Experience
Villa Lujo is located on the rugged coastal strip of Benissa Costa with wonderful bays and a mountainous hinterland. This northern part of the Costa Blanca is called Marina Alta and is bordered by the Sierra Bernia mountain range that stretches from Altea to Javea. This mountain range ensures that the coastal area has a mild subtropical climate. A delight to stay and explore all year round. The region contains gems of (mountain) villages and takes you via winding roads to the highest peak, the Coll de Rates. Many hiking trails lead to the most beautiful spots. In Jalon and its surroundings are the famous Moscatel vineyards and for cycling pros, Marina Alta is the training ground for the Giro and Tour de France.
Highlights Benissa Costa
The highlights of this area are definitely the many bays (calas in Spanish) at the rugged cliffs between Javea and Calpe. The most famous calas are Cala Granadella and Cala Portitxol near Javea. On Benissa Costa, you can also enjoy the bays with nice beach bars (chiringuitos), such as Cala Advocat, Cala Baladrar and Cala La Fustera and Playa Portet in Moraira.
Golf
Love to play golf? Costa Blanca is a top golf destination, with more than 25 golf courses. Near Villa Lujo, Club de Golf Javea, Club de Golf Ifach Benissa and Altea Club de Golf are the main golf clubs to hit a hole. With over 300 days of sunshine on the Costa, this is a true paradise for every level of golfer.
Saturday and Sunday markets
Every village has its weekly market. In Benissa on Saturday mornings and in Moraira on Friday mornings. Other markets in the area include the lively flea market on Saturdays in Jalón (Xalo) and on Sundays in Jesús Pobre the organic market under the roof of an ancient Riurau. Here, on the first Sunday of the month, there is an antiques market instead of the organic market.
Tennis/paddle club Buenavista
Near Villa Lujo you will find a tennis court,Tennis and Padèl Club Buenavista. The club has six tennis courts and two padel courts and a nice bar with a terrace. By appointment, you can play a game of tennis or padel individually or with a group.
Sailing and diving
The Mediterranean offers many opportunities for avid sailors and divers. Valencia and Alicante are important places with comfortable harbours, but you can also rent a sailing boat (with or without a captain) in Moraira and Calpe. Club Nautica is an exclusive harbour for (sailing) yacht owners. In Moraira you will find diving school Scuba Moraira, which organizes daily diving trips at more than 25 different dive sites in Moraira, Javea, Benitachell and Calpe. Whether you are a pro or beginner, they arrange everything for you.
Vineyards/wine tastings
Spain is the land of wine. Also on the Costa Blanca, where not only sweet Moscatel wine comes from. Discover other grape varieties and enjoy special quality wines at rural bodegas, Montesanco Bodega in Teulada and Pepe Mendoza Casa Agricola in Lliber.
Beaches
Playa de l’Ampolla
This is the large sandy beach of Moraira with a nice restaurant right on the beach. It is possible to rent a beach bed on Playa de l'Ampolla, also there is good parking. In the sea, snorkeling by the rocks is surprisingly beautiful.
Playa del Portet
This pleasant sandy beach with azure waters is an absolute must! The wide beach is located in Moraira and there are several restaurants where you can eat tapas. When the beach is crowded there is poor parking, also there is no bed rental.
Cala Advocat
Is a small sandy beach, extremely suitable for families. The bay slopes gradually, making it ideal for children. In summer there is a beach bar ('chiringuito'), where you can also get something to eat. At Cala Advocat - where the hiking trail along the coast ('Paseo Ecologico') also starts - you can do beautiful snorkeling. There is no beach bed rental.
Cap Blanc
This beautiful spot lends itself well to snorkeling. Otherwise, you will not find any beach facilities here and there is little place to sit or lie down. Parking is also limited.
Cala de la Fustera
A lovely sandy beach with one of our favorite restaurants: Mandala Beachbar. Suitable for children with a small playground on the beach. Also a nice place to snorkel by the rocks. Parking is good, but there is no beach bed rental. Canoes and supboards can be rented there, though. The Paseo Ecologico hiking trail also passes by Cala de la Fustera.
Playa de la Granadella
This pebble beach is located in Javea. It is a bit of a drive, but the route is beautiful. In the summer you can rent canoes and paddle to the caves. There is also a little restaurant.
Cala del Portixol
This pebble beach in Javea is located in a beautiful bay where you can snorkel well. In high season it can be very crowded here, which makes it difficult to park your car. Here is another favorite restaurant of ours: Cala Clemence.
Cala del Moraig
This is a bit of a drive, but Cala del Moraig is a beautiful cove. From the parking area it is a long walk downhill. You can also see the Cova del Arcs caves here.
City trips
El Castell de Guadelest
This village is definitely worth a visit! The old castle offers a beautiful view over the sea and the light blue colored reservoir. The route to it is beautiful.
Altea
Altea is half an hour's drive from Villa Lujo. It is a medium-sized coastal town with an old part of town, Casco Antiguo. The narrow streets in this higher part of town all lead to the Plaza Iglesia with the church Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, many terraces and restaurants. In summer, every evening there is a lively art market.
Javea
Further north, Javea is a town that is getting slowly more name recognition. The old part of town is cosy with many narrow streets and small tapas bars, by the sea people stay on the promenade and the large sandy beach El Arenal or on the more intimate pebble beach near the port. The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Loreto on the coast is a remarkable structure. Definitely worth a visit.
Les Fonts de l'Algar
Beautiful waterfalls that you can also swim in. This can be combined with a visit to El Castell de Guadelest.
Valencia
Valencia is an hour to an hour and a half away. Valencia's cosy old town can be combined well with a stroll through the iconic City of Arts and Sciences on the former Rio Turia. More information on this typically Valencian city
Alicante
In Alicante, go shopping or stroll along Boulevard Paseo Gómiz. But there are so many other idyllic spots and parks in the city where you will be amazed. From the vibrant life at the beaches to the cosiness in the streets of the old town.
Hiking
Moraira Torre del Cap d’Or
Short but beautiful walk in Moraira to the observation tower Torre Vigia cap d'Or. The walk is 2 kilometers long in total and starts at the end of Puerto de Alcudia street.
Penon de Ifach
You can also climb the Ifach, Calpe's mountain. The first part is passable, but after the tunnel comes the serious work! If you suffer from vertigo, this is not recommended.
Paseo Ecologico
The Paseo Ecologico is a quiet coastal walking trail with stunning views of the sea. During this walking tour you will also pass Mandala Beach Bar, one of our favorite seaside restaurants.
Bernia
The classic among hikes on the Costa Blanca! The hike takes 3 hours and is not suitable for small children. Be sure to bring good shoes and drinks. Unforgettable!
Our favorite restaurants
Restaurante Cala Clemence
This is one of our favorite spots. Located in a beautiful location in la Mar Blava, with good food and a wonderful atmosphere.
Mandala Beach Bar
Delicious tapas and paella right on the little beach of Cala de la Fustera. Especially in the (after) afternoon an excellent place to enjoy a snack and a drink.
Lapsus Calpe
This is a hidden little restaurant in the old town of Calpe that cooks very surprising food.
The Food Bar
The place-to-be for conviviality, good food and good (live) music. This international restaurant combines an excellent menu and good service with seaside dining.
Ammos Moraira
Our favorite pizzeria in Moraira, serving classic Italian pizzas. You can also pick up pizza at Ammos Moraira.
La Bambula
Atmospheric and cozy restaurant in Xàbia. You can also sit inside. Both during the day and in the evening a lovely place for lunch or dinner.
Amantes Moraira
One of the better restaurants in Moraira, located in a beautiful seaside location. The ambiance of Amantes you will find almost nowhere else.
LuLu Beachclub
This brand new beach club is located in Javea, but not directly on the beach. You can go here for a delicious drink or good cocktail, but LuLu also features an excellent menu. There are several sunbeds and a DJ spins regularly.
Terra Javea Restaurante
Delicious tapas in Javea, great for shared dining. But everyone's own choice is of course also a possibility. All tables are around the pool.