,000 a week. Among the delights of this area are the scenic Orba and Jalón valleys - a pleasure for walking or touring by car. Orba Valley Running inland from Denia, the Orba Valley is home to the Girona river and charming, atmospheric little villages such as Tormos, Rafol, Benidoleig, Sagra and Pedreguer. These five villages are collectively known as the 'Rectoría'. As I sat with a strong coffee in an even stronger sunshine in the tiny hamlet of Tormos I realised that this was the Spain I was hoping to find but didn't dare count on. Old men sat in the street playing dominoes; women were conspicuously absent - apart from the industrious ones hanging out their washing on their balconies and spying on the menfolk below; children and dogs played in the squares and narrow streets. Located at the foot of the Sierra del Recingle, next to the Caval and Migdía Sierras, it is an excellent base for walking and the odd visitor that one does see is clad in suitable hiking gear . The charm of the 'Rectoría' villages is that they remain totally uncommercialised. In an area still mainly devoted to growing fruit, the inhabitants are country people and proud of it. This is the place to head for a complete chill-out. Jalón Valley In the Jalón Valley, just to the south, the Gorgos river running through it is a striking feature and the road follows its twists and turns for several miles. The most attractive villages here are Llíber, Alcalalí, Parcent and Gata de Gorgos. Each has its own distinct character and its own unique specialist produce drawn from the surrounding countryside - wine from the vines, baskets from the reeds or honey from the orange blossom. Llíber is the smallest village, with 498 inhabitants and, for me, it's the most charming. I had lunch there in a cafe where, between my halting Spanish and the owner's pidgin English, we managed a conversation about the local wine which is produced and marketed under the 'Vall de Xaló' label by the Virgen Pobre cooperative. Their pride is the Muscatel and after half a bottle you'll know why. It's perfect with the garlic mushroom, sardines and stuffed tomatoes you often find in this region. Another beautiful place is the hillside village of Parcent. Head for the main square and enjoy a relaxed meal in the Co-Op - a place full of local workers enjoying a three-course meal with beer for €12 - then sit back and listen to the peeling bells of the Immaculate Conception church. Parcent is sleepy for most of the year, but certainly not so between August 10 and 14 when the entire village celebrates the feast of their patron saint, St Lorenzo. Gata de Gorgos is worth visiting for its crafts shops, though more business in cane and wicker goodies tends to be done on the plentiful street stalls than in the shops. The houses here, white with ivory lintels, give the village a specific character, and don't miss the wonderfully ornate church which dates from 1535; the same year the village became an independent municipality from Dénia. Benissa is an enchanting medieval town. Located on the windy coastal road between Valencia and Alicante, its highlight is the 'Cathedral of the Marina Alta' which was constructed in the 1920s by pious local masons who relied their own physical strength and money. It served as a wonderfully cool haven on an otherwise baking hot day, but there was a quality about it - which had nothing to do with the shade it provided - that made me want to linger. Perhaps it was the abundance of art in a small, unprepossessing town, for here you find a truly magnificent altarpiece in honour of the venerable patron saint of the village, the Blessed Xiquet. Its detail is incredible. The church also houses a statue attributed to the famous 16th-century Spanish artist Juan de Juanes. Explore the old quarter of Benissa starting from the Ayuntamiento -the former Hospital for the Poor - where you can see the beginning of the track used by the ancient ribereros (the workers who emigrated from Benissa to harvest rice on the Valencia coast). The houses here have ornate iron grilles on their windows and the floral display in the window-boxes are the cause of local rivalry. The result is a charming, photogenic little gem, reminiscent of the old parts of Granada. writes Katie Wood Thursday July 20 2006 guardian.co.uk Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=13 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=13 BENIDORM PALACE A magnificent and gloriously colourful BIG show of international renown. Wine and dine first, or go later to enjoy some of Europes very best showtime entertainment in this plush, capacious, traditional style nightclub. Feast your eyes on the first-class, fabulous dancers in exotic, spectacularly glamorous feathered costumes who will take your breath away. A full programme of original, top artistes from around the world ensure you are thoroughly entertained. A must-do in Benidorm. Opens at 9 pm but get there for 8.30pm. Dinner is served soon after. Their menu is a delicious combination of fish, first class meat and vegetables. Vegetarian menus on request and Gluten Free on some menu categories. Showtime is at 10.30 pm. You can pay a deposit of just 5 EUR per person to secure the advance reservation of your table for the night of your choice. Opening nights are Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. Also open Wednesdays during the summer. The Benidorm Palace is completely non-smoking. Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=11 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=11 Just arrived back from villa pintor had a lovely time, the villa is lovely, will need a car as few ups and downs with the hills to getting there younger people can walk , not recommended for the older people. pool lovely well maintained. People really friendly, plenty of bars and restaurants locally, good ones to visit are - bentleys- open evenings only (excellent food ) new managers , around there you have drude,s cave bar, and the bell round the corner . go down the stairs and you will find tiffany,s bar, only open until 1.30pm for food but open for drinks in the evening{good karaoke on friday). toppers takeaway, b,s bar, and also the english butcher in case you want a barbie. 5 minutes drive into town and beach, lots of bars and eating areas , lovely harbour and a castle to visit, excellent beach not too big. supermarkets local on the way to beach, market in town on a friday worth a visit. Had a geat time will visit area again. mr & mrs wylde x Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=12 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=12 The restaurant we really liked (having a son who does not like tapas or Rice) was Monroe's Carvery. It has a special deal where if you order before 7pm then an adult meal and dessert is just 7.75 euros and for children it is 4.25 It gets very busy so it is best to book and the food is lovely - we had a choice of 3 different meats and a vegetarian option - with mash and roast potatoes, 3 different types of veg and of course Yorkshire puddings. This was a great way to get our son to eat some veg as we found most restaurants just did chips and meat (some did beans !) There was another one where we ate twice but I cannot remember its name - it was a pub behind the English Butcher and Fish and Chip shop on the road to/from Moraira. It was run by a man called Don and his wife again reasonable price and nice food. We went to Terra Mitica and found it quite expensive but worth a full days visit. Aqualandia was very expensive and we did not find out until we were inside that our son was to short for ALL the rides - they have a blanket size for everything even the wave pool of 1.5 meters (our son is 1.2) and they would not let him on anything - a total waste of time and money. A really lovely villa and very clean - we found it very restful and spent most days and evenings sitting around the pool. We had some great sunsets/sun rises and my mum enjoyed sitting at the chess table reading early in the morning. We took our own dvd player but it was great to have your one - and our son enjoyed watching the TV to get out of the sun. Thanks again for a great holiday (one of the best villas we have stayed in) Michelle and Dave Lee (stayed in villa La Madrugada) Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=9 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=9 After enjoying the beach and cooling off in the sea, you can if you wish enjoy one of the many fiestas, for which Spain is renowned throughout the world. In the Moraira/Teulada region, you will find different fiestas take place throughout the year. In preparation, the local people bake, cook, make fabulous costumes and organise huge firework displays. The two most important Fiestas are; San Vicente Ferrer, which takes place on the first Monday after Easter Monday, and Moors & Christians, which is held the second weekend in June. San Vicente Ferrer is a 10 day religious fiesta to celebrate the Patron Saint of Teulada. However, the Spanish are masters at combining solemnity and la dolce vita, and if you follow the delicious aroma wafting around town you are likely to find a giant paella being served up somewhere. Everyone is invited, so just join in and enjoy yourself ! The history of Spanish occupation is celebrated by the week long Moors & Christians fiesta. Theatrically presented in impressive costumes, the townspeople are separated into Moorish and Christian filas (groups), and hold marches and mock battles that take place at various times and places throughout the village. The high point of this fantastic fiesta is the firework display and procession on the last day. Whichever fiesta you watch, you will always be made welcome and encouraged to join in the fun, dancing and laughing alongside both participants and spectators. One thing is for sure - you should visit a Spanish fiesta at least once in your lifetime to get a feel for what is probably the most enjoyable aspect of the Spanish way of life. Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=8 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=8 Playa del arenal (Arenal Beach) Situated in the middle of the bay, this is the best-known beach and the one most visited by tourists. It is the only sandy beach, as the others are composed of rocks or gravel. At its Northern end there was a large Roman settlement, the site today of the Parador Nacional “Costa Blanca.” The beach has sun-shades, sun-beds, pedal-boat and boat hire. It is ideal for walks, shopping or having lunch by the sea. Cala Blanca (White Cove) Heading for Cabo de la Nao, after passing the second Montañar, we find Cala Blanca, also known as La Caleta. The cove has many corners which combine rock and gravel. A good place for excursions and fishing and to visit Cap Prim. Cala de La Barraca (Cabin Cove) A quiet cove, especially popular with fishermen and the locals. From the cove you can see Portitxol Island (private property), unspoilt and intact, covered with vegetation. Cala de La Granadella (pictured above) Reached via the continuation of the road to Cabo de la Nao. It is one of Jávea’s most notable coves, as it is one of the most beautiful in the Marina Alta region. The cove combines a maritime setting with abundant pine groves. It is a favourite place to practice underwater fishing. The XVIII-Century Granadella Castle is near the cove. Cala del Pope (Priest’s Cove) A small cove in the area of the Port or Sea Customs. Also known as Playa del Tango. Gravel beach. Called Priest’s Cove for an Orthodox priest (1898-1965) who visited it regularly. Very near here, toward Cabo San Antonio, is the Cala “Dels Enamorats” (Lovers’ Cove). Cala Ambolo Located toward Cabo de la Nao. Only nudist beach. The island Isla del Descubridor can be seen from the cove. Playa de la Grava (Gravel Beach) This is the beach of the Port of Jávea, composed of round stones. Its name comes because it was originally composed of gravel, but the action of the sea has changed it completely. Montañar A long stone beach running along the bay, in summer it has beach restaurants and terrace bars. Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=7 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=7 Our stay at Moraira was our first family holiday abroad, So not knowing what to expect,we were more nervous than excited. The hour drive at night to the villa ( Casa Bonita ),was an adventure in itself. After getting lost immediately from leaving the airport,despite crystal clear directions from the team at villa spain,we finally navigated back onto course. On arrival at the villa in the hills of Cumbre Del Sol we were greeted with a view you could not pay for. The coastline of Calpe illuminated at night with the boats just off shore lit up like scattered stars.(corny i know, you would have to see it to believe it). Moraira was our first port of call, it is a quiet and very pretty little fishing village,not too overcrowded. There are two beaches (quite crowded) at peak hours. Next stop Calpe (( highly recommended),about 20 minutes drive around the coast from Moraira.Calpe has a lovely long mosaic walkway along its beach,and is a pleasurable walk from the town itself to the rock (Penon De Ifach ) and marina,which houses a few fishing restaurants and such,and a few market stalls at night. Benidorm was very busy ,no good if you have a large family (large beaches,very clean) again very crowded. Alicante was very nice, stunning architecture ,with an equally stunning mosaic promenade,again lovely clean beaches with adjoining cafes to watch your children play safely while you eat or drink( after you've fed the children that is).we aim to return to Alicante ,not enough time to see it fully on our visit. In the other direction from Moraira,30 mins drive is Javea. We visited Javea at night time,lots of shops and stalls to enjoy,restaurants line the beach ,with a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We had the chance to visit a place called ( Fonts De Algar) 60 mins from Moraira,quite a memorable little place hidden among the vineyards and orange groves.It starts with a leisurely walk along a river and woodlands,then up the cascades of waterfalls to an open wide stretch of shallow river where any one young or old can swim or paddle and sun bathe.You can even buy some wine made in the valley on your way back down. Oh... and the villa,better than we could have ever hoped for,absolutely gorgeous with high panoramic views,everything catered for if your family is large or small. the shops were a short drive away and in Moraira on a Friday there was a large market ( quite pricey), we found that shops were often cheaper than markets. (STRANGE THAT),they must have seen us coming.. We cannot recommend the Costa Blanca or Villaspain enough. We are planning to return next year and cant wait. Thanks to all at Villaspain for making our family holiday a special one. Barry,Amanda and family. Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=6 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=6 The apartment we stayed in was spanking new and clean and made a lovely holiday home, with simple but comfortable furnishings and a larger than average balcony overlooking the beach, which had some shady parts and moments but caught the sun for most of the day. There was plenty of room on it for a table and four chairs, plus four sun beds. The kitchen was the last word in technology and the cooker and hob have to be seen to be believed, although with so many tapas bars and restaurants surrounding the flat no one felt much inclined to cook. Downstairs there is an outdoor pool, which may be heated and is great for doing lengths, but adjoining it is a wonderful covered heated pool/Jacuzzi with almost a dozen water jets. We had such fun swimming around it turning on the jets to massage various parts of our anatomy. The beach is fabulous sandy and slopes gently into the sea. If you walk along the beach to old Calpe you pass the fishing port and in front of it are half a dozen or so fish restaurants where all the fresh catch of the day is laid out on trays, so once you have picked a restaurant you can select a fish. The old town of Calpe is an artists paradise, and many buildings have wonderful frescos painted on their outside walls depicting the battles between the Christians and the Arabs amongst other things. In earlier times Calpe was the haunt of Ernest Hemmingway and friends and today still boasts some good restaurants and has a certain glamour about it. For that very special occasion, I suggest you go up the coast to Benidorm Palace, possibly the best cabaret restaurant in Europe. You can get tickets and a coach to take you there from the neighboring hotel, and although it is mass catering, the food and wine, which is all included in the ticket price is good value. We will certainly be returning to Calpe soon. Diana Jarvis (stayed at Hipocampo apartments) London Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=5 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=5 Attention all travelers who like the concept of getting out of their comfort zone and traveling unescorted through foreign lands, but who stick with the tried-and-true because they don't want to maneuver through strange roads, languages, customs, etc. I have discovered the perfect destination. Think exotic enough that you won't hear any American accents, but so comfortable, you'll wish you could afford to stay for a month. Head to the town of Moraira on Spain's Costa Blanca. Located north of Alicante and south of Valencia, Moraira is one of a string of fishing villages that have been transformed into quiet tourist towns that attract Europeans, especially those from Germany, Holland and England. Americans have not discovered it yet. Many foreigners have bought property and some have retired there, but the town has no high-rises, and is not dominated by hooligans on holiday (it's very different than Benidorm, a resort close to Alicante that attracts a young, and sometimes boorish, foreign clientele). The pristine town, dominated by a beachfront promenade, offers upscale shopping and restaurants. The promenade is lined with outdoor cafes, where you can sit for hours watching the sea, eating tapas and drinking reasonably priced Spanish wines. While it's nice to know a few words of Spanish, most everyone speaks some English. The roads are modern and easy to drive. Nearby are other interesting towns and villages, including Javea, which offers both a thriving port city and an old town in the hills with a 15th-century church, and Calpe, with wonderful seafood restaurants and open market shopping. **Carol has kindly agreed to us placing her article on our site** Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=4 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=4 'My wife Caroline and I have been living in the town of Nerja in the Malaga region with our three sons for the past year and a half . We are all originally from the UK . When we found that Caroline was pregnant we decided to take a last holiday shortly before the baby was due to have some quiet family time. I work as a scuba instructor and I also wanted to do some teaching with my eldest son. <br />Our new baby was due on 7th February but in the early hours of Monday 17th January, Caroline began having contractions and we called the number of a local clinic (the aquario centre). They said they would send a midwife who lived in Denia around to the villa to "have a look" at the situation. Shortly after the midwife arrived Caroline gave birth to a baby girl at 3 am in the sitting room with all of our family present in a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere. <br />One of the great things about the timing was that we had ten days holiday left together with our new arrival after her birth. This was a very special time for all of us and one that was greatly enhanced by the quality of the villa. We recently found that Ubi Bene is a latin phrase for "where one feels good" and this was certainly our experience.<br />Both mum and baby (her name is Indi) are very well and main reason for Indi's early appearance was a miscalculation in the due date.'<br />David and Caroline Leigh-smith (stayed at Casa Ubi Bene, booked with Villaspain) Sun, 18 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=3 http://www.villaspain.co.uk/blog_main.php?bg=3 The sun-baked Costa Blanca is a 170 mile stretch of Spain’s east coast, centered on Alicante and running from Denia in the north to Mazarrón in the south. The greener landscape north of Alicante runs through particular pretty areas around Altea through to Calpe, Moraira, Javea and Denia, which are the areas where property is much more expensive than the areas south of Alicante. In July and August average temperatures can reach 33°C, but it’s a dry heat and quite enjoyable if you’re by the sea or pool with a good supply of iced drinks! Even in the coldest months December to February average daily temperature is around 16 degrees, so the Costa Blanca is very pleasant for a winter break The countryside at the northern end of the Costa Blanca is attractively mountainous, with some excellent walking. On a clear day you can see Ibiza from the lighthouse at the Cabo de Ia Nao, while the spectacular Penon de Ifach a sort of mini Gibraltar at Calpe is a familiar symbol of the Costa Blanca. The resorts of Denia, Javea, Moraira, Calpe, Altea and Villajoyosa all have plenty to offer, including several golf courses and superb beaches, with an excellent choice of villas and apartments both near the sea and rising high into the hills behind. Wherever you stay, there will be plenty of and water-based sports on offer, as well as the Terra Mitica theme park near Benidorm (open all year). Other worthwhile excursions are to Europe’s largest date palm plantations at Elche; the hilltop village of Guadalest; or Alicante, which is a holiday resort in its own right but also an interesting, character full city with good shopping. If you go in winter, you’ll enjoy plenty of fine days and a seemingly endless supply of the sweet, juicy local oranges. And talking of sweetness, try visiting Jijona, a few miles inland from Alicante, where you can watch Turron being made. It’s a delicious hard nougat made with honey and masses of local almonds, famous throughout Spain. If you’re in the mood for exercise, it’s possible to climb the Peñon at Calpe. It looks impossibly steep, but at the worst point a tunnel has been cut through. It’s a stiff climb and you need a head for heights, but at the top the views are breathtaking. Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000