AN INNER BEAUTY STILL UNDISCOVERED BY LOVERS OF MOUNTAINS
WHO WE ARE A small group of companies in Biar (Alicante province) and the council of this Municipality inaugurated the “Patronato de Turismo de Biar (Alicante)” (The Foundation of Tourism of Biar) in 1999. The objective of this body is to offer the visitor as pleasant and attractive stay as posible. The “Patronato de Turismo de Biar (Alicante)” is made up of more than 30 companies in the tourist sector and a team from the council. Together, day by day, we join forces with the objective of promoting this population and its surrounding area and to publicise its valuable natural, historical and cultural heritage. The “Patronato de Turismo Biar (Alicante)” invites the tourist to discover this mountainous region in the interior of Alicante –situated a short distance from its beaches- that offers a countryside of outstanding beauty. As the area is so rich in walking routes and national parks, we offer guided walking holidays in our local region organized in conjunction with the specialist sport activity holiday company “Agujetas” who has a team of expert and qualified guides, with a deep knowledge of Alicante´s mountains. Walkers may prefer to discover by themselves the secret beauties of the surrounding mountains as well as the local culture and history. During their stay, the “Patronato de Turismo de Biar (Alicante)” offers the traveller the opportunity to stay in one of its charming country hotel or country houses and enjoy tradicional and creative cuisine that the restaurants of this pretty area offer. You will find further information about us at our web pages: www.turismoruralenalicante.com www.turismo.biar.es www.biarrural.com
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WHERE WE ARE
Just a few miles away from Alicante's and Benidorm´s bustling beaches lie landscapes that remain relatively unknown to the millions of tourists who flock to the seaside and largely undiscovered by walkers and hikers. One such spot is the Vinalopó Valley, a rolling plain sprinkled with mountains and lovely small villages such as Biar. The region is located in the north west of Alicante province, in the inland at: - 45 kms. from Alicante city - 110 kms. from Valencia city in the north - 130 kms. from Murcia in the south. These cities and their international airports are between 40 minutes (Alicante airport) and 120 minutes (San Javier Airport) drive away. The winter climate is mild and summers are pleasantly warm with welcome fresh air at night. Almost half of the country of Biar is mountain and woodland, offering an amazing countryside, plenty of Mediterranean wood and with a rich vegetation of aromatic plants. There is an impressive variety of scenery. The area is so rich in walking routes and national parks that any rambler is spoilt for choice. One can walk for miles without meeting another walker, although we are not far from civilization. The silence and wildness are breathtaking. Here the mountain ranges possess one of the most varied flora to be found in Europe.
The small town of Biar makes the perfect base from which to explore these mountains, home to large pine forests with a network of paths that one can follow on foot, by bike or on horseback, but also getting a bird’s-eye view of the countryside from a balloon. Climbing, abseiling, zip-lining, caving, orienteering, via ferrata are other exciting sport activities that can be practised in the area.
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WHAT WE OFFER 1.- GUIDED WALKINGS HOLIDAYS & 2.- GUIDED MULTIACTIVITIES + WALKINGS IN THE MOUNTAINS “Discovering the secrets and wildness of Biar surrounding mountains” The packages we have organized, cover the following areas of Alicante mountains: - Sierra Fontanella - Sierra El Reconco - Sierra El Fraile - Sierra de Mariola - Sierra de Salinas - Font Roja Natural Park - Sierra La Solana. - Sierra de Onil - Sierra Peña Rubia We have included in some of the walks a visit to wine cellars (“bodegas”) as the quality of wines grown in the region, is excellent. A visit to Bocairente is also included in one of the excursions. Situated at the foot of the Sierra Mariola, the visit of the old part of this old town is essential, especially after gazing at its stunning general view. We have designed two holiday packages. : Î 1st PACKAGE: “GUIDED WALKINGS IN THE MOUNTAINS” Î 2nd PACKAGE: “GUIDED MULTIACTIVITIES + WALKINGS IN THE MOUNTAINS”
General information for both holiday packages: The duration of our guided packages is: 7 nights (from Saturday to Saturday) Check-in in country hotels: 4 pm onwards. Check-out in country hotels: 11 am Check-in in country houses: 4 pm onwards. Check-out in country houses: 11 am The starting point for our guided walking packages is Alicante airport as well as the finishing point. The guided walkings holidays are for a group of 10 people minimum. The full board holidays include: Î 5 days guided walkings (or guided multiactivities + walkings) Î 7 nights accommodation at one of the establishments affiliated to The Patronato de Turismo de Biar (Alicante) (The Foundation of Tourism of Biar – Alicante) - Country hotels - Country houses
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• Continental brreakfast incluuding: coffeee or tea, milk k, toast, jam,, cake, cheesse, sausages, butter, locall olive oil, fruit f and orannge juice. • Piicnic or tapass for the 5 exxcursion dayys: 2 sandwicches; 2 piecees of fruit, 1 iindividual ju uice; 1 bottle of water 1,5 Lt., pastrry. • Luunch menu inn a restaurannt for the freee day (Wedn nesday) • 7 nights of dinnner menu which w will taake place in a restaurant of Biar to taaste differen nt dishes andd specialitiees. It will be served s at aboout 7,30 pm. (Drinks not included) • Allicante airpoort transfers and all trannsportation to o and from walks for a minimum of o 10 peoplee (coach forr minimum 10 people)
2010 RA ATES FOR R THE 1st PACKAGE P E “WALKIINGS HOL LIDAYS”: • •
Prrice per persoon is 840 eurros in doublee room, in a Country hottel Prrice per persoon is 750 eurros in a Couuntry house VAT incluuded, drinks not includedd Ask for quote q for Easter holidays
20010 RATES S FOR THE E 2nd PACK KAGE “M MULTIACT TIVITIES + WALKIN NGS H HOLIDAY YS” • •
Prrice per persoon is 840 eurros in doublee room, in a Country hottel Prrice per persoon is 750 eurros in a Couuntry house VAT incluuded, drinks not n includedd Ask for quuote for Eastter holidays
TIMETA ABLE/SCHE EDULE These pacckages are avvailable from m the 16th of January J to th he 3rd of July and from thee 11th of September to the 18 of December D 20010. Weekly Tiimetable: Saturdayy Transportt from the airport to the countryy hotel or country house
Sundayy Salinass excursioon
Mond day Marioola excurssion, visitinng Bocaireente villagge
Tuessday Sierrra la Solaana excuursion
Wed dnesday Freee time (smaall open air market m in Biar)
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Th hursday Sieerra Onil too Sierra Foontanella
Friday S Sierra Font Roja to Sierra F Fontanella in Biar
Saturday Transport to Alicante Airport
2009 Ann nual Calendaar:
PAYMENT COND DITIONS • •
Paayment will be b arranged with the hoteel or country y house choseen for the staay W require a comprehensi We c ive travel inssurance policcy to particippate on the P Patronato dee Turismo dee Biir guided waalking holidays.
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1st PACKAGE “WALKING HOLIDAYS” “Smelling aromatic walkings” • • • •
General information: For people who loves nature, health life and practice some kind of physical exercise. Civil Responsability insurance: 600.000 €. All the guides are members of the Union International Mountain Leaders Association (UIMLA) Equipment requested: comfortable clothes, waterproof coat, little rucksac for the picnic and water, solar cream, mountain boots, and in winter time: pullovers, globes, hat and skarf.
1st day (Saturday): transport from the airport to the country hotel or country house, where you can have rest after your journey. Dinner 2nd day (Sunday): SALINAS excursion A walk through Sierra Salinas´ woods reaching a beautiful view-point looking over the valley. We will walk along this mountain range whose 1.237 metre peak is called Capilla del Fraile and gives its name to Sierra Salinas bodega´ s wine. Visit to the prestigious bodega “Sierra de Salinas” for wine tasting and Spanish tapas. Starting at 9:00 am. and finishing at about 5:00 pm. Group of maximum 10 people Back to the hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm 3rd day (Monday): SIERRA MARIOLA excursion, visiting Bocairente village Walking through a protected area of great beauty; visit to a prehistoric cave, to a Iberian site and to snow caves (where people used to store snow in the past ). Visit to Bocairente´s old town, “Cava de San Blai” and “Covetes dels Moros”. Picnic Starting at 9:00 am. and finishing at about 5.00 pm. Back to the hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm 4th day (Tuesday): SIERRA LA SOLANA excursion We will begin our walk from the top of the hills, through woods and narrow passes between the hills. Afterwards, visit to the bodega for wine tasting and traditional tapas. Starting at 9:00 am. and finishing at about 5:00 pm. Back to the hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm 5th day (Wednesday): Free time (small open air market in Biar) Lunch at 1,30 pm Dinner at 7,30 pm 6th day (Thursday) : SIERRA ONIL TO SIERRA FONTANELLA We will start walking from Onil village along the mountain range of Onil and we will follow our walk through Sierra El Reconco and Sierra Fontanella. This walk will finish in Biar village. Picnic Starting at 9:00 am. and finishing at about 5.00 pm . Back to the hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm
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7th day (Friday): SIERRA FONT ROJA TO SIERRA FONTANELLA IN BIAR The nature park “Carrascal of Font Roja” is a very well preserved nature area. Here the forests are made up of holm oak, Mediterranean pines, ash, maple and cork trees, giving way to shrubbery in the higher ground. (If you take this route in October, you will walk through a forest with autumn tints). This walk will finish in Biar village. Picnic Starting at 9:00 am. and finishing at about 5.30 pm Back to the hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm 8th day (Saturday): TRANSPORT TO ALICANTE AIRPORT
2º PACKAGE “MULTIACTIVITIES + WALKINGS HOLIDAYS” “Thrilling experiences in the nature” • • • •
For people who are fit and don’t suffer from vertigo or have health problems. Civil Responsability insurance: 600.000 €. All the guides are members of the Union International Mountain Leaders Asociation (UIMLA) Things you need: comfortable clothes, waterproof coat, little rucksac for the picnic and water, solar cream, mountain boots, and in winter time: pullover, globes, hats and skarf.
1st day (Saturday): transport from the airport to the country hotel and country house, where you can rest after your journey. Dinner. 2er día (Sunday): VÍA FERRATA We will leave at 9:00 h. for an excursion to the “via ferrata”. We will climb to the top with iron rings set into the rock. Once at the top, rest and picnic. Afterwards, visit to the castle of Villena and the museum. Starting at 9.00 am and finishing at 2.00 pm Back to the hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm 3rd day (Monday): SIERRA FONT ROJA TO SIERRA FONTANELLA IN BIAR The nature park “Carrascal of Font Roja” is a very well preserved nature area. Here the forests are made up of holm oak, Mediterranean pines, ash, maple and cork trees, giving way to shrubbery in the higher ground. If you take this route in october, you will walk through a forest with autumn tints. Picnic Starting at 9.00 am. and finishing at about 5.30 pm Back to the hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm
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4th day (T Tuesday): ORIENTEER O RING, ZIP--LINING, ABSEILING A G AND WA ALKING IN N SIERRA EL E FRAILE E Spend foour hours enjjoying thesee experienciees in Sierra Peña Rubia.. Special equipment will be prrovided. Affter the multiactivities m s performaance, we will walk throuugh Sierra E El Fraile mou untain rangee until we reach r Biar village. v You will w discoverr beautifull views v all thee way, to thhe valley of Vinalopó. V Picnic Starting at a 9:00 am an nd finishing at about 5,300 pm Back to thhe hotel Dinner 5th day (W Wednesday)): Free time (small ( open air market in n Biar) Lunch at 1,30 pm Dinner att 7,30 pm. 6th d day (Thursday): SIIERRA O ONIL TO SIERRA A FONTAN NELLA We will start walking g from Onil village alonng the mounttain range off Onil towards Sierra Foontanella. Thhis walk will finish in Biaar village. Picnic Starting att 9:00 am. annd finishing at a about 5.000 pm Back to thhe hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm Friday): CAV VING IN SA ARSA CAVE AND WA ALKING IN SIERRA M MARIOLA 7th day (F Visit to an a undergrouund cave. We W will supply the requeested equipm ment: overalll and helmet with light.. Walking through t the Sierra Marioola, a protectted area of great g beauty and wellknoown by its aromatic a andd medicinal herbs. Visit to Bocairentte´s old townn, “Cava de San S Blai” and “Covetes ddels Moros”. Picnic Starting att 9:00 am and finishing at a about 5,00 pm Back to thhe hotel Dinner at 7,30 pm 8th day (S Saturday): TRANSPOR T RT TO THE AIRPORT
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SELF-GUIDED WALKING HOLIDAYS For tourists that prefer the option of self-guided walking holidays, we offer the possibility of staying in some of the hotels or country houses affiliated to the Patronato de Turismo de Biar - Aicante, where they will be provided with detailed routes information, to walk on their own, without guides. o Duration of the stay: two days or more. o Some country hotels or country houses will also be offering route information plotted by GPS ( generated routes) 2010 RATES: Seven nights accommodation with dinner menu and breakfast: o
at a Country hotel: 465 Euros per person in double room
o
At a Country house: 375 Euros per person (although they do not serve dinner at the country house, they will provide guests with a ticket to have their dinner menu in a restaurant in Biar). VAT included, drinks not included Ask for quote for Easter holidays
TIMETABLE/SCHEDULE This package is available from the 16th of January to the 3rd of July and from the 11th of September to the 18th of December 2010.
PAYMENT CONDITIONS - Payment will be arranged with the hotel or country house chosen for the stay - We require a comprehensive travel insurance policy to participate on the Patronato de Turismo de Biar – Alicante self-guided walking holidays.
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OTHER ACTIVITIES CLIMBING
“Take up the challenge of climbing the walls of Sierra El Fraile”
In the beautiful mountains of Sierra El Fraile and surroundings -easy to reach on foot from Biar village- rock climbing courses are performed. There are 170 climbing routes in Biar. A professional climber instructor, with 27 years of experience has designed the routes and is running climbing courses for beginners and also for improvers who want to reach a higher level. There is something to offer to everyone, whether you are a first time climber or have many seasons under your belt. It is possible to book a one day taster session without any knowledge of climbing. The qualified and experienced instructor started climbing in 1981 and has been climbing since 1985. In 1987 and 1988 he was the first climber in Scandinavia to climb grade 8a and 8a/b. He has been Norwegian champion in indoor climbing two times (and three times second), and has competed in European and world championship, and several times in the world cup. He has been on the highest peaks in north and south America, Africa, Europe, and on two expeditions to the Himalayas. He is at the moment developing climbing around the beautiful little town of Biar. A homepage with climbing guide for Biar and much information about climbing and the area around Biar will be ready in January 2009.
BALLOON RIDE
“Become a part of the World of the Winds” Passenger flights The balloon flight experience begins in the early morning when people coming to fly are met. Pilots, crew and passengers get to know each other as they take a morning coffee before the balloon ride. Soon, they will be sharing the unforgettable experience of a gentle flight in the Mediterranean sky. A whole panorama opens up below the traveller: rivers of fog filling the bottom of the valley, tiny model villages, majestic mountains, the bright sea far away, the woods spread out like carpets… Each balloon flight is a unique experience as the travellers fly wherever the winds take them. All members of the crew are fully qualified professionals and guarantee your complete safety and enjoyment. Their fleet of balloons is rigorously maintained subject to standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority.
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HORSE RIDING
“A great adventure you will never forget”
Horse riding can be practised in a small, personalized run stables which breeds it’s own very special horses-pure bred Appaloosa horses (all registered with the Appaloosa Horse Club of America). Personalized tuition of all levels is offered, specializing in students with no riding experience or nervous riders of all ages. They start teaching from 5 years of age upwards, but the younger can also sit and enjoy a lead rein ride on one of our bombproof ponies. Two types of hacks around the nature park are offered: - the basic hack of 45 min. is ideal for the inexperienced riders - and the 90 min.hack gives you the fantastic opportunity to see the unspoiled beauty of “Sierra Mariola” Nature Park. The park is famous for its medicinal herbs and spices, and in winter there is a large selection of mushrooms that grow in its woods. When the temperatures drop there is also a good chance of seeing everything covered under a white blanket of snow (fantastic & unique view). One could also take part in one of the midnight moonlight rides which are celebrated on certain dates when there is a full moon. The ride includes an evening meal at the stables, the midnight hack & a glass of champagne to finish the night. Personal needs can also be met ROUTE OF THE CASTLES “For lovers of historical monuments” Biar is also on the famous “Route of the Castles”, a great day trip for lovers of historical monuments . Biar, Castalla, Sax, Villena, Bañeres have beautiful castles from the XII century.
TAILOR-MADE ACTIVITIES We can also offer tailor-made activity holidays for groups of 8 people or more, combining one or more of the activities mentioned above. Ask for quote.
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ACCOMMODATION: Country hotels and Country houses In Biar, there are lovely country hotels as well as country houses affiliated to the Patronato de Turismo de Biar (Alicante). Some of these are located close to the fortress –many of which are ancient buildings that have been carefully restored and exquisitely decorated. Others are located on the surrounding area, in the middle of nature, in beautiful cottages. To find more details about accommodation, please, visit the websites:
COUNTRY HOTELS LA FAÇANA HOTEL Æ www.lafasana.com 4 double rooms with 1 double bed each 3 double rooms with with twin beds each 2 triple rooms with 3 beds (Capacity: 20 guests) MAS FONTANELLES HOTEL Æ www.masfontanelles.com 9 double rooms (twin beds or double beds) 3 extra beds (Capacity: 21 guests) LOS DOS TILOS HOTEL Æ www.losdostilos.com 3 double rooms with 1 double bed each 2 double rooms with twin beds each 2 extra beds (Capacity: 12 guests)
COUNTRY HOUSES SAN ANTONI COUNTRY HOUSE Æ www.ruralbiar.com 2 double rooms with 1 double bed each 1 double room with twin beds (2 litters) 1 double room for individual use (1 bed) (Capacity: 6 guests) MASÍA LOS PASOS COUNTRY HOUSE Æ www.casarurallospasos.com 3 double rooms with twin beds each 2 double rooms with 1 double bed each 2 extra beds ( Capacity: 10 guests) JAMARAUJA COUNTRY HOUSE Æ www.jamarauja.com 1 double rooms with 1 double bed 2 double rooms with twin beds each (Capacity: 6 guests)
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CASAS RURALES EL PRIOR Æ www.telefonica.net/web2/el-prior 6 double rooms with 1 double bed each 3 double rooms with twin beds each Capacity: 18 guests CASA RURAL MIRAMONTES Æ www.miramontesrural.com 3 double rooms with 1 double bed each
3 double rooms with twin beds each 1 double room with three beds Capacity: 16 guests CASA RURAL MAS FONDA Æ www.masfonda.com 2 double rooms with 1 double bed each 1 room with 1 individual bed 1 room with 1 individual bed 1 double room with 1 double bed Capacity: 8 guests ALBERGUE DE LOS MARISTAS Æ maristasfontalbres@hotmail.com
RESTAURANTS Biar also offers a largo variety of eating places affiliated to the Patronato de Turismo de Biar - Alicante. Some of the local dishes are cooked with aromatic herbs. A good example is the gazpacho with rabbit and snails, with the special touch of pebrella, a variety of thym. Rice is also the base of many traditional dishes. El Solet Æ www.restauranteelsolet.com La Façana Æ www.lafasana.com La Serreta Æ http://www.competic.es/empresa_7549_bar_restaurante_la_serreta.html Las Brasas Æ www.lasbrasasbiar.com Pizzería Chao Chao Æ www.biarrural.com/chao.htm Bar Juan Æ www.biarrural.com/barjuan.htm Salones Navarro Æ www.biarrural.com/salonesnavarro.htm Salones Dafnis Æ www.biarrural.com Fuente del Pájaro Æ www.parlantimenjant.com/rest_det.php?rest=12 For further information about the above restaurants: www.turismo.biar.es and www.turismoruralenalicante.com and www.biarrural.com
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BIAR Location At some 600 metres above the sea level, we find Biar, a picturesque village which, for centuries, has blended in with its natural surroundings. Arquitecture of the town, in perfect harmony with nature, is one of the main attractions. Biar is a village of Arabic origin dominated by a doublewalled castle with a slender keep, an “Almohade” construction that dates back to the second half of the 12th century. The Arabic influence to be seen in the castle is also mirrored by the fact that the word “Biar” means "wells" and the town got this name from the numerous springs to be found throughout Biar. Surrounding the castle is the wellpreserved arabic part of the village, full of cobbled streets, paved steps and fountains. Biar is surrounded by hills covered in pine trees and aromatic plants. These contrast with the plain, which is a patchwork of almond and olive trees.
Climate The winter climate is mild and summers are pleasantly warm with welcome fresh air at night.
Agriculture and craftwork have been the basis of the local economy for decades. These activities have been complemented and reinforced lately by a healthy growing industry and tourism. Biar also enjoys excellent communications. It is just 45 kilometres from the coast and access by road is by the A-31 motorway or the A7 motorway. Biar is set in a natural environment both well-connected to all major routes and easy to reach: 11 kms. from Villena (the nearest town) 11 kms. from the Madrid-Alicante (A-31 motorway) 40 minutes’ drive from Alicante airport (A-31 motorway) 60 minutes' drive from Valencia: • Venue for America's Cup (2009) • Moto GP (every November) • Formula I (August 2009) 3 hours' drive from Madrid 4 hours' drive from Barcelona 25 minutes away Club Alenda Golf Courses (Monforte del Cid) 20 minutes drive from Horse riding centre. 25 minutes drive from Alicante's Beaches (Alicante San Juan, Campello, Los Arenales): 50 minutes drive from Terra Mítica (and Benidorm's other attractions such as Mundomar, Aqualandia, Terra Natura): 60 minutes drive from Murcia city 60 minutes drive from Fortuna and Archena spas (Murcia)
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Access by road You can c reach thiis area from Valencia aloong the A-35, turning offf at Font de laa Figuera and d continuingg on the A-331. From m Alicante, foollow the A--31 inland. To T reach this area area froom Murcia, use the A-7 and then A-31. The A-31 A providess access from m Almansa, Albacete, A Maadrid.
Population: 3,600 innhabitants Altitude:: 650 mts Surface area a of the parish: 98 km2, half off which is forested Productss and souveenirs of thee local area and surrou udings: • • • • • • • • • • •
Local pottery (Biaar) Textiles: tableclothhs, towels, blankets, sheeets (Biar, Baññeres, Bocairrente) Materrials for makking clothes (Castalla); ( Trekkiing shoes (V Villena) Shoes for childrenn and adults (Villena, ( Elda) Oil annd almonds (Biar) ( Local nougat "turrrón"; typical sweets; honey (Biar) Herbs eau de vie (B Biar) Cold meats m and sauusages (Biarr); Costum mes and jew welry of the Moors M and Ch hristians festtivals (Villenna) Furnitture (Yecla)
Gastronoomy “Gazp zpachos” withh rabbit and snails and with w a special touch of pebbrella Ricee is the base of o many dishhes
Historicaal legacy The old o part of thhe city provees a rich meddieval history y. Remains of o ancient w walls from wh here one cann contemplaate the watchhtowers, diffeerent arcs annd fountains. The castle c that crowns c the old o part of Biar B is an example e of this t kind off building (X XII century).. Considereed as a Natioonal Monum ment, inside it shows an example e of the t most anccient “Almoh hade” dome.. From its amazing a keeep, one can admire a the wide w valley and a on the oppposite side,, the magnifficence of Ell Reconco.
The local festival The traditional t M Moors and Christians C celebration tak kes place in May (10th tto 14th). Thiis festival iss probably one o of the most m ancient of all the Valencian V reg gion. It conm memorates tthe struggle between thee Moorish forces f and thee troops loyaal to King Jaime I the Co onqueror, which took placce in Biar in 1245.
Craftmaanship Uniquue in the proovince, is thhe home madde pottery, a tradition that has been kept up sincce the XVIIII century. Itt is characterristic for beinng glazed inn different co olours, especcially in whitte and blue. The T range iss really exteensive: vasess, dishes, trayys, bowls andd flowerpots. You will find furtheer informatio on about us att our web paages: www.turismoruralenalicante.com w www.turism mo.biar.es w www.biarru ural.com
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