Taking it easy on the Costa Blanca
We would suggest you travel with one of the Costa Blanca guide books. We also have a couple waiting for you at the house just in case you forget yours. Here is a selection of the things to do and see.Mountain WalkingThe mountains around Xaló are great for mountain walkers. The Moors built paths all over the area for themselves and their horses. Those built on the mountains have stood the test of time and are still in use.
We take our walking quite seriously and would advise you to make sure you have good walking trainers (Merrells are our favourites)/ boots, a whistle, a torch, a compass, warm and shower proof/ wet weather clothing. Take lots of water in addition to your picnic. Sun cream and hats are essentials at almost any time on the Costa Blanca so don't forget them when you are walking.
Just south from the Xaló valley is the dramatic Sierra de Aitana. Following the Moorish paths you can reach the top of this impressive peak with great 360 degree views.
The Barranco del Infierno provides some excellent scenery that you can walk through and enjoy on paths built a millennium ago to carry men and horses. The paths are of a gentle gradient and the best preserved are stepped.
And the famous Penon de Ifach towers over Calpe. This looks like an easy walk, but looks can be deceptive. We always get togged up for this one even though you might think that parking by a hotel and walking up past tourists in heels and plimsols you have overdone it. The tunnel through and your first steps on the other side will confirm you made the right decision. Sitting on the top with your picnic and watching the the rock climbers come over the edge lets you know that there are more difficult ways up.
Above Benidorm is the Sierra Helada. If you have ever seen Benidorm or a photo of it then you will have noticed a range of hills that rise up at its (Eastern) edge. The range does not rise much higher than the tallest of the skyscrapers but you will be surprised how quickly you leave the "Benidorm experience" behind. There are over eleven ridges so your calf muscles know they have been used!
A good idea is to go with a walking guide or party. We can make some recommendations. There are some books on walking in the Costa Blanca mountains.
Altea Old TownAltea is a town on the old coast road south of Calpé. The old town rises just inland from the main road, so turn off and find a place to park (near the railway station or on the seafront). Make you way up through the old town, up steep cobbled roads with traditional terraced houses in either side, to the square at the top. You will be blessed with fine views over the town and out over the Mediterranean. And of course there are some bars at the top of your climb that will provide refreshment.
Terra MiticaTerra Mitica is an adventure park with some excellent rides. It was Euro34 per person last year and we had a great day out. It is signposted from the A7 motorway just south of Benidorm, so about 45 minutes from the house. We would advise you get there early; it opens at 10am and closes at 10pm though in the summer it stays open to 1am! Check out www.terramiticapark.com and click for the English version. Our last October visit was in half term and it was warm enough at 23C but as it was quiet the rides opened in stages rather than mid summer when the whole lot starts at 10am.
In summer watch out for the many areas that spray fine cool water. As for food, there are many snack bars, a good lunch restaurant with plenty of seating and basic food at sensible Spanish prices and a more up market restaurant. We take plenty of water in a chiller bag. And make a note of your parking space when you arrive.
Enjoy.
BeachesThe nearest beaches are at Calpe, with smaller ones at Moriara and Altea. Calpe is a thriving tourist town so can be a quite busy in July and August, but outside of this the sandy beaches are very pleasant and easy to get to. Parking is behind the front line of apartment blocks and there is plenty to choose from. We like the south facing beach as it is quieter.
Moriara is a small town and with a thriving market together with its tourist attractions. The beach is quite small but because it is an adjunct to a working town is less touristy. Great fun to play in the stream we're told.
Guadalest CastleTo the south is the ancient Moorish castle of Guadalest. This is one of the most visited historical sites in the Costa Blanca and it is well worth the trip. As the crow flies Xalo is not far from Guadalest but the mountain ranges are an effective barrier, so this is an hour and a half's drive away. You will need a couple of hours at the castle and remember to avoid the early afternoon heat.
Xaló TownDon't forget to spend some time looking around Xaló. The town provides various delights (bars, restaurants, bakeries, the local artisan craft centre and the odd bodega). Every day of the week at the Cooperativa Vitivinícola Virgen Pobre you can watch the local wine being bottled with the "Vall de Xaló" mark. The parish church has a traditional blue dome and you may become a blue dome spotter as many churches in the region sport this hangover from the Moslem Moors occupation.
Location