Spanish Tourism in Benissa

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more info in www.benissa.es

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history and
HERITAGE
Although there are remains of
ancient cultures such the Iberian
or Roman it is without doubt the
Moslem culture that is most rooted
in the town and the town’s name,
a derivation of “Banu-Issa”, and
the names of some of the farming
hamlets that have survived
throughout the centuries.

If you want to enjoy one of the
region’s best conserved Medieval
town centres take a stroll though
the Old Town of Benissa, that dates
back to the Middle Ages and the
Renaissance, and relive the epoch of
Valencia’s Classic book and author, “Puríssima Xiqueta”
Tirant el Blanc and Ausias March… Parish church

A good starting point is the “Plaza del Round the corner from the Plaza del from the pirate attacks that at the time
Portal”, in olden times the East gate of Portal, Benissa’s medieval route passes were common along the coast.
through the peaceful “Placeta de
the walled town of Benissa. In this squa-
l’Església Vella” (Old Church Square) Wandering along the “calle de la Purís-
re you will see the building that started
( 1). Here you can see a painting on sima” ( 2) and “calle Desamparats”
life as the “Hospital Municipal” (Munici- ( 4) streets you can discover what was
ceramic tiles that depicts the facade of
pal Hospital) and today is the headquar- the ancient fortified medieval church once a Valencian Renaissance quarter
ters of the “Ayuntamiento” (Town Hall) ( 1) that served the town for centuries with its wrought iron balconies, cobbled
( ), and another old building belonging not only as the House of God but also as streets and contrasted white-washed
to the Fundación Abargues. a fortress that protected the Benissa folk and travertine limestone facades.

Abargues Ancestral Home-Museum In the calle Puríssima is Benissa’s oldest
public building: The “Sala del Consell”
(Council Room) ( 3) that in the past
housed the Town Hall, the prison and
legal archives.

Benissa has rehabilitated its Heritage for
cultural use. An example is the “Sede
Universitaria” (Satellite University) (
2) that occupies the “Andrés” and “Pere
Bigot” ancestral homes or the “Palacio
de los Torres-Orduña” ( ), another
stately home that has been converted
into Centro cultural y Biblioteca (Cul-
tural centre and library). If you wish to
visit a true 18th Century ancestral home,

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?

complete with period furniture and tiles, you
can go into the “Casa-Museo del antiguo linaje
Did you know…
de los Abargues” (Abargues Ancestral Home-
Museum) ( 6).

Between the calle Desamparats and the Cultural
Centre you will find the Casal dels Joves (Youth
Centre) ( ) that occupies a 16th Century buil-
ding that, in times past, was used as a granary,
prison, Town Hall or Court of Justice while its
spacious stone columned porch served as a
market hall.
Located half way down the calle
Puríssima is the “Monumento al
At the westernmost point of the route is the Riberero” ( 5) a tribute to the
“Convento de los Padres Franciscanos” (Fran- farmhands that years ago had to
ciscan Monastery) ( ) founded in 1613 and a walk to the “Ribera del Júcar”
landmark of urban Benissa of the period. During (The Jucar riverside) to harvest
centuries the monastery has been an educatio- rice. This statue is of a kneeling
man since it was customary for
nal centre for the inhabitants of the Marina Alta
these emigrants to say a prayer
and for the Franciscan Order who had a minor to the Virgin Mary patroness of
seminary backing onto the monastery. Benissa “La Puríssima Xiqueta”
as they left to work in the rice
You can end your walk round the Old Town with a paddies.
visit to the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta (Pa-
Very close to the monument is
rish church) ( ) that stands out in the Benissa the house known as the “Casa
skyline from any angle due to its imposing size de Juan Vives” ( 7), where the
and its unusual neo-gothic style. The construc- “Puríssima Xiqueta”, consecrated
tion works that lasted from 1902 until 1929 were as Patroness in 1864, carried out
the result of the efforts of the Benissa townsfolk her first miracle.
and the church is known in the area as the “Ca-
“Calle Desamparats” street
tedral de la Marina” (Cathedral of the Marina).

n
Benissa Old Tow

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our sea
THE COAST
Benissa has a 4km long rocky coastline with cliffs and
small coves surrounded by pine trees. An eco-trail runs
along the coastline and can be enjoyed throughout the
year thanks to the mild climate.

Eco-Trail

The PASEO ECOLÓGICO (Eco-Trail) is In the “Bahía de les Bassetes” bay is This beach offers various services for
the best trip along the coast of Benis- the Club Náutico (yacht club) of the bathers and boasts a European Blue
sa. The starting point is the “Tourist same name. In this bay is a micro- Flag.
Info Benissa Playa – Aula de la Mar” reserve with singular botanical species
(Tourist Office-Sea Rooms) services such as Cat’s Head Rockrose or Cone- The trail continues to the Cala dels
that operate in the “Casa dels Cent head Thyme. Pinets, a small wild pebble and rock
Vents” (House of the Hundred Winds). cove from where you can make a short
The trail consists of two routes: south detour on foot to the “Mar Morta i
and north, and runs all along the coast NORTHERN ROUTE
Roques Negres” a natural rock pool of
with information panels describing
great geological and scenic interest.
local customs and history, the varied 1st section:
flora and geographical aspects of Tourist Info Benissa Playa
Due to its character this pool is an ideal
the coastline, and offers an easy and Cala Pinets. 1 km.
place for children to paddle and swim.
attractive walk.
The first stop along the route is the
“Playa de la Fustera” an enchanting The route continues to another pebbly
SOUTHERN ROUTE cove, the “Cala de la Llobella”, that due
small family beach with fine sand, crys-
Tourist Info Benissa Playa – Club Náuti- tal clear water and a sea bed dominated to its lack of access by road is very quiet
co Les Bassetes (Yacht Club). 0,6 kms. by Sea grass. and ideal for sub-aquatic sports.

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ices
Routes, beaches and serv

“Cala Baladrar” Cove

2nd section:
Platgeta de l’Advocat. 0.5 km

From the Platgeta de l’Advocat beach the trail leads
north to the “Parque Biosaludable”, an area equi-
pped with gym apparatus and south to the Zona
Verde (green zone) that is habitat of various species.

The Platgeta de l’Advocat consists of a mixture of
rock and fine sand and alongside it there is a jetty
and a small esplanade that serves as a car park.
This point marks the end of the northern route of the
Eco Trail.

Our trip along the coast finishes at the Cala del Bala-
drar, another pebble cove located at the mouth of the
“barranc dels Sesters” gully. A natural inlet divides
the cove into the two areas: the Cala del Baladrar
and la Goleta.
“Cala dels Pinets” Cove. “Mar Morta”

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SUB-AQUATIC

trails
The characteristics of the Benissa
coastline, with its crystal clear water and
shallow coves, makes it an ideal place for
snorkelling. This activity is easy, cheap
and the best way to get to know the beau-
ties of the sea bed and the underwater
meadows of Posidonia Sea grass.

To snorkel all you need are goggles, fli-
ppers and a snorkel tube.

We have prepared six routes for snorke-
lling in our coves and beaches: Les Bas-
setes, La Fustera, Els Pinets, La Llobella,
L’Advocat & El Baladrar.

The depth of these routes varies between
3 and 8 metres and the time needed to
enjoy them goes from 20 minutes in Cala
Els Pinets to the 35 minutes that it takes to
snorkel round the Platgeta L’Advocat.

Don’t miss…
Water sports
If you have some spare time during your
stay in Benissa you can learn to dive,
kayak, sail or windsurf.

There are diving and sailing schools in the
“Club Náutico Les Bassetes” Yacht Club
that offer classes and courses in various
water sports.

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Sub-aquatic
Cat’s Head Rock Rose
flora and fauna
(Helianthemun Caput-felis) Comber (Serranus Scriba) Grey Mullet (Chelon Labrosus)
The sea bed is made up of meadows of Posido-
nia sea grass, rocky formations and fine sand.
Shoals of grey mullet, East Atlantic peacock
wrasse, or common two-banded sea bream,
and also octopus, starfish and gilthead sea
Conehead Thyme
Octopus (Octopus Vulgaris)
Common Two-banded Sea
Bream (Diplodus Vulgaris) (Tymbra Capitata)
bream are some of the species that make up
Benissa’s varied marine wildlife.

Advocat
Baladrar

La Fustera
Les Bassetes

La Llobella
Els Pinets

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Walking routes
NATURE
Benissa’s municipal territory is one of the largest of
the Marina Alta and its landscape, cultural identity
and biodiversity are of great interest. For this reason
we have designed a series of trails that help the
visitor to discover these features at leisure.

Route of the “Riberers” Bèrnia Route
or “Old Route to Valencia” PR-CV7
(Camí Vell de València) La Sierra de Bèrnia is the natural frontier between the Marina Alta and
PR- CV 388 Marina Baixa and its crested ridge is the backdrop that we see as we
This is the route that was used by the look south over Benissa. This route passes alongside the Font de Bèrnia
“Ribereros” (Benissa farmhands that (spring), and goes through the “Forat”, a natural tunnel that crosses
walked to Valencia to harvest rice at the through the ridge to the southern slopes where the route continues as
Júcar riverside) in their yearly forced far as the “Fort de Bèrnia” the fortress that was built during the reign of
emigration. Along the route you can en- Felipe II to ward off the Moorish attacks.
joy wonderful views of the Marina Alta,
Length: 3 ½ hours.
see abandoned farmhouses, walk along
the hills known as the Mallà Verda and Distance: 8km
visit the “Font de la Mata” nature spot.
Walkabiliy: Moderate/challenging
Length: 4 hours - Distance: 14km
Maximum altitude: 850m
Walkability: Moderate
Access: Take the N-332 towards Alicante. After1km turn right along the
Maximum altitude: 430m CV-750 Xaló road and at 300 metres turn left into the CV-749 road fo-
Access: The route starts from the car llowing the signs to “Pinos-Bèrnia” CV-749. Continue on this road for 16
park in the Municipal Cemetery (at 2km km until you arrive at Les Cases de Bèrnia where the road ends and you
from the centre of Benissa). can park your vehicle and start the walk.

Oltà Route
PR-CV 340

The “Sierra de Oltà” mountain is
another of the most loved landmarks
of Benissa with its characteristic “dit”
(finger) and its isolated aspect
Length: 2 hours - Distance: 7km
Walkability: Moderate
Maximum altitude: 587m
Access: Take the N-332 road towards
Alicante. After 9km turn right at the
“Calpe Sur” junction and follow the
signs to Estación F.C. (Station) and then
continue following the signs to “Monte
Oltà – Zona de Acampada” (camp site)
at approximately 2km.

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La Solana Route
This trail offers magnificent views of various villages of the Vall de Pop
and also the possibility to see typical farmhouses that are no longer
inhabited.
Length: 3 hours - Total distance: 12km
Walkability: Moderate – Maximum altitude: 724m
Access: Take the N-332 towards Alicante and turn right along the Xaló
road (CV-750) and then turn left after some 300 metres into the Pinos-
Bèrnia road (CV-749). Continue for 2,5 Km and turn right up the dirt
track marked by some pillars one topped with a sign for “Rafalet”. This
track leads up the mountain leading first to the “campo de tiro” (shoo-
ting range). Before you reach this you should park your car opposite the
small ruins and four olive trees and start the walk.

?
Lleus hermitage
Know the symbols
The Hermitage Route used along the
Another way to get to know Benissa routes...
and its natural surroundings is to
visit the “ermitas” (chapels) that are
dotted round the rural areas: Santa
Anna, Pedramala, Lleus, Benima- This is
rraig, Benimarco and Pinos. Although the trail
the Santa Anna chapel dates back to
1613 most of the others were built Change
direction
during the first years of the 19th
Century. Even today they are still in Wrong
use and during the summer months direction
celebrate the feasts of their respec-
tive patrons, this being therefore the
best season to pay them a visit.

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Our
FLAVOURS
One of the other ways of
getting to know Benissa is
through its gastronomy, aspect
that combines tradition and
ingredients extracted from
the sea and the countryside.
Fish recipes such as “bull amb
ceba” (tuna belly with onion) or
putxero de polp (octopus stew)
and, from the countryside, tra-
ditional dishes such as “sang
amb ceba” (blood with onion)
or “les coques al calfó i amb
mullador” (a pizza-like flat
bread topped with ratatouille).

The king of Benissa’s gastronomy is without doubt its
rice dishes: some of them dry and other creamy and
with ingredients provided both by the farmers and
the fishermen: “al forn” (oven baked), “amb fèsols
i naps” (with white beans and turnips), “amb Fava
pelà” (with broad beans), “a banda” or “del senyoret”
(gentlemen’s seafood paella).

A speciality that is well known in the Marina Alta area
for its high quality is the farmhouse sausage that co-
mes in various varieties: “botifarra” (black sausage),
“bufa” (black pudding), “blanquet” (white sausage) or
“llonganissa” (spicy pork sausage) and can be eaten
alone or as an ingredient of traditional recipes.

All these varieties are on sale in the traditional
butcher’s shops located in the town.

A long time ago a popular saying affirmed “a Benissa,
pilota i missa” (In Benissa, meat balls and mass).

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(OCTOPUS STEW)

PUTXERO DE POLP
r 4 people:
INGREDIENTS - Fo - 1 head of garlic
kg. Each
- 2 small octopus 1 - 1 small cup of oil
-6 large pencas - A little red pepper
- 1 sweet potato - 1 turnip
- 8 almonds - 1 tomato
- ½ kg. rice - 2 potatoes
parsley
- Saffron, salt and - 1 onion
- oil ite French beans
as or wh
- 500 grs. of chickpe

PREPARATION add octopus, diced
n. Before heating oil
Pour oil into cauldro garlic.
ion, almonds and
tomato, chopped on d when octopus be
-
step (1) together, an
Heat ingredients in an d add remaining
almonds and garlic
comes firm, remove
vegetables. d processor and pu
t
ds and parsley in foo
Blend garlic, almon
back to cauldron. te cauldron.
epare rice in separa
Remove stew to pr and vegetables.
er over with octopus
Se rve rice first and lay

COCAS OF BENISSA COLDCUTS
Life-long
recipes...
INGREDIENTS - For 4 people:
- 1 drinking glass of sunflower
oil
es,
- 2 drinking glasses of water
es at www.benissa.
Try out other recip vors”.
“our fla
- Baking powder
in the section titled
- Salt
- Flour

PREPARATION
Put all ingredients into a bowl
and mix for 5 minutes.
The mix should be smooth and
stir/lift up easily (the mix should
be soft)
Make into 25 gr. pieces, flatten
and top with Benissa coldcuts
longaniza (sausage), blood sau :
sage, chorizo, etc.
Put cocas in oven at minimum
heat. Baking time determined
sight. by

Did you know... ?
You can enjoy these tasty dishes and many more throughout the
year in Benissa’s numerous restaurants or in the events that take
place in the month of March within the “Mostra Gastronòmica
Benissa” (the towns Gastronomy Fair), or throughout the summer
months when many bars serve “tapas” and offer live music as part
of the “Benissa: amb sabor, cultura i tapes” (Benissa: with flavour,
culture and tapas) route.

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Plan your stay in

BENISSA
This experience can be enjoyed all
year since we have ways of making
sure that your stay with us will be an
experience for all of your senses.

Benissa offers all sorts of leisure options. Shopping in the Old Town
with its Medieval style shops selling local farmhouse products, such
as the renowned embutidos (sausages) and also the “Coca María”
(sponge cake), “Els Caspellets” and the “Cocas” (savoury pastries and
breads) that are sold in any of the town’s baker’s shops. The mercadi-
llo (street market) on Saturday mornings, where you will be surroun-
ded by the colours and perfumes of the fresh fruit and vegetables.

Enjoy customs such as the “pelota valenciana” matches held on Sun-
day afternoons at the municipal “trinquete” (ball court), or the “Volta
en Carro” (mule and cart rally) that takes place mid August and shows
us the traditional form of transport used by our ancestors to get to
work or in the moments of leisure.

Take a walk through our old town or along the coastline and stop off at
any of the street cafés, bar or restaurants to savour the tasty local food
or try innovative international cuisine. Treat yourself to a drink at one
of the terraces, many of which offer live music, or enjoy the night life in
the bars and pubs. On the other hand during the summer season you
can relax and enjoy the sea breeze at one of the “Chiringuitos” (beach
bars) located alongside the sea-shore.
Moors & Christians

SPR SUM AU WIN
ING MER TUMN TER

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SPRING

(20th March to 20th June)

MAR
Visit Benissa’s nature spots such as the Serra de Bèrnia
or the Serra d’Oltà with its interesting summit walk, the
Don’t
APR
Solana and the rural hamlets with their chapels that invite
the visitor to take tranquil rest.
miss...
MAY
JUN Take part in adventure sports such as mountain bike, FIESTAS PATRONALES EN HO-
horse riding, golf or fell-walking and enjoy the beauty of NOR A LA PURÍSSIMA XIQUETA
the wild flowers and trees in blossom and other aspects of (LOCAL FEAST-DAY) (4th Sunday
nature. of April): Activities of interest:
the procession, the Coronation of
Visit the Saturday Street Market in the Old Town and children’s theatre on Sunday the Fiesta Queen, bull-running,
mornings. Take part in Holy Week activities and enjoy the “Fiestas” held in live concerts, fire-work displays
honour of Benissa’s patroness, the Puríssima Xiqueta, that take place on the 4th and special days dedicated to
Sunday of April and consist in parades, traditional dances, night-time concerts and the “Ribereros” or the “Fadrins”
(bachelors).
evening sessions of bull-running in the square.
PHILATELY FAIR & STAMP AUC-
Try the exquisite local gastronomy and the innovative international cuisine at TION. 1st Sunday of the month at
restaurants located in the Old Town and scattered around the villa estates located 10 a.m. onwards in C/ Francisco
close to the coast. Amongst the typical dishes of this season of the year are the Sendra.
“Putxero de Polp” (octopus stew), “Borreta de Melva” (salted tuna with tomato, CINEMA. Film show on Thursday
peppers and onion) or “Mona de Pascua” (Easter bun). nights in the Sede Universitaria
de la Marina (Satellite Universi-
Visit the Old Town with its well-known “Catedral de la Marina”, church of neo- ty). Free entrance.
gothic style, and its streets, coats of arms and balconies that perfectly conserve its ART EXHIBITIONS (once a
medieval character. Benissa’s most important buildings house interesting itinerant month)
exhibitions of great artistic and cultural value.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE. One
Sunday a month (October to May)
At the same time Benissa offers various tapas bars and pubs.
MONA DE PASCUA. Activities
for children during the Easter
holidays.
“Fiestas” held in honour of
Benissa’s patroness, “25 D’ABRIL” VILA DE BENISSA
the Puríssima Xiqueta LITERARY COMPETITION. Prizes
awarded in the categories: short
story, poetry and investigation.
(April)

S. SORIA VILA DE BENISSA
PAINTING COMPETITION. Exhi-
bition and prize-giving. (May)

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION.
“Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos”
(Moors and Christians) (June-
September).

BUSINESS & COMMERCE
PRIZES. “Benissa és Qualitat”
(Benissa means Quality) (June)

FIESTA DEL CORPUS DEL
CONVENTO (CORPUS CHRISTI)
(mid June)

PELOTA VALENCIANA MAT-
CHES. (January-December) With
professional “pelota valenciana”
players in Benissa’s “trinquete”
ball court on Sunday afternoon.

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SUMMER
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
(21st June to 23rd September)
This is the moment for nautical adventures, for on terraced farming land. In olden days the gra-
water sports in the Club Náutico Les Bassetes pes were crushed by trampling them barefoot
Yacht Club such as windsurf, snorkel, catama- and the resulting juice transferred to barrels,
ran, rides in launch, etc. and let yourself get traditional method that even today is put into
carried away by the nights of Full Moon with a practice in some local homes.
Bassetes Cove
moonlight kayak trip along the coast.
August is also the month for picking almonds.
Savour our gastronomy, a fusion of traditional Canes are used to hit the branches so that
cookery and modern cuisine, in any of the res- the almonds fall onto the nets spread on the
taurants of the Old Town or in the coast’s villa ground under the tree. Once the almonds have
estates. Try traditional dishes such “Coques been collected the outer skin is removed with
de mullador” (pizza topped with ratatouille) the help of a machine in a procedure known as
or “Arrós de Senyoret” (gentlemen’s seafood “descorfà”.
paella).
Another of the typical agricultural products of
Experience the Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos the area is the carob bean that is used in the
(Moors & Christians) that take place at the end elaboration of desserts.
of June with parades and pageants and the
The warm nights of July and August are ideal
fiestas held in the rural hamlets during the
for taking a stroll round the Old Town and follow
weekends of July and August.
the route “Benissa amb sabor: Cultura i Tapes”
Discover the day to day life of the inhabitants of (Benissa: with flavour, culture and tapas) along
Benissa who at the end of August and beginning which you can savour typical “tapas” and enjoy
of September pick the grapes that they cultivate live music.
Don’t miss...

PHILATELY FAIR & STAMP AUCTION. 1st PHILATELY WORKSHOP. Activities for FIESTAS IN PLAYA DE LA FUSTERA (Au-
Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. onwards youngsters that are starting stamp collec- gust)
in C/ Francisco Sendra. ting. (July/August).
FIESTAS IN BERDICA. In honour of Saint
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION. “Fiestas de ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPE- Joaquín (August)
Moros y Cristianos (June-September). TITION. (July) Competition open to amateur
and professional photographers. FIESTAS IN BENIMARRAIG. In honour of
PELOTA VALENCIANA MATCHES. (January-
FIESTAS IN THE BARRIO DE SAN ANTONIO “Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús” (August)
December) With professional “pelota valen-
ciana” players in Benissa’s “trinquete” ball (July) FIESTAS IN PLAYA ADVOCAT-BALADRAR
court on Sunday afternoon. FIESTAS IN PEDRAMALA. In honour of Saint (August)
CURSA VILA DE BENISSA (RUNNING RACE) Vicente Ferrer (July)
FIESTAS IN LA COSTA-CAMARROCHA-
(second half of June). Athletics event that FIESTAS IN BENIMARCO. Last week of July. COLLAO (August)
takes place in the streets of the town. In honour of Saint James (San Jaime) (July)
FIESTAS IN BENIMALLUNT (August)
FIESTA IN PLA DELS MOLINS (end of June) FIESTAS IN SANTA ANNA (26th July).
MOORS & CHRISTIANS FIESTAS IN HONOR UNDERWATER CLEAN-UP. (1st weekend in
MUSIC IN THE CHAPELS. Concerts in the
OF “SAN PEDRO” (weekend closest to 29th chapels of the rural hamlets. (July, August & September) Projection of documentaries,
June). Spectacular parades with lavish cos- 1st two weeks of September). children’s workshops, talks and underwater
tumes and ambassadors that venerate the and shore rubbish collection.
ESCOLA D’ESTIU (SUMMER SCHOOL).
battles are some of the activities that can be Activities for children from 3 to 12 years old. ELECTION OF THE FIESTA QUEEN (Sept-
enjoyed at the end of the month. (July-1st two weeks of August). ember)
FORUM EUROPA. Summer school for uni- “BENISSA AMB SABOR: CULTURA I TAPES”
versity students and post grads (July). PHOTOGRAPHIC RALLY. During a weekend
ROUTE. Tapa tasting (tapa+drink=2 €) during
participants photograph different places of
SPECIAL SUMMER PHILATELY FAIR. (15th months of July & August with live music.
interest (September).
August). With the participation of stamp FIESTAS IN LLEUS. In honour of the “San-
dealers from the Lonja de Valencia and other tos de la Piedra”, Saints Abdón & Senén PUBLICATION OF RULES FOR THE FIESTA
towns of the area. (August) POSTERS DESIGN COMPETITION (Septem-
CINEMA AL CARRER. Open air cinema. FIESTAS IN PINOS. In honour of Saint Bar- ber).
(July, August & 1st week of September). bara (August) CAMINAR ES SÀ (WALKING FOR HEALTH)
LA MAR DE CINE. CINEMA ON THE BEACH FIESTAS IN CALLE SANTO DOMINGO (September) Week of night time walks round
(July, August & 1st week of September). (August) the town centre.

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Don’t miss...
With the fall of the leaves, Benissa
takes on a romantic air that makes PHILATELY FAIR & STAMP AUCTION.
the visitor want to explore in depth 1st Sunday of the month from 10 a.m.
the Medieval Old Town and venture onwards in C/ Francisco Sendra.
into the narrow cobbles streets full of CINEMA. Every Thursday night film in the
history and tranquillity. “Sede Universitaria de la Marina” (Satelli-
te University). Free entrance.
Take note of the different cultu- PELOTA VALENCIANA MATCHES
res that live in harmony and break (January-December) With professional
through frontiers at the Festival “pelota valenciana” players in Benissa’s
Multicultural (every 2nd year). “trinquete” ball court on Sunday after-
noon.
Walk or cycle through the town and ART EXHIBITIONS (once a month)
its surrounding and enjoy the lands-
ALTERNATIVE FAIR. (3rd weekend of Sep-
capes full of life, contrasts and colour tember) Biennial (on odd years) Exhibition
depending on the time of year. and sale of eco, organic and craft products
in the Glorieta Dolores Piera.
Visit the Saturday morning market,
MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL (1st weekend
take your stamps to the Sunday mor-
of October). Biennial (even years) Parades,
ning Philately Fair or experience the shows, exhibitions, national dances,
excitement of a “pelota valenciana” crafts, live music and gastronomy in the
match on Sunday afternoon. Glorieta Dolores Piera
“9 D´OCTUBRE” EVENTS. Celebration
As far as food is concerned the best of Valencia Community Day with leisure
dishes of the autumn season are activities for all ages (October).
“Clafolls de ceba amb anxova” (onion
PUBLICATION OF THE RULES FOR “S.
boats with anchovy) or “coques de
SORIA VILA DE BENISSA” PAINTING
dacsa amb bacallà” (maiz flat breads COMPETITION AND “25 D’ABRIL” VILA DE
with cod). As winter arrives we BENISSA LITERARY PRIZES (October).
recommend a tasty rice stew made
CHILDREN’S THEATRE. One Sunday a
from locally grown produce. month (October to May)
THEATRE. One Friday a month (October

AUTUMN
SEP to March)

OCT L´EXFILNUM. Benissa Philately and Nu-
mismatics Exhibition. (October/November)
NOV
SANTA CECILIA FEAST DAY. Musical
DEC
(23rd Sept. to 21st Dec.) activities. (November)
CHRISTMAS CARD AND SHORT STORY
COMPETITION (November).
CHRISTMAS MARKET (December, 1st fort-
night) Weekend of exhibitions, workshops
and children’s attractions, living itinerant
Nativity play, dances and live music.
LIVING CRIB SCENE (December)
CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY THE CORAL
BENISSENCA CHOIR & THE SOCIETAT
LÍRICA I MUSICAL DE BENISSA BAND
(December).
EXHIBITION OF CRIB SCENES. (Novem-
ber-December).
CRISTMAS AUDITION OF THE MUSIC
SCHOOL. (December).
“PASTÍS DE MONIATO”. Activities for
children during the Christmas holidays
(December & January).

16

Don’t
WINTER
DEC
JAN
FEB
miss...
MAR
EXIBITION OF CRIB SCENES.
(21st Dec. to 20th March) (November-December).

SAN SILVESTRE RUNNING RACE.
(end of December). Popular race
Benissa’s Mediterranean Microclimate another way to get to know Benissa.
that takes place in the streets of the
makes it an ideal place to stay and gives
town centre.
the landscape extraordinary beauty. The second fortnight of January, Benis-
In Benissa Christmas is celebrated in sa celebrates the annual “Fira i Porrat PASTÍS DE MONIATO. Activities for
style with a programme of activities de Sant Antoni” fair in honour of the children during the Christmas holi-
for all the family: golf or horse riding, Patron Saint of Animals. Take your pet days. (December & January).
mountain sports such as fell-walking or to be blessed or simply participate as a
climbing. There are sign posted walks spectator in the blessing of animals and GREAT CHRISTMAS PARTY. Works-
on the Bèrnia, Oltà and the Solana enjoy the colourful medieval market. hops for children and the reception
mountains that offer the opportunity to of the Ambassador of the Three
enjoy spectacular views of the Alican- The Carnaval night fills Benissa’s Kings who collects the letters sent
streets with colour and fun where ever- to the Three Kings from Orient (3rd
te coastline and the orchards full of
yone can enjoy the party atmosphere January)
almond trees in blossom during the
month of February. and the live music. VISIT OF THE THREE KINGS. Parade
through the streets. (5th January).
On the other hand the town offers a In winter it’s traditional to eat “Putxero
programme of Cultural and Leisure amb pilotes” (stew with meat stuffed ca- “FIRA I PORRAT DE SANT ANTONI”
activities such as concerts, the Living bbage leaves), “Pastissets de moniato” (2nd fortnight of January). A fort-
Crib, the exhibition of crib scenes, the (pastries filled with sweet potato) and night of activities with fun fair, bles-
Christmas Market and for the children “buñuelos de calabaza” (pumpkin buns). sing of animals, livestock market,
workshops and the arrival of the Three All these can be tasted at the “Mostra medieval market and a great variety
Kings on the night of January 5th. Gastronòmica” (Gastronomy Show) of cultural and sport events.
that takes place during the fortnight of
PHILATELY MARKET AND STAMP
We invite those that wish to end the March with the Food Fair and its stands
AUCTION. 1st. Sunday of each
year with good intentions and healthy with tapas and local dishes and the Gas-
month from 10 a.m. onwards in C/
resolutions to take part in the tradi- tronomy Week in the restaurants that
Francisco Sendra.
tional “San Silvestre” running race, participate in the show.
CINEMA. Every Thursday night, film
show in the Sede Universitaria de
la Marina Satellite University. Free
entrance.
Council Room
ART EXHIBITION. Once a month

CHILDREN’S THEATRE. One Sunday
a month (October to May)

THEATRE. One Friday a month
(October to March)

PELOTA VALENCIANA MATCHES
(January-December) With profes-
sional “pelota valenciana” players in
Benissa’s “trinquete” ball court on
Sunday afternoon.
Wash-house
CARNAVAL. Fancy-dress parade,
bonfire of the “Ninot de Carnes-
toltes”, dance with live music and
prize giving to the best costumes.
(February-March)

GASTRONOMY FAIR. Food tasting in
Taller Ivars. Gastronomy week with
special menus in restaurants and
bars of Benissa (March).

17

BENISSA

Opening hours
Town Hall - OAC (Citizens services de-

info
partment): 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Banks & Savings Banks: 8.30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Post office:
Mondays to Fridays 8.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
How to get to Benissa
Shops: 10 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Road access is easy and quick. The AP-7 motorway
exit 63 leads onto the N-332 main road on the outs- Market: Saturday 8 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. In calles
kirts of town. Sant Josep, Sant Nicolau & Hort de Bordes

Super and hyper markets are usually open from
Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and
Both Alicante and Valencia have well connected some open mornings on Sundays and Bank
international airports (Alicante’s “El Altet” at 80 Km Holidays.
and Valencia’s “Manises” at 110 Km.)

Addresses of interest
These two cities are also connected by train and bus
to Madrid and Barcelona, cities that have exce- TOURIST INFO BENISSA
llent communications. The narrow gauge railway Avda. País Valencià, 97
that runs between Alicante and Dénia has a halt in Tel: 96 573 22 25 / Fax: 96 573 25 37
Benissa and the Alicante-Valencia bus service has Email: turismo@benissa.net
three stops in the town. Web: www.benissa.es

TOURIST INFO BENISSA PLAYA
Avda. La Marina, 307
Tel: 96 649 83 61 / Fax: 96 649 99 37
Email: touristinfo_benissaplaya@gva.es
Location

18

The surrounding
AREAS
Benissa is close to a number of towns
and villages that are worth a visit.

Region of Valencia
Marjal de Pego – Oliva Nature Reserve

INLAND…

Take a drive through the Vall de Pop and visit
the small welcoming villages. Enjoy the almond
blossom in February and March, Llíber, Xaló
with its antiques markets every Saturday and
the wine and muscatel cooperatives, enchanting
Alcalalí and its friendly inhabitants, towns loca-
ted at 6, 8 and 12km respectively from Benissa.

TO THE NORTH OF BENISSA…

Visit the Medieval Old Town of Teulada and stop
and buy wine in the Cooperative, go down to
Moraira with its castle and see for yourself how
the fish is auctioned at the harbour (at 4 & 14
km. respectively).

In Gata de Gorgos (12km) you can buy typical
basket work products made from wicker, hemp
and esparto grass (at 12 km).

Go further a field to Xàbia and discover its
harbour and the magnificent viewpoints of the
Cabo de la Nao and San Antonio headlands (at
20 km).

Climb up to Dénia Castle and visit the town (at
29 km). Explore the Montgó Nature Reserve.

Take a boat trip on the waters of the Marjal
de Pego – Oliva Nature Reserve and discover
one of the largest biodiversity spaces of the
Mediterranean (at 32 km.)

19

Don’t MARKETS: FLEA MARKETS:

miss... MONDAY: Dénia, Parcent.

TUESDAY: Xaló, els Poblets, Beniarbeig,
WEDNESDAY:
Calp (Avda, País Valencià).

Benigembla. FRIDAY:
WEDNESDAY: Teulada, Benitatxell, Ondara, Orba Dénia (Torrecremada).
The STREET and FLEA
MARKETS that take place THURSDAY: Xàbia, Pego, La Vall de Laguar, SATURDAY :
everyday of the week in one Benidoleig. Xaló-Antiques, El Verger (Safari Park),
or other of the neighbouring Els Poblets (Parque Miraflor).
FRIDAY: Moraira, Senija, Alcalalí, Gata, El Verger.
towns and villages. Fruit, SUNDAY:
SATURDAY: Benissa, Calp, Castells de Castells,
vegetables and antiques fill La Nucía-Antiques, Vergel, Teulada, Pedreguer.
the streets with their colour Pedreguer, Gandía.
and perfume. SUNDAY: Benidorm, Gandía Playa, Albir. > OPENING HOURS: 8 A.M. TO 1.30 P.M.

Valencia, The City of the Arts & Sciences On the other hand… take a longer drive to Valencia and
visit the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts
& Sciences) and the “Bioparc” zoo. Don’t forget to stop
off at Albufera and see the rice paddies and the typical
houses, construction known as the “barraca” (at 112 km.)

TO THE SOUTH OF BENISSA...

Walk up to the Penyal d’Ifach Nature Reserve, in Calp
(at 9 km).

Visit white houses and cobbled streets of Altea (at 20 Km.)

Take a drive to Callosa d’en Sarrià, the Fuentes del
Altea Algar springs and the Guadalest castle (at 31 km & 42
Photo ceded by Millifer.
km respectively).

Enjoy yourself in Benidorm with its numerous attrac-
tions, the Terra Mítica, Terra Natura, and Mundomar
Theme Parks and the Aqualandia water park (at 20 km).

Terra Mítica, Benidorm
Penyal d’Ifach Nature
Reserve, Calp

Dénia
Photo ceded by Dénia Tourism.

a
Algar Waterfalls, Callos
Guadalest Castle
Hall of
Photo ceded by the Town
Castell de Guadalest

more info in www.benissa.es 20

Spanish Tourism in Benissa

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