Tag: Live like a local

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.

Best beaches Jávea Costa Blanca

ACTIVE LIFE, ENJOY THE BEACHES, HOTSPOTS

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

VIVA LA VIDA BUENA

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.

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.

Top ten restaurants in Moraira

HOTSPOTS

It’s hard to list all the best restaurants in Moraira, but we give it a try. Moraira offers a wide range of restaurants, from typical Spanish until high-end restaurants. We’re pretty sure you’ll find lovely places to eat. Even outside this list.

  1. ARTESANO: Healthy, fresh food combined with an art gallery. Perfect spot for lunch or late breakfast. They offer plenty vegan and veggie options. Also take away
  2. CHIC: One of our favourite restaurants for a night out. The staff makes you feel more than welcome and give you a fantastic stay. The menu is Spanish-international and tasteful. At lunchtime they offer a lunch menu as well.
  3. EL RACÓ DE L’ARRÒS: You won’t find a better place for a traditional paella or fideúa (vermicelli style paella, typical from Comunidad Valencia)
  4. Cafe Bar Billy’s. Our hidden gem in Moraira. From the reknown Dénia chef Miquel Ruiz. Amazing, extremely tasteful tapas to share. The staff is outstanding and super friendly. They make you feel come home
  5. AMANTES: A luxury restaurant Nikkei style. Enjoy a lunch at the sun-drenched terrace with unbeatable sea views
  6. THE FOODBAR; Visited by a lot of Dutch and Belgian people it offers really lovely food. A toque of Asian style, French kitchen and some Spanish classic dishes
  7. ZANZIBAR: Our favourite hang-out for lazy summer nights. Cocktails with international tapas and sea view. Need to say more?
  8. LA CASITA: Lovely place to enjoy a family night out. A menu with many children options, super friendly staff and on a stone’s throw from El Portet beach. The perfect spot when you stay in Ca la Bahía
  9. BAJUL: Traditional Indonesian food and rice tables. Also take away
  10. A’ CAS E’ RENAT. Of course we have to close off with an Italian restaurant. So if you like a tasteful pizza, fresh pasta and the typical Italian atmosphere, go there!

But there’s so much more!

We definitely don’t want to withhold these three from you:

  • EL REFUGIO. Eat and live like a local in this traditional restaurant
  • AUX 2 PAPILLONS. An interesting combination of French and Libanese food
  • BO I FET MENJARS. Don’t feel like cooking? Here you’ll find freshly homemade dishes for take away. Or order sushi at the outstanding ROLL AND GO in Pedramala
  • DIRTY BURGERS BAR. Burgers, burgers and burgers. A trendy interior, best burgers in town and also veggie options. Simple as that!
  • MARINA THAI. A typical Asian restaurant can’t be missed in this list. So here you are, freshly made Thai dishes. As long as they don’t have their licence to serve alcohol, you can bring your own

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!