The Costa Blanca

The Coastline between Benidorm and Denia is indisputably the most beautiful and picturesque of the northern Costa Blanca. The dramatic mountain ranges meet the landscapes of orange, olive and almond groves nestling between typically Spanish towns which hail the famous white sands of the Costa Blanca.

The Costa Blanca north is a less developed area of Spain as large scale tourism tends to be centred around the Costa Blanca south and the Costa del Sol.

Moraira, Javea and Denia are in a strict conservation zone where building heights and density are rigorously controlled.

There is much written about the climate and health benefits of the Costa Blanca.

In fact, the World Health Organisation has proclaimed that Moraira, Javea and Denia peninsular of the Costa Blanca has one of the most environmentally perfect climates in the world.

When ex-pats move to Spain many of their arthritic and asthmatic conditions tend to be greatly improved thanks to the climate and the 320 days of sunshine a year.

This area offers you a diverse mixture of beautiful, long sandy beaches, stunning mountains and lush valleys, white villages (pueblos), modern resorts, golf and water sports, fiestas, ancient churches, wonderful food and wine, warm and generous Spanish people, high standard and lower cost of living, just a couple of hours from the UK.

Pedreguer is close to the beaches of Javea and Denia yet it is away from the maddening crowds and so it makes for a good holiday location if you want to enjoy the northern Costa Blanca. Pedreguer is surrounded by orange groves and vineyards and a trip inland to the Jalon Valley or Orba Valley is highly recommended.

Pedreguer also benefits from being just off the A-7 motorway (autoroute) so Alicante airport to the south or Valencia airport to the north are both just about an hour's drive.

Pedreguer is a typical Spanish market town located at the foot of the Muntanya Gran. The village is surrounded by abundant agricultural farming land on which fruits and vegetables are grown. The village also specializes in the manufacturing of bags, hats and leather goods. This is an original village - many of the façades of the houses are painted in vivid colours, which give the village a lively appearance. Try also visiting the neighbouring village of Gata de Gorgos which is famous for it's wicker furniture shops.

Driving up to Monte Pedreguer there are many beautiful views. Look out for the "Mirador" signs wherever you go as there is sure to be a spectacular view with great photo opportunities.

From the Mirabarques observation point we can enjoy panoramic views of Pedreguer town, Denia and Javea.

Jalón (or Xaló) is undoubtedly one of the most attractive towns of la Marina. Its natural beauty, its deep-rooted customs together with its genteel and hospitable nature make it an attractive and much-visited town.

The Valley of Jalon, also known as the Valle del Pop, represents one of the most popular and admired views of the heart of the Costa Blanca. In the towns that form the Valley we find: Murla, Benichembla, Parcent, Alcalali, Jalon and Lliber.

Javea, a former fishing village, is a very popular upmarket resort with Spanish and foreign holidaymakers alike. The town has approximately 20,000 permanent inhabitants. Over the last 10 years the surrounding hillsides have been urbanized with luxury villas, many of which are owned by British people and rented out on a regular basis all through the summer. The town remains unspoilt and still offers a pretty beachside location with lots of local life and activities. Set back from the coast is Javea old town which preserves the look and atmosphere of a typical Spanish village. Javea's Arenal beach is a horseshoe shaped stretch of fine white sands which is framed by many bars, restaurants and gift shops. This beach is especially safe for children as it slopes gently into the sea and has received the World Health Organisation 'clean beach' award.

JAVEA OLD TOWN (XABIA PUEBLO)

There is the Old Town of Javea where you can wander down ancient narrow streets and visit the local market on a Thursday. Built with original Tosca sandstone it is rich in medieval history.

The Gothic fortified church of San Bartolome dominates the centre of Javea’s town. This building dates back to the 15th century. At the side of the church is a beautiful building which houses the indoor market where you can buy local fresh produce daily.

Javea’s iconic fisherman’s church.

One of the most contentions buildings in Javea lies at the heart of the narrow streets of the fisherman’s quarter – the church of Our Lady of Loreto, built in 1967.

Denia is one of the Costa Blanca's most popular resorts and was once the centre of the raisin growing industry. Its ancient castle rises majestically overlooking the town and harbour and also houses the museum of archaeology which gives an insight into Denia from roman times to modern day. To the south of Denia sits the Montgo Mountain which protects Denia from the hot southerly winds in the summer and provides the town with a micro climate which gives an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius. The Montgo Nature Park is also great for hiking and horse riding. Just behind the mountain is La Sella one of the Costa Blanca's best golf courses, which is next to the Denia Marriot hotel and spa.

Denia does not lend itself to the mass package tourist industry as there are only 21 hotels in Denia, Las Marinas and Las Rotas. The local people are very friendly and family orientated. In the evening you can see families of three generations strolling along the harbour before going into one of the many local restaurants.

Unlike England, Spain is very much an outdoor culture where people enjoy life and have time to say good morning, stop and have a chat with a local or one of the many ex-pats that are out here living the dream. It's very easy to enjoy life here if you absorb the atmosphere and vibrancy that Spain has to offer.