With its kilometres of beautiful coastline and historic town centre, the seaside resort of Benissa is a wonderful place to enjoy a well-deserved holiday. Benissa may be less well-known than the other seaside resorts on the beautiful Costa Blanca, but it is precisely for this reason that you will get to spend your sunny holiday here far away from the crowds. But Benissa offers so much more, with its traditional fiestas, various water sports, mountainous areas and the most beautiful holiday homes. Benissa guarantees an unforgettable holiday for young and old!

Overview

Benissa is situated on the Costa Blanca, sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea to the east and a beautiful mountain range to the west. Because of its location between sea and mountains, this beautiful town enjoys a perfect Mediterranean climate with warm summers and lovely mild winters. The town is popular with sunbathers in both summer and winter. The old town lies at an altitude of 200 metres above sea level and is separated from the coast by a rolling landscape of vineyards, olive trees, citrus and almond trees. Due to its proximity to the airports of Alicante (70 km) and Valencia (110 km), Benissa is not only easy to reach by car, but also by plane. Nearby are well-known and less well-known seaside resorts such as Benidorm, Calpe, Moraira, and Denia, all of which are worth visiting.

Historic Benissa

The old town of Benissa has a well-preserved historical centre. The name of the town bears the history of the town’s Arabic occupation. Benissa is derived from “Ben-Isa”, which means “Sons of Isa” in Arabic. After the Moors were driven out in the 1600s, inhabitants of Aragon and Catalonia, among others, moved to the area.

A visit to the charming old centre brings you, among other things, to the El Ayuntamiento, which dates from 1790. Legend has it that two pilgrims who were passing through gave the owners of the house a statue of the holy Xiqueta as a token of their gratitude. Afterwards, all kinds of miracles occurred, and the holy virgin Xiqueta was proclaimed the patron saint of the city. The church “Iglesia Purissima Xiqueta” from 1902 is named after this patron saint.

Not to be missed in the old town is the centuries-old Placeta de l’Esglesia Vella, known as the most beautiful square in town. The old council chamber, Sala del Consell, dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most important historical buildings in the city. It has been home to the town hall, the archives and the prison. The fact that faith played an important role can be seen in the many monasteries and churches in Benissa and the surrounding area. The Franciscan monastery and several hermitages, including the magnificently situated Santa Ana, are well worth a visit.

Stunning kilometres of coastline

On holiday on the Costa Blanca, the beautiful beaches play a central role. The same can be said for Benissa. The town has a coastline of no less than 4 kilometres and the coastal road meanders along beautiful spots to treat you to dreamy vistas around every bend. The largest and most important beach in Benissa is Playa de la Fustera, which is 110 metres long and has been awarded the Blue Flag. It is a popular spot for families with children. Cala El Pinets is a small bay of only 20 metres wide with sand and rocks, making it a perfect spot to discover the underwater world while snorkelling. Baladrar beach is a little more secluded and consists of pebbles and rocks. Other coves not to miss during a holiday in Benissa are Cala de Llobella and Cala Advocat.

The best activities in the water and on land

Because of its location by the Mediterranean Sea, a lot of sports and activities take place on or in the water. You can snorkel or dive and in so doing discover the fascinating underwater world, where you will be amazed by the habitat of rockfish, starfish, octopuses and other marine life. In the harbour of Benissa, there is a diving school for guided excursions to diving spots in the Mediterranean Sea. For those who enjoy water sports, kayaking and sailing are also available.

If you prefer to stay dry, but still want to enjoy the coast, a walk or bike ride on well-marked paths is a perfect activity. The mountainous terrain in Benissa invites you to take beautiful daytrips on foot or by mountain bike. In the nearby Sierra Bernia Nature Park, you can walk or cycle to the 1,128-metre-high summit for the most stunning views of the area. And for those who like to play golf under the Spanish sun, there are beautiful golf courses in Benissa and surrounding areas where you can work on improving your golf skills, whatever your skill level.

A festival every week

Benissa is a town with a rich history. You can see this not only in the beautiful buildings in the old town, but also in the many festivals that the town is known for. Throughout the year there is something to celebrate. One of the most important festivals is the day of Purissa Xiqueta, when the town’s patron saint is honoured with processions, fireworks and concerts. At the end of June, the Fiestas de Moros and Cristianos are celebrated with music, dance and theatre. Many festivals and celebrations take place in July and August in the town and its districts. When on holiday in Benissa, there is a high chance that you will experience one of these local festivals.

The nicest holiday homes in Benissa

Your holiday in Benissa will be unforgettable if you stay in accommodation that fulfils your holiday wishes perfectly. After all, this is the place where you can recover from all the experiences you have had after a day of fun activities and historical sightseeing. Where you can enjoy the warm evenings with your family or friends and where the children can play undisturbed on the terrace or in the swimming pool. Club Villamar offers holiday villas in many shapes and sizes. Guarantee yourself the perfect holiday and book your ultimate villa.

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