Guide to Benissa

The charming small medieval town of Benissa with its magnificent architecture and pretty town squares is a favourite holiday destination. It is located inland on the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante, mainland Spain. It’s famously known as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations not only in Spain but in the world. Enchanting Benissa is only 5 km from the coast; however, the nearest beaches are around 11 km away in the resorts of Calpe to the south and Moraira to the north. As one of the oldest towns on the Costa Blanca it has retained its traditional charm but has still grown over the years, its appeal has not wavered. With 4 km of coastline which links the towns of Calpe and Moraira, the scenery is breathtaking of bays, cliff tops and sandy beaches with caves and rocky coves waiting to be discovered and it’s the perfect picture location.

There are quiet and relaxing bays where you can top up your tan and the mountain backdrop provides a welcome shelter. The Pennon de Ifach can clearly be seen from here, the tower of rock stands proudly in the Mediterranean in Calpe. The Playa La Fustera beach is a quiet Blue Flag awarded beach ideal for families with children and the small beach of Cala Els Pinets is made up of small pebbles however it is south facing and water sports enthusiasts congregate here.

Along this stretch, you can walk to the Mar Mortai Roques Negres which means the Dead Sea and black stones beach area. If you have a small boat and enjoy sailing head to the Cala Advocat beach, there is the breakwater and you can moor your boat at the small jetty, fishing is also very popular at the breakwater here.

Cala Llobela is the smallest bay by far, however, water sports are most favoured here, beautiful pine trees go right down to the seafront and the beach is pebbly. Bahia Les Bassetes is another favourite and you can also take a drive to the nearby beach of the Arenal in Javea. Benissa is only one hour from Alicante airport with great transport links. The average temperature is 81°F (27°C) with a typical Mediterranean climate. Local history enthusiasts will marvel at this medieval town it’s brimming with character and its rich and interesting history is evident everywhere. The town centre is filled with greenery and white-walled buildings have their windows covered with grids and heraldic shields are positioned everywhere with beautiful flowers adorning the majority of balconies. A must visit is the Catedral de la Marina which translates to the Marina Cathedral it was only completed in the 20th century however it has been built in the neo-gothic style.

If you fancy a day out sightseeing, head to the picture postcard towns of Denia, Javea, Moraira and Calpe. Theme Parks are great family fun and just 30 minutes away you can find The Terra Mitica Theme Park. There are plenty of delightful charming villages and other historic towns dotted further inland only a short drive away. Apart from water sports and other leisure activites, golf is a prominent sport in the area The Seve Ballesteros championship course is at Oliva, another course at Javea and many others within an hour. Fish plays a major role on the Mediterranean menus along with rice dishes; international food is on offer in many of the excellent restaurants found here. There is a superb range of bars and nightlife, although for a more vibrant and upbeat nightlife head to nearby Javea to the port or the historic old town.