Holiday homes in Benissa

The beautiful rustic village of Benissa is located in the north of the province of Alicante in the Valencia region. It is one of the oldest villages on the Costa Blanca, only 70 km2 and has about 12,400 inhabitants. Amidst the inland rolling vineyards and with a 4 km long beautiful coastline with beach, clear water, high mountains and wide valleys in an unusually green landscape lies this unique Spanish village.

The charming narrow streets with the old houses where playful ironwork knights the windows, form the backdrop for an authentic Spanish way of life, where the locals offer their traditional products with justifiable pride.

Stop for lunch at a local bar in the historic area and taste the famous Benissa sausages while enjoying a cold beer or a good glass of wine. The surprising Spanish intimacy will charm you, no doubt about it.

Many villages on the Costa Blanca were founded during the Moorish occupation and therefore have Arabic names. So also Beni Isa, which means sons of Isa. The Moorish influences have given Spanish culture and tradition an oriental touch, which is still noticeable today. Already in 1248 Benissa was recaptured by Jaime I of Aragon, but because of the continuous attacks of the Berber pirates - especially during the 15th and 16th century - the population of Benissa remained largely Moorish. The final elimination of the Moors took place in 1609, after which people from Catalonia, the Pyrenees and Aragon settled in Benissa.

At the end of the 80's and beginning of the 90's there was a major renovation of the historical part of the village in order to counter the decline. The 17th and 18th century houses, the narrow streets, churches and the town hall have been renovated and the result is a reborn and radiant village.

The surroundings of Benissa are seductively beautiful. The landscape, the light, the Mediterranean vegetation; everything is in harmony. The spatial interpretation is well guarded by the municipality so Benissa has never lost its authentic atmosphere.

Situated between the spectacular cliffs and rocks of the Costa Blanca and the high mountain range in the hinterland, the natural environment of Benissa is unforgettable. A trip by car takes you past old fincas situated between spacious vineyards and with panoramic views of the sea.

Be surprised by the 4km long coastline that connects the villages of Moraira and Calpe. Here you will find rustic bays where the wide horizons merge with the endless blue of the sea, where you can escape the daily worries and the view is truly breathtaking.

The most famous beach is Fustera, awarded with a Blue Flag and with excellent facilities for children. The beach has fine sand and there is a small harbour with a sailing school and a diving centre. This is the ideal place for practicing various water sports, including windsurfing and sailing.

De stranden van Cala Pinets en L'Advocat bieden een combinatie van zandstrand en rotspartijen.

The idyllic bay of Baladrar is admired for its deep blue clear waters, surrounded by lazy pine trees that reflect in the tight waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Are you looking for complete peace and privacy, then this beach d place to retreat. Because of its secluded location you will imagine yourself in another world.

The medieval centre with its little square, narrow streets and churches has been wonderfully preserved. The balconies with typical ironwork and weapons decorate the historic buildings.

Benissa has a strong Catholic tradition that can be found throughout the village. The Franciscan seminary has trained many followers who have spread throughout Spain. But the most prominent heritage is the Neo-Gothic church Catedral de la Marina Alta. This white church was built in the 1920s by order of the rich freemasons of Benissa. The inauguration took place in 1929 during the festival of the apostle Saint Peter. The cathedral is 59 metres long, 29 metres high and has an imposing altar in honour of the venerable patron saint of the village, Nuestra Purísima Xiqueta (our holy virgin). The special light on the altar is something you absolutely must not miss.

A walk through the village will take you through the historic centre with its imposing 15th century market hall, the Lonja de Contratación (the oldest building in Benissa and also the Museum of Ethnography), past the town hall (the former hospital for the poor) and the Palacio de los Torres-Ordua (the cultural centre and also library). Here you will also find the Casal de la Joventut the ancient prison which now serves as a Youth Centre.

Just outside the village along the huertas (farmland) you will find the routes along the Costa Blanca that used to be used by the Ribereros (the workers who in season went to the Valencian coast to harvest the rice). A monument in honour of the Riberero is now the symbol of Benissa.

Guided tours are given on most working days.

The wild and abrupt landscape of Benissa lends itself perfectly to sports such as climbing, hiking and horseback riding. Several routes have already been mapped out for you and will lead you along the Sierra de Bernia, La Solana, Oltà and Mallà Verda.

If you are more into water sports then the Club Nutico Les Bassetes has everything you could wish for: 80 berths for (sailing) boats up to 8 meters, a certified sailing school and a professional diving centre. But also for kayaking, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and sea fishing.

It is impossible to get bored in Benissa.

Getting to know Benissa also means getting to know her tastes and smells. The Valencian cuisine comes into its own with Benissa's copious dishes. The melting pot of spices, local products from both the sea and the land and prepared in centuries-old traditional ways result in dishes for people who love the good things in life, both the amateur and the serious gourmet.

How about Borreta de Melva (fish stew), Mullador de Pelleta (fried vegetables), Sang amb ceba (blood sausage with onion), Putxero de polp (octopus stew), Mullador de sangatxo (tuna dish), Coques al calf (corn cake).

But also the variety of rice dishes is infinite. You will find them in all shapes and sizes: arrs al forn (rice from the oven), arrs amb faba pelada (rice with peeled beans), arrs amb fsols i naps (rice dish with pork, beans and cabbage), arrs de senyoret (rice with seafood), arrs a banda (rice cooked in fish broth) and many, many etceteras.

A special mention goes out to the artisanal sausages. Benissa has made a name for itself with this traditional product that has been passed down from generation to generation and is part of its gastronomic heritage. The care and dedication of the local sausage-makers have elevated a simple sausage to the status of a meal of the gods.

Benissa always seems to be in a party mood. Various activities are organized throughout the year; exhibitions, conferences, theatre, music concerts, film, excursions, markets, etc, for all ages. And this is often accompanied by a lot of fireworks and large dinners in the streets. A small selection from the busy calendar:

• Cabalgata de Reyes 05 January: Three Kings feast, celebrated with an impressive procession.
• Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni 07 January 1 February: Saint Anthony's Festival during this 20 days long festival many attractions are offered to young and old, such as a medieval market with stables, birds of prey and fools; blessing of animals, cattle market, fair and various games and cultural attractions.
• Semana Santa the week before Easter: During the Holy Week of Easter you can enjoy religious, sacred, classical and antique music concerts.
• Fiesta Patronales de la Purisima Xiqueta from the 4th Sunday in April: The Festival of the Blessed Child (the patron saint of Benissa). Each town has its own patron saint and therefore also a feast. In fact, all the work is put down for a week and there is a 24-hour party with parades, dance parties, live music, sporting events, fireworks and the coronation of the Queen of the Festival.
• Running of the Bulls 28-31 April: Running of the Bulls is also organized in Benissa. Large, reared bulls are let loose in marked streets to chase the daredevils who think they are fast enough. Hundreds of people watch from higher stands while the fear-driven bull continues to attack. Not exactly an event for the animal lover.
• Moros y Cristianos last week of June: The feast of the Moors and Christians is celebrated throughout the Costa Blanca, as this battle that took place between the 12th and 16th centuries is rooted in Spanish history. It is a theatrical spectacle led by colourful costumes, bombastic music and reenacted battles from bygone times.

We have made a fine selection of villas along the coastline, rustic fincas inland, apartments in the historic center, for every taste and every budget we have selected accommodations that meet our standards and let you enjoy your well deserved holiday.