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Benidorm Beach
Spain’s Costa Blanca is a veritable tourist haven – particularly for Brits and Northern Europeans – offering miles of beaches and beautiful weather. (iPhone6)
It is true that the Costa Blanca in Southern Spain is ‘touristy’ and full of high-rise buildings.
But, when ‘touristy’ means plenty of places to visit and things to do, cheap and interesting shopping, fresh, tasty local and international food, and service personnel who speak your language, it is easy to argue that it is good value.
My husband and I were using up expiring timeshare points in the planned resort town of Platja de l’Albir (also called Albir, El Albir or L’Albir) – part of the Valencian town of L’Alfàs del Pi. It was mid-May, before the main tourist season hits, so we escaped the worst of the crowds, while still being blessed with magnificent weather. The mild Mediterranean climate treated us to dry sunny days that were just right for pleasurable walking (see: Walking to El Faro), boat-tripping (see: Mediterranean Blues), and exploring (see: Castillo de Santa Bárbara). Most days we left our rental car parked and either strolled around our local beachfront, or made use of the easy-to-navigate public busses.
We had a week to explore, and no particular plan, but we simply had to go to Benidorm to see what all the fuss was about, and I wanted to visit the coastal town of Villajoyosa with it’s colourful buildings.
Join me for a glimpse into these charming southern Spanish resort cities.
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Driving to Albir
Getting around was easy – although, to be honest, it was the first time I had driven a stick shift for a lot of years, so I was happy to be the navigator. (iPhone6)
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Valencia Oranges
Walks around Albir took us past beautiful haciendas and expansive orange plantations. (iPhone6)
Sunday Markets – Albir
Can you go to Spain without treating yourself to some hand-crafted leather? We couldn’t! (iPhone6)
Resort Kitsch
Ours was very much a family-oriented resort – although it was mostly populated with Northern European school groups when we were there. (iPhone6)
Benidorm from the Mediterranean
The whole Costa Blanca coastline is ruggedly beautiful with its backdrop of mountains; even the high-rises of Benidorm are dwarfed by nature.
Benidorm Beach
With its pubs, clubs, restaurants and high-rises, Benidorm was an eye-opener! Sections of the beach were full of sun-seekers, and walkers and runners shared the promenade with mobility scooters: many of which were tandem vehicles.
Rocky Pier
The waters off Villajoyosa were a stunning blue …
Fisherman on the Rocks
… and dotted with fishermen.
The Old Town of Villajoyosa or La Vila Joiosa
The beachfront is lined with cheerfully colourful houses. People still speak Valencian – a Catalan dialect – here, and most signposting in the region is in Catalan and Spanish, and maybe English.
Colourful Apartments
The wide promenade along the beach is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Beach Chairs
The beach is ready for customers …
Villajoyosa Beach
… and beyond the Old Town, high rise buildings stretch along the Costa Blanca.
Balconies
So Not New York!
We didn’t stop in at Central Perk – there were too many other charming beach-front restaurants and bars to choose from.
Homage to Dr. Esquerdo
Called an “apostle and leader of two religions: science and the republic,” José María Esquerdo Zaragoza is considered to have brought modern psychiatry to the Mediterranean region.
Palm Trees on the Plaza
Torreón Medieval
Villajoyosa is said to have one of the best preserved old towns in Valencia. Rebuilt in the 16th century by King Felipe II, the medieval walls and towers still standing along Carrer Costera de la Mar are a testament to the city’s long history.
Narrow Laneway
The Old Town is criss-crossed with impossibly narrow laneways – this one skirting the old fortress walls.
Motorcycle Parking
Little light reaches into the laneways, and it is a wonder that people succeed in getting their furniture into the refurbished appartments!
More Balconies
Fountain in the Plaza
View over Rio Amadorio
From the Poble Nou – Catalan for New Town – you can look across the river and the terraced parklands towards the Mediterranean.
Amadorio River Embankment
Multi-story houses cling to the embankment; …
Buildings along Rio Amadorio
… they are as colourful as the rest of their Old Town neighbours.
Puente del Río – River Bridge
Designed in 1859, the bridge between the old and newer sections of Villajoyosa rises elegantly over the dry riverbed.
As an “easy” holiday destination with something for everyone, the Costa Blanca is hard to beat.
I’d certainly go back!
Happy Travels!
Photos: 13-19May2017
