known as the “barraca” (at 112 km.)
TO THE SOUTH OF BENISSA...
Location These two cities are also connected by train and bus to Madrid and Barcelona, cities that have excellent communications. The narrow gauge railway that runs between Alicante and Dénia has a halt in Benissa and the Alicante-Valencia bus service has three stops in the town.
Tourist Info Benissa Playa Avda. La Marina, 307 Tel: 96 649 83 61 / Fax: 96 649 99 37 touristinfo_benissaplaya@gva.es Tourist Info Benissa Avda. País Valencià, 97 Tel: 96 573 22 25 / Fax: 96 573 25 37 turismo@benissa.net - www.benissa.es
Addresses of interest Super and hyper markets are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and some open mornings on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Market: Saturday 8 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. In calles Sant Josep, Sant Nicolau & Hort de Bordes.
Plan your stay in
BENISSA This experience can be enjoyed all year since we have ways of making sure that your stay with us will be an experience for all of your senses.
FIESTAS PATRONALES EN HONOR A LA PURÍSSIMA XIQUETA (LOCAL FEASTDAY) (4th Sunday of April): Activities of interest: the procession, the Coronation of the Fiesta Queen, bull-running, live concerts, fire-work displays and special days dedicated to the “Ribereros” or the “Fadrins” (bachelors). PHILATELY FAIR & STAMP AUCTION. 1st Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. onwards in C/ Francisco Sendra. CINEMA. Film show on Thursday nights in the Sede Universitaria de la Marina (Satellite University). Free entrance.
CHILDREN’S THEATRE. One Sunday a month (October to May) MONA DE PASCUA. Activities for children during the Easter holidays. “25 D’ABRIL” VILA DE BENISSA LITERARY COMPETITION. Prizes awarded in the categories: short story, poetry and investigation. (April) S. SORIA VILA DE BENISSA PAINTING COMPETITION. Exhibition and prize-giving. (May)
Qualitat” (Benissa means Quality) (June)
Summer
FIESTA DEL CORPUS DEL CONVENTO (CORPUS CHRISTI) (mid June) PELOTA VALENCIANA MATCHES. (January-December) With professional “pelota valenciana” players in Benissa’s “trinquete” ball court on Sunday afternoon.
PHILATELY FAIR & STAMP AUCTION. 1st Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. onwards in C/ Francisco Sendra. PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION. “Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos (June-September). PELOTA VALENCIANA MATCHES. (January-December) With professional “pelota valenciana” players in Benissa’s “trinquete” ball court on Sunday afternoon. CURSA VILA DE BENISSA (RUNNING RACE)(second half of June). Athletics event that takes place in the streets of the town. FIESTA IN PLA DELS MOLINS (end of June) MOORS & CHRISTIANS FIESTAS IN HONOR OF “SAN PEDRO” (weekend closest to 29th June). Spectacular parades with lavish costumes and ambassadors that venerate the battles are some of the activities that can be enjoyed at the end of the month. FORUM EUROPA. Summer school for university students and post grads (July). SPECIAL SUMMER PHILATELY FAIR. (15th August). With the participation of stamp dealers from the Lonja de Valencia and other towns of the area.
Fiestas” held in honour of Benissa’s patroness, the Puríssima Xiqueta
CINEMA AL CARRER. Open air cinema. (July, August & 1st week of September).
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION. “Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos” (Moors and Christians) (June-September).
LA MAR DE CINE. CINEMA ON THE BEACH (July, August & 1st week of September). PHILATELY WORKSHOP. Activities for youngsters that are starting stamp collecting. (July/August).
ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION. (July) Competition open to amateur and professional photographers. FIESTAS IN THE BARRIO DE SAN ANTONIO (July) FIESTAS IN PEDRAMALA. In honour of Saint Vicente Ferrer (July) FIESTAS IN BENIMARCO. Last week of July. In honour of Saint James (San Jaime) (July) FIESTAS IN SANTA ANNA (26th July). MUSIC IN THE CHAPELS. Concerts in the chapels of the rural hamlets. (July, August & 1st two weeks of September). ESCOLA D’ESTIU (SUMMER SCHOOL). Activities for children from 3 to 12 years old. (July-1st two weeks of August). “BENISSA AMB SABOR: CULTURA I TAPES” ROUTE. Tapa tasting (tapa+drink=2 €) during months of July & August with live music. FIESTAS IN LLEUS. In honour of the “Santos de la Piedra”, Saints Abdón & Senén (August) FIESTAS IN PINOS. In honour of Saint Barbara (August) FIESTAS IN CALLE SANTO DOMINGO (August) FIESTAS IN PLAYA DE LA FUSTERA (August) FIESTAS IN BERDICA. In honour of Saint Joaquín (August) FIESTAS IN BENIMARRAIG. In honour of “Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús” (August)
Bassetes Cove
FIESTAS IN PLAYA ADVOCAT-BALADRAR (August) FIESTAS IN LA COSTACAMARROCHA-COLLAO (August) FIESTAS IN BENIMALLUNT (August) UNDERWATER CLEAN-UP. (1st weekend in September) Projection of documentaries, children’s workshops, talks and underwater and shore rubbish collection. ELECTION OF THE FIESTA QUEEN (September) PHOTOGRAPHIC RALLY. During a weekend participants photograph different places of interest (September). PUBLICATION OF RULES FOR THE FIESTA POSTERS DESIGN COMPETITION (September). CAMINAR ES SÀ (WALKING FOR HEALTH) (September) Week of night time walks round the town centre.
PHILATELY FAIR & STAMP AUCTION. 1st Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. onwards in C/ Francisco Sendra. CINEMA. Every Thursday night film in the “Sede Universitaria de la Marina” (Satellite University). Free entrance. PELOTA VALENCIANA MATCHES (January-December) With professional “pelota valenciana” players in Benissa’s “trinquete” ball court on Sunday afternoon. ART EXHIBITIONS (once a month) ALTERNATIVE FAIR. (3rd weekend of September) Biennial (on odd years) Exhibition and sale of eco, organic and craft products in the Glorieta Dolores Piera. MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL (1st weekend of October). Biennial (even years) Parades, shows, exhibitions, national dances, crafts, live music and gastronomy in the Glorieta Dolores Piera “9 D´OCTUBRE” EVENTS. Celebration of Valencia Community Day with leisure activities for all ages (October).
PUBLICATION OF THE RULES FOR “S. SORIA VILA DE BENISSA” PAINTING COMPETITION AND “25 D’ABRIL” VILA DE BENISSA LITERARY PRIZES (October). CHILDREN’S THEATRE. One Sunday a month (October to May) THEATRE. One Friday a month (October to March) L´EXFILNUM. Benissa Philately and Numismatics Exhibition. (October/November) SANTA CECILIA FEAST DAY. Musical activities. (November) CHRISTMAS CARD AND SHORT STORY COMPETITION (November).
Winter 21st Dec. to 20th March
21st June to 23rd September
BUSINESS & COMMERCE PRIZES. “Benissa és
Autumn 23rd Sept. to 21st Dec.
ART EXHIBITIONS (once a month)
STREET and FLEA MARKETS
OPENING HOURS: 8 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. FRIDAY: Dénia (Torrecremada). SATURDAY: Xaló-Antigüedades, El Verger (Safari Park), Els Poblets (Parque Miraflor). SUNDAY: La NucíaAntigüedades, Vergel, Teulada, Pedreguer. Aqualandia water park (at 20 km). Mundomar Theme Parks and the Terra Mítica, Terra Natura, and its numerous attractions, the (at 31 km & 42 km respectively). springs and the Guadalest castle Sarrià, the Fuentes del Algar Take a drive to Callosa d’en streets of Altea (at 20 Km.) Visit white houses and cobbled ture Reserve, in Calp (at 9 km).
Go further a field to Xàbia and discover its harbour and the magnificent viewpoints of the Cabo de la Nao and San Antonio headlands (at 20 km).
and the typical houses, construction Albufera and see the rice paddies
Both Alicante and Valencia have well connected international airports (Alicante’s “El Altet” at 80 Km and Valencia’s “Manises” at 110 Km.)
Post office: Mondays to Fridays 8.30 a.m. – 2.30 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Banks & Savings Banks: 8.30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Spring
WEDNESDAY: Calp (Avda, País Valencià).
FLEA MARKETS: Alcalalí, Gata,El Verger. SATURDAY: Benissa, Calp, Castells de Castells, Pedreguer, Gandía. SUNDAY: Benidorm, Gandía Playa. On the other hand… take a longer drive to Valencia and visit the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts & Sciences) and the “Bio-
Enjoy yourself in Benidorm with Take a boat trip on the waters of the Marjal de Pego – Oliva Nature Reserve and discover one of the largest biodiversity spaces of the Mediterranean (at 32 km.) Climb up to Dénia Castle and visit the town (at 29 km). Explore the Montgó Nature Reserve.
Walk up to the Penyal d’Ifach Naparc” zoo. Don’t forget to stop off at
Road access is easy and quick. The AP-7 motorway exit 63 leads onto the N-332 main road on the outskirts of town.
How to get to Benissa
Town Hall - OAC (Citizens services department): 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Opening hours
20th March to 20th June
MONDAY: Dénia, Parcent. TUESDAY: Xaló, els Poblets, Beniarbeig, Benigembla. WEDNESDAY: Teulada, Benitatxell, Ondara, Orba THURSDAY: Xàbia, Pego, La Vall de Laguar, Benidoleig. FRIDAY: Moraira, Senija,
MARKETS:
In Gata de Gorgos (12km) you can Visit the Medieval Old Town of Teulada and stop and buy wine in the Cooperative, go down to Moraira with its castle and see for yourself how the fish is auctioned at the harbour (at 4 & 14 km. respectively). TO THE NORTH OF BENISSA… Take a drive through the Vall de Pop and visit the small welcoming villages. Enjoy the almond blossom in February and March, Llíber, Xaló with its antiques markets every Saturday and the wine and muscatel cooperatives, enchanting Alcalalí and its friendly inhabitants, towns located at 6, 8 and 12km respectively from Benissa. INLAND…
buy typical basket work products made from wicker, hemp and esparto grass (at 12 km).
Shops: 10 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dénia - Photo ceded by Dénia Tourism.
Benissa is close to a number of towns and villages that are worth a visit.
areas
BENISSA
Info
The surrounding
EXIBITION OF CRIB SCENES. (NovemberDecember). SAN SILVESTRE RUNNING RACE. (end of December). Popular race that takes place in the streets of the town centre. PASTÍS DE MONIATO. Activities for children during the Christmas holidays. (December & January). GREAT CHRISTMAS PARTY. Workshops for children and the reception of the Ambassador of the Three Kings who collects the letters sent to the Three Kings from Orient (3rd January) VISIT OF THE THREE KINGS. Parade through the streets. (5th January). “FIRA I PORRAT DE SANT
ANTONI” (2nd fortnight of January). A fortnight of activities with fun fair, blessing of animals, livestock market, medieval market and a great variety of cultural and sport events. PHILATELY MARKET AND STAMP AUCTION. 1st. Sunday of each month from 10 a.m. onwards in C/ Francisco Sendra.
THEATRE. One Friday a month (October to March) PELOTA VALENCIANA MATCHES (January-December) With professional “pelota valenciana” players in Benissa’s “trinquete” ball court on Sunday afternoon.
GASTRONOMY FAIR. Food tasting in Taller Ivars. Gastronomy week with special menus in restaurants and bars of Benissa (March).
CHILDREN’S THEATRE. One Sunday a month (October to May)
CARNAVAL. Fancy-dress parade, bonfire of the “Ninot de Carnestoltes”, dance with live music and prize giving to the best costumes. (February-March)
CINEMA. Every Thursday night, film show in the Sede Universitaria de la Marina Satellite University. Free entrance. ART EXHIBITION. Once a month
Wash-house
CHRISTMAS MARKET (December, 1st fortnight) Weekend of exhibitions, workshops and children’s attractions, living itinerant Nativity play, dances and live music. LIVING CRIB SCENE (December) CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY THE CORAL BENISSENCA CHOIR & THE SOCIETAT LÍRICA I MUSICAL DE BENISSA BAND (December). EXHIBITION OF CRIB SCENES. (November-December). CRISTMAS AUDITION OF THE MUSIC SCHOOL. (December). “PASTÍS DE MONIATO”. Activities for children during the Christmas holidays (December & January).
History and
Biblioteca (Cultural centre and library). If you wish to visit a true 18th Century ancestral home, complete with period furniture and tiles, you can go into the “Casa-Museo del antiguo linaje de los Abargues” (Abargues Ancestral Home-Museum) ( 6).
HERITAGE
Between the calle Desamparats and the Cultural Centre you will find the Casal dels Joves (Youth Centre) ( ) that occupies a 16th Century building that, in times past, was used as a granary, prison, Town Hall or Court of Justice while its spacious stone columned porch served as a market hall.
Although there are remains of ancient cultures such the Iberian or Roman it is without doubt the Moslem culture that is most rooted in the town and the town’s name, a derivation of “Banu-Issa”, and the names of some of the farming hamlets that have survived throughout the centuries. If you want to enjoy one of the region’s best conserved Medieval town centres take a stroll though the Old Town of Benissa, that dates back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and relive the epoch of Valencia’s Classic book and author, Tirant el Blanc and Ausias March…
A good starting point is the “Plaza del Portal”, in olden times the East gate of the walled town of Benissa. In this square you will see the building that started life as the “Hospital Municipal” (Municipal Hospital) and today is the headquarters of the “Ayuntamiento” (Town Hall) ( ), and another old building belonging to the Fundación Abargues. Round the corner from the Plaza Abargues Ancestral Home-Museum
At the westernmost point of the route is the “Convento de los Padres Franciscanos” (Franciscan Monastery) ( ) founded in 1613 and a landmark of urban Benissa of the period. During centuries the monastery has been an educational centre for the inhabitants of the Marina Alta and for the Franciscan Order who had a minor seminary backing onto the monastery. You can end your walk round the Old Town with a visit to the Iglesia de la Puríssima Xiqueta (Parish church) ( ) that stands out in the Benissa skyline from any angle due to its imposing size and its unusual neo-gothic style. The construction works that lasted from 1902 until 1929 were the result of the efforts of the Benissa townsfolk and the church is known in the area as the “Catedral de la Marina” (Cathedral of the Marina).
“Puríssima Xiqueta” Parish church
del Portal, Benissa’s medieval route passes through the peaceful “Placeta de l’Església Vella” (Old Church Square) ( 1). Here you can see a painting on ceramic tiles that depicts the facade of the ancient fortified medieval church ( 1) that served the town for centuries not only as the House of God but also as a fortress that protected the Benissa folk from the pirate attacks that at the time were common along the coast. Wandering along the “calle de la Puríssima” ( 2) and “calle Desamparats” ( 4) streets you can discover what was once a Valencian Renaissance quarter with its wrought iron balconies, cobbled
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Did you know…
Walking routes
NATURE
Benissa’s municipal territory is one of the largest of the Marina Alta and its landscape, cultural identity and biodiversity are of great interest. For this reason we have designed a series of trails that help the visitor to discover these features at leisure.
Located half way down the calle Puríssima is the “Monumento al Riberero” ( 5) a tribute to the farmhands that years ago had to walk to the “Ribera del Júcar” (The Jucar riverside) to harvest rice. This statue is of a kneeling man since it was customary for these emigrants to say a prayer to the Virgin Mary patroness of Benissa “La Puríssima Xiqueta” as they left to work in the rice paddies.
Route of the “Riberers” or “Old Route to Valencia” (Camí Vell de València) PR- CV 388
Very close to the monument is the house known as the “Casa de Juan Vives” ( 7), where the “Puríssima Xiqueta”, consecrated as Patroness in 1864, carried out her first miracle.
This is the route that was used by the “Ribereros” (Benissa farmhands that walked to Valencia to harvest rice at the Júcar riverside) in their yearly forced emigration. Along the route you can enjoy wonderful views of the Marina Alta, see abandoned farmhouses, walk along the hills known as the Mallà Verda and visit the “Font de la Mata” nature spot.
n Benissa Old Tow
streets and contrasted white-washed and travertine limestone facades.
The Hermitage Route
Walkability: Moderate
The “Sierra de Oltà” mountain is another of the most loved landmarks of Benissa with its characteristic “dit” (finger) and its isolated aspect
Maximum altitude: 724m
Length: 3 ½ hours.
Access: Take the N-332 towards Alicante and turn right along the Xaló road (CV-750) and then turn left after some 300 metres into the Pinos-Bèrnia road (CV-749). Continue for 2,5 Km and turn right up the dirt track marked by some pillars one topped with a sign for “Rafalet”. This track leads up the mountain leading first to the “campo de tiro” (shooting range). Before you reach this you should park your car opposite the small ruins and four olive trees and start the walk.
Distance: 8km
Maximum altitude: 430m Access: The route starts from the car park in the Municipal Cemetery (at 2km from the centre of Benissa).
Oltà Route
Benissa has rehabilitated its Heritage for cultural use. An example is the “Sede Universitaria” (Satellite University) ( 2) that occupies the “Andrés” and “Pere Bigot” ancestral homes or the “Palacio de los Torres-Orduña” ( ), another stately home that has been converted into Centro cultural y
La Solana Route This trail offers magnificent views of various villages of the Vall de Pop and also the possibility to see typical farmhouses that are no longer inhabited. Length: 3 hours - Total distance: 12km
Length: 2 hours - Distance: 7km Walkability: Moderate Maximum altitude: 587m Access: Take the N-332 road towards Alicante. After 9km turn right at the “Calpe Sur” junction and follow the signs to Estación F.C. (Station) and then continue following the signs to “Monte Oltà – Zona de Acampada” (camp site) at approximately 2km.
Sub-aquatic
THE COAST
Don’t miss…
Benissa has a 4km long rocky coastline with cliffs and small coves surrounded by pine trees. An eco-trail runs along the coastline and can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to the mild climate.
trails
Els Pinets
Water sports
SOUTHERN ROUTE Tourist Info Benissa Playa – Club Náutico Les Bassetes (Yacht Club). 0,6 kms. In the “Bahía de les Basse-
tes” bay is the Club Náutico (yacht club) of the same name. In this bay is a micro-reserve with singular botanical species such as Cat’s Head Rockrose or Conehead Thyme. NORTHERN ROUTE 1st section: Tourist Info Benissa Playa Cala Pinets. 1 km. The first stop along the route is the “Playa de la Fustera” an enchanting small family beach with fine sand, crystal clear water and a sea bed dominated by Sea grass.
ques Negres” a natural rock pool of great geological and scenic interest.
park. This point marks the end of the northern route of the Eco Trail.
Due to its character this pool is an ideal place for children to paddle and swim.
Our trip along the coast finishes at the Cala del Baladrar, another pebble cove located at the mouth of the “barranc dels Sesters” gully. A natural inlet divides the cove into the two areas: the Cala del Baladrar and la Goleta.
The route continues to another pebbly cove, the “Cala de la Llobella”, that due to its lack of access by road is very quiet and ideal for sub-aquatic sports.
Baladrar
La Fustera
Platgeta de l’Advocat. 0.5 km
This beach offers various services for bathers and boasts a European Blue Flag.
From the Platgeta de l’Advocat beach the trail leads north to the “Parque Biosaludable”, an area equipped with gym apparatus and south to the Zona Verde (green zone) that is habitat of various species.
The trail continues to the Cala dels Pinets, a small wild pebble and rock cove from where you can make a short detour on foot to the “Mar Morta i Ro-
The Platgeta de l’Advocat consists of a mixture of rock and fine sand and alongside it there is a jetty and a small esplanade that serves as a car
Les Bassetes
La Llobella
Wrong direction
Lleus hermitage
Our
We have prepared six routes for snorkelling in our coves and beaches: Les Bassetes, La Fustera, Els Pinets, La Llobella, L’Advocat & El Baladrar.
flavours
You can enjoy these tasty dishes and many more throughout the year in Benissa’s numerous restaurants or in the events that take place in the month of March within the “Mostra Gastronòmica Benissa” (the towns Gastronomy Fair), or throughout the summer months when many bars serve “tapas” and offer live music as part of the “Benissa: amb sabor, cultura i tapes” (Benissa: with flavour, culture and tapas) route.
Try out other recipes at www.benissa.es, in the section titled “our flavors”.
2nd section:
Change direction
Access: Take the N-332 towards Alicante. After1km turn right along the CV-750 Xaló road and at 300 metres turn left into the CV-749 road following the signs to “Pinos-Bèrnia” CV-749. Continue on this road for 16 km until you arrive at Les Cases de Bèrnia where the road ends and you can park your vehicle and start the walk.
Did you know...
“Cala Baladrar” Cove
This is the trail
Maximum altitude: 850m
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There are diving and sailing schools in the “Club Náutico Les Bassetes” Yacht Club that offer classes and courses in various water sports.
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Know the symbols used along the routes...
Walkabiliy: Moderate/challenging
Advocat
If you have some spare time during your stay in Benissa you can learn to dive, kayak, sail or windsurf.
The PASEO ECOLÓGICO (EcoTrail) is the best trip along the coast of Benissa. The starting point is the “Tourist Info Benissa Playa – Aula de la Mar” (Tourist Office-Sea Rooms) services that operate in the “Casa dels Cent Vents” (House of the Hundred Winds). The trail consists of two routes: south and north, and runs all along the coast with information panels describing local customs and history, the varied flora and geographical aspects of the coastline, and offers an easy and attractive walk.
PR-CV7
PR-CV 340
Walkability: Moderate
In the calle Puríssima is Benissa’s oldest public building: The “Sala del Consell” (Council Room) ( 3) that in the past housed the Town Hall, the prison and legal archives.
Bèrnia Route La Sierra de Bèrnia is the natural frontier between the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa and its crested ridge is the backdrop that we see as we look south over Benissa. This route passes alongside the Font de Bèrnia (spring), and goes through the “Forat”, a natural tunnel that crosses through the ridge to the southern slopes where the route continues as far as the “Fort de Bèrnia” the fortress that was built during the reign of Felipe II to ward off the Moorish attacks.
Length: 4 hours - Distance: 14km
Our sea
Routes, beaches and services
Another way to get to know Benissa and its natural surroundings is to visit the “ermitas” (chapels) that are dotted round the rural areas: Santa Anna, Pedramala, Lleus, Benimarraig, Benimarco and Pinos. Although the Santa Anna chapel dates back to 1613 most of the others were built during the first years of the 19th Century. Even today they are still in use and during the summer months celebrate the feasts of their respective patrons, this being therefore the best season to pay them a visit.
One of the other ways of getting to know Benissa is through its gastronomy, aspect that combines tradition and ingredients extracted from the sea and the countryside. Fish recipes such as “bull amb ceba” (tuna belly with onion) or putxero de polp (octopus stew) and, from the countryside, traditional dishes such as “sang amb ceba” (blood with onion) or “les coques al calfó i amb mullador” (a pizza-like flat bread topped with ratatouille). The king of Benissa’s gastronomy is without doubt its rice dishes: some of them dry and other creamy and with ingredients provided both by the farmers and the fishermen: “al forn” (oven baked), “amb fèsols i naps” (with white beans and turnips), “amb Fava pelà” (with broad beans), “a banda” or “del senyoret” (gentlemen’s seafood paella). A speciality that is well known in the Marina Alta area for its high quality is the farmhouse sausage that comes in various varieties: “botifarra” (black sausage), “bufa” (black pudding), “blanquet” (white sausage) or “llonganissa” (spicy pork sausage) and can be eaten alone or as an ingredient of traditional recipes. All these varieties are on sale in the traditional butcher’s shops located in the town. A long time ago a popular saying affirmed “a Benissa, pilota i missa” (In Benissa, meat balls and mass).