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Issue 002/2015
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Introduction
Welcome to the Little Black Book! With this magazine we give you all the very best advice and information on bars, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues in the area. From an English breakfast to a full A La carte dining experience. From a quick pint to a full evening out... Our advertisers offer you the very best of experiences to ensure you have a great time with them. In addition there are various services that you may need whether you are on holiday or a resident here... Plumbers, Electricians, Doctors, Rentals or Property Sales and Purchases etc Need to know whats going on? Don’t to et rg fo Want to organise an evening out? tell our u Want to know how to get to places? advertisers yo e th in em saw th Little Black It’s all in here.. book”!
Enjoy! The Little Black Book is also available on online at www.Little www.LittleBlackBook.guide and is mobile friendly for your customers on the go! Information is supplied “As is” from advertisers and suppliers. Offers, opening times, performance times etc may vary. The Little Black Book is printed by ThePrintshop.eu.
Advertisers enquiries info@theprintshop.eu Need printing done at the cheapest prices on the Costa Blanca? go www.theprintshop.eu Page 2
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Theme Parks
Open from 10.30am to 8pm Afternoon/Evening ticket starts after 3pm. Subject to change by Terra Mitica
Open from 10.30am to 12pm Rides will be open until 10pm. Afternoon/Evening ticket starts after 5pm. Subject to change by Terra Mitica Terra Mitica is a park for all ages so we offer several ways to tour the park for your enjoyment
Choose the tour that best suits your personality or the friends or family that come with you Page 4
For the little ones
For those who want thrills
For a refreshing visit
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For fans of the show
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Useful Information
Useful Information AIRLINES
DOCTORS
If you need to contact the airline for any reason these are numbers based in Spain. Monarch – 800 099 260 free phone number Jet2 - 902 881 269 – calls cost 6.7c per min plus 8.3c connection. EasyJet – 902 599 900 from Spain – calls cost 8 cents per min from landline Or 0843 104 5000 UK number – calls cost 5p per min
If you have your EHIC – European Health Insurance Card you are entitled to see the social security doctor free of charge in an emergency, but you must also present your passport with the card. There are three ‘Centro de Salud’ (health centres) in Benidorm you can attend: Rincon de Loix - On Avd Derramador near to the Indoor market Foiettes in the Old Town - Calle Venuzuela La Cala - Avda de Benissa
ALSA BUSES This is the bus which runs to Alicante airport. You can catch it from either the Avda Europa, outside the Europa Clinica or from the bus station – but with baggage you would need to take a taxi as you are not allowed to take luggage onto local public buses. Departs hourly and on the hour from Avda Europa from 7am until 10pm – but there is NO bus at 9pm: costs 9.45€ one way.
BANKS In Spain banks only open for half a day, so make sure you go in the morning. Normal opening hours are 8.15am till 2pm, no Saturday opening. All banks have an ATM with an option to change the language into English – press the ‘cambio idiomas’ option
LOCAL BUSES
The local bus service is run by Llorente. You pay the driver and the cost is 1.50€ regardless of distance. Generally the buses run until midnight. See the bus chart for more info later in the guide
EMERGENCIES
112 is the European equivalent of 999 in the UK Ambulance – 112 Local Police – 966 807 766 or 092 in an emergency National Police – 966 831 930 or 091 in an emergency Guardia Civil – 965 854 475 or 062 in an emergency
BRITISH CONSULATE CHEMISTS In Spain they are called a ‘Farmacia’. There is a 24hour farmacia on the main Avd Mediterraneo and the staff speaks English. Many local farmacias close over the lunch period from 1.30, re-opening at 5pm. If you need any sort of medication, including asprin or paracetamol, you can only buy them here: supermarkets are not allowed to sell any kind of medicine
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This is located in Alicante – Edf Espacio, Rambla Mendez Nuñez, 6th Floor, Alicante 03002. Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 1.30pm. In an emergency contact 965 216 002: if you have lost or had your passport stolen you will need to go there to obtain an emergency travel document to get you back to the UK, which will take about two hours to process. It will only be valid for that one journey and costs approximately 120€.
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Buses Information
Local Bus Information Benidorm
Soduku Solution
CROSSWORD SOLUTION. CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS
Across: 1 Rome; 3 Stampede; 9 Minimum; 10 Nepal; 11 R day; 13 Encase; 15 Orange; 17 Frontispiece; 20 Alo 21 Onerous; 22 Mistress; 23 Feed.
Down: 1 Remarked; 2 Mined; 4 Tomato; 5 Minor prop 6 Explain; 7 Eels; 8 Impersonator; 12 Released; 14 Car 16 Pilots; 18 Elope; 19 Balm.
www.llorentebus.es
(+34) 96 585 43 22 Page 10
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Buses Information Altea
Alfaz del Pi
Airport Bus Information
From Benidorm to the Airport Buses depart from the Avenida Europa Hourly Then
07.00 to 16.00 18.00 / 20.00 / 22.00
From the main bus depot Hourly Then
07.10 to 16.10 18.10 / 20.10 / 22.10
From the Airport to Avenida Europa / Benidorm bus depot Hourly Then
08.00 to 17.00 19.00 / 21.00 / 23.00
Journey time is 50 minutes +/Single journey price at present Return journey price at present
9.45â‚Ź 17.95â‚Ź
Book online at http://www.alsa.es/en/
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Benidorm Indoor Market
Now better than ever! Eat cheap, get a new hairdo, stock up on British goodies, buy some Euros or just soak up the atmosphere! it is all good these days at the famous market in the centre of the Rincon de Loix in Benidorm! You really notice the difference in the market of today compared to only a few years ago, the variety for shoppers is now greater than ever. If you have not popped over to the market for a browse on recent visits, you are certainly in for a surprise. There are more cafĂŠs today with more seating areas where you can rest for a while and enjoy a cheap brunch or very late breakfast from just a couple of Euros. As has been the case for many years, the Indoor Market is a mix of local
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Spanish stall holders and a large number of British units offering all manner of products from tasty homemade Sausage Rolls to branded toiletries that we recognise! You could be forgiven for thinking that you are in a local market in Stockport rather than sunny Spain. There are some long established stall holders who have been trading for many years. These include Sheila´s Money Exchange (no rip off fees) for good rates on your Euros and for those on a self-catering holiday there are two superb family Butchers who make fresh meatballs, fresh burgers and sell best quality meats.
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Whatever you are looking for or when you simply cannot ďŹ nd something in town chances are the Indoor Market will have it in stock! Enjoy a few fun hours of happy shopping at the Indoor Market of visit www.benidormindoormarket.com for details. Opening times are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 and Saturday 08:00 to 15:00 closed Sunday.
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Alfaz del Pi L’Alfàs del Pi is a Valencian town and municipality located in the comarca of Marina Baixa, in the province of Alicante, Spain, lying at the foot of Serra Gelada. L’Alfàs del Pi has an area of 19.3 km² and, according to the 2013 census, a total population of 21,969 inhabitants. The town has the second largest concentration of Norwegian residents abroad, along with sizable Dutch and English communities. The economy of L’Alfàs del Pi is mainly based on tourism. The most important monument in the city is the Catholic church of Crist del Bon Encert, built in 1784. The town’s symbol is a pine tree, which can be found in the church square. It is home to a nationally renowned film festival which runs each year. L’Alfàs del Pi has created a planned sea-side community - Platja de l’Albir - situated between Benidorm to the south and Altea to the north in fields earlier dominated by citrus and almond groves. Since 1995, Albir has grown into a village of about 5,000 inhabitants; the majority of which are originally from Northern Europe. L’Alfàs del Pi has the highest proportion of Norwegian speakers of any settlement anywhere in the world outside of Norway. In 2013, the sculpture Paraboloide by Agustín Ibarrola that symbolizes peace and was made in honor of the 2011 Norway Attacks victims was revealed. The sculpture is placed in a park that will be named after Johan Galtung. Page 14
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History The town dates back to the Moorish occupation. The name ‘Alfaz’ derives from the Arabic word for ‘sown land’, as the region was used to grow fruits and almonds. Later on the town became a fortified settlement, which protected the local coastline against the Barbary pirates. About the town The town is very attractive and offers excellent amenities, including supermarkets, shops, bars and restaurants, and services such as a medical centre, post office, etc. Beaches The beach at Alfaz del Pi is particularly appealing, with golden sands, a pretty promenade and crystal clear, calm waters. The views from the beachfront are beautiful with a clear view to the Peñon de Ifach at nearby Calpe.
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Albir Albir is a small beach resort sandwiched between Altea and Benidorm on the northern Costa Blanca in Spain. Albir is very close to Alfaz del Pi which is just slightly inland on the other side of the N-322 which divides the two areas. Albir is also referred to as El Albir or L’Albir. It is situated midway between two international airports, to the south there is Alicante International airport and to the north there is Valencia international airport. Albir has a Mediterranean climate which means hot summers with mild winters and very little rain. Albir is blessed with over 300 days of sunshine a year making it an ideal holiday destination pretty much all year round. It is an easy drive from three international airports of Alicante, Valencia and Murcia. ALBIR BEACHES Albir’s main beach is called “Playa de Racó de l’Albir” and is six hundred meters in length and has magnificent views of the Penon de Ifach in Calpe. Parking can be tricky in the summer months so be sure to arrive early. During the holiday season there are always life-guards on duty as is the case in all the beach resorts on the Costa Blanca. The blue flag beach also has two play areas on the beach for the children. Toilets are located on the boulevard. ALBIR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Albir has been developed to suit the northern Europeans where bars and restaurants are all situated within Page 16
The beautiful church in Albir
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walking distance on tree-lined streets. Enjoy your Menu del Dia on the shady terraces of restaurants and watch the world go by. Being on a self-catering holiday there are many supermarkets dotted around the town for grocery shopping. The main promenade is called, “Paseo de las Estrellas” (Stars Promenade). Albir holds an annual national film festival every July. The town has imitated Hollywood by laying stones along the promenade and dedicating them to national film stars. Albir restaurants which come highly recommended include the Sarita Indian Restaurant, Le Boulevard, Mastroianni Ristorante Italiano, Coco Loco Beach Albir S.L., Restaurante Casa Juan-El Albir, Shamadi, Restaurante Classica Gourmet, Bacchus, Restaurant Biblos, Leonardo, La Riviera, Pato Pekin, Bar Bistro Iguana, Tutti Frutti, Quanti, Venezia and Sharky’s. MARKETS During the summer months, there is a small market of local craft and artwork trades at the upper end of the sea front where you can purchase original jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs.
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Benidorm Central & New Town
MAIN BUS STATION
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Map sponsored by Paradiso Bar Restaurant
Outdoor Market
Indoor Market
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TOWN HALL
HOTEL MAYNA
ALE-HOP
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Old Town
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Places of Interest
BENISSA Set in the heart of the Marina Alta, just a thirty minute journey by coach from Benidorm, you will find the little-known and yet very historical town of Benissa. It is a true pleasure strolling through the ancient cobbled streets amidst the typical “Mediterranean style” white-washed town houses that form part of the perfectly conserved little town that is filled with atmosphere, from its centuries-old walls and stately homes. In 1998 the town was awarded the provincial tourism merit, a special award for the impeccable preservation and conservation of its historic quarters and to this day the proud and welcoming townsfolk keep Benissa and its historical attractions in pristine condition. As with any historical Mediterranean town, there are usually lots of places to see and visit and Benissa is no different. You can visit the site of the old medieval villa and old church of Fortaleza de Sant Pere Apostol, constructed in the 13th century but left to fall to ruin after the construction of the towns new church “la iglesia de la purisima concepcion” which is also known as the “Cathedral of La Marina” due to its immense size (for such a small town) that governs the main town square.
THE DINOPARK! Spain´s answer to “Jurassic Park” the brand new “DinoPark” is set in 6 hectares of botanical cactus gardens and located in Algar, just near to the popular waterfalls. The park has 50 life-sized models of dinosaurs, some of which are activated by motion sensor and spring into life as you pass by, giving the sensation of being at the side of a real life dinosaur. There is a pool where the kids can have a splash around and cool off, a giant sand pit where they can uncover the skeleton of a dinosaur and a 3D cinema that gives a realistic journey through the world before mankind. The botanical gardens are a maze of beauty, filled with over 500 species of Cacti and you can even see one of the world’s oldest trees (The Wollemi Pine) fossils of which have been found that date back over 90 million years. Whether young or old, the DinoPark is a great place to spend a couple of relaxing hours walking through the gardens and being able to learn about the evolution of our planet from the Jurassic period to present day. Page 28
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Enrique Mendoza Winery Just 10 minutes outside of Bendiorm in the town of Alfaz del Pi, you can find the Mendoza family winery. The winery or “Bodega” as called here in Spain was born thanks to the families passion for wine and this passion has never stopped growing, seeing the winery increase in size and becoming one of the largest wine producers of this region, now producing some 300,000 bottles each year. The Mendoza family want to share their passion of wine and have opened the doors of their pristine winery, offering daily visits from Tuesday to Saturday. The tours take approximately 1
½ hours, during which time, you will be guided around the winery, explained the process of making the wines, the different types of grape used and of course, get to sample the finished product and enjoy a snack. Tours of the winery are carried out in English and can be arranged between the hours of 10:00 till 12:00 and 16:00 and cost just 20.00€ per person. This includes, the tour, tasting of the wines, a snack and a bottle of wine produced at the winery. All tours must be pre-booked and you can do this at any of the Round Town Travel offices in Bendiorm.
Altea
Approximately 10 km north of Benidorm, you will find a piece of real Spain - the town of Altea. With its famous Blue Domed church, hand laid pebbled streets and whitewashed “picture postcard” houses, Altea couldn´t be further apart from Benidorm and to visit it, is like stepping back in time. Altea is home to many artists who open up their homes to visitors as studios and galleries and it has the reputation of being one of the most photographed towns in Spain. To walk through its Moorish streets literally is like stepping back in time and the pace-of-life is noticeably more laid back than it´s “Manhattan skyline” neighbour, which is clearly visible from the “mirador” just off the town’s main square. You can spend hours mooching the maze of tiny streets, each lined by pristinely white washed buildings that are homes to the local town-folk, stylish bars and restaurants or one of the many art and craft shops. Being a traditional town, Altea still closes between the hours of 14:00 to 16:00 for siesta but once open again, you will find the shops, bars and restaurants bustling until the small hours of the morning. This definitely is a town that comes to life at night and is the setting for some of the Costa´s most impressive fiestas, such as the Moors & Christians, the fiestas of San Roque, to name but a few. Altea also has a lower “sea level” that has endless stretches of pebbled beaches, lined with pleasant walkways, bars, restaurants, clothes and craft shops that lead from the fishing port right to the other side of the town, which is where you will find one of the regions largest street markets and is held each Tuesday.
How to get there?
If you are travelling by car, Altea is just a 15-minute drive from Benidorm on the main N332 heading towards Valencia and when there you will find lots of places to park. Probably the most convenient way to see Altea is by catching the number 10 bus that runs all day, every 15 minutes, from 07:00 to 23:30 and will cost just 1,50€ per person, per way.
If you would like to visit any of these places, regular excursions are organised by Round Town Travel. Call 0034 966 867 294 or visit www.roundtowntravel.com www.littleblackbook.guide
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Classifieds Adverts
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Services
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Services
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