Category: Alicante

 

The Arabian influence can be seen – and tasted – in many corners of Spain but nowhere more so have the Moors made their mark than in the rural town of Crevillente.

This small town produces some of the finest carpets in the world. Visitors to the top five-star hotels or plush restaurants will undoubtedly have walked on carpets made in Crevillente. Although many carry a very strong Arabian or Persian influence, other designs are bold, abstract statements.
Moorish influence

For hundreds of years until the Reconquest of Spain in the 15th century, the Moors ruled much of the Iberian peninsula.

They introduced orange and olive trees, rice fields, saffron, spices, vineyards and new methods of agriculture to the region.

Many of their farming methods and traditional cuisine are still very much in evidence today from the use of saffron and rice in paellas to the types of wines served with it.

In one small town, the Moors left another legacy – making carpets.

Close-up of a carpet in Crevillente, Alicante

Carpet weaving in Crevillente

In Crevillente, at the foot of beautiful mountain ranges, the craftsmen turned their attention to weaving quality rugs and carpets.

Although it is believed to date back to Roman times, the first documented evidence of carpet weaving dates to 1411 when an agreement was signed giving the Moors permission to mow the reed beds of the nearby Vinalopo and Segura rivers. The reeds were dried and woven to make mats.

From these humble beginnings, the craft grew with Crevillente becoming a byword for quality rugs and carpets.

The industry boomed at the beginning of the 20th century when the first power looms arrived.
Many of these family firms are still thriving in Crevillente, known as the city of carpets.

Crevillente city of carpets, Alicante

It is possible to visit their factories just off the N340 main road on the outskirts of town, close to the train station, to see the craftsmen at work and to order your very own carpet made in Crevillente.

Make sure you visit a recognised manufacturer and your purchase bears the Alfombras de Crevillente logo with a white flower on a green background. Cheap imitations can be found but they will not be of the same high quality or made with natural fibres.

Today, there are about 40 firms carpeting the world, including major businesses such as hotels, trains, and company headquarters.

The rugs are still made with natural fibres such as wool, but the firms use the latest looms and technology.

Crevillente manufacturers include Alarwool, which supplies prestigious hotel chains and casinos; Alfombras Iberia, which offers guided tours from its headquarters on the Ctra Murcia-Alicante road; Lledo Carpets, founded by Antonio Lledo Martinez in 1942; and Unitex, which you can also phone ahead and visit.

Things to do in Crevillente

At the foot of the Sierra de Crevillente and just a few kilometres south of Alicante and Elche, Crevillente is a traditional rural town.

As well as its major carpet industry, Crevillente also has a thriving farming community producing pomegranates, almonds and olives.

Despite its humble appearance, the little town has an expansive culture especially in the world of music, art and fiestas.

Welcome to Crevilliente carpet city, Alicante

The town houses a museum to the Valencian sculptor Mariano Benlliure. His public monuments and religious sculptures can be seen throughout Spain. One of his most famous works is of King Alfonso XII on horseback which stands in the Retiro park in the centre of Madrid.

Famous faces in Crevillente

The town also has a museum dedicated to Madrid artist and adopted son of Crevillente, Julio Quesada, whose forefathers were from the Alicante town.

Julio Quesada Museum is in Calle Corazon de Jesus 17-19, Crevillente
Open during weekdays from 9am to 2pm and 5pm to 7pm. To visit outside these hours call 666 674 508

Crevillente is also the birthplace of the famous doctor Mas Magro, who was a leading light in the field of haematology in Spain. His laboratory is in the Casa del Parque, which also houses the town’s archaeological museum and art collection.

Obelisk by Parc Nou park in Crevillente, Alicante

The Casa del Parque is in the large Parc Nou where a large blue obelisk dominates the skyline. The monument’s granite base marks Crevillente’s most important achievements.

The town hosts two noteworthy fiestas – during Holy Week and a re-enactment of the Moors and Christians battles held at the beginning of October. If you can’t get to Crevillente for Easter, in the Semana Santa museum you can see some of its magnificent sculptures which take centre stage during the Holy Week processions. Semana Santa Museum is in Calle Corazon de Jesus, CrevillenteOpen Tuesdays to Fridays from 6pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 10.30am to 1.30pm and 6pm to 9pm, Sundays and fiesta days from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Entry is free. 674 508.Click here for further informationCrevillente Cuisine Like all Alicante towns, rice features heavily in many dishes. The paella from this town is made with rabbit and snails while on the coast you are more likely to eat it with fish and shellfish. In winter, you can try the ‘gachamiga’ of cod and garlic, ‘arros caldos’ made with rice, vegetables and pulses, or the ‘cocido con pelotas’ which is meatballs served with chickpeas, potatoes and vegetables. Crevillente also serves a variety of tasty cocas, which are like mini pizzas. Traditional cocas include cod, anchovies, sardines, tuna or vegetables. More than 41,000 cocas are made each year in the town, of which about 12,000 are eaten at Easter.

Crevillente street resembles an Arabian bazaar Attractions near Crevillente

Cave houses

At the end of the 18th century, Elche’s population rocketed and houses were scarce. People took to the nearby hills where they created cave houses. By 1970, there were about 900. Cave houses provided cheap accommodation with the advantage of staying cool in the hot summer months and warm in winter. The caves maintain an average temperature of about 24º throughout the year.

Flamingos in El Hondo, Crevillente El Hondo nature park The El Hondo nature park is one of the most important wetlands in Spain. Between Crevillente and Elche, it has two lagoons, several ponds and salt marshes with crops and palm trees. This natural oasis is a protected area for birds with about 170 species including the rare marbled teal and white-headed duck as well as herons, other duck species and flamingos. There are several walks in the park where you can find out more about the flora and fauna here. A good time to visit is in the evening where you can see amazing sunsets while observing the birds’ activities. Crevillente mountain The gentle slopes with tracks and paths mean the Crevillente mountain can be tackled by most hikers – or on horseback. Places to visit on the mountain include the shady spot of El Pi de L’Alivi, the 70 or so dry-stone huts, the Cati slopes to enjoy wonderful views, the attractive Castell Vell and ravine, the Pouet of Mel with a well between the limestone rocks, and the iconic Pixatco of San Cayetona standing 815 metres high.

History lessons are fun in Spain when you visit a castle. Kids will love imagining themselves as princes and princesses or knights and damsels. Learn something old on holiday.
Castillo de Manzanares El Real

Manzanares el Real Castle – Madrid Province

You might well have seen this castle on the big or small screen, in 1961’s El Cid starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. It’s relatively straightforward to view in real life too. A 50-minute journey by bus transports you from Madrid’s Plaza de Castilla on the 724 line, although note the castle is closed to the public on Mondays.
Alcázar de Segovia

Segovia – Alcazar

Buy a postcard in Segovia and it’s bound to feature its famous castillo. This the sort of castle you’d imagine Rapunzel being imprisoned in. Featuring classical towers, it would come as little surprise to see a window being opened from up high and a beautiful maiden letting down her hair so that you may climb the golden stair.
Castillo de la Mota

Castillo de la Mota -Medina del Campo, Valladolid (Castilla y Leon)

Built on the site of an 11th-century fortress, this Valladolid castle owes its 20th-century reconstruction to one Francisco Franco. The dictator took a fancy to any constructions with links to the Catholic Monarchs. The heraldic shields of Ferdinand and Isabella above the main gate date back to 1483.

Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

Cordoba – Almodovar del Rio castle

The Córdoba province is home to this imposing Moorish fortress. Constructed in 760, this Berber-designed castle was built on the site of a previous Roman fort. Which only goes to emphasize its strategically-important location.
Castillo de los Templarios en Ponferrada

Castle of Ponferrada in the Camino de Santiago, Castilla y Leon

A landmark on Spain’s famous Camino de Santiago, this León castle was originally a hill fort and then a Roman citadel. Before the Templar knights took possession of it in the 12th century, transforming it into a refuge for pilgrims progressing to Santiago de Compostela. A proper castle of the old-school variety, there’s even a drawbridge and moat.
Castillo de Javier

Javier castle – Navarra

Another to offer hospitality to pilgrims, Javier Castle stands on a rock in the town of the same name. Originally constructed in the 10th century, this Navarra citadel became a museum in 1901. Of especial interest is the Torre de Cristo, Tower of Christ, which houses a Gothic chapel.
Castillo de Xátiva

Xativa Castle, Valencia province

Not one but two interconnecting castles, Xátiva’s location on the Roman Road, Via Augusta, made it of vast strategic importance. And so capturing the castle was key to triumphant campaigns by the likes of Hannibal, Scipio, and Sertorius. Near Valencia, it links Rome via the Pyrenees with Cartagena and Cádiz, further along the Mediterranean coast.

Castillo de Gibralfaro

Castillo de Gibralfaro in Malaga

Sitting 130 metres above sea level, Gibralfaro Castle enjoys a commanding position. Overlooking Málaga’s city and port, it also takes pride of place on the province’s flag and seal. Dating back to the 10th century, it was constructed on the orders of Abd-al-Rahman III, Caliph of Cordoba.
Castillo de Olite

Navarra – Olite castle

Also known as the Palacio de los Reyes de Navarra de Olite, this castle really is fit for a king. Built during the 13th and 14th centuries, it was one of the seats of the Court of the Kingdom of Navarre. Its first occupant was Carlos III, nicknamed Charles the Noble.
Castell de Tossa de Mar

Tossa de Mar castle

The Costa Brava isn’t only a place to go to top up your tan. This castle is the highlight of Tossa de Mar old town, a location which was declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument back in 1931. Situated in the south of Girona province, it was constructed by Abbot Ramon Dezcatlar back in 1387 and has survived pirate raids and even a French invasion.

 

Wherever you are in the Alicante province one thing is certain – you are never going to be far away from that most romantic of buildings – a castle. The Alicante region has always been one of the most coveted in Spain. The Moors conquered it and ruled for 700 years turning it into one of the most fertile and productive in the country and to hold it against the various northern kingdoms who sought it the Moors fortified it. Thus any visit to a castle in the region is likely to reveal that the original castle on the site or in the town was founded by the Moors although in some parts the Romans had a hand in the fortifications.

For those with a romantic streak the best way to see the castles of the region is to hire a car – and there are many reasonably priced car hire companies in the resorts of Alicante.

Denia castle in Alicante province
Denia’s Moorish roots

Denia, the capital of the Marina Alta area at the northern end of Alicante province has had a castle since Roman times when the town was known as Dianum but its main development came with the conquest of the area by the Moors. Built on a rocky promontory overlooking the town and the sea, the castle can be seen from anywhere in town. The impressive arched entrance dates from Moorish times but inside various buildings date from the castles development over the centuries. The castle also houses the Denia Museum of Archaeology which is well worth a visit. Opening times vary according to the season and there is a small entrance fee.
Oh Villena

Inland from Alicante, taking a pleasant drive along country roads, is the town of Villena which is home to one of the best preserved castles in Alicante province. Known as La Atalaya, which means watchtower, the castle’s role in bygone days was to defend the rich agricultural lands surrounding it. It stands on a hill above the town and has a ring of solid walls before you find the defensive walls. It has a great keep, the Torre de Homenaje, which stands more than 200 feet high. Another castle that owes its origins to Islamic times in Spain, Villena developed in the 12th and 13th centuries but what remains was built in the 15th century.
Sax in the city

No one with an interest in castles and history should miss the impressive castle of Sax, which lies north of Alicante city just off the A31 road. The castle stands, as usual, high above the city and can be seen for miles around in all directions. It is believed the original was built in Roman times but again it was the Moors who developed it to protect the lands they conquered in the region. But the Moors were eventually defeated when the armies of the Crown of Aragon seized the castle in 1239. The crowns of Aragon and Castile were rivals for the domination of the area but castle was finally ceded to Castile under the Treaty of Almizra in 1244. What remains now is the keep and the bastion tower.

Moraira castle in Alicante province
Mini castle in Moraira

A few kilometres down the coast south from Denia, a charming little castle can be found in the seaside resort of Moraira. It is an 18th century fortress on a small rock at l’Ampella beach and over the entrance door is the coat of arms of the Bourbon family, the rulers of Spain at the time of the completion of the construction in 1742.There is evidence that the fortress was developed by Felipe II, who ruled in the 16th century, to protect the coast from the ravages of the Barbary pirates. The castle has two floors and three wings and stands 10 metres high. Lookout was kept from slits in the walls and cannon were mounted on the roof. The fortress was badly damaged by the British navy in 1801.
Twin towers

Just south of Sax are the twin cities of Petrer and Elda, both with remnants of the mighty castles that towered over the countryside in the region. Parts of Elda castle have been reconstructed and a pleasant open space has been created. Again both had Islamic or earlier origins but with Reconquista in the 13th century the castles reverted to the Spanish kingdoms of the time, with Jaime II incorporating Peter into the kingdom of Aragon. For the castles, admission is free but opening times vary according to the season.

Cannon on Alicante castle
Guarding Alicante

No trip to the castles of the region would be complete without a visit to the mighty fortress of Santa Barbara that looks down 500 feet on to the city of Alicante. Take the lift from opposite Postiguet beach (2.50 euros, pensioners and children free) and hours exploring the castle that dates originally from Roman times and has guarded the city for centuries.
Novelda’s unique castle

Also within easy reach of Alicante city, just 24 kilometres north on the N330, is the unique Castle of Novelda, La Mola. What makes it unique and so special is that it is the only castle in Europe with a triangular-shaped tower, the Torre Triangular. The tower was built in the early 14th century to fortify what remained of a Moorish castle from the 12th century after the Reconquista. It is one of the Valencia Communitat’s best examples of a Gothic civil-military building. It has been extensively renovated and its interior is well worth the visit. The castle stands on a hill surrounded by the river Vinalopo. Next to it a short distance away is the church of the Sanctuary of St Mary Madalena, whose architecture is reminiscent of that of Antonio Gaudi in Barcelona. Ancient Orihuela South of Alicante city is the ancient city of Orihuela, which has some of the most fascinating architecture in the province. The castle, was of Moorish origin and what remains of it, stands high on the Sierra de Orihuela in the area known as the Monte de San Miguel. The ruins overlook the city but these days, without a fertile imagination, there is little that indicates the former glories of the fortifications whose walls originally enclosed the whole city. Visitors can climb to the top of the ruins and enjoy the fabulous views over the Vega Baja (the plain of the river Segura. The climb is quite steep so good footwear and a reasonable state of health are needed but for those who make its worth for the amazing views from the top.

Elche castle in Alicante provinceElche prison Also worth the journey is the university city of Elche with its marvellous architecture, massive palm groves and cultural centres, not to mention its castle that was built in the 12th century and then renovated in the 15th. In recent times it has been used as a fabric plant, the city’s town hall, and as a prison during the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39. 936-39.

Alicante castle is the beach city’s main emblem. A glorious golden fortress standing 166 metres above sea level, the Santa Barbara Castle makes a stunning backdrop to the city centre.

It’s a magnificent, well-preserved castle on top of the Benacantil mountain and it dates back to the 9th century, although older artefacts from the Bronze and Roman eras have been found there. In the 9th century, the Moors ruled the peninsula so you may see some Arabic influences in the architecture and layout. The Santa Barbara castle is one of the best examples of medieval fortresses in Spain as well as being one of the largest. It’s a great place for letting your imagination run wild while you explore the dungeons, towers, palaces, cannons, churches and a moat.

View of Alicante marina from the castle

The climb to the very top is definitely worth it as here you will find the iconic tower which stars on many photos with its fantastic views down to the marina. The paths up to each level are steep so flat shoes or trainers are advisable. Luckily there are seats to stop for a rest as well as a restaurant and café.
Who was King of the Castle?

The castle has a rich, chequered history and has served many purposes. In 1248, it was captured by forces led by Alfonso XI of Castile, who renamed it Santa Barbara as it was conquered on her feast day, December 4. The Aragonese won control in 1296 during the reign of James II, who was also King of Valencia, and he ordered it to be rebuilt. More reconstruction was ordered during the next four centuries.

Santa Barbara Castle, Alicante

The castle fell into foreign hands in 1691 when it was bombarded by a French squadron. It was then held by the English during the War of Spanish Succession. The war, at the start of the 18th century, was fought between European countries in a bid to decide who should succeed Charles II as King of Spain. It lasted from 1701 until 1714 and was concluded with the Treaty of Utrecht which recognised the French candidate as Philip V of Spain. The war produced famous generals, most notably John Churchill, whose victories for the British at Blenheim and Ramilles saw him created the first Duke of Marlborough. Its military role to protect the city became less important and it was used as a prison in the 18th century.
Breathtaking beach views

The iconic castle was abandoned until 1963 when the city opened it up to the public. It is now a great place for a healthy walk, a meal in the restaurant or to simply enjoy the far-reaching views over Alicante marina, Postiguet beach, the city centre and the nearby mountains.

Alicante Castle

There are three main areas from different epochs. The top level, La Torreta, where you can enjoy fabulous views over Alicante bay, is where you will see the keep and where the oldest remaining parts of the fortress are found. Much of this dates from the 14th century. The governor’s house, impressive towers and old hospital are among the buildings to be explored up here.

On the next level down are some of the castle’s most important buildings. These date from the 16th century and include the Felipe II salon, ruins of the Santa Barbara church, guardhouse, barracks and parade ground. The lower level dates from the 18th century. You can park here and walk up to the top or take the lift. There are large cannons poking through the thick castle walls, the exhibition centre and the dungeon on this level. Also the Alicante museum MUSA can be found in the castle with information and artefacts about the city’s rich and interesting history and people.
Concerts by starlight

In the summer evenings, Alicante council organises special concerts on Fridays and Saturdays in the castle courtyard. They start at about 10pm so you can enjoy a star-lit, outdoor concert with the castle in all its majesty in the background. The castle also has an exhibition centre and this year you can see a fabulous Star Wars exhibition with a collection of hundreds of figures and memorabilia from these sci-fi films.

Views of Alicante bay from Santa Barbara Castle

It is possible to walk up to the castle but this is a long, hard slog. You can drive up as there is parking on the first level but it may be difficult to find a space in the summer. Otherwise, take the lift from opposite the Postiguet beach, a suntrap for the citizens of Alicante and tourists alike. The elevator costs €2.50 but is free for young children and retired people.Walk through the tunnel carved out of the rock and you will find the lift. Don’t forget to buy your ticket in the machine just inside the tunnel.

It is free to walk around the castle but you may wish to take a guided tour, which is conducted in Spanish and English, for €3 or €1.50 for children, pensioners and people with disabilities. On Saturdays, there are dramatised guided tours so you can really immerse yourself into the spirit of medieval life. It is also possible to hire an audio guide so you can discover the history of the castle at your own pace.

Postiguet beach from Alicante castleAt the foot of the castle is the Ereta park, a beautiful green space in the city centre with a restaurant and exhibition hall. It is a great place to relax and have a picnic or meal in the café after spending time walking around the castle. The park has some beautiful native flowers.You could also treat yourself to a meal in La Ereta restaurant, where you can enjoy fine cuisine with fantastic views of the castle and Mediterranean. Star-crossed loversMany people have remarked that the mountain on which the castle sits looks like a person’s face when seen from Postiguet beach. It has been called La Cara del Moro (The Moor’s face). It is said that many years ago a princess lived in the castle and fell in love with a Moor. Her father disapproved and forbade her to marry her sweetheart. She was so heartbroken that she threw herself over the castle wall, down the mountain and died. When her Moor found out, he did the same for love. It is his face that you can see on the side of the castle. Whether or not the legend is true is debatable but no castle is complete without legendary tales of star-crossed lovers.

Waking up to the sound of birdsong with views of green and grey mountains or orange orchards conjures up pictures of a Spain far removed from the busy beach resorts in Alicante.

Yet, you only have to go a few kilometres inland to enjoy a traditional, peaceful way of life. A life where neighbours greet each other in the streets, and where the bread is freshly made in a 100-year-old wood oven each morning.
Mountain villages close to beaches

People visiting the towns and villages amid the mountains and valleys of the north Alicante region can discover life in the slow lane of Spain while also being within a few minutes of some of the best sandy beaches in the area.

Benimeli village square, Alicante

The little towns of Benimeli, Benidoleig or Orba are great bases for exploring the countryside, either on foot or by bike. Many professional and amateur cycling groups base themselves around here to tackle the winding mountain roads or the more gentle coastal routes.

As well as being ideal for outdoorsy people, the towns in the Sierra de Segaria region are also popular with photographers, artists and birdwatchers.
Mallorcan flavour of Benimeli

Benimeli was founded by the Arabs, who called it Bani Malik – sons of the Malik tribe. The town sits at the foot of the Sierra de Segaria mountain whose peak still houses Moorish and Iberian remains.

When the remaining Moors were expelled and the village needed to rebuild. Many people from Mallorca settled in and around Benimeli bringing their culture and cuisine with them.

View from rural guesthouse in Benimeli, Alicante

You will find traditional Mallorcan food still available in many local butchers and bakers in the Marina Alta region, including types of sobrasada (paprika-spiced cured pork), sausages and the sweet ensaimada cakes.

One of the finest bakeries is around the corner from the church in Benimeli. The Forn de Pa in Calle Horno (oven street) still makes bread the old-fashioned way in a traditional wood oven which is more than 100 years old.

You may see locals popping in with trays of vegetables or a leg of lamb for the owners to cook in the oven. They are happy to oblige and charge just a small fee – possibly as little as €1 – for their trouble.

There’s a lovely central square, Plaza Mayor, where you will find one of the village’s two bars, a grocery store, the pretty church with bell tower and clock, plus a music school.

In April or May, Benimeli holds a cultural week celebrating art and music with concerts and exhibitions.

From Benimeli, you can walk up the Sierra de Segaria mountain to enjoy far-reaching views. There is a circular tour of about three hours, starting and ending in the village, or there is a direct route straight to the top, which is quicker, taking about an hour, but harder on the legs!

The town and surrounding countryside has fields of orange, almond and olive trees so you can buy great local produce as well as honey and jams from the area.

Exploring caves in Benidoleig

Four kilometres south of Benimeli is the rural village of Benidoleig on the slopes of the Girona Valley. This area is popular with cyclists and hikers who enjoy the fabulous views from the winding roads around the mountains and valleys.

Farming is mainly orange, almond and olive groves, which produce a mass of pink and white blossom in springtime. The scene provides a perfect photo opportunity or inspiration for artists as well as providing a beautiful scent as you wander through.

Views across from Benidoleig caves

Benidoleig has a popular restaurant, El Cid, with its own bowling green, tennis courts and swimming pool with wonderful country views. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and British food as well as the Sunday carvery for a great British roast dinner.

Just down the road from El Cid is the Calaveras cave, which means cave of skulls, so called because 12 human skeletons were found when the cave was rediscovered in the 18th century.

The cave is believed to be about 100,000 years old as Neolithic and Bronze age artefacts such as bones, flint axes and arrowheads were found here.

Take your time exploring the stalagmites and stalactites as many people find interesting shapes within the rocks including Sophie Loren’s bust, a map of Spain and an elephant’s head.

During the Spanish Civil War, the cave was used to store ammunition and explosives.

It is open from 9am to 6pm in winter and 9am to 8pm in summer. Entry is €3,50 for adults and €2 for children.

You can visit the official website here

To get to the Calaveras Cave

From the AP7 toll booth at Ondara, turn right on to the CV731. At the roundabout in Benidoleig by the Sabadell bank, take the third exit on to the Ctra Pedreguer and you will see the caves on your right after about 200 metres.

Four kilometres along the CV731 road is the town of Orba which has a few supermarkets, shops, banks, restaurants and bars.

Pego-Oliva marjalPlanting rice in PegoThe Alicante region is famous for its rice dishes, especially the many varieties of paella. You can see the rice fields in the Pego marshes, 10 kilometres north of Benimeli.The marshlands lie in a scenic setting between the mountains and the sea so they enjoy their own microclimate which is ideal for growing rice. The production was started by the Moors and continues using very similar methods today.The Bomba rice from Pego is perfect for paellas and other rice dishes where you need to absorb the stock to pack in the flavours.You can learn about the history of rice cultivation in Pego at the Ethnological Museum in the cultural centre in Calle Sant Domenec in Pego town centre. It is open from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm on Mondays to Fridays, Saturdays 10am to 2pm. July and August just 10am to 2pm too.View from the window of a rural guesthouse in Benimeli, Alicante

Best for shopping

Near to the motorway toll booths is the Portal de la Marina shopping centre on the outskirts of Ondara. There is plenty of free parking. Shops include a large Eroski supermarket, C&A, H&M, Lefties, Zara and Mango as well as opticians, mobile phone shops, pet store and more. The mall also has restaurants including McDonald’s and Lizarran tapas bar as well as a cinema.The shopping centre is open from 10am to 10.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Heading for the beach

The Sierra de Segaria region is just 10 minutes by car to the beautiful sandy beach of Deveses, just north of Denia. This is perfect for practising water sports such as sailing, snorkelling, surfing or jet skiing or simply sunbathing. It can get windy so is a popular spot for kite surfers too.Denia, Costa BlancaBest restaurants to tryUn Cuiner A L’Escoleta, Carrer Calvari, Sagra, is a restaurant in the old school’s dining room. There is a short menu using local produce from the market cooked ‘with a twist’, including rice dishes, local sausages, meat and fish. Cal Morell, Carrer del Pi, Orba, is another traditional Spanish restaurant serving creative regional cuisine. El Temple, Jacinto Benavente, Benidoleig, also offers regional food cooked to gourmet standards but at bargain prices. There are also pizzas available, which is great if you want to take children who are fussy about their food.