36 Discovering The COSTA NEWS, September 16-22, 2016

Cala Baladrar is an attractive area of the that reaches from the Sierra Bernia mountains to the .

By Karen Marco Benissa is renowned for its ex- scrambling across rocks, or fol- cellent cuisine and there is a lowing the coastal footpath most Benissa town great choice of restaurants in of the way. Stop awhile and discover the fas- town, on the coast and out in the Cala Baladrar is an attract- cinating historic centre - the city country. A long list of cultural ive pebble cove protected by cliffs was walled in the medieval age to events and local festivities in- and divided from smaller Goleta protect the townsfolk from ma- cludes an agenda of concerts. A cove by a rocky ledge. A pictur- rauding pirates although little celebrated three-day multicultu- esque setting with green pine evidence remains today. Walk ral festival featuring colourful trees reflecting on the clear aqua- around the charming back streets parades, traditional dancing and marine sea it’s an ideal place for and pretty plazas where time music, folklore and craftwork, relaxing or snorkelling. There’s a seems to stand still. and typical food tastings is held restaurant set among shady pines The notable historical legacy biannually by international resi- on the cliff top with marvellous includes remarkable buildings dents over the first weekend in views overlooking the beach - such as the Town Hall (originally October (September 30 to October which is reached down a flight of a hospital, 1790), Marina Alta Uni- 2, 2016). stone steps – and also a picnic versity (XVIII century area. noblemen’s homes), Sala del Con- Beaches from north to south L´Advocat beach is not far sell (XVI wheat grain warehouse), A short drive away you can enjoy away - you’ll recognise it by the the Abargues Museum (XVIII- the four kilometres of Benissa jetty and the small esplanade. The XIX century palatial residence Coast, pine clad hillsides with pic- sandy beach is great for children and chapel), Library and Cultural nic areas, abrupt cliffs with pan- and there’s a beach bar café in Centre (XVI century palace), oramic views, sandy bays and summer. Cala de la Llobella is a Franciscano Convent with a pristine pebble coves. Look out small, quiet pebble cove where beautiful bell tower (1613) and the for turnoff signs to the various pine trees reach down to the sea, adjacent Franciscano Seminary beaches on the to Calpe great for nature lovers and snor- (1915), and the Puríssima Xiqueta coast road. You can walk from kelling. Cala Pinets is 10 min- Church (1902) known as the one beach to another paddling utes walk away - a rocky cove ‘Cathedral’ of the Marina Alta. through shallow water and with pebble and sand. Just before

Eco trail coastal walk COSTA NEWS, September 16-22, 2016 Discovering The Costa Blanca 37 you reach this beach you’ll see chapel dates back to 1613. the ‘dead sea’ below the coastal PR-CV 340 Sierra de Olta – 2 path, a long shallow rock pool hour, 7km circular route, beauti- running parallel to the sea. ful mountain and sea views. La Fustera is Benissa’s most PR-CV 7 Sierra de Bèrnia 3 popular beach – a sheltered sandy hours 30 min., 8km. Medium to bay with blue flag status, it’s a difficult walk around the Bernia child-friendly beach with amen- Mountain south of Benissa. ities for all the family: play zone, Takes in the Font de Bernia natu- picnic areas under the trees, ral water spring, Forat ‘tunnel’ (a beach bar, seafront restaurants, natural hollow in the mountain- lifeguards and tourist info booth. side through to the southern You can drive to the beach or face) then the path continues to walk down from the footpath the ruins of Bernia Fort. It’s a which continues either side of wonderful hike with stunning the bay. views over , and most of the Les Bassetes is sheltered by a Marina Baixa. ridge of sandstone which forms PR-CV La Solana 5.5 horas, part of a natural leisure harbour. 19.5km - easy walk, can be done Basettes yacht club and the div- in stages. Itinerary through Vall ing school offer a range of nauti- de Pop includes the rural towns cal activities. A waterfront res- of Benissa, , Llíber, Xaló, taurant has terraces with pan- Alcalalí, , , Benig- oramic views across the transpar- embla and . ent turquoise sea, towards the Discover the traditional rural Peñon de Ifach in Calpe. way of life which evolved over the centuries along the banks of Walks the Xaló River. A scenic ‘eco trail’ path starts in PR-CV 388 Ruta dels Riberers Cala de la Llobella, following the (old road to ) 4 horas, coastline southwards towards 14km. Enjoy the stunning views Puríssima Xiqueta Church neighbouring Calpe; a pleasant over the Marina Alta, as you walk for all the family past shady walk along the Mallà Verda to the Font de la Mata natural spring. picnic areas and rock SL-CV 136 Ruta del pools. Information pa- Molí del Quisi - easy 3 nels describe the local hour walk, 8.7km. The flora and fauna. The Molí del Quisi is a re- yearly ‘Trobada D'art stored water mill (XV a la Mar’ is a most un- century). Other inter- usual exhibition – art- esting sites along the ists paint different way include: the public views of the seascape washing house Llava- from the vicinity of dor del Pou d’Avall, Fustera beach, which Santa Ana Chapel, El are then on public dis- Riurau del Tio Joan de play beside the coas- Vallesa, and the Quisi tal path (approx. Sep- bridge. tember 20 till October 20). Getting there: The surrounding AP-7 motorway countryside sur- (exit 63), N-332 main rounding Benissa is road; to Denia ideal for walking – TRAM; ALSA bus ser- mountain hikes, na- vice Alicante-Valencia; ture trails and a nearest airports: Ali- number of routes cante 80 km, Valencia through rural areas 110 km. where you learn about past traditions. You can see more Walk to the features about the chapels in outlying Costa Blanca on my hamlets and villages personal travel blog: within a 9 kilometre www.kalitravel.net radius of the town centre; six were built Photos courtesy of in the XIX century, Benissa, Town Hall, while Santa Ana Calle Desamparats Touristm Department

Franciscano Convent