Discovering Alfaz del Pi and El Albir, Costa Blanca

Discovering Alfaz del Pi and El Albir on the Costa Blanca (Spain).

Alfaz del Pí – L’Alfàs del Pi

Alfaz del Pí (officially l’Alfàs del Pi) is a pleasant residential town just three kilometres from the Mediterranean coast, in the heart of the Costa Blanca, just off the usual tourist track.

The name ‘Alfàs’ comes from the Moorish era (XVI) and means ‘fertile land’ and ‘Pi’ refers to the centuries old pine tree in the ‘Plaza Mayor’, a symbol of the town’s independence from neighbouring Polop de la Marina in the year 1836.

Like many places throughout Alicante Province, Alfaz arose as a fortified settlement to protect the population from invading Berber pirates in the Middle Ages, and traditional economy was based on agriculture.

Over the last decades, Alfaz del Pí has become a popular place to live, especially for expatriates who love the relaxing way of life, the sunshine and dining al fresco – more than 100 different nationalities now live in the town, on the surrounding urbanisations which lead down to the coast and the beach area of El Albir.

Just behind the busy main street, you can discover the ‘old town’ where time almost stands still, a neighbourhood with traditional townhouses, San José parish church by the small main square, the Town Hall and street cafés! The town’s main fiestas take place around the second week of November.

The emblematic ‘Casa de Cultura’ is just around the corner, located beside the municipal sports centre, swimming pools and playing fields. The distinctive pink-hued Cultural Centre has a magnificent theatre which is renowned for the yearly Alfaz del Pi Film Festival – one of the most important events of its kind in Spain, which attracts both Spanish and international critics, directors and film stars.

The event promotes short films produced in Spain, the winner receiving a 5,000€ prize and the coveted ‘Silver Lighthouse’ trophy. The fesitval is held in July with films being shown here and down on the beach at El Abir.

From the centre of Alfaz it’s only a short walk away to the countryside…a rural world of citrus orchards and pine groves with views to the sea and El Albir, the town’s coastal resort!

El Albir – L’Albir

El Albir has always been rather exclusive, stylish villas on the slopes of the Sierra Helada ridge and low-rise apartments with swimming pools line the streets behind the seafront promenade.

Just around the corner from mega tourist hotspot Benidorm, El Albir has a unique appeal of its own – it could almost be the Riviera with the transparent turquoise sea bathing a white pebble beach!

The sweep of Mediterranean shoreline ends abruptly at Sierra Helada, a protected nature park, where you can find a couple of little secluded rocky coves under the cliffs and the landmark lighthouse.

Although El Albir doesn’t have a leisure harbour (it’s only a short walk along the bay to the fishing port at Altea) yachts can often be seen moored off the coast. On the horizon, the local fish farm specialises in gilt-head bream and sea bass.

Free amenities along the beach include kiddies’ play areas, volley playa nets and a beach library; in the summer months, you can hire sun-loungers and sunshades, pedalos or kayaks, etc.

El Albir attracts all kinds of holidaymakers and day trippers of every age and nationality, while maintaining a pleasant family atmosphere. There are a number of quality hotels, hostels and holiday apartment complexes in the vicinity (some feature beautiful pools, luxury spas, fabulous sea views and even a kiddies’ water park.)

Popular for athletes and sports teams, many stay in the resort to prepare their season, or to take part in tournaments and races …oh, and I almost forgot to mention the local cricket ground and golf practice course, a fresh grassy oasis with duck pond included!

The Costa Blanca has a mild climate throughout the year, and El Albir is no exception, in fact it’s a popular place with retired folk from the UK and northern Europe in general, who like to spend the winter months here.

In summer there are plenty of activities for people of all ages and energy levels, such as fairground attractions for small children, bicycle and mobility vehicle hire, crafts stalls, and an evening market, as well as a weekly Sunday market throughout the year.

The Albir Fiestas take place in August – enjoy activities in the Eucalyptus Park, music and dancing in the streets until the early hours, a foam party, and the fabulous grand finale firework display.

A huge selection of restaurants, cafeterias, gastro bars, pubs, street terraces, etc. offer an amazing choice of international and Spanish cuisine ranging from gourmet gastronomy through to popularly priced menus of the day…and the house wine is often included!

The astonishing range of cuisines from around the world caters for all tastes: British and Spanish, French and Belgian, Norwegian and Swedish, Dutch and German, Italian and Greek, Mexican and Argentinean, Chinese and Japanese, Indian and Nepali, Romanian…

A partly excavated archaeological site, an open-air museum with Stone Age and Roman remains bears witness to the town’s historical legacy. Cultural events, concerts and exhibitions are also high on the agenda at the Foundation Frax, although the highlight of the year has to be the Alfaz Cinema Festival which shows selected films on the beach, in the sultry heat of July evenings.

Everyone is welcomed down to the beach to take part in the magical San Juan solstice festivities on the evening of June 23. The traditional bonfire is supervised by the local authorities along with a beach bar with reasonably priced refreshments. At midnight step into the sea to renew your energies, and throw petals, coins and fruit into the waves, to make a wish come true in the pagan ritual!

If you’re in Alfaz del Pi or El Albir for a few days you may want to venture further afield. You’re just a short drive from the major resort of Benidorm; or for those who love to walk, some of Alicante’s best mountain trails are within easy reach.

How to Get to Alfaz del Pi and El Albir

Nearest airports: 49km to Alicante airport, 142km to Valencia airport;
By road: A-7 exit 65 (Benidorm) or 64 (Altea); N-332 Alicante-Valencia.

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