La Marina Alta it´s not for everyone.

June 3, 2016

La Marina Alta, it´s not for everyone! It is a strange way to start a promotional, short story. However, lots of people are used to their own lifestyle, 30 hours commuting to work, stress, bad eating habits, noise  the list goes on…….. However for those seeking to change their lifestyle, there is a treat in store.

La Marina Alta has some of the most beautiful,striking countryside and coast lines in Spain.

Every area is different. There is a lot to consider when you decide to live here permanently. The biggest dilemma is ….where?  From the many hidden secluded coves and beaches with crystal clear waters to the spectacular mountain ranges with breathtaking views.  Not to forget the tourist Mecca of Benidorm, Albir and Altea, all of which are part of Marina Baja and only a short 20 minutes away from the inland towns of the North Costa Blanca.

South of Valencia has some of the best unspoiled blue flag beaches of the Costa Blanca. Gandia, Oliva and Denia,  all with their own Spanish coastal towns close by.

On the other side of the Montgo mountain you have the more bustling atmosphere of Javea, Moraira and Calpe offering great beaches, excellent water sports,  bars and restaurants serving up some of the best of Spanish traditional cuisine. For around 13€ for the ” menu del día ” which includes three courses, wine and “pan con alioli”

Or, for the more discerning diner some excellent, michelin starred eateries  http://www.quiquedacosta.es/

Denia is the capital of Marina Alta with the many tapas restaurants around the tree lined “Marquis de Campo”, the chic cocktail bars and restaurants among the luxury yachts moored on the marina and the famous castle which overlooks the harbour. It’s also possible to jump on a ferry to Ibiza and Mallorca.

Inland from here approximately 20 minutes car journey will take you through some of the most scenic and breathtaking landscapes offering a real taste of Spain. From Calpe inland you will find the historic town of Benissa raised above the coastline several kilometres out, originally built to ward off pirate attacks. From here you drop into the the stunning Valle de Pop, with its capital town of Jalón aka Xaló (the original Valencian name has now been restored to the people since the Civil War when Franco renamed all towns with Castellano names) Rolling hills will greet you and you will be amazed at how green everything is. The Valle de Pop ( or Jalon valley ) is undoubtedly a jewel of the Costa Blanca with a blanket of vineyards producing award winning wines. For example the famous Moscatel. There are several bodegas, who export their wine all over the world, and here you can sample their wines for free. As it is a working valley there are other products like Olives, Almonds, Avocados and Cherries to name a few.

There are many other wonderful Spanish pueblos like Lliber, Alcalalí, Parcent, Murla and  Castell de Castells. Steeped in history these towns often have stunning old buildings and still retain many of the old traditions with annual fiestas and religious processions. It’s wonderful to sit in the old plazas with an ice cold cerveza and practice your Spanish with the locals who are happy with a “Buenas días” and a smile. These towns all sweep around to the Orba valley where the smell of Orange blossom often hangs in the air. Here you will find several Spanish villages like Benimeli for example, and you can enjoy a typical Spanish meal for under 10€

La Marina Alta has a very good infrastructure with International schools, medical centres with some of the best hospitals in Denia and surrounding areas. This region of Spain is also known for one of the best Micro climates. According to the world health organisation, it is ” one of the healthiest places in the world to live".