One of the most charming towns on Spain’s ‘White Coast’, Altea, although only 11 kilometres from Benidorm, has medieval cobbled streets, a picture book old quarter and a palm-fringed seafront.
The following excursions are included on all Saga holidays of seven nights or longer at the Hotel Port Denia.
Enjoy a coach drive to lively Benidorm, where you have time for shopping. Benidorm stands on a rocky promontory that separates its two long sandy beaches, the Levante (Sunrise) on the east, and the Poniente (Sunset) on the west. The original old town is now the main shopping centre.
Benidorm’s old town centre is still picturesque. Whitewashed houses cluster around a church with a dome covered with Moorish-influenced blue tiles, typical of the region. Good views can be obtained from the nearby balustraded promontory overlooking the sea, formerly the site of a Moorish castle.
No guided tour or entrances included.
Visit Simat de Valldigna, where King James II founded the Monastery of Saint Mary of Valldigna. According to historical tradition, the king passed through a valley (then called Alfandech) after battles against the Muslims in Alicante and Murcia. Impressed by its fertility and beauty, he said to the abbot of the Cistercian monastery of Santes Creus that this was a ‘valley worthy of a monastery of his order’. The abbot answered ‘Vall dignified’ (‘Worthy Valley’ – hence Valldigna). The Valencian government began restoration work on the monastery in 1991 and it is now used as an arts centre.
In addition to the above, the following excursions are included on holidays of 14 nights or longer.
Spend time at the port of Jávea, where the modern harbour was built during the 1950s and 60s. Its landmark is the Fisherman’s Church (church of Nuestra Señora del Loreto), built in 1967. Shaped like an oval boat keel, it was built to resemble a fishing vessel bursting through the waves. You then visit the ancient walled town of Calpe, whose main feature is the Peñón de Ifach (Ifach Rock) which towers from the sea to a height of 332 metres.
Continue over the Coll de Ratas mountains, enjoying the countryside and fantastic views. You stop for refreshments at Parcent.
Moraira market is one of the Costa Blanca's most extensive markets and starts early on Friday mornings..All varieties of fruit and vegetables are available as well as nuts and spices, clothing and ceramic goods.