ABOUT BENISSA
Are you looking for villas for sale in Benissa? If so, click here to be taken to villas for sale in Benissa
The beautiful Alicante town of Benissa, located in the Marina Alta, has one of the most beautiful old towns in the region. In addition, Benissa offers natural landscapes, beaches, and monuments, which offer us many plans to enjoy the city and its surroundings.
If you are planning to visit this incredibly beautiful small town, bookmark this guide as we have covered every small detail of Benissa in the following. We start this guide with some interesting information so that you can plan your visit to Benissa well.
WHERE IS BENISSA? HOW TO GET THERE?
The historic village of Benissa is located 9 kilometers from Calpe. in the mountains behind Cape La Noa. Away from the sea lies the picturesque old town with vineyards, olive and almond trees. There is little tourism and prices are still very affordable.
It is located in the Marina Alta, and a short distance by road from towns such as Calpe, Moraira, Altea, Teulada, or Benidorm, the city is easily accessible by road, either by the N-332 national road or by the A-7 motorway.
If you want to use public transport, we have the option of doing it by bus, or with the Alicante tram, as I told you in our article about visiting the Alicante coast by Tram.
WHAT TO SEE AROUND BENISSA
The location of Benissa, in the northern part of the province of Alicante, offers us many interesting places to visit, with some of the best-known cities in Alicante in its surroundings:
Calpe
The town of Calpe, famous for its imposing Penon de Ifach, is one of the cities that we have about 10 kilometers from Benissa.
Altea
The most beautiful old town in the province of Alicante, Altea, is located about 20 km from Benissa.
Benidorm
With some of the coolest amusement parks in Spain.
Benissa
The old town on its corner
The town of Benissa has a fairly large municipal area, and even though the city is located in the interior, it has 4 kilometers of coastline within its limits.
This coastal land is located in one of the most beautiful coastal areas of Costa Blanca, between the towns of Calpe and Moraira, and how could it be otherwise, its beaches are worthy of being included among the best in the province
For this reason, in this section, we are going to talk about plans or visits that we consider interesting to visit in the town.
If you want to enjoy every corner you visit, without a doubt, you cannot miss the old town of Benissa during your holidays on the Costa Blanca. Full of history and curiosities, the historic center of this city in the Marina Alta will surprise you and invite you to walk the streets indefinitely.
BENISSA AND ITS BEAUTIFUL HISTORY
Prehistory, just as it was also a place of passage for the Romans. Given the name Banu-Isa (Children of Isa) of Arabic origin, Benissa is confirmed to have been born during the Arab conquest that took place across much of the Spanish Levant.
Benissa has a very beautiful history. Benissa can be found by following the N-332 coastal road. The center is in the church square of Plaza Rey Jaume I.
The large old town starts opposite the square, far from the N-332, and consists of many old streets and alleys with houses from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The original center of Benissa is authentic. Wrought iron balconies and railings adorn the houses. In the coastal area of
The coast and the center of Benissa are separated by a quiet rural area with citrus trees. Located at the foot of the Sierra de Bernia, 275 meters above sea level, Benissa is one of the oldest towns on Costa Blanca.
Strolling through the well-preserved old town, with a multitude of cultural heritage buildings, one discovers the local history which has many a pleasant surprise in store.
VISIT THE HISTORIC CENTER OF BENISSA
In the historic center of Benissa, you will find some important points to stop to observe and know. Below are the corners that you cannot miss during your visit to the old town of Benissa.
COURTROOM
If you walk along Calle la Puríssima from Benissa Town Hall, you will come across the Municipal House, a building that attracts attention for its arches.
It was built in the 16th century to house the sessions of the legal and political power of the population. At the same time, it was used as a storage place for wheat and other grain.
HOUSE OF THE BATTLE:
Just in front of the Sala del Consell is the former home of the Mayor of Benissa, which currently houses the Bernat Capo municipal library and the Salvador Soria contemporary art space.
CASA ABARQUES:
An unmissable visit to the historic center of Benissa is without a doubt Casa Abargues. It is a mansion from the 18th-19th century. Century. It is located on Calle Desamparats, one of the most beautiful streets in the historic center of Benissa, due to the large concentration of mansions.
Casa Abargues, with a refined atmosphere and a multitude of details and furniture, will show you the way of life of Benissa’s noble families.
MONUMENT TO THE RIBERER
This corner is one of the most famous in Benissa’s old town and with good reason. The point is that it is a representative monument for the entire population of Benissa, to which they have tradition and devotion due to its great importance. In the past, many people from Benissa walked to the rice fields of La Ribera for income to support the family they left behind.
CHURCH OF THE PURISSIMA XIQUETA
One of the most notable points in the municipality of Benissa is undoubtedly the Church of the Purissima Xiqueta, known as the Cathedral of the Navy. With a height of 35 meters and a neo-Gothic style, construction began in 1902. It was completed in 1929.
VISIT THE BENISSA ECOLOGICAL WALK, AND TOUR ITS COVES AND BEACHES
If we intend to get to know the coast of the town of Benissa, the best way we have to do it is to go through the Benissa Ecological Walk
This trail, divided into 3 sections, covers about two and a half kilometers, of the approximately four, that make up the Benisera coast. These are trails that run along the cliffs, going up and down to take us through some of the most beautiful beaches and coves of Benissa.
As well as enclaves as striking as Les Bassetes or the yacht club of the same name, from which we have formidable views of the north face of the Penon de Ifach.
Sierra de Bernia and other mountainous areas of Benissa:
Its extensive municipal term, takes us from the coast to the interior, where we find different mountainous areas, being able to go from level 0 to the more than 1100 meters of height of the Sierra de Bernia, the natural limit between the two Marinas, the Alta and the Low.
But not only the Sierra de Bernia will make us enjoy nature, places such as the Sierra de Olta, the Ruta dels Riberers, the Moli del Quisi, or the La Solana, will reveal the exceptional location between the sea and the mountains of Benissa.
We leave you below the different technical sheets of these hiking routes:
– PR-CV 7: Bernia
– PR-CV 388: Route of the Riberers
– SL-CV 136: Route of the Molí del Quisi
WEATHER IN BENISSA
In Benissa, the summers are warm, dry, and mostly clear.
BENISSA ATTRACTIONS:
YOU WILL INCREDIBLY ENJOY YOUR LIVING IN THIS BEAUTIFUL SMALL TOWN WITH ITS AMAZING SCENERY, FINE WHITE SAND BEACHES AND THE TURQUOISE BAY OF MEDITERRANEAN SEA OF BENISSA.
BEAUTIFUL FINE WHITE SAND BEACH IN CALA PINETS IN BENISSA
In addition to the beach and the sea, Benissa also has a wide range of cultures and history to offer.
The undisputed symbol of the city is the Iglesia de la Purisma Xiquetas church. It was built in the 20th century in the neo-Gothic style. Especially inside, visitors are enthusiastic about the magnificent dome vault, as well as the panel paintings and art treasures.
Not far from the church is the “old church square”, the Placeta de Església Vella. From here many tours through medieval Benissa start and lead visitors through small, winding streets.
In the center is the oldest monument in the city: the Lonja de Contración trading exchange. Dating back to the 15th century, it was the focal point of Benissa due to its busy importance. The building is of Renaissance style and is striking for its arcade with three arches.
Since Benissa impresses with its beautiful coast, a visit to the sea should not be missed. La Fustera beach is just a few minute’s drives from the city. The beach is characterized by its fine, white sand and the many shades of the turquoise-green sea.
Water sports of all kinds, such as snorkeling, diving, or windsurfing, are a real pleasure here! In addition, the beach is manned by lifeguards during the day and has all the facilities that a bather could wish for.
In addition, the bay of Cala de la Llobella should also be mentioned. In contrast to La Fustera beach, this one is a bit “wilder”. Instead of sand, there is mostly a pebble beach. The bay seems untouched by man; here the pine trees still grow right on the seashore and in most cases, you will find yourself there alone.
The water is particularly clear and clean at this point on the coast, making it ideal for snorkeling or diving. The waves also make kayaking or stand-up paddling an adventure.
Back in Benissa, to the west of the city is the Franciscan Convent. The Convento de Los Padres Franciscanos, the Franciscan convent, played an important role for the city and the local people.
In the 19th century, the “Convent of the Immaculate Conception” was founded there and meant an expansion of the community towards the west. The monastery building itself looks rather simple but impresses with a magnificent interior: gates, vaults, columns, and religious pictures decorate the monastery. The bell tower and the altar are particularly worth seeing.
ACCOMODATION IN BENISSA
It turns out that Benissa inspires many visitors mainly because of its advantageous geographical location. Costa Blanca is and remains a popular travel destination and is rightly called one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe. Benissa also stands out for its manageable size, allowing for a quieter and more personal look at the culture and history of the city and province of Alicante.
LIVING IN BENISSA
Benissa is located between Calpe and Moraira. The coastal area of
The residential areas are hidden behind the coastal road. Montemar, Fanadix, Los Almendros and Baladrar are examples of these urbanizations. You will surely find a Spanish villa that meets the desire of a dream home.
The residential areas on the low hills of Montemar and Buenavista have excellent views of the Mediterranean Sea and are close to Calpe, Benissa, and Moraira.
MARKETS
The market is held every Saturday morning between 08:00 and 13:30. Vegetables and fruit are sold here, along with other regional specialties. The market takes place in the streets of Sant Josep, Sant Nicolau, and Hort de Bordes in the center of Benissa.
THE AREA AROUND BENISSA
The landscape between the coast and the historic center of Benissa is green and mountainous. You can go horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing. Let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent views of the sea and the mountains from Benissa.
A varied landscape with vineyards and palm trees along the coast of Benissa, for a length of 4 kilometers with cliffs, rocks, and coves. Coves like LaFustera, Les Bassetes, Abogat, Pinter, and the Llobella Baladrar are part of this stretch of coastline. A coast that invites you to an ecological walk along the Mediterranean Sea, where nature and landscape have remained intact.
THE GASTRONOMY OF BENISSA
Benissa offers gastronomy based on the Mediterranean diet. It combines in its dishes the typical products of the sea and the land. The Mediterranean fish will stand out, a wide variety of dishes (“Borreta de melva”, “Bull amb ceba”, “Mullador de pelleta”, “Sang amb ceba”, “Putxero
de polp”, “Mullador de sangatxo”, “Coques al calfó i amb mullador”) and, above all, their trip: “arroz al horno”, “arroz del señoret”, “arroz con haba pelada”, “arroz con judías y nabos”, and in particular, the gastronomic reference trip of this one village, “El Putxero de polp”. These dishes, typical of the cuisine of Valencia and Benissa, can be enjoyed in the “Casa Canto” restaurant.
The artisan sausages also deserve a special mention. They were made by local butchers using recipes and formulas handed down from family tradition over several generations. They deserve a recognized prestige at the regional and national levels because of their excellent taste.
BENISSA – A WELL KEPT SECRET ON THE COSTA BLANCA
Benissa is the village closest to Refugio Marnes. It belongs to the Autonomous Region of Valencia (in Spain there are a total of 17 so-called Autonomous Communities). Each of these is divided into several provinces. Benissa is in the province of Alicante. Within the provinces, it belongs to the county of Marina Alta.
Benissa had 11005 inhabitants in 2019. The center of Benissa is about 200 m above sea level and the Benisero, inhabitants of Benissa, speak Castilian (Standard Spanish) as well as Valencian (a language very similar to Catalan).
BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS IN BENISSA
Benissa Town Hall was built in 1790 as a hospital for the poor and sick. In 1981 it was reopened as the town hall after a complete renovation.
Placeta de l’Església Vella – This square is one of the most beautiful places in Benissa and is around the corner from the town hall. In this square stood the fortified church ‘Iglesia-Fortaleza de San Pedro’, which was built in the 16th century, between 1550 and 1570.
This church also served as a fortress against pirate raids, which were common on the Mediterranean coast at the time. It was an imposing building and there is a picture of the church on a plaque in the square. After the opening of the ‘Puríssima Xiqueta’ Church in 1929, the building fell into disrepair and was finally demolished in the 1940s. Today there is a nice convivial square where the Beniseros meet and where cultural events also take place.
Casa Museo Abargues – This is a museum showing how a noble family lived in Benissa in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors get a glimpse into family life and see how the house was furnished. In addition, various stories and anecdotes from this time will be heard. The house can be visited free of charge from Tuesday to Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Church of the Purissima Xiqueta – In 1902 the construction of this church, named after the patron saint of the village, began. Puríssima Xiqueta became the ‘patron’ of Benissa after two pilgrims, after staying with people there, presented their hosts with a picture of this person as a token of thanks.
From that moment, several miracles took place in the village, and thus the Puríssima Xiqueta became the patron saint of the village. The church is built in neo-Gothic style and is worth a visit.
WITH OUR PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN BENISSA YOU CAN CELEBRATE YOUR HOLIDAYS AS ANOTHER RESIDENT
Benissa, as a Spanish city, has its local festivals. A very important day for its residents, as it is considered a symbol of the union of all participants. Benissa opens its doors to all people who want to celebrate their parties, no matter where they come from. Thus, buying one property for sale in Benissa will have the opportunity to become another resident.
The Feast of the Moors and Christians is celebrated at the end of June in honor of San Peter. You can see the processions of magnificent parades through the streets of the city and enjoy musical groups that set the perfect melody for Benissa’s night out.
Fira de Sant Antoni is celebrated in the second half of January. Animal blessings, a medieval market, fairground attractions, and a variety of cultural and sporting activities take place for three weeks.
The celebrations are in honor of Xiqueta. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of April. There are fireworks, musical concerts, bullfights, and the coronation of La Reina de las Fiestas along with a procession.
Thinking about buying a villa or apartment in Benissa?
If the idea of living in Benissa appeals to you then take a look at property for sale in Benissa
Find out about properties nearby and check out what’s on Benissa
>Property for sale in north Costa Blanca with sea views
>Property for sale in north Costa Blanca with virtual tours
>Property for sale in Benitachell
>Property for sale in Cumbre del Sol Benitachell
>Property for sale in Costa Blanca
>Villas for for sale Cumbre del Sol Benitachell
