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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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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 18.00 / 20.00 / 22.00
From the main bus depot Hourly Then
07.10 to 18.10 / 20.10 / 22.10
16.00
16.10
From the Airport to Avenida Europa / Benidorm bus depot Hourly Then
08.00 to 19.00 / 21.00 / 23.00
17.00
Journey time is 50 minutes +/Single journey price at present 9.45â‚Ź Return journey price at present 17.95â‚Ź Book online at http://www.alsa.es/en/
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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; day; 13 Encase; 15 Orange; 17 Frontispiece; 20 21 Onerous; 22 Mistress; 23 Feed.
Down: 1 Remarked; 2 Mined; 4 Tomato; 5 Minor 6 Explain; 7 Eels; 8 Impersonator; 12 Released; 14 16 Pilots; 18 Elope; 19 Balm.
www.llorentebus.es
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Benidorm
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Benidorm
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Benidorm
It’s Carnival Time! Benidorm comes alive with music, dancing and the brightest of colours so get out there and shake a tail feather with the best of them! Carnival is the last chance to let your hair down and enjoy a party before the serious business of Lent occurs! Benidorm holds a fab parade with numerous floats, dancers and costumed characters. The floats can be a work of art and they all have their own theme. Often they’ve been worked on for months and the effort is plain to see. At the end of carnival time they have the intriguing festival called ‘Burial of the Sardine’. This is a strange ritual that originally announced the arrival of Lent. It started off as a pig that had been buried but then became a sardine! Carnival is usually held on or around Shrove Tuesday so do ask at the hotel reception for more information. Oh, and don’t forget to take your camera along... you’ll see some fantastic sights! Page 8
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The Postman’s Sack
Having survived the endless rounds of eating and drinking over the winter, the constant rounds of parties and family get togethers, from Christmas to Boxing Day to New Years Eve to Three Kings ( perhaps I should slow down a bit at 78 yrs old ), it is now time to get back into the normal round of mixing work and weekends. To return to the normality of daily life with all its ups and downs. Talking of downs, its not Brexit that keeps me awake at night, nor the crappy exchange rate. It’s the WEATHER. After eighteen years here, I can honestly say I have never seen anything like it. Yes we have had high winds before, yes we have had heavy rain and even snow before, but nothing like this. A thunderstorm that lasted thirty six hours, rain that would not stop falling ,winds that kept on blowing, my granddaughters trampoline took of and flew into next doors garden. My youngest son drove up the mountain to see the snow ( only the second time he has seen snow close up ) and found the roads closed and landslides blocking his every turn. Fences down between every other garden, trees lying across the roof of cars. The list goes on, but what stands out, is how long this terrible weather lasted. We are used to the odd power cut now and then, but when they last for days only flicking back on for brief intervals,
it makes us realise how totally dependent we are on the electric. No computer, no telly, the phone wouldn’t work and we couldn’t cook ( electric oven ). At one point we were blessed with an emergency supply ( very low power ) it took the wife twenty minutes to boil the kettle for a cup of tea. Going out wasn’t an option, as the local was lit by candles and the chillers weren’t working on the beer pump. Plenty of damage to houses, and road sign advertising boards were left in twisted heaps. Strangely enough, it seemed that most of the damage was restricted to new build housing, with the older traditional, yet rickety looking houses remaining intact. Perhaps they were built of sterner stuff back then. Anyway, onwards and upwards, roll on spring and then the glorious summer. Enjoy living the dream.
Mr. T Finestrat Editors Note : If anybody has a story to tell, a whimsical tale or just some plain old observations. Please submit them to: info@theprintshop.eu and mark them “ From the Postmans Sack”. All submissions will be considered for print, but try not to upset anybody directly, this is not a name and shame column.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Benidorm
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Benidorm
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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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Golf is BIG in Spain
The second is Sierra Cortina on the Calle Amsterdam. Located a few hundred yards up from Carrefour in Finestrat, bookings can be made on 966 112 093. Eighteen holes of varying levels of difficulty and you can use just about every club in the bag, with club, trolley and buggy hire available from the small pro shop and a nice little bar to relax in afterwards.
and we are blessed with 5 courses all within a few minutes drive of Benidorm. The First to look at is the biggest and probably the most impressive, Melia Villaitana which is located on the Avd. Alcade Eduardo Zaplana otherwise known as the Terra Mitica road. This complex boasts two courses, one a par 62, shorter than most with some very demanding holes, lots of hazards and some difficult terrain. One of the trickiest things is navigating your way from one tee to the next. The other, is a long par 72 and a good course to play for the big hitters although its also quite forgiving for the less experienced golfer. A lovely clubhouse and a fully fitted golf shop support these courses with all the usual amenities such as buggy and club hire available plus for the devoted there is a lovely hotel there if you want to play dayin, day-out. Bookings can be made by phoning 912 764 747 and as with most courses around here, they have English speaking staff. Next is the newest, its only been open a couple of months and it is in Finestrat village on the Calle Morella known locally as the Red Road. It is only nine holes and as it has only just opened, the club house isn’t finished yet although construction is well under way. There is a small pro shop and buggy and club hire is available. Bookings can be made by ringing 637 445 045 and they speak English. There are two local pitch and put courses, one in Benidorm itself. Las Rejas is located just a couple of roads back from Poniente beach on the Calle Presidente Adolfo Suarez tucked in amongst the high rise blocks and bookings can be made by ringing 966 889 775 and again, they speak English. This course is a delightfull 9 hole with opportunities to get some of the longer clubs out of the bag. A bar and small pro shop complete the complex.
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For all courses, there are often special deals to be had and discounts are available for such things as group bookings. Also there are several golf societies and organisations which you can book through and enjoy other discounts so there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a long walk occasionally hitting a little ball into a hole.
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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
What’s on in Finestrat
February 4th: Scrapbooking Workshop., Cultural centre from 10.00h to13.00h Sant Blai Festivitie at La Font del Molí, animation and bar, from 12:00h. Organised by Comissió de Festes. 7th: Reading Club “La Finestra Màgica” Literary Coffee Novel: El primer hombre, Albert Camus, below the library 11th: Concert, l’Agrupació Coral de Finestrat, Cultural centre at 19:00h
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. rket La Cala holds its ma every Friday on the top you road... Follow the signs cannot miss it!
19th: Boleros (romantic music) afternoon, to celebrate Valentines Day, at 18:00h Sala jove (above the parking) Organized by Comissió de Festes. 22nd: Excursion to Lorca and Mazarron, Information and reservations at the Cultural department (1st floor in the Town Hall) 25th: Carnival. Parade from CEIP Puig Campana School to The Cultural centre, starts at 17:30h. Organized by comission de festes
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la Cala & Finestrat
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Benidorm Central & New Town
MAIN BUS STATION
Nยบ1
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Outdoor Market
Indoor Market
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la Cala & Finestrat
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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 views of the Penon de Ifach in Calpe. Parking can be tricky in the summer months so be sure
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Alfaz & Albir 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.
L’Alfás del Pi
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
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
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Alfaz del Pi
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Alfaz del Pi
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Albir & Alfaz
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.
Further information on the above and other events contact
96 889 423 or 965 889 424
WHAT’S ON
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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 28
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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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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.
Txakoli
la Marina Shopping Centre Tel. 965 867 607 This months review is a very different thing to normal. This time, we are looking at a restaurant that is part of a chain stretching across Spain. Located on the top floor of the La Marina shopping centre at Finestrat ( behind Carrefour ), this is primarily a tapas bar although they do have a regular menu and a menu del dia. It is the menu del dia that I refer to as I enjoyed a very nice, three course meal including a drink for only about nine euros, and a second glass of wine was only one euro. The tapas display cabinets are full of large and varied portions and you can get a choice of six tapa for much the same price as the menu del dia. Another strong point for this restaurant is a large, sunny terrace that is adjacent to the permanent fun fair rides, which makes it a very child friendly place. Food quality, choice, service and surroundings make this a good value lunch time stop although it is open all day and well into the evening. Good value . Page 30
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Villajoyosa History 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 well-situated destination, ideal for exploring the rest of the Costa Blanca coastline.
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 chocolate-making 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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Suma Supermarket
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CRYSTAL PARK HOTEL MAYNA
TOWN HALL
ALE-HOP
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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 38
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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Classifieds Services
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