Guadalest Focus

Places to Visit

Guadalest A hidden gem on the Costa...

Guadalest is a small village on the Costa Blanca and it has become a very well known and much visited tourist destination.

In part this is because of it’s close proximity to Benidorm which allows for tours to be offered to Guadalest as it is only 30 minutes drive from the coast.

Guadalest is a very pretty and historic small town and you will see the spectacular images of Guadalest on many Costa Blanca postcards.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN GUADALEST

Guadalest is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the Costa Blanca. Guadalest is a village sitting on top of a mountain. The village appears perched on a tiny pinnacle rising into the sky which makes it look absolutely amazing. This gives beautiful views of the green valley with many other mountains in the background.

Guadalest is famous for two buildings.

First is Guadalest castle (Castell de Guadalest) which

can only be accessed by walking through a 15 foot long tunnel carved out of the rock. This is known as the Portal de San Jose. No wonder the castle was so secure!

When you get through the tunnel you see the old village houses and it feels like you have entered an ancient time. You can visit the restored house of the Orduna family to get an idea of what it used to be like living in ancient times in Guadalest.

The streets of Guadalest are cobbled, there are little squares, a school and an old jailhouse.

Make sure you look to the right of Guadlest and you will see beautiful views of the valley which contains a dam and reservoir – the Embalse de Guadalest, built between 1953 and 1963.

The other famous building that you will often see photographed or on postcards is the white bell tower of Penon de la Alcala which rises up seemingly precariously perched on the mountainside.

The village of Guadalest only has about 200 inhabitants and needless to say most of these work in tourist related jobs. You will find many shops selling souvenirs, crafts and local produce such as honey, wine, handbags etc.

Guadalest also has a number of small museums many of them converted from little caves in the mountainside.

A trip to Guadalest need only take half a day and you can then be back on the Costa Blanca’s beaches or by your pool but do make the effort because it is a worthwhile sightseeing trip and adds another dimension to your Costa Blanca holiday.

The castle at Guadalest was built by the Moors over 1,300 years ago. In 1609 King Felipe the third ordered all the Moors to be expelled leading to an uprising after which the Moors were defeated and left Spain. Also of note was in 1848 when powder kegs blew up (the reason is not known) the castle was abandoned.

The Museo de Saleros y Pimenteros (Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum) has more than 20.000 salt and pepper shakers from all over the world!

Andrea Ludden has collected for more than 30 years, and has another museum in the USA, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which has another 20.000!

The museum is at Avenida de Alicante 2, El Castell de Guadalest, 03517 Alicante, directly on the main parking area, and is totally accessible, with no stairs or climbs. It is entertaining, educational, and apt for the whole family. The children love it!

LCG Out & About Places to Visit

The Castle of Santa Bárbara, Alicante

You can't fail to notice this impressive castle situated on an outcrop over looking Alicante City. It's one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe and covers the complete summit of the Benacantil Mountain. Originally built by the Moors in the 10th century, the castle received its name from the conquest of King Alfonse the Wise that took place on 4th December 1248: Saint Barbara's day. Over the following centuries it was developed and extended leaving it with three main areas all dating from different eras.

HOW TO GET THERE

If you're feeling energetic you can walk along the road that winds around the back of the mountain, or if you're short of time you can drive. The easier way, incurring a small charge (but free if you are disabled or an EU senior citizen) is via an elevator going up through a tunnel carved out of the rock. You find the entrance opposite the Postiguet beach area.

OPENING HOURS

- Winter (1 October to 31 March): 10:00 to 20: 00h. Every day. - April, May, June and September from 10:00 to 22: 00h. Every day. - July and August from 10:00 to 24:00 hours

Tel: 965 92 77 15 www.castillodesantabarbara.com

THE MUSEUM

MARQ is an archaeology museum which is dedicated to displaying its collection in a traditional way; as a collection of classified and catalogued finds. MARQ is a project faced with the challenge of being the first archaeological museum of the 21st century.

A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY

The development and formation of a people is influenced greatly by its past, especially one that is shaped by the presence of various ancient civilizations. It is therefore essential that this past is made known and passed on to all those people who visit MARQ. As well as being a professional institution and an important educational space, the new Provincial Archaeology Museum of Alicante also provides a spectacular and entertaining experience. The museum offers visitors the opportunity to find out about the various methods and techniques that are associated with archaeology. These are explained in three galleries dedicated to: Field Archaeology, Urban Archaeology and Underwater Archaeology. Various dioramas, audio-visual presentations and interactives provide visitors with a detailed insight into the techniques that archaeologists use to discover the past. These provide valuable information which is displayed in an attractive and didactic way. Admission in 2017 was only €3. MARQ is also responsible for the Lucentum site near San Juan and a small roman fish farming site

OPENING HOURS:

Monday Closed. Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 2pm, 6pm - 10pm, Sunday 10am - 2pm

CONTACT DETAILS:

Plaza Doctor Gómez Ulla s/n 03013 Alicante-Alacant, Alicante, Alicante - Alacant (Valencia)

www.marqalicante.com Tel.:+34 965149006 Tel.:+34 965149000

Elche Palmeral Aventuras, a park with a mark for real fun

There are many places surrounded by palm trees but none as Elche Palmeral Aventuras, unique for its adventurer soul and its impressive staging. Elche Palmeral Aventuras, a park with a mark for real fun Elche Palmeral Aventuras, a park with a mark for real fun. An adventure park full of activities and experiences where groups of all ages, families, schools and companies meet in a circuit designed especially for that; along with the fun and adrenaline, you will enjoy a fantastic day. Can you imagine getting to the world's tallest tower and climbing 22 meters while your desire and your pride push you towards the top? Sailing a boat within a true oasis? All this is already possible! Let your imagination be the limit to your desire with an incomparable experience, because at Elche Palmeral Aventuras you have everything ready for you so that your levels of happiness climb up to the limit. They offer you the opportunity to spend an unforgettable day in an environment of leisure activities, sport and adventure because the challenge is that your visit be full of good vibes; facilities and professionals who will help you throughout your visit to get the most of this incredible experience.

OPTIONAL SERVICES:

To further enhance the experience, the park is located in Elche, in the province of Alicante and capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopó. Its Mediterranean climate offers streets full of light and pleasant temperatures on every corner. It is surrounded by the wonderful beaches of La Marina, Los Arenales, El Altet, Santa Pola and El Pinet. Although the true charm it has is in the gastronomy and in their fellow countrymen, who are a real delight.

Tel: 965995012 info@elchepalmeralaventuras.com

La Finca Algorfa Golf La Finca Algorfa Golf

The course stands out for its generous fairways and its superbly designed and variously shaped greens, among other reasons. The 7th hole, for example, features a completely square green flanked on one side by a bunker so large it could be a beach. The preceding 5th and 6th holes include spectacular waterfalls and impressive lakes, adding both T he course stands out for its generous fairways and its superbly designed and variously shaped greens, among other reasons. The 7th hole, for example, features a completely square green flanked on one side by a bunker so large it could be a beach. The preceding 5th and 6th holes inbeauty and an extra challenge to your round, as well as clude spectacular waterfalls and impressive lakes, addmaking for an enjoyable game on a course that rewards ing both beauty and an extra challenge to your round, accurate stroke play. When the course was designed and as well as making for an enjoyable game on a course built, great care was taken to ensure the local environthat rewards accurate stroke play. When the course was ment was preserved, and the course is surrounded by designed and built, great care was taken to ensure the nature. local environment was preserved, and the course is surFEATURES: rounded by nature. Designer of the field: FEATURES: José Gancedo Type of grass: Fairway: bermuda. Green: penncrossDesigner of the field: José Gancedo Address:Carretera Algorfa-Los Montesinos, km 3. Finca La Rellana CP: 03169 Algorfa Phone: +34 966 729 010 - Fax: +34 966 729 011 Type of grass: Fairway: bermuda. Green: penncross Address:Carretera Algorfa-Los Montesinos, km 3. Finca La Rellana CP: 03169 Algorfa Phone: +34 966 729 010 - Fax: +34 966 729 011

golflafinca@grupoquara.com-www.grupoquara.com Email: golflafinca@grupoquara.com Route: Web: www.grupoquara.com

Take the AP-7 motorway, exit 743 towards Algorfa. In ROUTE: Algorfa, turn towards Los Montesinos-Torrevieja. Take the AP-7 motorway, exit 743 towards Algorfa. In Closest airport: El Altet (Alicante), 30 km. San Javier Algorfa, turn towards Los Montesinos-Torrevieja. (Murcia), 50 km. Closest airport: El Altet (Alicante), 30 km. San Javier RATES AND OPENING TIMES: (Murcia), 50 km. Holes: 18 RATES AND OPENING TIMES: Opening times: De 08.00 horas, hasta la caída de la noche. Abierto todo el año Green fees: 18 hoyos, 75 €. 9 hoyos, 39 € Holes: 18 Opening times: De 08.00 horas, hasta la caída de la noche. Abierto todo el año Green fees: 18 holes, 75 €. 9 holes, 39 € Putting Green: Putting Green: 2 2 Credit cards: Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard Visa, Mastercard Services Club: Services Club: Rental carts: 5 € - Clubs: 30 € Rental carts: 5 € - Clubs: 30 € Practice range: 20 puestos - Chipping area: 1Practice range: 20 positions - Chipping area: 1

Selected Restaurants

Ritz

Pseo. de las estrellas 03581 Alfaz del Pi - Playa del Albir, Alicante. Tel: 966 867 448 Brasserie Grand Café & Cocktail Bar.

http://ritz-albir.com Dársena

Marina Deportiva Muelle de Levante, 6 03001 Alicante. Tel: 965 207 589 - 965 207 399

Levante Mediterranean Food. Speciality Rice Dishes.

www.darsena.com

Lo de die

Avda de Denia 153 Alicante. 699458945 Tel: 965650283-Fax 965940894 Ideal for Weddings.

https://www. minube.com/goto/

Nou Manolín

Villegas, 3 03001 Alicante. Tel: 965 200 368 Traditional cooking using natural products. www.noumanolin.com

administracion@noumanolin.com Cafe d'Art Pizzeria Restaurant

Carrer Andres Lambert 4, 03730 Jávea Tel: 965 64 12 51

www.cafedartjavea.com El Charro Negro

Plaza Castelar 4 03181 Torrevieja, Alicante Tel: 965 71 80 13 Mexican delights.

Casa Enrique

Avda. Oscar Espla, 15, 03580 Albir. Tel: 966 868 098 Speciality of the house rices and seafood.

www.estaurantcostablanca. wordpress.com La Ereta

Parque de la Ereta S/N Alicante. Tel: 965 143 250 Traditional food using fresh products.

www.laereta.es El Racó de Mama Lola

C/ Antonio Mira Gran, 1, Elche Tel: 965 429 736 Barbecued meats, fish, tapas and rice dishes.

www.racodemamalola.com Crown of India

Carrer Major, 2, 03590 Altea, Alacant Tel: 865 67 32 59 Indian Restaurant. Excellent Reviews & Sea Views www.crownofindiaaltea.com La Plantación

Partida Arenetes, 12 CV-758 Km, 7 03509 Finestrat - Alicante. Tel: 965 87 87 15 Meats on the barbecue, Ranger Ribs, T-bone Steaks and much more.

www.laplantacion.com La Casa del Reloj

Crta. Cartagena-Alicante km 33 San Pedro del Pinatar Tel: 968 182 406 19th century building Traditional cooking.

www.restaurantelacasadel reloj.com

A taste of the...Mediterranean LCG Food & Drink

The Mediterranean Diet

If you're looking for a heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you.

The Mediterranean diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating — plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine — among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

Most healthy diets include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats. While these parts of a healthy diet are triedand-true, subtle variations or differences in proportions of certain foods may make a difference in your risk of heart disease.

BENEFITS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. The diet has been associated with a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol that's more likely to build up deposits in your arteries.

In fact, a meta-analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality as well as overall mortality.

The Mediterranean diet is also associated with a reduced incidence of cancer, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extravirgin olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

For these reasons, most if not all major scientific organizations encourage healthy adults to adapt a style of eating like that of the Mediterranean diet for prevention of major chronic diseases.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET EMPHASIZES: Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts

•Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil. •Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods. •Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month. •Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week. •Enjoying meals with family and friends. •Drinking red wine in moderation (optional). •Getting plenty of exercise. •Fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains.