Things to do Benissa, a complete & up-to-date guide

For friends & family in Benissa

6. Visit the port in Benissa

The historic center of Benissa is inland, but the municipality has a coastline of approximately four kilometers. On this coastline, Benissa has one small, atmospheric marina: Club Náutico Les Bassetes.

Located on the border of the municipalities of Benissa and Calpe, this port is the only port facility on the coast of Benissa. It is a smaller port that focuses mainly on smaller pleasure boats (up to 8 meters) and water sports.

The harbor is known for its excellent facilities for sailing and diving enthusiasts. You will also find a sailing school, a diving center and rental of kayaks and paddleboards.

There are also two restaurants located in the harbor, which offer stunning views of the sea and Calpe’s nearby Peñón de Ifach rock.

7. Going to the market on Saturday

The market in Benissa is not held in one common place, but in two different places in the center:

• Stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables are located in the parking lot on Av. la Constitución;
• The stalls selling clothes can be found on the C/ Sant Nicolau.

Both markets are open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8. Enjoy the view from Mirador dels Molins

Viewpoint Mirador dels Molins is one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy the view of Benissa and the coast. The name of this viewpoint comes from the old windmills that used to stand here to grind grain.

Nowadays it is mainly a quiet little square where you can stop for a moment to look at the beautiful surroundings from the benches. Including the Peñon de Ifach. The place is easily accessible and you can park your car in the street.

9. Shopping in Benissa

For an extensive shopping experience, authentic Benissa is not the main destination. However, the center does offer a number of local stores such as boutiques, bakeries and butchers where you can go for daily necessities and authentic Spanish products.

If you really want a day of shopping, nearby Calpe is a good option with a lively shopping street. For the ultimate shopping experience, however, there is Portal de la Marina in Ondara.

This is the large, indoor shopping center where most people from the region go. About a twenty-minute drive from Benissa, here you will find all the well-known fashion chains such as Zara, H&M and Mango, in addition to numerous other stores, restaurants and a cinema.

Nature & adventure in Benissa

10. Hike Paseo Ecológico

The Paseo Ecológico is a hiking trail along the coast of Benissa. You will walk along well-constructed trails along steep cliffs and discover hidden coves.

Along the way you will enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Peñón de Ifach rock. The route has alow level of difficulty, but does contain many stairs and slight inclines.

This trail is an ecological trail because it protects special plants and local wildlife. You will learn about the geology of the rocks and the history of an old quarry through 21 information boards. You will also see in the sea the protected Posidonia plants that provide excellent water quality.

Tip: Learn more about the hiking trail(s) Paseo Ecológico

11. Engage in sports in Benissa

Benissa, with Club de Golf Ifach, has a 9-hole golf course accessible to golfers of any age and level. It is the perfect place to play golf while enjoying a pleasant walk.

In addition, sports enthusiasts are best served at the top of Benissa. There you will find an artificial turf soccer field, padel club with 10 padel courts, a sports complex with a sports hall and a sports center where there is a gym, a physio practice and an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.

Events & culture in Benissa

12. Fira i porrat de Sant Antoni

This January event is one of the most important winter festivals in the Marina Alta region. Visitors explore a large medieval market and sample local specialties at the many stalls.

During the festivities, the traditional blessing of the animals takes place in the church square. The famous “wine tunnel” is also a regular feature, where you can taste various regional wines.

13. Fallas de Benissa

In March, Benissa celebrates the arrival of spring with the Fallas, a typical Valencian tradition. People build impressive works of art from papier-mâché that often tell a topical or critical story.

On the evening of March 19, these statues are set ablaze during the cremà. Music, parades and popping fireworks create a lively atmosphere in the streets of the village.

14. Viu la Pasqua

During Holy Week, the congregation organizes the Viu la Pasqua program in the historic center. The program combines solemn religious processions with various cultural activities.

Local gastronomy plays a big role, with tastings of the traditional pilota de putxero. In this way you will experience the authentic culture and flavors of Benissa in a historical setting.

15. Special holidays in Benissa

• March/April: Semana Santa: during the Holy Week religious processions are held in the historic center, often combined with local gastronomic events such as the Taste of Pilota;

• April: Fiestas de la Puríssima Xiqueta: these are the official patronal festivals of Benissa that take place around the fourth Sunday of April; the program includes the coronation of the queens, floral offerings, parades with floats and spectacular fireworks shows;

• June: Moros y Cristianos: This fiesta is celebrated in honor of San Pedro (Saint Peter) on the weekend closest to June 29; the highlight is the gala parade in which residents march through the streets in beautiful historic costumes to commemorate the battle between the Moors and Christians;

• July: Fira de Sant Jaume: in the neighborhood of Benimarco, which partly belongs to Benissa, people celebrate traditional folk festivals with music and communal meals in honor of Saint James at the end of July;

• October: Día de la Comunidad Valenciana (Day of the Valencian Community): on Oct. 9, Benissa, along with the rest of the region, celebrates Valencian identity with cultural activities and official commemorations;

• December: Viu el Nadal: under this name, the municipality organizes various Christmas activities, including a Christmas market(Mercat de Nadal), the official lighting ceremony and the parade of the Three Kings on January 5.

16. Visit a museum or art gallery in Benissa

Benissa breathes culture and art. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times, which is reflected in various sights.

Museums and heritage:

• Museo Arqueológico Municipal: displays archaeological finds from the area, from Roman mosaics to Moorish ceramics;

• Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by Spanish and international artists;

• Museo del Mar: highlights the maritime history of Benissa with ship models, navigation instruments and fishing gear;

• Historical buildings: admire the baroque Iglesia de la Merced, the gothic Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol and the 14th-century Monasterio de la Merced, now a hotel.

Art galleries:

• Galería de Arte L’Atelier: shows works by local and international artists;

• Galería de Arte La Casa del Artista: exhibits local artists;

• Centro de Arte Taller Ivars: offers art exhibitions, workshops and various events.

17. See the Riberer monument in Casco Antiguo

The monument to the Riberer is a special tribute to the seasonal workers from Benissa who used to walk to the rice fields near Valencia twice a year to work.

Because the land in Benissa was too dry for farming at the time, this hard work was necessary to support their families. These workers were known as blavets because of their blue smocks. They left on foot with only a basket of food for the long journey to the distant fields.

The statue depicts the moment of farewell, with a worker looking at the village church tower one last time before disappearing from view.

Today, this monument is one of the most important places for the people of Benissa and a special floral offering is made every April during the local celebrations.

Things to do from Benissa

18. Taking the Ferry to Ibiza

From Benissa you can get to the port of Dénia, where ferries to Ibiza leave in about 25 minutes. The company Balearia offers daily crossings that take just two hours and 15 minutes by fast boat.

It is advisable to book your tickets online in advance, especially during the vacation season, so that you can be sure of a seat on the boat. Although many people opt for a day trip, it is also possible to take the car on the ferry if you want to explore the island for longer.

19. Visit the Jardín de L’albarda

Near Pedreguer you will find Jardín de l’Albarda. This is a large 50,000-square-meter garden with more than 700 native plant species. The design is based on the Valencian Renaissance style with Arabic influences. Here you walk past fountains, tiled patios and under pergolas with vines.

The garden was created in 1990 by Enrique Montoliu. Today, the FUNDEM foundation manages the grounds. Jardín de l’Albarda serves as an example of sustainable gardening because the plants require little water. A visit is therefore instructive and contributes to the protection of local nature.

20. Walk along the waterfalls of Algar

The waterfalls of Algar are an officially protected natural area in the village of Callosa d’en Sarrià. This location offers a refreshing change from the busy sandy beaches on the coast.

Here you follow a 1.5-kilometer hiking trail along the bed of the river Algar. During the walk you will see spectacular waterfalls and clear pools of water in which you may swim.

The landscape is formed by limestone and shows a surprisingly green side of the province of Alicante. In the area you will see many orchards with medlar trees, for which the region is known worldwide.

Tip: Read more about the Algar waterfalls

21. Climb the Peñón de Ifach in Calpe

The ascent of the Peñon de Ifach offers a sporting challenge with the reward of panoramic views of Sierra Helada, Albir, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe and Benissa.

The nature park features trails that vary in difficulty, with the route becoming more adventurous after the tunnel for the experienced hiker.

At the summit, you experience a unique sense of freedom over 300 meters above the Mediterranean Sea.

Nice places in the surroundings of Benissa

22. Calpe: (a 10-minute drive away)

Be impressed by the Peñón de Ifach, the rock that towers high above Calpe and is a symbol of the Costa Blanca. Climb the rock for 360-degree views, explore the historic town center and enjoy the seafood restaurants in the harbor;

23. Jalón: (a 20-minute drive away).

Drive through the beautiful Xaló Valley, known for its vineyards, almond orchards and picturesque villages such as Llíber and Parcent. Taste local wines in one of the bodegas and enjoy the soothing atmosphere of the countryside in Jalón;

24. Moraira: (a 15-minute drive away)

Discover the charming coastal town of Moraira with its beautiful beaches, marina and pleasant promenade. Visit the castle of Moraira, which overlooks the coast, and enjoy a delicious meal in one of the many restaurants;

25. Jávea: (a 25-minute drive away).

Explore the diverse landscapes of Jávea, with its impressive cliffs, hidden coves. Take a walk to the Cabo de la Nao lighthouse for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

More tips for your visit to Benissa

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