Category: LOCAL LIFE

Hiking routes Vall de Pop

ACTIVE LIFE, LOCAL LIFE, TRAVEL COSTA BLANCA, TRAVEL WITH KIDS

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

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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

HOTSPOTS, LOCAL LIFE

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!

Tourist information Marina Alta

ACTIVE LIFE, ENJOY THE BEACHES, HOTSPOTS, LOCAL LIFE, TRAVEL COSTA BLANCA, TRAVEL WITH KIDS

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.

Grape picking in Llíber

LOCAL LIFE

Did you know this? The grape picking in Llíber in the Jalon Valley/ Vall de Pop started last week. Most of the grapes are used to produce wine. Grapes are mainly brought to the two local bodegas in Jalón/ Xaló. But some of the inhabitants of Llíber keep an old tradition alive. They process the grapes into raisins: an old tradition.

In 1472 the Moors living in the Jalon valley sent a selection of wines to the Valencian Court. They negotiated with traders in Jávea the sale of a product which, in time, would become the base of Marina Alta’s economy: raisins. The area is now famous for its local wines which belong to the ‘denominación de origen’ of Alicante and raisins are still produced in small quantities.

They harvest the grapes, dip them in boiling water and let them dry for about 30 days. Drying is still done as decades ago: on cane beds outside. When weather requires, the cane beds are taken inside the riuraus. This prevents the grapes of rotting and fungus. Riuraus are old arched buildings made from stone. They protect the grapes from rain but allow the wind going through. The most distinctive riurau is in Jávea/ Xàbia: d’Arnauda.

Most of the sultanas are not eaten by the Spanish, but exported to the United Kingdom. They are still transported as in the past: by boat from Denia.

Curious about this tradition of the grape picking in Llíber? Visit the Lliber harvest fair ‘Feria de Llaurador’ in early September.

Swimming pool in Llíber

ACTIVE LIFE, LOCAL LIFE

Llíber got its own swimming pool. Beside the large 25 meter pool a kids pond is present. It is open in summer every day from 11:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 20:00. Entrance is € 1; a monthly pass of € 20 can be obtained from the Town Hall. The swimmingpool is open from May until September.

You’ll find the pool next to the school at Benissa’s side entrance of Llíber. Beside the swimmingpool in Llíber, you’ll find public pools in Alcalalí, Benigembla, Benissa, Murla, Parcent and Jalon/ Xaló. More info can be found on the website of Vall de Pop.

When you stay in Ca la Vall, you’ll find plenty options for an active lifestyle. Beside the new swimmingpool there’s a petanque track in the village. In Jalon you can play padel or tennis in the sportshall, yoga & pilates at several studio’s or pump the weight in the local fitnesscentre.

For the outdoor lovers, check-out the climbing wall Peña Roja at Llíber. Or take your bike or walkingshoes and explore the region. Even horse riding is available.

On the other hand a less enervating activity is present in the village as well. At the public parking space on the Benissa side is a petanque track. So get the balls rolling!

Weekly markets Costa Blanca

LOCAL LIFE

Nearly all villages at the Costa Blanca offer weekly markets with fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and non-food. In Dénia and Jávea-Xàbia there are also permanent, covered markets which are open daily. On the weekly markets you will experience typical Spanish life. All people from the villages gather together, socialize and do their weekly shopping.

Below mentioned list is a short list of the most popular weekly markets at the Costa Blanca North. Of course there are more; some villages just have a few stands every week.

  • Monday. Denia, Callosa d’en Sarria, La Nucia, Parcent
  • Tuesday. Altea, Jalón/ Xaló
  • Wednesday. Teulada, Benidorm, Benitachell, Calpe (rastro), Orba, Ondara
  • Thursday. Jávea/ Xàbia Old Town, Benidoleig, Pego
  • Friday. Moraira, Alfaz del Pi, Benidoleig, Denía (fruit & vegetables), El Verger, Finestrat, Gata de Gorgos, Oliva
  • Saturday. Benissa, Calpe, Callosa d’en Sarria, Castell de Castells, Ondara, Pedreguer, Jalón/ Xaló (farmer’s market)
  • Sunday. Benidorm, La Nucia, Jesus Pobre, Pedreguer (with rastro)

Some of the weekly markets at the Costa Blanca offer biological fruits and veggies as well. Especially the Friday market in Denia is known for it’s locally produced, organic food. As well is the Sunday market in Jesus Pobre. Check out our other post to know more about this market.

Best markets in Dénia

LOCAL LIFE

Denía got several markets during the week; all of them popular and worth a visit. The best markets of Dénia are diverse and of good quality. A big plus is you can go every week!

The rastro or vintage market of Dénia is the perfect place for lovers of the second hand items and antiques. Both are combined in a weekly market. Merchants display their wares for those looking for items to restore or collect.

One of the most visited markets in Dénia is that of the fruit and vegetable stalls. The producers of the municipality and the surrounding area exhibit their crops and fresh products at this market in Dénia.

The traditional weekly market for shopping takes place every Monday. The range that is found is very diverse and varied. On the market you will find everything from clothing to groceries, toys or home accessories at very competitive prices.

A big claim for the spring and summer season in Dénia is the summer market, also called flea market hippie. The place, both during the day and at night, invites you to take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the view and the stalls for crafts and accessories. You will find all kinds of articles, from jewelery and fantasy jewelry to bags, toys or souvenirs.

Practical information about the best markets in Dénia

  • Weekly market: every Monday morning from 08:00 to 13:00 at Torrecremada Esplanade
  • Fruit- en vegetable market: every Friday morning from 08:00 to 13:00 at Carrer de la Via
  • Rastro: every Friday morning from 08:00 to 13:00 at Torrecremada Esplanade
  • Summer market: from 17:00 to 00:00 every day in summer (15/06 – 15/09) and in the rest of the year on weekend days and bank holidays. Located on the boulevard along the harbour

Mercat del Riu Rau Jesus Pobre

HOTSPOTS, LOCAL LIFE

In the beautiful village of Jesus Pobre there’s an unique farmers market every Sunday: Mercat del Riu Rau. The market is named after the antique Riu Rau building where the market is held. A Riu Rau is an arched building from the past where grapes were dried to transform to sultanas.

There are many stalls, all run by local people, selling their locally grown fruit and vegetables, mostly organically grown. Also a variety of stalls sells artisan homemade food products, like breads, cocas and empanadas, wine, craftbeer and honey. As the season changes, so does the food which is sold.

There are the stalls with craftwork and art: for example fantastic knitted scarves and shawls, beautiful jewellery, plants and handmade wicker baskets. The surrounding shops are open as well, with beautiful displaying ceramics and art.

Pratical information

The Mercat del Riu Rau in Jesus Pobre takes place in the central Riu Rau in the center of town. It starts at 09:00 and ends around 14:00. In summer the market is in the evening from 18:00 until 23:00. During the market there’s is a high quality live music. You can eat your locally bought food at the market’s terrace with one of the local wines or craft beers.

In summertime it’s hard to find a parking spot in the village, as parking places are limited. No worries! Just pass the village in the direction of La Xara. When leaving the village there is an immense parking place at the right hand side.

The Mercat del Riu Rau is a perfect occasion to combine with a visit to La Tasca restaurant in Jesus Pobre. This Italian restaurant is famous because of it’s homemado ravioli and excellent live music.

Rastro market Jalón/ Xaló

HOTSPOTS, LOCAL LIFE

Every Saturday a rastro market is held in Jalón (Xaló in the local dialect Valenciano) at the Costa Blanca. Rastro means a type of flea market. From 09:00 until 14:00 antique, brocante and bric-a-brac is sold along the riverside around the touristic office. Beside that you’ll find the common tourist souvenirs, food stands and professional salesmen.

This rastro in the Jalón Valley is one of the most famous and best visited in the region. That’s because the quality of the offered pieces is quite high for a flea market. Another reason is the presence of a farmer’s market (mercat de la tierra) with local craftwork, fresh food and local products. The farmer’s market can be found at the roundabout at the Masymas supermarket.

What more to see and do in Jalón

Around the rastro market Jalón there are some nice bars, bodegas and small shops to continue the experience. Opposite the rastro is Bodegas Xaló, the biggest one of the village. Beside wine, you’ll find typical local products like olive oil, almonds and sausages (embutidos).

In the direction of Masymas you’ll pass the famous bar Casa Aleluya, reknown for the charming owner, live music and the brilliant food. Next to it, is Casa Claudia is situated with typical Spanish tapas. Further along the road is Bodega Riko with local wine & food like Bodegas Xaló. A bit further is the honey shop L’Abella, where local honey and derivates are sold.

The rastro market and farmer’s market in Jalón are held every Saturday from 09:00 until 14:00. In summertime the farmer’s market is in the evening hours because of the temperatures.

Good to know! Ca la Vall is only a stone’s throw away from this must-see market. Walk along the riverside path to Jalón in twenty minutes, a two-minute drive by car or get your bike for a nice ride. Book your stay in Ca la Vall now!