Beyond Benidorm

 Beyond Benidorm are some stunning beaches and hill top towns and we’ve been exploring.

We got ourselves a BonoBus card (a card that you pre-load and get cheaper bus travel locally) and headed away from Benidorm on the local bus to Altea.

Altea is only about 30-40 minutes on the air conditioned bus from the Benidorm and it couldn’t be more different. 

Living by the sea, we love a good beach to wander along, but this time we headed up, up to the top of the hill through tiny streets, shaded from the heat of the sun.

It began with a cobbled street, quickly became steps which rapidly turned very steep. We’ve realised we are definitely fitter than before as we just kept walking, with a few short stops to admire the view and take a photo.

What a view! The sea was turquoise, sparkling away below us, Benidorm on one side, Calpe on the other. The whitewashed houses and terracotta tiles of the Mediterranean in abundance.  

Reaching the square at the top, we found the stunning blue domed Església de Santa Maria del Consol d'Altea which dominates the square. The original church dates from the early 17th century when it stood next to the castle that protected the town, however the current church began construction in1901. It is absolutely stunning with its domes visible for miles around. 

The Baroque style decorations within are beautiful.

We chose to visit on St Patrick's day in an effort to escape the madness of Benidorm. It was a wise choice. We sat in the square with a glass (OK jug) of Sangria, listening to chirping little birds and soaking up the atmosphere. It was bustling but calm, peaceful and perfect. We had a wonderful day. 

We also visited Albir, this time on our new electric bicycles. What a great addition they are! I confess I was really nervous only having practiced a few times at home and having a terrible sense of balance, but it was fun! There are designated cycle lanes almost all the way between the campsite and the town.  We were there within 20 minutes. It hosts a beautiful esplanade replete with cafes and bars. What a perfect  place. We enjoyed a cooling drink or two, before cycling home again. There’s more we want to explore here, but as we went on a Sunday, very little was open - we will have to go back.

Our final trip out so far was with Justin and Jamie (incorporating the iconic fashion shoot!).

Just along the coast in the other direction to Albir and Altea is Finestrat. The holiday tour operators would have you think it is Benidorm, but it isn’t! Don’t be fooled!

It does however have a beautiful small beach, several cafes and bars on the sea front with an ‘arty feel’. I loved the crochet bunting.

It also has a shopping centre, together with fabulous DIY stores! We do love a Spanish DIY/building store, we got so carried away with all the goodies, I forgot to take any photos so you will just have to visit to see how impressive Obramat and Leroy Merlin are (and so cheap compared to B&Q). You did want photos of them, didn't you? 

PS. I found a photo! Maybe a glimpse of a future tale..