Tag: Moraira

Kids stuff rental Costa Blanca

PRACTICAL, TRAVEL COSTA BLANCA, TRAVEL WITH KIDS

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.

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!

Holiday home with pool Costa Blanca

ENJOY THE BEACHES, TRAVEL 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

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.

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.

Best beaches Moraira Costa Blanca

ACTIVE LIFE, ENJOY THE BEACHES, HOTSPOTS

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.

The Costa Blanca on a rainy day

TRAVEL COSTA BLANCA, TRAVEL WITH KIDS

What to do at the Costa Blanca on a rainy day? Although the Costa Blanca is known for it’s sunny weather, it does rain now and then. As the region is mainly equipped with activities for sunny weather, it might not easy to find a proper activity for bad weather. Here some – maybe unexpected – suggestions:

  1. Tram Alicante. The Alicante tram connects Alicante with Denia by tram. The views yet are worth a visit. Line L1 connects Alicante to Benidorm and L9 Benidorm to Denia. It stops at all stations in between. -> www.tramalacant.es
  2. Valor chocolate museum. In Villajoyosa you’ll find the Valor chocolate museum. Valor is the leading chocolate brand in Spain. If you love chocolate, just go there!
  3. Shopping centre La Marina. The huge shopping mall La Marina in Ondara is worth a visit anyway, but good entertainment for cloudy or rainy days. There also is a cinema, a lot of restaurants and a padel court
  4. Museo Microgigante in Guadalest. A miniature museum everyone will like. When the weather turns better, combine it with the castle and a walk around the reservoir
  5. Cove de les Calaveres Benidoleig. The cave of the skulls is famour for its long history being used as a refuge by Paleolithic man more than 100.000 years ago.
    -> cuevadelascalaveras.com
  6. Treat yourself with a relaxing day in the spa. Thelasso Spa in Altea, Hotel la Sella Spa, Quirobeautique in Calp, Suitopia Hotel Spa in Calp or Hotel Ritual de Terra in Javea

All these activities are on a stone’s throw from our stays. So, no long trips in bad weather needed.

Top five interior design shops

DESIGN & INTERIOR

How to find the perfect Mediterranean style for your interior at the Costa Blanca? It might be a bit challenging to find your perfect interior items. Different cultures, different styles, different brands. Therefore our top five interior design shops.

There are plenty of international stores providing furniture, but they lack that special touch and are not unique at all. You might look for ratan pieces, timeless design or furniture equipped for the Mediterranean climate. Maybe a bit of Ibizia style.

In the Northern part of Europe it is more common to find interior design shops gathered together. In the centre of a town or united in an extensive boulevard. Here you need a bit more effort and travel time to spot them all. But, we can ensure you it’s worth the ride.

So where to find these typical Mediterranean lifestyle items that gives your house character and the Mediterranean vibe? We listed a few of the nicest shops in the area; easily to visit from our stays. Of course this is a limited list; there are much more nice shops. To start off, this is our top five interior design shops:

Rent your bike at the Costa Blanca

ACTIVE LIFE, PRACTICAL, TRAVEL COSTA BLANCA

The Marina Alta is the perfect destination for cyclists. Either if you like the MTB or road cycling. Rent your bike at the Costa Blanca and discover the best parts of the region.

Vall de Pop (Jalon Valley) is the unofficial MTB capital of the region with an extensive network of magnificent routes. The routes vary from easygoing until steep, rocky tracks. You can find yourself a way using the MTB network from this map or check out the official MTB Centre (Centro BTT Vall del Pop) in Parcent.

MTB

You can hire a bike at the MTB centre or book yourself a guided tour with Snakebite MTB Adventures. He also rents out bikes, but we can especially recommend his tours. Mike will let see the other side of the Marina Alta, far away from crowded beaches and buzzling towns. “Cycling across gravel roads, through vineyards, picturesque villages and passing small coves at the seaside, the mountain bike is ideal to surround yourself with beauty and tranquility”, as Mike says. Book your bike or trip at the website.

Road cycling

If you do prefer the racing bike, there are plenty options for bike rental and/ or guided tours in the region. Alta Bike Rental is situated in Vall de Pop and rents racing bikes, electric racing bikes and electric bikes. Bikes are brought to and taken from your home. Make sure you book on time as in the cycling season you may miss out. Book online your bike at the website.

Bike and fight offers customised bike tours to fight against cancer. Discover the Vall de Pop and surroundings with Tonio. Make a difference and book your tour or bike at the website.

Moraira Ebikes rent out normal ebikes for road use, as well guided tours on an ebike. The bike comes with a charger, free helmet (which is obligatory in Spain!) and a kids seat if necessary. Check out their website for prices and availability.

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