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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.
Feature pages on Albir, Alfaz del Pi, Villajoyosa, La Cala, Finestrat
Need to know whats going on? Want to organise an evening out? Want to know how to get to places?
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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
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Benidorm
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Editors Note:
The BEST American Burger I have eaten outside of America!
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Benidorm
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AV MURCIA
AV EUROPA
CALLE IBIZA CALLE LEPANTO CALLE GERONA
AVENIDA MEDITERRANEO
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La Cala & Finestrat
The village of Finestrat and the beachside resort of Cala Finestrat are both located in the Marina Baixa region on the Costa Blanca
Close to neighbouring Benidorm and around 40 kilometres from the city of Alicante and its International Airport. The village nestles on the mountainside of Puig Campana affording wonderful views to the mountains and out to the coast and Mediterranean. The charming village has a typical Moorish feel, with colourfully painted houses and narrow cobbled streets. Cala Finestrat on the other hand has increasingly become more and more popular and its development has made it almost an extension to Benidorm itself. Finestrat Village The village of Finestrat has retained much of its old school charm, with its Moorish feel and ancient monuments, including the 13th century Castell (Castle) de Finestrat, the 18th century Church of Saint Bartholomew, La
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Torre (the watch tower) and the Hermitage Crist de Remei. There is a scattering of bars and restaurants servicing typical Mediterranean cuisine and a few shops and amenities. However, close by you have all the amenities and facilities of Cala Finestrat and Benidorm. Cala Finestrat Cala Finestrat is a beach resort located just three kilometres away from busy Benidorm. The resort offers adequate amenities and facilities, a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops. Everything else you need is available in Benidorm, which is easily reached by bus and taxi. Cala Finestrat is suitable for families and couples looking for a relaxed beach resort, yet close to lots of activities and amenities should you desire. During the summer months an arts and crafts market is held on the promenade during the afternoon.
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La Cala & Finestrat
What’s On November
•1st: Entertainment Activity from the Comisión de Fiestas. Sala Joven at 18:00h •2nd: IX Health Week. Health risk + Cardiovasuclar. Dra Esther Llinares Climent. Casa de Cultura (Cultural Centre). 18.00-20.00 h. •3rd Health Week. Centro Multiusos de la Cala. 18.00 h. •4th Health Week. Prevention of osteoporosis. Public Health Dept. Benidorm. Casa Cultura- Cultural Centre. 18.00-20.00 h •5th: Catechesis Awakening. Casa de Cutural-Cultural Centre. 17.30 h. Organized by “The Parish Church San Bartolomé” •6th: Theatre: “Hermanos y cuñadas”. Organized by “Instituto Alicantino Juan Gil-Albert”. Casa de Cultura-
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Cultural Centre. •8th: Reading Club. “ La Finestra Màgica”. Literary Coffee. Finestrat Museum. Park “Font de Carrè s/n”. 18.00 h. Novel: “El eco de las bodas de Luís Mateo Díez”. •9th Colloquium-Conference: “ El treball digne”. The presenter is Jose Javier Carmona, expert in social doctrine. Sala de Exposiciones “Els Nostres Mestres”. 18.00 h. Organized by “The Parish Church San Bartolomé”. •11th to 13th “Desafío Lurbel Aitana”: Place: Casa de Cultura- Cultural Centre. •11th: Delivery of ridges, 17.00 to 20.30 h.. Technicals Talks, from 17.30 h to 19.30 h.. 22.00 h Start of the race 120 k. 12th 6.00 h. Output race 86k, 8.00 h Start of the race 40 K. •13th: and 120 k at 10.30 h. Tropheypresentation, 86K and 120 K at 10.30h. •23rd: Adults Cycle: “ Coneixement dels Sants: Santa Rita de Cassia”. Casa de Cultura- Cultural Centre. 17.30 h. Organized: “The Parish Church San Bartolomé”. •25th: Conference for the prevention of gender violence and creation of positve relation-ships, the presenter is Maite Sarrió Català. Casa de CulturaCultural Center. 19.30-21.30 h. •26th and 3rd of December: Course: “Empodérate y crea relaciones” (“Empower yourself and make relationships”). Training room in the Cultural Centre. Casa de Cultura. 9.30 h-14.30h. •30th of november, 1st and 2nd of december: Auditions of “ Escuela de Música del Centre Musical Puig Campana. Casa de Cultura. 18.00 h. Organized by Centre Musical Puig Campana.
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Golf is BIG in Spain
and one of the main reasons it is so big, I suspect, is that you rarely need wet weather gear. For some while now we have been watching the development of a new course in Finestrat and it is now open for business. A brand new nine hole course nestling in the foot hills of Puig Campana mountain from which it takes its name. It’s a bit tricky to find as some of the infrastructure is yet to be completed. Take the road from Carrefour / La Marina up toward the village of Finestrat, as the road levels and passes the urbanisation Balcon, turn left and follow the signs for Colegio Publico and the entrance is marked from there just behind the school. As you would expect, all the usual facilities are for hire such as trolleys, clubs and buggies and the course, can be booked for nine or more holes, with some discounts applying.
ALBIR Albir is within 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 between two international airports, to the south there is Alicante International airport (about 50km) and to the north there is Valencia international airport (about 140km). 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’s main beach is called “Playa de Racó de l’Albir” and is six hundred meters in length and has magnificent
PUIG
CAMPANA GOLF
RESIDENTIAL AREA AND GOLF COURSE URBANIZACIÓN Y CAMPO DE GOLF C/ Morella, 14 (H) Club Social Urbanización Alfarella 03509 Finestrat (Alicante)
637 44 50 45 / 637 44 50 48 golf@puigcampanagolf.es 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. 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.
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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Eating Out Feature
The Sneaky Eater! The Sneaky Eater is an article about different restaurants around our area. The restaurants are not necessarily advertisers in the Little Black Book, and the owners and staff were not aware that the restaurant would be featured, so we can take it that the service would be the same as any customer would receive.
Carrer Retor Llinares 3 - Altea la Vella
965 848 437 www.catoni.es Open 10.30 am till 11.30 pm Closed Wednesday
This is a lovely restaurant which I have been to on many occasions and the standards have not dropped once. The food is excellent with a large selection of starters, mains and sweets ranging from a simple Pizza to one of the best steaks I have ever eaten. There are beautiful fish dishes, pastas to die for and an incredible, superb selection of starters. There is interior and exterior dining with a lovely, shady terrace offering al fresco dining. One of the most popular attractions to this restaurant is they often have a live band and many people just come to have a few drinks on the terrace and just sit and listen, some are even brave enough to get up and dance. I can’t speak highly enough of Ca Toni, its not cheap, but it certainly represents good value for money. Have a look at their website and give it a go but be sure to book well in advance as I said before, it is a very popular restaurant. Enjoy
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Theme Parks
Open from 10.30am to 7pm
Open from 10.30am to 8pm
Open from 10.30am to 9pm
Open from 10.30am to 10.30pm 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
For the little ones
For those who want thrills
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For a refreshing visit
For fans of the show
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Eating Out Feature
All reviews courtesy of Trip Advisor
Food Glorious Food The following venues are all rated between 4 and 5 stars on Trip Advisor for Benidorm!
Amigos Restaurant and Roof Terrace “Superb” We visited three times during our weeks stay. The menu is amazing and the team are rightly very proud of what they serve. Steak is amazing and I’d only return to Benidorm for that steak! You can’t be disappointed with this restaurant.
Pizzeria L’Originale “Pasta to die for” Visited early March on a friend’s recommendation. The pasta was the best we’ve ever tasted and the garlic bread divine. The pizza was light but full of flavour. The service was attentive and efficient-can’t wait till our next visit
Yorkshire Pride 1 “Home from Home”
My boyfriend has always spoken highly of Yorkshire Pride and he introduced me, visited three times in three days and was very impressed. Food is all home cooked and fresh, and staff are so friendly. Love the fact coffee is served in proper mugs, like home from home. Thank you to the staff for making us feel so welcome Page 18
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The Four Seasons “Brilliant Food” The food and service at this restaurant was 1st class!! Perfectly cooked, present lovely, food was served quickly, great choice and excellent price, staff friendly and helpful.
Rays Chippy 1 “Superb, Best chippy abroad!” Truly Traditional Fish & Chips.... only problem i had was i couldn’t move for half an hour after eating here thank you so much to the Family who own this shop ... lovly welcoming and great food....
Jonny’s Diner “Must Visit!” Terrific food served by friendly staff. Extensive menu served all day, breakfast, lunch, snacks etc all at very reasonable prices. If you like things hot you MUST try the “hot wings challenge” (if you dare). The last person I saw was very confident he would win but gave up after eating the first one. Looking forward to our next visit...
OMara’s Pub “Our visit to Benidorm!” What a find omaras is in the old town I urge everyone to try this bar . The food is really lovely. . But the staff sell this place they are amazing what a lovely friendly place to enjoy ur time . It’s like an old British pub great owners and some characters. . Can’t wait to come back ..cheers... www.littleblackbook.guide
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Benidorm Central & New Town
MAIN BUS STATION
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Outdoor Market
Indoor Market
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Alfaz del Pi
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Albir & Alfaz 13-19 November Spanish Norwegian Week •13th 7.30pm Norwegian Church in Villajoyosa. Concert by Jovenes Talentos and the marina Baixa Orchestra. Entry 20€ •14th 8pm. Casa de Cultura in Alfaz. Concert by Jovenes Talentos. Entry 10€ •15th 7pm. Norwegian Church in Albir. Literary afternoon with the writers Vigdis Hjorth and Kirsti Bagethun. Entrance 10€ •16th 8pm. Casa de Cultura in Alfaz. Concert by Finn Kalvik. Entry 30€ •18th 7pm. Casa de Cultura in Alfaz. Concert by “Eldrekabaret” from Bergen. Entry 15€ •19th Casa de Cultura in Alfaz. Concert by Trio Luciano Tristaino, Gisbert Watty and Siegmund Watty with the collaboration of Juan Francisco Tortosa Esteve. Entry 10€
Music Festivity of Santa Cecilia
•5th 8pm Organised by the Lions Club Alfaz del Pi in collaboration with Alfaz town hall. The dance company Juan Carlos Avecilla will perform their new flamenco show. Casa de Cultura Auditorium. Donation 12€ for charity
•12th 8pm. Casa de Cultura Auditorium. Concert for Santa Cecilia by duo O. Semchuk and L Zunica (Violin and Piano) Organised by Sociedad de conciertos de musica clasica de Alfaz d’el Pi. Entrance for non members 10€
Theatre
•25th 6.30pm. International day for the elimination of violence against women. Demonstration through the streets of Alfaz starting at the Church square and ending at the Casa de Cultura auditorium. 8pm Theatre will play “Retrato en Rojo” by the thetre company Almadraba teatro organised by the councillorship for Women and Equality. free entrance
Exhibitions
•to 3rd March Tempory exhibition titled “Mem_ria de les Nostres festes” Escoles Velles Cultural Museum •2nd - 19th Exhibition celebrating the Spanish Norwegian week. opening on the 2nd at 8pm. Casa de Cultura exhibition hall.
Further information on the above and other events contact
96 889 423 or 965 889 424
WHAT’S ON
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The Number 10 Bus from Benidorm will take you to Albir (See Bus Timetables)
ALBIR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Albir has been developed to suit the northern Europeans where bars and restaurants are all situated within 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.
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Villajoyosa Located at the northern end of the Costa Blanca in the Alicante province, Villajoyosa (La Villa Joiosa) is the capital of the Marina Baixa district. A delightful and historic town, it stretches the length of a lovely wide, sandy beach, with pretty coloured fishing houses running along the seafront and is encompassed with a backdrop of mountains. Situated around 26 kilometres from the city of Alicante and Alicante International airport, Villajoyosa is a wellsituated destination, ideal for exploring the rest of the Costa Blanca coastline.
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History
Villajoyosa has a rich cultural heritage. It’s history as a town dates back to the 6th century and it has been settled by the Greeks, Phoenicians, the Romans and of course the Moors, when it actually fell into some decline, which is unusual for a Moorish occupied town. The town as it is known today was founded in 1293 by an Admiral who served in the Kingdom of Aragon’s navy. It’s name Villajoyosa, literally means Joyful town. Throughout the centuries Villajoyosa has been an important trade point along this coastline; trading in olive oil, cereals and wine, and shipbuilding, amongst others. But probably what it is most famous for is chocolate. During the 19th century the town started to develop a chocolatemaking industry. Because of its trade connections, it started importing cocoa from Ecuador and Venezuela and the industry grew and grew. The chocolate brand, ‘Valor’, which can be found in most shops and supermarkets throughout Spain comes from Villajoyosa.
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Villajoyosa
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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
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late breakfast just a couple of Euros.
from
As has been the case for many years, the Indoor Market is a mix of local 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. Whatever you are looking for or when you simply cannot find 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 for details. www.benidormindoormarket.com
Opening times are Monday to Friday 08:00 to 18:00 and Saturday 08:00 to 15:00 closed Sunday.
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Old Town
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Useful Information AIRLINES 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
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 – And you can take your luggage with you. 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
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
DOCTORS If you have your EHIC – European Health Insurance Card you are entitled to see the social security doctor free of charge in an emergency, Page 32
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
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
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€.
MECHANIC AJL Mechanics 966 850 672 Poligono Industrial. Partida Torres 5 Km 139.9. Villajoyosa. 03570 (Just past Ex Pats Cash & Carry) or 666 758 667
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Suma Supermarket
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CRYSTAL PARK HOTEL MAYNA
TOWN HALL
ALE-HOP
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Classifieds Services
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