OTHER LOCAL PLACES OF INTEREST:
DENIA (25 mins drive): Long, sandy beaches, a castle surveying the town & port, many harbour-front restaurants, & shady, tree-lined avenues full of shops & pavement cafes. Interesting 'old quarter' near the castle. CALPE (25 mins drive): Where the Rock of Ifach is situated. There is a footpath up to the top of the rock, which is also a bird & wildlife sanctuary. Also in the town are the Las Salinas salt lakes, where pink flamingos congregate, sandy beaches, & a charming fishing port that is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants. GATA DE GORGOS (8kms inland from Javea): Small town well known for production of cane goods with many shops selling souvenirs, and also has a guitar factory where you can watch Spanish guitars actually being made. GOLF: There are 3 courses within easy distance.
PLACES TO VISIT:
BENIDORM (about 45 mins drive south): Major tourist resort - very commercial - lots of shops - the best beaches in Europe, and unrivalled nightlife. TERRA MITICA THEME PARK, TERRA NATURA WILDLIFE PARK, AQUALANDIA WATER PARK, & MUNDOMAR (dolphin & sea lion shows) are all located here. Great fun for all ages! Also BENIDORM PALACE for a good meal, flamenco cabaret, and dancing. VERGEL DRIVE-THROUGH SAFARI PARK - hundreds of wild animals. ALTEA (30-40 mins drive south): A coastal town with its own fishing fleet & dating back to 1562. Old town is very quaint & has many good restaurants, bars & unusual shops. Fantastic views from the top of the town. JALON VALLEY (30 mins drive inland): Fabulous scenery and unspoilt Spanish villages. Here you can see how rural life in Spain has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Famed for its wine production. From the vantage point of Coll de Rates, it is possible to see the whole of the valley and, on a clear day, the island of Ibiza.
PLACES TO VISIT WITHIN 1 HOUR'S DRIVE:
VALENCIA (1 hour's drive north): Spain's 3rd largest city & thought to be more than 2000 years old. It was a Moorish capital until El Cid reclaimed the city in the 11th century. Sights include the Cathedral, the Silk Exchange, Ceramic Museum, & numerous art galleries. Sophisticated shops & magnificent covered food market. Don't miss the futuristic Arts & Science Museum - the architecture of the buildings are unbelievable, & worth seeing even if you don't go in! GUADALEST is a mountain village 25kms inland from Benidorm - the 2nd most photographed place in Spain! Built on top of a hill, it was chosen by the Moors to defend themselves from invasion. It is entered by going through a hole in the cliff face. Views from here are stunning! FONTS D'ALGAR: Situated on the way back from Guadalest - cascading waterfalls & fresh water pools where you can have a welcome swim after a hot, dusty day!
Other Activities:
Go-Karting
