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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
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We’re Back! After almost a year after the fire, you all soon. AJL Mechanics in Villajoyosa You can call them on 966 850 672 or 666 758 667 are open for business. Email ajlmechanics@hotmail.com
Andy and his team have been established here on the Costa Blanca for 16 years and are respected for their knowledge and professionalism. AJL Mechanics cater for all your cars mechanical needs from servicing to ITV and have all the latest diagnostic equipment. They also can help you with imports and insurance claims. They are thrilled to be reopened and would like to thank all their customers and friends for their support and patience and look forward to seeing
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Please help and like and share their new Facebook page AJL Mechanics
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Benidorm
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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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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 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 selfcatering holiday there are two superb family
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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 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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Leisure
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La Cala
Finestrat
its development has made it almost an extension to Benidorm itself.
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
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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 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
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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 top e th on y ida Fr every you ns sig e th llow Fo . road.. cannot miss it!
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.
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Alfaz del Pi
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Villajoyosa
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 well-situated destination, ideal for exploring the rest of the Costa Blanca coastline.
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 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.
Around town
A seafront backed by rows of colourful fishing cottages, and old walled town centre, with a distinctive gothic feel, roman bridges and a traditional Spanish working town feel. Villajoyosa is really a ‘joyful’ place to visit. There are plenty of amenities and facilities for holiday-makers: shops, bars and restaurants in abundance, a lively fish market and bustling local market, where you can pick up fresh local produce, home-made local souvenirs and crafts and other holiday items.
Villajoyosa Beach
Villajoyosa is set at the mouth of a river, which sweeps into the Mediterranean Sea. Three kilometres of wide, golden, sandy beaches form part of the local coastline. The local beaches are popular with water sports enthusiasts and there are good facilities on the beach.
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Villajoyosa
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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 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 Page 18
The beautiful church in Albir
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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.
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.
The Number 10 Bus from Benidorm will take you to Albir (See Bus timetables)
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Benidorm Central & New Town
MAIN BUS STATION
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SPA
Outdoor Market
Round Town Office
Round Town Office
Indoor Market
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Places of Interest
Day Trips from Benidorm Guadalest:
Set at 595m above sea level, the village of Guadalest hangs precariously to the mountain top and is rated as one of the most visited villages in Spain; and with good reason. Dating back to the 8th Century, Guadalest is now home to just over 200 residents who invite you to step back in time and explore their fabulous village. Guadalest was built by the Moors and stood as a fortified city until it was conquered by the Christians in the middle of the thirteenth century, turning the Moorish stronghold, into their own gaol. In June of 1644 a devastating earthquake destroyed the Castle of Guadalest who´s ruins can still be seen and the dungeon in the old village gaol offers an eerie silence to those who enter. Steeped in history and being the cause of many battles, Guadalest now has more of a tranquil life. With its whitewashed houses and cobbled streets, Guadalest has become as famous for its arts, crafts and museums as it has its long and twisted history. Set on Two levels, the lower of which is the newer part and is a maze of, cafes, bars & craft shops and museums, which are definitely worth a visit. To access the higher part, you need to pass through the mountain that has been carved out making an entrance to the old fortified village. Guadalest offers stunning picturesque views of the surrounding landscape and turquoise blue reservoir that supplies lower towns, villages and even Benidorm with its supply of fresh water.
How to get there?
There are paid excursions that depart Benidorm most days of the week and this is one of the best ways to see Guadalest as you will be accompanied by an English speaking guide who will point out points of interest to you and most offer discounted entrance tickets to the museums and other places of interest when there. For the more adventurous traveller, you can catch the number 16 bus that departs Benidorm at 10:15 each day and will take just over an hour to get there. But remember, there is only 1 bus up and 1 bus back which leaves at 1:30 giving you approx 2 ½ hours in the village if you take this option.
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 paceof-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. Page 24
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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.
there? Guadalest How to get If you are travelling by car, Altea is just a 15-minute drive from
23:30
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 and will cost just 1,50€ per person, per way.
The Jalon Valley
Altea
Spain is famous for its winemaking and arguably produces some of the words finest wines and the Costa Blanca is no exception. On our own doorstep located just 30-40 minutes away, we have the award winning wine making region of Jalon. Due to its altitude, protection from the mountains that surround it and the richness of its soil Jalon is one of the largest regions in Spain that produce the “Moscatel” wine, which is a sweet wine a little like sherry in its appearance and taste. The Muscat grape that produces the wine is also used to make raisins. Jalon is not just famous for its wines though. The valley is lined with Almond trees and in February and March when the trees blossom the sea of pink & white blossom that covers the valley draws people by the coach load to see the beautiful sight. On a Saturday Jalon plays host to one of the oldest and largets “rastros” (car boot sales) of the Costa that draws people from afar to rummage through the goods and antiques on sale and is also home to one of the finest British “Fish & Chip” shops to be found in this region.
How to get there?
Jalon Valley
Jalon is easily found by car, taking the N332 North, towards Calpe and then continuing inland towards Benissa before turning off into the Valley itself and will take approximately 40 minutes. Although Jalon is not on any of the major bus routes from Benidorm, due to its popularity, it does feature as a stop on many of the excursions that leave Benidorm daily and during the blossom period you can also find specific trips that take in the sights.
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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Old Town
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CRYSTAL PARK HOTEL MAYNA
TOWN HALL
ALE-HOP
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Classifieds Adverts
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Services
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Advertise in the Business Directory from as little as 20â‚Ź per month!
Bars
Mountain Retreat
Jonny’s Diner 686 31 06 52 Avda Mediteraneo 58 Benidorm Guinness Bar Levante Beach Benidorm Daytona Bar Levante Beach Benidorm Harbour View 22 Calle San Pedro. Old Town benidorm Don Juan 966 809 165 Calle Santa Faz 28. old Town Benidorm
672 724 814
Casa Cristina 10. Tapiada Marraix Finestrat Imagine hair & Beauty965 841 038 Avda Pais Valencia 58. Alfaz del Pi Halo Hair Studio
966 866 520
C/Juan Sebastian Bach. Albir Imagine Wholesalers 609 177 032 or 965 841 038 Hairdressing & Beauty Wholesalers
Beauty
Hepburns 965 866 557 Aisles 1 & 2 Indoor Market Benidorm Hepburns Sparadise 965 994 824 Ciudad Patricia, Calle Rumania Benidorm
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Electrical/Electronics MBE Electrical 616 096 254 Mi Mobile 965 856 398 Local 82 & 99 Indoor Market Benidorm
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Rafael. Alfaz del Pi
Accommodation Don Juan 966 809 165 Calle Santa Faz 28. old Town Benidorm The Plantation 618 508 636 CV738 km7 Finestrat
Legal
Linkpoint Legal 966 260 500 Bulevar de los Musicos. Edf Viminal L3. Albir
Food & Restaurants
Rays Chippy I 96 585 92 11 Calle San Vicente 4 Old Town Benidorm O’Maras Family Bar 96 586 2134 Calle Cuatro Esquinas 9 Old Town Benidorm Four Seasons Rest. 96 586 5948 Calle La Biga 15. Old Town Benidorm L’Originale Italian 965 858 752 Calle la Palma. Old Town Benidorm Ohlala 965 87 86 94 Avda Benidorm 16 Bajo Finestrat
Property
PMR 966 260 877 Property Management & Rental Calle Ferreria 16. Alfaz del Pi
Services
MBE Builders 616 096 254 Vet Express 638 824 978 Mobile Vetinary Service Eco Car Wash 671 300 369 Paseo de la carretera 61. Urb San
Leisure
Vista Gym 865 60 04 94 C/ Serra Gelada 66 la Nucia Jacobs Gym 965 887 206 Calle Federico Garcia Lorca 38. Alfaz del Pi
Travel
Round Town Travel 966 867 294 Calle Gerona Benidorm Calle Paris Benidorm Terramitica 902 020 220
Suppliers
Expats C&C 965 895 323 Partida Torres 36 Villajoyosa Vanessas Super Drogeria British Toiletries. Aisle 3 Indoor Market Benidorm LB Cash & Carry 965 972 711 P.I Torres Calle Menadors Villajoyosa E-Cigs Avenida Albir 66. Albir Imagine Wholesalers 609 177 032 or 965 841 038 Hairdressing & Beauty Wholesalers
Legal
Linkpoint 966 260 500 Bulevar de los Musicos 18. Edf Viminal L3 Albir
Advertising RTN Newspaper Benidorm
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902 118 999
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Camping in Benidorm By far one of the cheapest ways that people or families with children can enjoy a vacation in Benidorm is to go camping. Benidorm is located an hour away by car from Alicante Airport and a ninety minute transfer from Valencia Airport on the Northern Costa Blanca. Benidorm benefits from long hot summer weather which is also ideal camping weather. Benidorm has a whole host of activities for the active holidaymaker, such as theme park visits to Aqualandia, Mundomar, Terra Mitcia and Terra Natura, as well as great beaches for relaxing at the Playa Levante and Playa Poniente. Benidorm nightlife is the best on the Northern Costa Blanca, and should include a visit to the Benidorm Palace. Benifdrm also has a couple of golf courses and because of the weather can also be enjoyed all year round.
There are as many as twelve campsites many of which are located on the Avenida del Doctor Severo Ochoa. As they all have different rates and amenities it is best to compare the camp sites and then pick the one best suited to your needs. Campsites are ideal if you are arriving by vehicle. A good resource to check out sites and availability is www.ukcampsite.co.uk
The Little Black Book is available at the following Campsites: Villasol Camping Benidorm La Torreta Villamar Almafra La Colina Page 38
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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
(+34) 96 585 43 22 www.littleblackbook.guide
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