Sales and Rental Properties on the North & South Costa Blanca

Average Temperatures
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
⁰C	12	13	14	17	21	25	31	33	26	21	16	12
⁰F	54	55	57	62	70	77	88	91	79	70	61	54

The North Costa Blanca, also known as the Marina Alta, extends from El Vergel down to Altea and boasts some of the most beautiful countryside in Spain with the beautiful clear Mediterranean lapping secluded coves and beaches to the majestic mountain ranges and fruit groves. From valleys that are home to crops grown on terraces originally created by the Moors to a horizon packed with oaks, pines and carob trees perfumed by a wide variety of aromatic plants. The region is also dotted with archaeological sites that give some idea of the rich history of an area that has been populated for thousands of years. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Muslims have all left their mark and the remains give a glimpse of how they lived. Whether on the coast or inland, you’ll be able to discover rich local dishes and quality wines from the vineyards.

From the tiny villages hidden among the mountains to the modern coastal towns with a lively nightlife and excellent shopping there is something to suit everyone. There are numerous marinas and countless facilities to allow you to enjoy the sea and water sports. Golf lovers know that the golf courses have facilities that are second to none.

The Valencian Government are increasingly doing more to improve the infrastructures of the towns in the Costa Blanca and there are now many international schools, modern hospitals and health centres within very easy reach.

ALTEA

An ancient town of medium size but growing, Altea rises up on the rocky coastline, protected by the majestic “Sierra de Bernia” mountain range. As with most towns in Spain nowadays, Altea has the old town with its much visited church, situated right at the top of the town. The church is easily recognized by its blue Moorish dome. With its intriguing narrow streets and passageways, which feature in so many paintings produced by the local artists, Altea town is a wonderful place to experience Spain at its most romantic. Heading down towards the sea and beach, you will find the newer part of Altea, with it’s designer shops situated amongst the more traditional Spanish styles. Just outside Altea is the wonderful marina at Mascarat with a Club Nautico and fabulous views across the sea. This area offers a wide choice of apartments, townhouses and villas, most of which enjoy the wonderful sea views, some frontline so your views are totally uninterrupted. Around the beginning of August Altea has one of its many fiestas, with one of the largest and most spectacular firework displays you can ever experience. Market day is Tuesday and Altea has one of the larger markets around the area.

BENISSA

 Benissa is an attractive town where you can have the best of both worlds with its 4km of coastline and the stunning mountain landscape. Its crystal clear waters are perfect setting for water sports of any kind. The town, set up in the hills away from the coast, is surrounded by mountains such as those of the Sierra Bèrnia range. Sample the exquisite dishes of the local gastronomy in Benissa. The town is also steeped in history having a predominantly medieval character with buildings such as the 15th century Market, Renaissance palace houses, the neo-Gothic cathedral and Calle Desamparados a street of stately houses with wrought iron grilles. As with all the Spanish towns, Benissa has its local fiestas such as its patron saint’s day, Purísima Xiqueta, and the Moors and Christians celebrations. Market day is Saturday.

CALPE

Calpe has some of the best sandy beaches of the area, with a special mention being given to the “Playa de la Fossa” and “Playa de Levante” more than a kilometre long, both display the European Union Blue Flag. Running along side the beaches is an extensive promenade, with a wealth of bars, restaurants and shops. Market day is Saturday, when you can wander through the streets towards the old town and browse the stalls. Everything is available from fresh fruit and vegetables, to clothing, home wares and shoes. The Old Town of Calpe is full of history.

DENIA

As one of the larger towns on the Northern Costa Blanca, Denia has much to offer. Placed at the foot of the Montgó Mountain, with the waters of the Mediterranean stretched before it, around 20km of beautiful beaches, heritage and fantastic beauty spots. Denia is a typical Spanish town with all the aspects you would expect to find. It is alive all year round. The focal point of Denia is the castle and as you would expect with a castle, it is situated on a hill facing the sea but right in the heart of the city. Originally designed in the Islamic period between the 11th and 12th centuries, it has been renovated over the years, which is reflected in the architecture. One of the main fiestas of Denia is the ‘Fallas’ which is held in March every year. Throughout the year the Spanish build effigies from wood and papier mache, generally relating to the national and local political issues of the year. These effigies are placed around the town for viewing and admiration. On the night of the 19th the effigies are set alight in honour of San José the patron saint of carpenters. When it comes to eating in Denia the choice is amazing, from small tapas bars to five star restaurants. A short drive out of Denia and you will find a fabulous 18 hole golf course of La Sella with it’s hotel with spa. Currently there are 9 more holes under construction to make it one of the best clubs on the European circuit.

GATA DE GORGOS

Gata de Gorgos is an old Spanish town strung along the main road N332 from Alicante to Valencia. It is famous for its basket and cane ware made out of esparto and palm, sold in more than 50 shops. The Avenida de la Marina Alta and adjacent streets, house most of the craft shops. Gata is also well known for its grapes and almonds. Gata de Gorgos with it’s white houses and ivory lintels, takes its name from the Gorgos river, also know as the Jalon river. If you walk along the left bank of the Gorgos river between the gardens of the Font del Riu, you will come to the San Miquel Archangel church which was built in 1535, the same year that the village became independent from Denia. If you walk along the back streets you will find the square, which hosts an annual fair for puppeteers, painters and sculptors. Discover the Archaeological Museum or the guitar factory which is situated opposite the train station. Climb to the Santisimo Cristo hermitage. In addition there are the remains of Moslem settlements of the Font de la Mata or la Murta, of la Rana or the Font d´Aixa. The fiestas here are San Antonio Abad on January 17, the “hogueras” of San Juan on June 24 and the main fiestas in honour of the Santisimo Cristo del Calvario, which takes place from July 29 to August 6

JALON

The main town of Jalon is one of the prime producers of the Jalon grape and wine. Each town or village has its own character and style, which must be seen to be appreciated. Fields of vines extend as far as the eye can see, broken here and there by a field of almond trees which in the month of February, blossom to form a carpet of pink and white – quite a breathtaking sight! On Saturday mornings the town comes alive with visitors and locals who are all out for a bargain at the now famous Jalon antique and flea market. Well worth a visit to browse and buy. Tuesday is the main market day. Jalon also hosts an international private school with a very good reputation and offers GCSE and A level qualifications, with lessons being held in English.

JAVEA

Javea is quite unique in that it is spread into three distinct areas, the ‘Arenal’ beach area, the port ‘Aduanas de Mar’ and the ‘Old Town’. In nearly all areas you will notice that a variety of villas and apartments have been built during the past decade, which has turned Javea into a very multicultural town, where all nationalities enjoy life together. Being protected by the “Montgo” mountain, the winter months in Javea are mild and the summers not too hot. The old town offers a number of narrow streets that hide a wealth of architecture with arched entrances, large gothic windows and beautiful wrought iron grilles. Small shops hidden away from the glare of the sun, with interiors cool and inviting as you enter. The old fisherman’s quarter known as “Aduanas de Mar” seems to grow year on year. It is now a shelter to a number of boats of all varieties from the humble dinghy, sea going yachts to the pride of Javea’s fishing fleet. Its fishing port is now one of the most important on the Costa Blanca and in the early mornings or late afternoons you can watch the trawlers leaving the port or returning with their catch. On the outskirts of Javea you will find a very popular Golf Club with 9 holes. Club and trolley rental are available. After playing you can enjoy the delights of the club house and popular restaurant. There are 2 private International Schools in Javea, both with very good reputations. These are in addition to the local Spanish schools, also with good reputations and offering a high level of education. Market day is Thursday, with the market being held on the edge of the old town.

LLIBER

Not too far from Jalon is the village of Lliber, which is still a very traditional Spanish village with only a single road for traffic to drive through the village. The town square is filled with stalls advertising their handmade wares, entertainment and music. The municipality of Liber is the smallest village within the region known as Vall de Pop, or the Jalon Valley. Its economy is mainly due to agriculture, especially grapes, oranges and almonds. Llíber also produces wines marketed as Xaló Valley wines by the cooperative Poor Madonna with Moscatel being a speciality. The village is next to the river Gorgos in a fertile valley whose end forms the northern part of the Sierra Bernia and Sierra del Castell de la Solana mountain ranges.

MORAIRA

Whether you are coming to Moraira to buy a villa or just for a holiday, you will be delighted with what you find. Moraira was originally an ancient enclave for fishermen, and is still a pretty fishing town with an impressive port area and working fish market. The whole of the centre has been modernized with a magnificent array of shops to satisfy all demands. The choice of bars and restaurants has to be seen to be believed, ranging from small Spanish paella bars to top class restaurants with Michelin stars. Whether your favourite is pie and mash or caviar, there will be something to suit. The coastline extends for 8 kilometers, with a selection of fine sandy beaches and the occasional rocky inlet. All the beaches display the blue flag of cleanliness. The area has a good infrastructure, which is being improved upon all the time. Teulada’s landscape offers attractive views as it drops 185m to the sea. Terraced vineyards cover the whole area with a scattering of green pine trees. It is also the place to visit for those interested in antiques, furniture and paintings. A typical Spanish town with a wealth of historical buildings, town hall and churches.

ORBA

Orba can be found some 18km from the Mediterranean coast of Denia. Situated at the head of a large fertile valley, for many years this area has been mainly agricultural, with the main source of income from citrus fruits and almonds. The other source of employment is the local handbag factory. Over the years a number of urbanizations have appeared in the area, blending with the picturesque mountains and magnificent views. Like most Spanish towns and villages, Orba has its share of historical interests, all of which are worth a visit. “La Cruz Floral”, the ruins of the 13th century castle. The church situated in the plaza was built on the site of an old mosque. The church isn’t that impressive looking from the outside, but inside is a delight. One must keep an eye open to gaze at the ceramic motifs of saints upon the walls, which are the most extensive, complete and ancient in the whole of the Marina Alta. In general if you are looking to live away from the coast then this could be the area for you.