City trips - Casa Granadella

Denia

Denia is a nice place to visit, where you'll easily be able to enjoy a day or two! There is the ruined castle which proudly guards the town and has stunning views out over the marina, the natural park of Montgo and the Torre del Gerro both of which have marked walking trails to enjoy. The prestigious marina with its wonderful elevated promenade, a 20 kilometre coastline of both rocky and sandy beaches, the fish market, the old town and the impressive tree lined main shopping street as well as the museums. If that isn't enough you can take the tram south to Calpe, Altea, Benidorm or the city of Alicante, alternatively take the ferry to the Ibiza or Palma for an overnight stay!

Altea

It's old town is packed full of character and the impressive church with its blue and white tiled dome roof has to be one of the most photographed landmarks of the area.

The N332 splits the town in half. On one side are the sandy and pebbly beaches which are backed by the long promenade and the marina. On the other side of the road is the old and new town. The tram station and busy Tuesday morning market are both to be found in the new town. The old town is a must. It has quaint, characterful and charming streets, many of which are stepped, that wind up to the church and plaza at the top of the hill, from where there are magnificent views of the mountains and the sea. The pedestrianised cobbled streets are packed with top class restaurants and a fascinating array of tiny shops offering exquisite local crafts, paintings and gifts.

Jalon

The Jalon Valley, also known as the Xalo Valley is situated in the Marina Alta area in the Costa Blanca North and is quite simply stunning. The Marina Alta has a delightful mix of coastline and mountains, but it is its inland area that provides the great setting for this amazingly scenic day out.

Gata de Gorgos has a long tradition of wicker making and there are plenty of shops selling all things wicker from dog baskets to table mats and even light shades! Following the course of the river Jalon the scenery is the main attraction. Fields of almond, olive and citrus trees as well as vines border both sides of the road. If you're making this journey during February you're in for a treat as the almond blossom will be in full bloom!! The village of Jalon makes a great stop as there are a couple of bodegas where you can sample the local wines, or continue to Alcalali for a stretch of the legs and a taster of a traditional inland village. After this, the mountain climb begins up to the Coll de Rates. The 360 degree panoramic vistas from the top are amazing, on a clear day you can see Mallorca!! On the way down you'll pass through the village of Polop, another ideal stop for a wander and refreshment before heading home.

Quadelest

The historic hill fort of Guadalest (Quadelest) is situated just 25km inland from the town of Benidorm. It is a major tourist attraction having been declared a 'Monument of Historical and Artistic Value' in 1974. It charms over 2 million visitors every year and is a truly spectacular sight – the remains of a medieval castle and village precariously perched on top of a mountain overlooking a reservoir.

The impressive entrance to the fort and village of Guadalest is via a 15 metre long tunnel which has been carved through the solid rock. There are numerous interesting museums to visit as well as the castle ruins, all of which have entrance charges. There are lots of souvenir shops where you can spend several hours browsing the vast displays of trinkets and quality art work and various restaurants to choose from. There is also the Historic Vehicles Museum to visit as well as the opportunity for a solar powered boat ride on the reservoir below Guadalest!

So travel back in time with a visit to Guadalest and enjoy its stunning mountain scenery, top quality craft shops, many museums and local restaurants.

Valencia

Spain’s third-largest city is a magnificent place, content for Madrid and Barcelona to grab the headlines while it gets on with being a wonderfully liveable city with thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. Never afraid to innovate, Valencia diverted its flood-prone river to the outskirts of town and converted the former riverbed into a superb green ribbon of park winding right through the city. On it are the strikingly futuristic buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by local boy Santiago Calatrava. Other brilliant contemporary buildings grace the city, which also has a fistful of fabulous Modernista architecture, great museums and a large, characterful old quarter. Valencia, surrounded by its huerta, a fertile fruit-and-veg farmland, is famous as the home of rice dishes such as paella, but its buzzy dining scene offers plenty more besides.

Benidorm

The Costa Blanca’s tourist capital and the Mediterranean’s equivalent of New York! Like it or dislike it, Benidorm is a must see for everyone, even if it is just so that you can say ‘I’ve been there’! It is one of the easiest places in the world to relax and simply do nothing! Over recent years Benidorm has been transformed into a major tourist destination.

Benidorm has two glorious beaches, Poniente and Levante, both of which are backed by beautiful promenades as well as a small marina. The bustling, historic old quarter is well worth a visit and in particular the three plazas of Santa Ana, Castelar and Castell from which there are breathtaking views of both beaches and the impressive skyline. The old town, twice weekly market, and the 'out of town' mall offer the avid shopper more than enough choice. The three golf courses range from a championship 18 hole to a 9 hole pitch and putt and not to be forgotten are theme, water and animal parks to visit. There is an incredible selection of entertainment and excitement for people, including cabaret shows, nightclubs and every type of bar you could wish for from sophisticated to Irish. A wide range of restaurants of all nationalities from A La Carte to Spanish tapas.

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