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| | There are numerous places to visit within easy reach of
our villas in La Marina, Costa Blanca, Spain. To
obtain maximum benefit from your holiday, we do suggest that you hire a
car. You can pick a car up from Alicante Airport, having pre-booked it at
home. We recommend
www.value-cars.com.
However, you can book
Coach Trips to some popular tourist destinations if you do not wish to drive.
There are a wide variety of places to eat
out within easy reach of La Marina, or in La Marina itself.
If you enjoy searching out for a bargain,
the surrounding towns all have market days - don't be
afraid to haggle!
The Costa Blanca Tourist
Board will also give you ideas of places to visit. Another useful link
is www.infocostablanca.com.
To see live web cams of local resorts
click here.
Algar
Waterfalls
Altea
Altea
Hills Yachts
Aqualandia
Aquascop
Aquopolis
- Torrevieja
Balloon
Flights - Elche
Benidorm
Palace
Calpe
Calpe
Ifach
Carrefour
Hypermarket
Castillo
Conde de Alfaz
Castle
of Santa Barbara - Alicante
Cactuslandia
El
Huerto Del Cura (The Curate's Orchard), National Artistic Garden, Elche (Elx)
Go-Karts, San Fulgencio
Golf
Guadalest
Jalon Valley -
Valley of Wine
Jeep Safari 4 x 4 Cabrio
Karting Benidorm
Limon Expres
Mundomar
Pola Park
Prehistoric natural cave
(1)
Prehistoric natural cave
(2)
Safari Park Rio
Salvador Artesana - shoe factory outlet
Sand Dunes of Guardamar
Terra Mitica - Theme Park
Wax Museum, Benidorm
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Algar Waterfalls |
This is a beauty spot that is run with the visitors participation in
conservation and development of "Fonts de l'Agar and its surrounding
area. Visit the riverside, a walk along the paths and bathing in its
various pools and waterfalls. Dont' forget your swimsuits!
First aid post, camping for one day with WC and showers, reception
centre, parking.
Tel/Fax: 96 588 21 06
It is situated on the road to Callosa, 35 Km from Calpe and Benidorm
Combine a visit with a visit to Guadalest.
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Altea |
Altea is a pleasant town just north of Benidorm and well worth a visit.
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Altea Hills Yachts |
Visit Altea Hills and enjoy a stroll around the Marina,
probably one of the most exclusive on the Costa Blanca, and is home of some of the biggest luxury yachts
in Spain. Enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the bars in
the marina. You can charter boats from here and there is also a diving
excursion which leaves from the marina.
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Aqualandia |
This is a huge water amusement park for adults and children. It is
situated on the west side of Benidorm against a hill near Mundomar and
Benidorm Palace. Don't forget the sun cream!
Tel: 96 586 40 06 or 07
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Aquascop |
Discover the fantastic underwater world in the waters of Benidorm's
Island and the Calpe area on this boat trip. Departures from the port and the street Rincon de Loix,
first departure at 10.00 and goes every hour..
Tel: 96/585 00 52
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Aquopolis, Torrevieja |
A fun day out for all the family.
Aquapark in Torrevieja. Finca La Hoya Grande. Tel: 96/571 5611. Open
from 10am until 7pm.
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Balloon Flights, Elche |
Definitely for the more adventurous, take a 40 minute balloon flight in
the areas of Bajo Vinalopo and Bajo Seguar. The trip offers incredible
views of the south of the province of Alicante and at the same time
provides a secure and suitable flight for the general public.
The whole excursion lasts 3 hours, including 40 min flying time. At
the end of the flight a picnic is provided and you can celebrate the experience with
Cava.
Excitement Touristic Balloon Flights
Reservations 966 637 401
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Benidorm Palace |
Special and spectacular varied dinner show. Three-hour floor show and
dancing, with music provided by a live orchestra. Doors open at 21.00. Reservations tel: 96 585
16 60 or 61.
Alternatively you can book tickets in the travel agent next to the Cam
Bank in Commercial Centre 1 in La Marina.
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Calpe |
A visit to Calpe itself is recommended. Have lunch in one of the many
restaurants which specialise in local fish dishes.
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Calpe Ifach |
The Phoenicians called the Rock of Ifach the Northern Rock, to
distinguish it from Gibraltar, the Southern Rock, as these were the only
spectacular promontories they encountered in their travels to the western
shores of the Mediterranean.
Ifach is indeed a large rock, measuring 332m in height. Today, it is
being transformed into a nature park to protect its unique vegetation and
over 300 species of animals, including colonies of sea birds that use it
as a nesting area. Located here is a nature school where local carnations
and even original Robertonian orchids can be admired. The park itself can
be reached up a zigzagging track leading to a panoramic view over the entire Marina Alta coastline.
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Carrefour Hypermarket |
There are branches in Torrevieja and Elche. The nearest is Elche.
Take the road to Elche from the N332, and follow the road for
approximately 14 kilometres. Turn left onto the N340. Follow the signs to
Carrefour supermarket.
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Castillo Conde de Alfaz |
Go back eight hundred years to the Castle of the Count of Alfaz and
enjoy a dinner typical of this age. See how the
knights fight on foot and horseback to defend their honour and save
themselves from the Pit of Terror; a place which you too can visit
.if
you dare! End you night in the great disco "The Torture Chamber"
Tel: 96/686.55.92 or 93. In Alfaz between Altea and Benidorm. 3 km from
Benidorm.
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Castle of Santa Barbara, Alicante |
This is well worth a visit for the magnificent views of Alicante and
the surrounding area. Don't make our mistake and try to walk up the hill
to the castle. If you are travelling by car, follow the signs on the N-332
to the Puerto. When you reach the Puerto, you will see signs for Parking.
Once parked, walk along the promenade until you reach the beach. Continue
until past the Tourist Information office, just after this there is a bridge
crossing the dual carriageway. Cross the road and follow the signs to the
Castle. You will enter a tunnel which takes you to the lift up to the Castle.
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Cactuslandia |
A personal garden transformed into cactusland. 1000 different species
of cactus and other succulents, tropical fruit tees, several species of
parrots, parakeets, exotic birds and other exhibits. A wonderworld of shapes and
colours. Also a collection of fossils, mineral
stones, shells, butterflies.
Refreshments are available.
On the road between Altea and Calpe.
Tel: 96/584 22 18 - La Galera del Mar, 26 - Altea
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El Huerto Del Cura (The Curate's Orchard), National Artistic Garden,
Elche (Elx) |
This is a garden of 13,000 m2 where you can see a large cactus and palm-tree collection with species from all over the
world. About a thousand palm-trees surround ponds, rockeries and
promenades.
Tel/Fax: 96/5 45 19 36. Porta de la Morera, 49, 03203 Elche (Elx)
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Go-Karts, San Fulgencio |
A go-karting track on La Marina's doorstep. There are different
categories of Karts which race at different times. The entrance is just
off the N-332 near La Marina playas as you approach La Marina from Santa
Pola |
| Golf |
La Marquesa,
Avda. Justo Quesade s/n, 03170 Rojales, Alicante, Tel: 966 71 42 58 or 966
71 41 82. Fax 966 71 42 67.
golfamarquesa@ctv.es
The course is lying
in a valley between two mountains, this course is mainly flat and offers
no particular difficulties. It
has wide fairways interspersed with canals, lakes and other obstacles
which all players find enjoyable. Players
have the chance to use a wide variety of irons.
Opening hours:
08.30 20.30.
Holes: 18 Par
72
Villamartin,
Ctra. Alicante-Cartegena, km 7.6, 03300 Orihuela, Alicante Tel: 966 76 51
60, Fax 966 76 51 58, golfvillamartin@ole.com
The course gives
players the chance to enjoy using all 14 clubs from their bags. The greens are fast and magnificently maintained.
Opening hours:
08.30 21.00
Holes: 18 Par
72
Las Ramblas de
Orihuela,
Ctra. Alicante-Cartegena, km 48 03189 Orihuela, Alicante. Tel: 965 32 20
11, Fax 965 32 21 59.
The course is
located between two ravines on the mediterraneon and requires players to
use great precision when hitting the ball, as both fairways and greens are
very demanding.
Opening hours:
08.30 21.00
Holes: 18 Par
72
Campoamor,
Ctra. Cartegena-Alicante, Km.48 03189 Orihuela, Alicante. Tel: 965 32 13
66, 965 32 01 04, Fax: 965 32 24 54 arniza.perfersan@nexo.es
The layout of the
course has been adapted to suite both amateurs and professional golfers.
The fairways are long and wide, but the greens and the inclinations
of the fairways are the big challenges.
Opening hours:
08.30 20.00
Holes:
18 Par 72 Top |
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Guadalest |
This is a beautiful town in the hills with spectacular views. There are
several museums, including a Museum of torture and the unique Antonio
Marco Museum where you can see miniatures of many things too small to see
with the human eye.
Torture Museum Tel: 96 588 50 04
Museum Antonio Marco Tel 96 5898 53 23
Visit the old fortified monastery. [Top] |
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Jalon Valley
- Valley of Wine
|
The Jalon valley is named after the Jalon river, it flows through the
village Jalon (some road signs say Xalo), which lies some 7 km from
Benissa. The famous Jalon wines, strong red and the sweet mistela or
moscatel wine are sold in two bodegas, where you are encouraged to try the
produce. You can buy the wine by the litre.
Every Tuesday a market - vegetables, clothes, shoes etc. - is held in
the square and the adjacent streets.
On Saturday mornings an enormous car boot sale and antique market is
held on the area opposite the bodega under the huge eucalyptus trees
and is well worth visiting. [Top] |
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Jeep Safari 4 x 4 Cabrio |
Discover the real Spain. A complete full day of adventure, action and
sensation through the magnificent countryside of the Costa Blanca
mountains, valleys, picturesque villages, rivers, jungles and swamps.
Drive yourself or let yourself be driven.
Av. Penetracion s/n - Complejo Admiral 1, local 5 - Benidorm.
Tel 96 680 71 24
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Karting Benidorm |
Rent a go-kart on a great track and enjoy this exciting sport in one of
Europe's best tracks. On the road from Benidorm to Villajoyosa.
Tel: 96 589 46 76
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Limon Expres |
Travelling on the Limon Expres is a pleasant excursion, along the Costa
Blanca. You can admire Altea, Teulada and other natural places you can't
otherwise reach. The old tourist trains stops in Gata de Gorgos where
passengers visit a guitar factory and are shown typical handicraft. On the
way back, going South, passengers can enjoy the wonderful west
Mediterranean landscape from the heights of this coast whilst sparkling
wine is served.
Reservations - info: Tel:96/680 31 03 Fax: 96 680.85 21
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Mundomar |
Marine and exotic animal park near Aqualandia. Mundomar is a unique
adventure, its main attraction is that it is a beautiful setting with exotic marine
animals. Enjoy a fascinating encounter
with the dolphins and seals. They are real stars of the park.
West side of Benidorm - Tel: 96 586 91 01 or 02 or 03
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Pola Park |
A fun attraction park for children, on the N-332 just north of La
Marina. You will see the park as you travel from Alicante Airport on the
left hand side of the road.
Open 19.00 - 2.00 July and August, and at weekends for the remainder of
the year.
Tel 96/541 70 60.
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Prehistoric natural cave (1) |
The Caves of Canelobre at Busot, situated 24km from the city of Alicante, at a height of 700m on the northern
side of Cabeco d'Or. The interior of the cave has got one of the highest
vaults in all Spain, and is very similar to a cathedral.
Tel: 96/569 92 50 - Busat at Alicante, motorway A7, excit 67 to El
Campello, exit the road N-332 near El Campello to road N-340 Alcoi-Xixona
to the cave in Busot.
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Prehistoric natural cave (2) |
Visit this magnificent natural cave of more than 300m long and its stalagmites and stalactites and admire the great numbers of domes
which at times rise to a height of more than 20m. The cave is situated on
the road between Pedreguer and Benidoleig.
Las Calaveras Benidoleig - Te; 96/640 42 35 - 03759.
Situated inland between Gata and Ondara, surrounding area Javea - Denia.
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Safari Park Rio |
Rio Safari Park Elche is the ideal spot to enjoy nature and to watch
tigers, lions, camels, monkeys, hippopotamus
.. from its trains. You
can also visit the first farm exhibition with more than 200 crocodiles of
all sizes. Rio Safari's 6000 fully grown palm trees create an unique
tropical setting.
A professional team records with a video camera your journey by train
and will turn your visit into a great audio-visual souvenir.
Tel: 96/663 72 88 - On the road from Santa Pola to Elche.
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Salvador Artesana - shoe factory outlet |
This is an essential place to visit - your can buy shoes, handbags,
leather goods such as belts at factory prices. They also have a range of
large sizes for tall men and women - do ask the assistants.
Opening times 10 - 13.30, 3.30 - 8.00.
Take the road to Elche from the N332, and follow the road for
approximately 14 kilometres. Turn left onto the N340. Follow the signs to
Carrefour supermarket. You will see the yellow sign for the Salvador
Artesana factory approximately 250 - 500 metres past Carrefour on the
right. Turn right and the factory is at the end of the road on the
righthand side.
030205 Elche (Alicante) Apda. de Correos, 5404
Tel 966 67 54 41.
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Sand Dunes of Guardamar |
You can ride camels over the dunes at Guardamar for an enjoyable trip.
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Terra Mitica - Theme Park |
The Mediterranean's major Theme Park, on the outskirts of Benidorm is
well worth a visit and has attractions for all ages. You can buy a 1 day,
2 consecutive days ticket, 3 days non-consecutive ticket or an Evening
Ticket. The Park is open all week from Mid-March - October, at weekends
during November and December (all week Christmas week) and reopens in
March.
Follow the N-332 to Alicante and then join the Autopista A-7 (signpost
to Valencia). As you approach Benidorm you will see the signs to Terra
Mitica clearly marked, salida (exit) 65-A. (NB the A-7 is a toll road).
Tel: 902 020 220, www.terramiticapark.com
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Wax Museum, Benidorm |
113 sculptures - royal families, politicians, art, music, horror,
cinema, etc.
Tel: 96/680 84 21 - Museo de Cera - Avda Mediterranea, 8 - 03500,
Benidorm.
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Eating
Out
There are numerous places to eat out in La Marina and the surrounding area.
La Marina
In the main Commercial centre try Camelias for
tapas.
La Bodega is a very good restaurant - you can choose from the set menu for
7 euros, or eat al la carte. They hold a quiz night on Wednesdays,
have music Thursday - Sunday and on Saturday night they have a Flamenco show (it
is advisable to book as the restaurant is very popular).
In the Commercial Zone 4 (about 0.5 kilometres along the main road from the
main Commercial Centre), try Bonnies for their set meal including wine.
Bar Ramone, the Spanish bar next to Bonnies is excellent value and well worth a
visit.
Casa Jin on the approach road to La Marina is good value - try their meal of
the day.
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Guardamar
You will find numerous restaurants, far too many to mention.
Restaurante Chino Internacional on the Avda Los
Pinos, 62, Tel 96 672 60 51,
(opposite the park) is renowned for superb meals which are extremely good
value. Also highly recommended and equally as good is the Restarante
Chino Wang Cheng on the Avda Los Pinos, 50. Tel 96 672 73 61
Elche
Wander around the historic centre of Elche and enjoy the many Spanish bars
and restaurants. There are also several Spanish restaurants on the road to
Elche - stop and try a different one every day!
Local
Markets
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Monday
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Elche, Santa
Pola, San Pedro
del Pinatar
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Tuesday
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Altea,
Orihuela, Los Alcazares,
Alicante
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Wednesday
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Benidorm (2 Markets), La Mata,
Guardamar, San Miguel de Salinas, Callosa del Segura, Santiago de la
Ribera
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Thursday
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La
Marina, San Javier,
Villajoyosa, Rojales, Alicante
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Friday
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Torrevieja, Alfaz del Pi, Pilar
de la Horadada, Los Montesinos
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Saturday
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Calpe, Santa
Pola, Elche, Almoradi, Alicante, Torrepacheco
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Sunday
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La
Marina, Benidorm, La
Nucia, Camo de Guardamar, Elche, Campoverde (Pilar de la
Horadada)
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