Please see earlier visit under January 2008 . This trip adds a few more pictures and details as at December 2008 for this part of Valencia and the Costa Blanca.

The Christmas decorations were soon up and the sky was mainly blue. Although a few days were colder because of a fresh wind, it was always possible to find a sheltered spot.

As before, afternoons were often spent playing bowls, but with the repair of the T-Tram train system completed, it was now easily possible to make day trips down the coast from the station at Denia, which was about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Presentation of a passport permitted much reduced 'Pensionista' rates ! A trip to Benidorm and return costing just 3 Euros 20ec.

Benidorm remained much the same, with the narrow streets of the compact old town contrasting with the new sprawl that is now Benidorm.

But it will be sad if the sand sculpture merchants are banned from the beaches, which remain the main attraction.

Back in Denia the weekly street markets groaned under all the fresh local farm produce. The daily indoor market was well stocked with fish, meat, bread, flowers - and more vegetables and fruit.

During the 2 weeks there was a toy fair, Medieval Market, local Town Services display and Christmas fair - all of which provided a different interest on town visits.

After a browse around town it was pleasant to sit with a coffee near the fountain at the top of the main street, the Marqués de Campo, and watch the world go by. The gardens round the fountain were set out with poinsettias, as were many other public areas.

Another train trip was to Altea, the station being right in the centre of town. The old town is inland, up a hill ( also with many alleyways with steps ). At the top is a square with cafés and the old, blue domed, church - a landmark of the area.

Down at sea level, the other part of Altea offers many shops, bars and restaurants, and an excellent promenade which stretches to the marina

A coach trip visited Gandia, and the Palace of the Borjas ( see previous trip in January 2008)

Another coach trip into the mountains and villages behind Denia visited Al Calal and the old church, built on a Moorish site. Perhaps the old world feel was spoilt by the cars and satellite dish nearby !

Another excursion was to Alicante, ( see January trip ) which has a well known promenade walk, the Church of St. Nicholas, and which is overlooked by the Castillo de Santa Barbara. A visit to the Town Hall permitted entry to some of the rooms, one set with a remarkable mosaic floor.

The Town Hall houses a statue given by Dali, and a copy of what is generally believed to be a very ancient bust ( 3rd -4th century BC ) the 'Dama de Elche', of importance to Elche, ( which was also visited ). The Town Hall extension is built over an archaeological site which is open to public view.

Elche is known for 'The mystery of Elche' performed in the Santa Maria Basilica to celebrate Assumption Day. The basilica is based on the Church of St Nicolas in Alicante.

Elche was developed by the Moors and planted with hundreds of palm trees. It is now a busy town with many Municipal and other gardens, housing the many different palms, cacti, orange and lemon trees, and set with fountains and other water features.

The bright Tourist Office, near the Museum and Municipal Garden on the edge of town - Elche

Other Notes. On a day visit to Benidorm, it is possible to have lunch at a sister hotel to the Hotel Port Denia, the Vista Oro. The Chinese/Asian invasion of Spain ( Bazaars and shops ) still continues ! Internet facilities are cheaper outside the hotel - look for the signs 'Locutorios'.... they also provide cheap international telephone facilities. Note the use of Passport to obtain reductions on the train, bus, and admission to other facilities - but don't lose your Passport !