Location

The nearest village to the villa is Benidoleig - about 2 km - which offers a small, but extremely well-stocked supermarket (if you go in early in the morning, and ask Jesus, pronounced Heysoos, nicely he'll spit roast for you the most delicious chicken in herbs to be picked up before his siesta at one thirty), there is also a couple of small bars, a bank and chemist (Farmacia) amongst other small stores.

Large branded Supermarkets can be found all along the N332 which runs across the valley. Here you'll find all you'll ever need - and more.

The nearest larger towns are Javea/Xabia and Denia.
Both very popular, lively places by the sea, with lots of shops and bars.

Denia

Denia also offers a superb marina with restaurants, cocktail bars and chill-out lounges on roof tops, where you can watch the yachts sail in and out of the harbour mouth, especially stunning at sunset.
North of Denia there is a 20 mile long stretch of beautiful white sandy beach that you can walk along for as long as you wish with the odd bar every kilometre for sustenance. Another "Blue Flag" beach. A good place to access this beach is at El Verger - or anywhere along the N332 between El Verger and Oliva. This is a 15 minute drive from the Villa.

Javea/Xabia

Javea/Xabia is a more vibrant, up-beat town - geared more for families and night life.
It has three main areas to it.
The Old Town, which has narrow lanes and interesting architecture - with a much older Spanish vibe.

Javea/Xabia Port has an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants - Tapas, Italian, Mexican and Indian.
A particular favourite of ours is The Gurkha Palace which is a fantastic Nepalese tandoori - well worth a visit if you enjoy Indian influenced food.

Javea/Xabia Arenal - this is the beach area which is designated a "Blue Flag" beach and described as near perfect for its cleanliness and for children.
It has a gentle slope into the sea which makes it safer for paddling and less-than-strong swimmers. During the summer months there are often amazing sand sculptures on the beach and in the evenings craft stalls to peruse.

Calpe

Calpe - about a half hour drive - is famed for it's varied seafood restaurants, on the seafront by the old fishing port. Well worth a visit - and a paella washed down with jug of sangria!

Other Interests

Golf - La Sella
An 18/27 hole Golf Course, about a 10 minute drive from the villa.
It is situated on the side of a mountain and is not too long a course with pine, orange and olive trees adding interest and colour, as well as problems for wayward hitters!
It does operate on a minimum handicap restriction
Male - 28
Female - 36
We have been assured this is a fine course.

Aqualandia
This is the largest water park in Europe! It is located in Benidorm which is a 45 minute drive.
A definite all-day excursion with a whole bundle of fun on offer.
It has a huge Atlantic wave pool and high adrenaline chutes for the brave (and foolhardy).
A sturdy costume is advisable to save red faces all round (oh - and plenty of sunblock).
There is also an area especially developed for smaller children called Adventureland.

Go Karting:
For an incredibily great fun-filled couple of hours entertainment there is a Go Karting track located in Ondara - a ten minute drive from the Villa - by the N332. This really is a great track.

The Costa Blanca - or more specifically, Javea/Xabia - offers lots more, depending on how restful or active you want to be:
Scuba diving, jet ski-ing and sea fishing.

For something extra special:
Highly recommended - you can go out on a Top spec. 38ft luxury Bavaria sailing yacht for the whole day.
It will sail from Denia Marina to Calpe Rock where you can anchor up for a swim and good lunch before the return sail to Denia.
For more information contact
Miles Turner - 0034 696 451 201

Markets

Markets in Spain are varied and great fun to wander around.
Our particular favourite is Jalon/Xalon Market which is on every Saturday morning throughout the year.
It has everything from handbags, shoes, bric a brac, antiques, art, clothes, fabrics and some seriously bright-coloured sweets!

Other markets are -
Monday - Denia
Tuesday - Altea
Wednesday - Ondara
Thursday - Pego
Friday - El Cid Auction - a small and somewhat comic event! (to be found just past the Caves on the road to Benidoleig)
Saturday - Jalon/Xalon
Sunday - Pedreguer