Valor Chocolate Museum

Imagine you’re on holidays at the Costa Blanca and face a rainy day. What activities are available to enjoy with the whole family? Visit the Valor Chocolate Museum on a rainy day!

We already listed up some activities for a rainy day in a previous post. One of the activities is the Valor Chocolate Museum in Villajoyosa or in local dialect La Vila Joyosa. Valor is the leading chocolate brand in Spain and exportings its products all over the world.

In the museum you learn about the journey of cocao and the making of chocolate. You experience the whole history of Chocolates Valor from its birth to the present day. Therefore, you go through the 5 generations of master chocolatiers who have run it. It also has one of the best collections of chocolate industry machinery from from the times when cocoa was ground on stone to the present day.

The visit finishes with a visit to the factory and – of course – tasting the delicious Valor chocolates. The Valor shop is a mouthwatering experience on its own!

You book a guided visits in advance through the website. Otherwise, just go to the museum and collect your tickets. A maximum of 50 people per guided visit is allowed. Don’t hesitate and book your visit at the Valor Chocolate Museum on a rainy day!

VISITING HOURS:
FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY:
Morning: 10:00 visits in English 11:00/12:00/13:00 visits in Spanish.
Evening: 16:00 visits in English 17:00/18:00/19:00 visits in Spanish.

SATURDAY:
Morning: 10:00 visits in English 11:00/12:00/13:00 visits in Spanish.

Saturday evenings, Sundays and public holidays closed.

Kids stuff rental Costa Blanca

Love to go on holidays with small kids but dreaded by the thought of carrying all the kids’ stuff with you? We can imagine! Especially as travelling with kids at the airport is a challenge anyway. So we gathered some tips for kids stuff rental at the Costa Blanca for you.

Our tip: leave it at home! Don’t take cots, high chairs or strollers with you but just the things you really need. It saves you a lot of stress, avoid extra costs at the airline desk and you can hire a smaller car 😬.

In our stays we can rent out a high chair and a travel cot with comfy mattress. Sold out or in need of something else? No worries, with these two specialized entrepreneurs you will find everything you can imagine. From cargo bike to baby bed and from high chair to pram.

  • Sunny Tots in Jávea. Rental service of strollers, travel cribs, high chairs and other children’s equipment for babies. Delivery and pick up service in La Marina Alta (Costa Blanca North)
  • Holiday Kids Stuff in Jávea. A Dutch company renting out kids stuff at Costa Blanca North. Delivery and pick up service

For more practical tips for the perfect holiday at the Costa Blanca, check out our other posts here. Don’t forget we offer beach towels at our stays (Ca la Vall on request). These companies also offer kids stuff rental like toys, beach gear etc.

Hiking routes Vall de Pop

The local tourist office of Vall de Pop organizes guided walks. This spring you can accompany them at hiking routes in the valley or urban routes in the villages. The guided walks are – depending the route – in Castellano, Valenciano or English. We listed up all hiking routes in Vall de Pop.

Urban routes

  • 23/04/23 Parcent (English)
  • 29/04/23 Xaló/ Jalón (Castellano, Valenciano)
  • 04/06/23 Senija (Castellano, Valenciano)
  • 18/06/23 Benigembla (English)
  • 08/07/23 Llíber (English

Subscribe here

Hiking routes

  • 30/04/23 Senija – 10,6 km – medium
  • 06/05/23 Murla – 8 km – easy
  • 21/05/23 Benissa – 9 km – medium
  • 27/05/23 Llíber – 10 km – medium
  • 28/05/23 Benigembla – 9 km – difficult
  • 11/06/23 Murla – 8 km – easy

Subscribe by sending a Whatsapp to Maria at +34 – 616 043 173. For more information check the website of Vall de Pop Tourist Office.

More hiking in Vall de Pop

Vall de Pop is known for the large amount of hiking trails. The trails marked with yellow-white and red-white signals are official hiking routes. An overview of these trails are at the website of the tourist office.

If you like more information about hiking, check our posts about active life at the Costa Blanca, Marina Alta, Jalón Valley and Vall de Pop here. So, put your hiking boots on and discover hiking routes Vall de Pop!

Best rewarded restaurants Costa Blanca

We already knew, but the secret is unvealed now by the Michelin Guide and Guía Respol. The Costa Blanca has one of the highest concentrations of best rewarded restaurants. The restaurants can be found from the buzzling city of Alicante to the countryside and into the mountains.

Last year it rained stars, sols and recommendations by these two guides. All different types of restaurants are represented: classic styles, new young chefs and, of course, the traditional Spanish kitchen. We yet visited most of them and can agree that they are worth a trip!

We only listed up the best restaurants in the Marina Alta. The other part of the Costa Blanca has many stars, sols and recommendations as well, but that makes the list even more extensive. So we limited it to the Marina Alta, which is roughly the part from Denia to Calpe. By clicking on the name of the guide you will find all restaurants at the Costa Blanca.

Michelin Guide

  • Quique Dacosta Denia ***
  • BonAmb Jávea **
  • Casa Pepa Ondara *
  • Audrey’s Calpe *
  • Peix i Brases Denia *
  • Beat Calpe *
  • Tula Jávea *
  • Casa del Maco Calpe R (recommendation)
  • Casa Cantó Benissa R
  • Casa Bernardi Benissa R
  • Komfort Calpe R
  • Orobianco Calpe R
  • El Baret de Miquel R
  • El Raset Denia R
  • Aticcook Denia R
  • Sand Moraira R
  • La Perla Jávea R
  • Tosca Jávea R
  • Volta i Volta Jávea R
  • El Carreter La Xara R

Guía Repsol

  • Quique Dacosta Denia ***
  • BonAmb Jávea ***
  • Casa Pepa Ondara **
  • Peix i Brases Denia **
  • Tula Jávea **
  • Beat Calpe **
  • Orobianco Calpe *
  • Audrey’s Calpe *
  • Casa Bernardi Benissa *
  • Aticcook Bruno Ruiz Denia *
  • El Baret de Miquel Denia *
  • Miró Cuina Benirrama R (recommendation)
  • Pont Sec Denia R
  • Sendra Denia R
  • Casa Federico Denia R
  • El Faralló Denia R
  • El Raset Denia R
  • El Trinquete Jávea R
  • Le Dauphin Moraira R
  • Sand Moraira R
  • Abiss Gastrobar Calpe R
  • Un cuiner a L’Escoleta Sagra R
  • Casa Canto Benissa R
  • Brou Pedreguer Solete
  • Rafel de Pego Solete
  • Café Bar Billy’s Moraira Solete
  • El Paraíso Parcent Solete
  • La Venta del Collao Vall de Laguar Solete

So, if you plan a trip to one of our stays don’t forget to reserve a table in one of these outstanding restaurants. The best rewarded restaurants at the Costa Blanca are waiting you!

Holiday home with pool Costa Blanca

Where should I go on my holiday to Spain? There are plenty nice spots in Spain to go to with beautiful beaches, clear water and sunny weather. Why not hire a holiday home with pool at the Costa Blanca?

We offer an exclusive holiday experience, in an authentic boutique setting, where elegance and quality are paramount down to the smallest detail. Our stays are the perfect place to immerse into the Mediterranean life. The lush decoration, unique location and carefully chosen furniture makes you feel at home.

Looking for a holiday villa with sea view? A picturesque holiday home with mountain view? Stylish holiday apartment in the centre of town on a stone’s throw from the sea? Our stays tick all the boxes for an outstanding holiday experience. Find your holiday home with pool at the Costa Blanca with us.

What more about a holiday home with pool at the Costa Blanca?

At first, the weather of course. The Costa Blanca is most of all known for it’s pleasant climate. The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world. Neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year. This is making the region an ideal all year round destination.

As the Costa Blanca is a populair touristic destination, there are ample options for car rental. We can help you to find the rental option that fits you best. As a result of limited public transport, car rental is the best option for transport at the Costa Blanca.

Wondering if there’s more than immaculate beaches, turquoise water and waving palms? Yes, there is! The Costa Blanca is the perfect destination for nature lovers, cyclists and hikers. Not to forget the food lovers. With numerous recommendations and awards by Michelin and Guia Repsol, the region is the hotspot for outstanding food.

And what about teens and kids? For sure, they will love the Costa Blanca. Unlimited activities, playgrounds and watersports are available. Check out our posts about what to do with kids and travel with kids.

Well, that’s all you should know about your holiday home with pool at the Costa Blanca.

Tourist information Marina Alta

The Costa Blanca is a popular destination. So there’s a lot of tourist information about the Marina Alta region. It’s impossible to mention it all on our website. Of course, we post our favourites, local hotspots and the best tips and tricks.

The Costa Blanca can roughly be divided in two parts: Costa Blanca south and Costa Blanca north. Our stays are in Costa Blanca north, which stretches from Alicante up to Dénia. The Costa Blanca north consists of several smaller regions, like the Marina Alta.

The Marina Alta is limited by Calp in the south and Dénia in the north. It goes inland up to Vall de Gallinera and Vall de Pop. So, a small region but with plenty to do. You’ll find pristine beaches, unspoiled nature and typical Spanish villages. The region is also known for it’s gastronomy, craftwork and local traditions.

A short overview where to find tourist information about the Marina Alta:

When you book a stay with us, we’re happy to help you with personalized recommendations. If you like tourist information about the Marina Alta, a special region or especially with kids for example, we can make you a personalized trip. Also for the best restaurants, shopping addresses or what to do at a rainy day.

Best beaches Jávea Costa Blanca

Jávea is unbeatable for the diversity and beauty of its beaches. Sandy beaches, rocky caves and pure nature. We listed up the best beaches in Jávea Costa Blanca.

Granadella

Playa la Granadella. This beach is a perfect horseshoe-shaped bay at the nature reserve Granadella. The intense blue water, dramatic cliffs and Mediterranean pines make it one of the most beautiful on the Costa Blanca. There is a beach bar and a few nearby restaurants. Granadella bay is famous for snorkelling and kayak. From the beach you can explore the caves at the seaside. Services: lifeguards, parking, restaurant, beach bar, boat and kayak rental, sun lounger rental.

Portitxol

Cala Portitxol. White sand, gravel and water of an intense blue. Together with the wonderful setting and the typical vegetation of the Costa Blanca, this results in a place of huge natural beauty. Portitxol has all the charms required for a perfect family day at the beach.

As a result Portitxol is one of the most photographed beaches in the area. The typical fisherman’s houses, blue doors and intense blue water. Take your camera with you! Services: lifeguards, beach bar, car park, sun lounger rental, kayak rental.

Arenal

Playa el Arenal. Arenal beach is the busiest beach on the Javea coast with fine sand and a slight slope in the shallow waters. The beach is really popular with families. Mainly because of the calm water playgrounds at the beach, and sports facilities. Furthermore the stretched boulevard with ample restaurants complete this hotspot.

Services: lifeguards, Red Cross, walkways, water skiing facilities, entertainment, sports area, foot bath and shower, access for people with reduced mobility, parking, public telephone, bus stop and taxi rank.

Furthermore

In summer a shuttle service is run by the townhall. This shuttle service concerns the beaches of Granadella, Portitxol and Cova Tallada. As a matter of fact the road will be closed and only access by shuttle service is available.

The shuttle service to Portitxol runs from Calle Tripoli next to Saladar supermarket. It is executed by minibus.The Granadella stop is at the urbanization of La Guardia Park. A bus stop is here since years ago. To Granadella runs a tourist train.

Basically the service will be provided from the beginning of the month of June during the weekends and from June 23 to September 10 on a daily basis, from 09:00 to 17:00 and with a minimum frequency of 50 minutes. Tickets are € 3. Check timetables to be prepared.

About us: Marco & Isabelle

Have you ever wondered who’s behind Viva la Vida Buena? Yes, you’re right. It’s time to introduce ourselves! About us: Marco & Isabelle.

We are Marco & Isabelle and followed our heart to Spain. For us, Spain means enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle, live ‘tranquilo’ and of course the flavors of the Spanish culinary life. We have been travelling and working in Spain ever since.

Like most of us we got ended up in the ratrace of work. We were craving for time together, enjoying life and catch up with friends and family. We couldn’t get it managed until we decided to buy a holiday home in Spain. This became a life-changing step as we quickly realized we were more home in Spain than at home.

We wanted to enjoy life. To spend time togehter. To live the Mediterranean life. We wanted to live slower, more aware of who we are and where we are. An urge to live more with the seasons and the flow of daily life in Spain. We succeeded and enjoy the Mediterranean life every day now.

With Viva la Vida Buena we try to endorse the Mediterranean way of living into our business. And so Viva la Vida Buena started: stylish homes in unique locations with an unbeatable view. Like to read more about us: Marco & Isabelle and our business concept? Read the full story here.

Best beaches Moraira Costa Blanca

You’ll find all types of beaches at the Costa Blanca. Especially Moraira got beautiful, varied beaches. We checked all beaches and listed up the best beaches in Moraira Costa Blanca for you.

El Portet

Playa del Portet. One of the most idyllic beaches in the area: a beautiful cove with fine sand and beautiful clear water. Excellent for snorkling and watersports. Services: showers, accessible for disabled people, restaurants & bars, on street parking.

Moraig

Cala Moraig. This spectacular beach is not the most accessible beach in Moraira but believes us, it is worth the journey. Breathtaking scenery, dramatic cliffs, and crystal clear water are awaiting you. This beach is perfect if you want to escape the Moraira crowds and enjoy the beach away from built-up areas. The left end of the beach is an unofficial nudist beach so keep that in mind!

Ampolla

Playa Ampolla. With soft sand and shallow water, this is the most “family-friendly” beach in Moraira but also the busiest! The little ones can play safely on in the little stream that runs between the Barranc and the sea. They will also enjoy a playground, volleyball nets, shower and toilets as well as sunbed rentals. Services: beach bar, toilets, shower, lifeguard, free parking.

Furthermore

At the website of Moraira tourism there is much more information about the beaches and coves. You can also contact us to find out the best beaches in Moraira Costa Blanca for you.

Best beaches Benissa Costa Blanca

Sandy beaches, pebbles, steep cliffs. You’ll find all types of beaches at the Costa Blanca. We checked all beaches and listed up the best beaches in Benissa Costa Blanca for you.

Baladrar

Cala Baladrar. El Baladrar Cove boasts a breathtaking landscape. As it is surrounded by cliffs, it opens up like a balcony onto the Mediterranean sea. It begins at the Sesters ravine and features a pebble beach. To access it you must go down some stairs. Once you reach the sea level a rocky inlet divides the cove in two sections: El Baladrar and La Goleta. The cove is protected from the easterly wind. Because of its shallow, clear waters and abundant marine flora and fauna it is perfect for diving. Services: the trendy beach bar Olalà, car park, toilets.

La Fustera

Cala la Fustera. This small, fine sand beach is surrounded by rocky outcroppings. Therefore it protects the beach and makes it a perfect shelter. The beach has a beautiful scenery with vegetation that practically reaches the sea itself and with crystal-clear waters.

Near this beach you will discover the La Fustera Cave. As it is 10 metres above sea level one can enjoy a magnificent view of the Benissa coastline and the Peñón de Ifach. Services: beach bar La Mandala, toilets, foot wash, lifeguards, blue flag, car park, playground and accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

L’Advocat

Cala l’Advocat. Undoubtedly the most outstanding feature of this cove is its small jetty that gives access to the sea. Additionally it’s worth a visit as the chiringuito L’Espigó serves excellent food. It has everything you need to spend a complete day at the beach. At first a small sandy area shielded from the waves that is perfect for children. Furthermore a wonderful underwater environment. The beach ends with a 47-metre cliff known as the Cantalar. Services: beach bar, toilets, foot wash, car park.

Lobella

Cala la Llobella. This is the most natural, peaceful and untamed cove of all. The discreet access ensures that it is seldom visited. It has a pebble beach and is ideal for underwater sports. For sure its most outstanding feature is the beautiful, wide open sea floor. The beach is framed by vegetation on the surface, with pine trees that practically reach the water.

Furthermore

At some beaches you can rent beds and sunshades or watersports equipment. Life guards are only present in summer. Parking is a challenge in summer. Therefore go early or park your car a bit further along the road. For more information about the best beaches in Benissa Costa Blanca, check Benissa’s tourism website.