Amerys Travels 2009- Costa Blanca, Spain- local places around this coast

Sorry about the break in this journal- now for a catch up!

Exploring the coast to the north of Moraira, first decent sized place we came to was El Arenal, a lovely beach of good sand between rocky headlands, and backed by shops and cafes. At the southern end we were much taken with the cafés and bars close to the water beside the beach. Four of the first ten photos are of this town.

A little further north of here, Javea is more of a residential area than just a beach, and we liked the historical town centre a couple of KM’s inland very much- lots of character. The port has some nice big fishing boats, so serious fishing is done here, and the prime spot we found for a fishy lunch (see two photos) was almost over the fish market- right beside the port and upstairs, with nice views over the port and over the rather unexciting and rocky town beach and promenade.

Here we found our first so called “crisis menu” with menu of the day prices well down, from €14 to €7. Due to the collapse of the UK pound against the Euro, Spain seems very quiet to us this year, and we are picking up the impression that visitor numbers are down by around 25%.

The next town north and over the mountain is Denia (photo of beach and castle) which we found rather unattractive and there was little to admire, except perhaps the castle. Had we been staying here we would have been tempted to jump on a ferry and relocate to Ibiza, as the ferries leave from here.

There are some very nice places to the south of Moraira, and only 30 minutes away is Calpe, where the very striking and impressive Gibraltar like rock Penon Ifach punctuates this coast. Calpe is partly up on a cliff and partly set on two lovely beaches, to the north with an impressive promenade, and to the south, beside the very much working port, more cove like and prettier. You can walk around the rock, or to the top, but my knees told me to wait until they have been fixed.

Between the two beaches, the hard times and intense competition between a dozen or so restaurants clustered together make for some amazing value three course lunches at around €8.50, (NZ$18) including main course examples of Swordfish and grilled Sole. As you walk along comparing the menus you are offered free sangria and nibbles to encourage you to sit in their restaurant- something we have never seen elsewhere.
Needless to say, Calpe is a great lunch or beach destination!

We didn’t get time to explore further south towards Benidorm, but we understand it would be well worthwhile next time we find ourselves in this area.

More from us very soon,
Richard and Christine