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Welcome to GilesWalker Properties in Javea and Benitachell
WHERE YOUR DREAMS BECOME REALITY
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Northern Costa Blanca
According to the World Health Organization the Costa Blanca has the healthiest climate in Europe, an average of 500 hours of sunshine a year, compared with an average of 457 in the rest of Spain and sea temperatures of 24°C in August and 14°C in February.
The public and private investments made in recent years, have improved immeasurably the infrastructure of both road and rail links to the region. That combined in a balanced way with respect for cultural traditions and the environment, have made the Costa Blanca an ideal place in which to invest and live. It has all modern conveniences and the charm of a region, which looks to the future whilst not forgetting its traditions and its past. A clear example of this philosophy is the unmistakable way in which traditional Mediterranean architecture creates spaces and light, with ‘riu rau’ style patios, barbecues, balconies and spaces positioned to enjoy the climate.
The Northern Costa Blanca is a green belt, it produces most of the fresh produce of Spain and is famous for its fruit. It is served by two international airports, Alicante and Valencia, both of which are within an hour’s drive. There are countless marinas and beaches, the majority having been awarded the blue flag of the European Community for cleanliness. The area is cosmopolitan yet the cost of living remains extremely reasonable. Additionally there are the many colourful and exciting fiestas held throughout the year in each town.
La Marina Alta, also known as the Marquesat de Dénia or Marina Septentrional, is a district covering 583 square kilometres in the north east of the Alicante Province
Denia was founded as a Greek colony. Different civilisations have given shape to a town that mixes present and past alongside the clear waters of the Mediterranean. It takes its name from the Roman goddess Diana – a temple in her honour was excavated here. In the 11th Century it became the capital of a short-lived Muslim kingdom, whose dominion extended from Andalusia to the Balearic Islands.
Denia is now both a fishing port and a bustling cosmopolitan holiday resort. It is situated approximately 100 kilometres from Alicante and Valencia by the N332 and the A7 autopista. There are regular coach and train connections to Alicante and Valencia. Dénia port has direct ferry links to the Balearics, Ibiza and Formentera and then on to Majorca. Along the coast to the north there are over 20 kilometres of sandy beaches. The town centre spreads around the base of a low hill. A large castle, once an Arab fortress, on its summit overlooks the harbour. The Palacio del Gobernador (Governor’s House), within the castle, contains an archaeological museum which shows the development of Dénia from 200BC to the 18th Century.
Denia has two high quality marinas with more than 1,500 moorings, facilities for sailing and has been designated as a support port for the 2007 America’s Cup. There is also an 18-hole golf course at Marriott La Sella complex which is rapidly attaining championship standard.
North of the harbour is the sandy beach of Las Marinas, to the south is the rocky and less developed Las Rotas beach, which is good for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Javea (Xàbia) Pirates and smugglers once took advantage of the hiding places afforded by the cliffs, caves, inlets and two rocky islands that make up Jávea’s attractive coastline. Jávea is an enchanting town in the Marina Alta area of the Cost Blanca situated 90 kilometres from Alicante and 105km from Valencia by the A7 autopista and N332. There is a regular coach service to Alicante and Valencia, together with connections to the Denia rail services.
Javea is characterised by its varied countryside that runs along its coast and mountains. The temperate climate throughout the year makes it an ideal area in which to live permanently or to purely keep a holiday home. Javea has three areas each with their own charm and character; Jávea Pueblo (old town) with its churches and monuments, Javea Port with its fishing trawlers and pebble beaches and Javea Arenal with its beautiful sandy beach and bustling lifestyle, taking advantage of the many bars and restaurants that encircle the beach.
Javea is a small town with a big reputation. It has been described recently by a British newspaper as "The jewel in the Costa Blanca" and by the World Health Organisation as having a climate "almost environmentally perfect". Statistically, it is a little cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the Costa del Sol .... for which everyone is very grateful!, and of course very much quieter.
Javea Pueblo or town centre is set on a hill-side a couple of kilometres inland on the site of an Iberian walled settlement. Many of the buildings lining its street are made from the local Tosca sandstone. The 16th Century Iglesia de San Bartolomé was fortified to serve its congregation as a refuge in times of invasion.
Javea Port has a small marina, numerous seaside bars and restaurants offering local and international cuisines, all at competitive prices. There is also an active fishing fleet, supplying the local fish market on a daily basis. The port is overlooked by ruined 17th and 18th Century windmills (molins).
The strict development policy of the local council has ensured that Javea’s beaches have been kept mercifully free of the high-rise apartment blocks and hotels that dominate many other Spanish resorts.
Javea currently has a 9-hole golf course with plans to improve it to 27 holes, its own bowls club and many tennis clubs.
Overlooking the whole of Jávea is the famous “sleeping elephant” mountain, Montgo, which has been designated a national park.
Gata de Gorgos is a busy village (pueblo), which is the home for many local artisans providing crafts in cane and wicker. Gata de Gorgos is situated approximately 85 kilometres from Alicante and 100 kilometres from Valencia by the A7 autopista and N332. Gata is one of the principle cultivators of Moscatel grapes. The village has many shops offering local crafts and hand made furniture.
Pedreguer is a growing village, situated fifteen minutes inland from Dénia, with easy access to the A7 and N332. Pedreguer is an agricultural village located at the base of the Montana Gran. It is surrounded by orange and lemon groves, but also has a thriving industrial outlet in the manufacture of bags and hats. Historical points of interest are the Ermita de San Blas and the caves of Migueles.
Moraira is a thriving area of the Costa Blanca with an important network of tourism services operating all year round. It is situated 90 kilometres from Alicante and 105 kilometres from Valencia with connections for bus and train. The orientation of the coast and the position of the mountains surrounding it create a microclimate that guarantees an annual average temperature of 18oC. The area has a strong gastronomical culture, providing dishes which are based on natural products from land and sea, combined in many varieties of paella dishes. The area is also famous for its Moscatel wine. A major historical point of interest is the fort on the seafront of Moraira.
Benissa is the architectural symbol of the Marina Alta. It is situated 80 kilometres from Alicante with connections for bus and train to Valencia. Behind the main street lie hidden historical delights such as the splendid cathedral. Benissa was an important medieval market town and now offers tourists a wealth of cultural interest or for the more energetic, it offers a variety of activities from golf and nautical sports to hiking in the wonderful Sierra de Bernia. Benissa enjoys many traditional fiestas including the famour Moors and Christians fiesta celebrated in June.
Jalon is the capital of the Vall de Pop with more than 2000 inhabitants. The town is famous for local produce such as embutidos (a local meat delicacy), honey, almond cakes and, of course, the wine which can be purchased direct from one of the many bodegas. The beautiful Jalon Valley is a must for any visitor to the Marina Alta and is breathtaking in February when the almond blossom is in full bloom. When coming to Jalon, one should visit the church of Santa Maria that is built in the Neo-classical style. Every Saturday Jalon hosts an enormous open market (rastro) along the side of the river with delights for the serious bargain hunter. Close to Jalon are several charming Spanish villages such as Lliber, Alcalali and Parcent.
Calpe is historically one of the most important cities of the Marina Alta, extending to a gentle bay where in the extreme north one can find the impressive Peñon de Ifach, one of the symbols of the Costa Blanca. Situated 70 kilometres from Alicante via the A7 and N332. Calpe is a city full of history and culture. Exploring through the old town, you can admire the typical fishing village streets, the Tower of the Peca, and the old church that has the only example of gothic style architecture in the Valencian community. However the outstanding feature of the town is the Peñon de Ifach (Calpe Rock) rising from the sea and towering over the sandy beaches. Calpe has salt lakes which are renowned for attracting flamingos. It is also famed for its multitude of seafood restaurants, where it is possible to sample various dishes and sangria.
Sanet y Negrals is a pueblo situated only a fifteen minute drive from Dénia. It has a wealth of history with its roots linking back to the Moorish invasion. Sanet water is renowned for its purity. Set in a beautifully tranquil location, it has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. Sanet has many excellent public facilities, such as a public swimming pool, public library and college.
Orba is a small town in the interior of the Marina Alta only 18 kilometres from Dénia. It lies at 154 metres above sea level and has a population of less than 1600 inhabitants. The fertile Orba valley, with its mild climate and excellent water, has fields of olive trees, vineyards, almond trees and orange groves. Flanking the Orba valley are a number of villages of between 200 and 500 inhabitants, in which the crowds, noise and bustle of the coastal areas are pleasantly absent. Even so these villages are close enough to provide beautiful views of the Mediterranean and from which the beaches can be reached in less than a few minutes. A stunning combination of sea and mountain, where everything is close at hand. Despite being a small village, Orba boasts a range of services: restaurants, bars, chemists shops, 24 hour medical services, veterinary surgeons, all kinds of shops, a day nursery, schools and sports facilities.
Benidoleig is even closer to the beaches, less than 10 minutes, yet at the same time retains its historic beginnings. The landscape is dominated by the sight of an impressive mountain range the Sierra de Segaria and green citrus valleys leading down to the sea. Benidoleig remains a peaceful village with excellent communications to shops, towns and the airports of Valencia and Alicante.
Polop is a traditional Spanish mountain village set in the hills behind Benidorm. It is renowned for its great Spa waters which are purported to have beneficial health properties. It can be found nestling in a tranquil setting, but with excellent communications to the surrounding area which includes all of the attractions available in the Bendiorm area such as the Terra Mitica theme park, Mundomar (sea world) and the latest attraction, Terra Natura, an animal park.
Sport There is a wealth of opportunity on the Marina Alta for those who prefer a more energetic lifestyle. Golfers will find a number of excellent courses in the area such as La Sella which is rapidly developing towards championship status. Jávea and Oliva Nova. Tennis and bowls enthusiasts are also extremely well catered for with numerous friendly clubs in the area. Traditional sports from the UK are well established with local clubs for cricket and rugby. With its perfect climate the area is a fantastic centre for all types outdoor pursuit whether at sea or inland through the ruggedly majestic local mountains rising above 1500m.
Performing Arts There are several theatre groups putting on first class shows, which are always very well attended and looked forward to for future productions. There are also a number of cinemas, which regularly present the latest films in English.
Fiestas The area around this part of the Costa Blanca is famed for its numerous fiestas, with colourful displays and parades. It is said that during the summer period it is possible to visit a fiesta almost every day if you travel along the coast and venture inland for a few kilometres. Every March the Valencian community celebrate the Fallas where huge effigies are set ablaze in the streets amid spectacular firework displays. Dénia is one of the main centres for this incredible scene. Jávea holds separate fiestas for its pueblo and port areas and these again culminate in fantastically colourful parades and firework displays.
Shopping The last few years have seen a boom in shopping opportunities with the opening of superb commercial complexes such as La Marina at Benidorm. And of course the first class shopping facilities at Alicante and Valencia with many of the UK High Street shops represented.