Local Information

Novelda Town

Novelda has a wide variety of attractions for all to enjoy. There are numerous historic interests including the St Mary Magdalene Sanctuary, built in marble, and constructed in early 20th Century by a pupil of Gaudi, who built the famous cathedral in Barcelona. At its side is a 12th Century triangular tower built by the Moors. Both are amazing sights, and located only 5 minutes drive from the villa. The town itself has breathtakingly beautiful art nouveau buildings, museums and fantastic architecture. There are many typically Spanish restaurants, bars, Novelda casino,coffee shops, ice cream parlours, supermarkets ( including Aldi and Lidl, with Carrefour being 15 minutes away) banks, Pharmacies etc, as well as a well informed and helpful Tourist Information Office (English spoken well). There are local markets held in the town on a Wednesday and Saturday, where clothes, goods, shoes and fresh produce can be purchased. There is also the beautiful park Oeste or Western Park which has a botanical garden, and is a lovely place to walk through.

“During the summer, music festivals are often held here to celebrate the Moors and Christians fiesta. The people in the town are warm, helpful and friendly as this is the real Spain, and it is lovely to see Spanish people going about their everyday business”.

There are a number of bodegas in close proximity to the villa which is an excellent opportunity to buy local wine. Our local Bodega in Novelda provides a tour and talk about the the production of wine, and more importantly, some wine tasting. This Bodega provides wine in the bottle and is of exceptionally high standard and has won many awards.

The beautiful Blue Flag beaches along the Costa Blanca are approx 30 minutes away,with many miles of sandy beaches.

“Alicante & Santa Pola are the nearest beaches, with excellent resturants and beachside cafes, including large Marina's.”

Approx 20 minutes drive away is the town of Aghost, which specialises in the manufacture of ceramic plates, pots, garden ornaments and is amazingly good value for money. Well worth a visit is the Shoe manufacture in Elche for very cheap leather shoes, Large shopping malls al Campo & Elcorte ingles for the modern spanish shops, cafes and restaurants.

Salt flats of La Mata and Torrevieja occupy parts of the municipal districts of Guardamar del Segura, Montesinos, Rojales and Torrevieja. The history of the salt lakes goes back many years to the 13th century when the first licenses were granted by the crown for the harvesting of salt. They are the oldest and biggest salt lakes in Europe, and were very important for the economy of the area. The two salt lakes are actually separated by an area known as El Chaparral, and joined only by an artificial channel - the Torrevieja lake is the largest though historically La Mata has always been the more important.Both the salt lakes lie below sea level, and today are a natural park and a protected area for birds. The wetlands provide an important habitat for flamingos, hoopoes and storks. There is an information centre in the park.

Approx 20 minutes drive away is the town of Aghost, which specialises in the manufacture of ceramic plates, pots, garden ornaments and is amazingly good value for money. Well worth a visit is the Shoe manufacture in Elche for very cheap leather shoes, Large shopping malls al Campo & Elcorte ingles for the modern spanish shops, cafes and restaurants.

Go for a stroll through Alicante at the Explanada de España, one of the most beautiful waterfront promenades in Spain, with shady palms and plenty of cafés. Towards the Plaza Puerta del Mar, the Explanada skirts the edge of the old quarter, known as ‘el barrio’. This atmospheric district centres around the town hall on the arcaded Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Spreading uphill, the tiny neighbourhood of Santa Cruz is a charming pocket of whitewashed houses and geraniums seemingly transported from Seville. At the end of the Explanada, smart restaurants and late-night bars and, beyond that, the Playa del Postiguet, a long beach of fine white sand. Looking directly up the cliffs at Mount Benacantil, you’ll see the city’s landmark perched on top: the fairytale Castillo de Santa Bárbara. Built by the Moors and destroyed many times over, the castle walls, dungeons and turrets are a grab bag of architectural styles from Gothic to Renaissance,