Resorts of Spain
Cocentaina ? Sitting by the river Serpis and surrounded by the Mariola mountains, the ancient Costa Blanca town of Cocentaina is a bustling town with and interesting and distinguished history going back to the Neoloithic Era. Cave paintings in the area show of these ancient civilizations though little is known today of what the region was like in those long-ago times. The known history of Cocentaina begins in the time of the Arab Conquest (8th to 13th Centuries) and the remains of an old Arab watch-tower still gaze down on the town today. Modern Cocentaina has a number of interesting places to visit and is well known for its lively Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos) festival.
Orihuela Costa ? Some 20 km distant from the town of Orihuela lies its own distinct coastal area, the Orihuela Costa. Comprising about 16 km of beautiful coastline on the southern Costa Blanca, the Orihuela Costa has some fine sandy beaches, lively resorts and excellent facilities. Close together at the southern end of the Costa are 3 super golf courses (Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor). Some of the most popular resorts along the Orihuela Costa include Cabo Roig, Campoamor, La Zenia, and Punta Prima, all have splendid beaches and a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants.
Benijofar ? Located on the banks of the River Segura between Orihuela and Guardamar del Segura is the tiny village of Benijofar. The name of the village which means ?son of pearl?, harps back to the days of the Arab Occupation (8th ? 13th Centuries). Benijofar is an agricultural village surrounded by rich, fertile land, irrigated by the Segura river, the population of the village is only around 3,600 and it covers an area of just 4.4 km2. The 17th Century church of Saint James was mostly destroyed during the 1829 earthquake which shook this region, but a few parts of the old Baroque church still remain within the re-built structure.
La Aparecida ? Situated about 6 km from the ancient town of Orihuela, the tiny village of La Aparecida is the last village in the province of Alicante, sitting as it does, right on the border with Murcia province. The village became a centre of attention in 1992 when the Olympic Torch passed through La Aparecida on its way to the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, normally a quiet, sleepy village, La Aparecida has seen little to compare before or since this historic event. Worth a visit in La Aparecida is the local church, the Nuestra Señora de Belen, with its ?Milk Grotto? containing a picture of Mary feeding the baby Jesus.
Formentera del Segura ? Originally a Moorish village, Formentera del Segura was conquered by the Christian king Jaime I (?The Conquistador?) in 1242, the village changed hands a number of times over the prevailing centuries until 1730 when it came under control of Nicolas Pérez de Sarrio (The Lord of Formentera), who gave the village its current name. Largely destroyed by the great earthquake of 1829, Formentera del Segura was re-built by 1840 culminating in the building of the parish church. Relying mostly on agriculture and citrus farming for its survival Formentera del Segura benefits from an irrigation system put into place by the Moors centuries ago. One of its most popular fiestas is ?The Day of the Bicycle? featuring a race involving many of its inhabitants.
Rojales ? A pretty village located on the banks of the Segura river, Rojales has been able to keep its traditional Spanish feel, despite the onslaught of tourism and property development. With a history stretching back to the Arab Occupation, Rojales still has evidence of irrigation systems put into place by the Moors during their time in the area. Worth visiting while in Rojales are the Water Wheel, the Azud, the Charles III bridge and the Gasparito Wells, also worth a look are the cave houses at El Rodeo, where a regular craft market is held.
Orihuela ? The capital of the Vega Baja region of the Alicante province, Orihuela is an ancient town with a long and distinguished history. Though there were settlements in the area during the Bronze Age, Orihuela came into its own during the Roman occupation when it was known as Auraiola, later an important headquarters for the Moors under Teodomiro it was re-conquered for the Christians in 1296. Recognised for its large number of beautiful churches, palaces and monasteries, Orihuela also has several museums that are worth visiting while in the town.
This fabulous article about the Costa Blanca town of Cocentaina was written by Steve Locke who lives in Cabo Roig. To read more about Cocentaina and many other Spanish towns and villages click here:-
Cocentaina and to learn about neighbouring Alcoy look here:-
Alcoy
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