Guide to Benissa

It's just a few miles up the coast from busy Benidorm, but beautiful Benissa is a very different story. This charming and historic little town has a medieval centre which is well preserved, with traditional white-washed houses decked with flowers, cobbled streets and little shops selling traditional handicrafts and local produce, including almonds, citrus fruit, grapes and wine. Wander the streets and you'll come across a number of fascinating sights, including the Cathedral of the Marina Alta, built in the 1920s and featuring a magnificent altarpiece dedicated to the town's patron saint, the Blessed Xiquet. There are also some superb 17th and 18th century town houses, lovingly restored during the 1980s. The three-mile stretch of coastline just a few miles from Benissa has several fine sandy beaches and secluded coves. With its crystal clear waters it's a great place for snorkelling or scuba diving, and you can also try your hand at a variety of watersports in between the sunbathing and swimming. In the evenings, Benissa is surprisingly lively for such a small place, with plenty of restaurants and a good selection of bars and clubs which stay open into the early hours of the morning. And if you fancy a change of scene, nearby Moraira is a charming beach resort with waterfront restaurants where you can tuck into a plate of paella or sample the catch of the day. Alternatively, head inland through spectacular landscapes to the clifftop fortress of Guadalest, built by Moors at least 1000 years ago. Decisions, decisions

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