SPAIN - January 2008 - Costa Blanca Denia and more ......

A little over 2 hours from Gatwick to Alicante. Flying out for a training session was the English Ladies Football team..... Then a transfer to the Port Denia Hotel at Denia.

At this time of the year, apart from the trees laden with oranges and lemons, the almond blossoms ( pink and white ) were much in evidence.

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Much has changed in the last 12 years - Denia is now a very heavily developed town. Gone are the open spaces and orange groves, to be replaced by medium rise appartment blocks and a huge marina .... although quiet streets can still be found in the old town at the foot of the Castle which still dominates the scene.

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A main attraction of nearby Gandia is the former Palace of the Borjas ( Borgias )

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Alicante also has a fine sandy beach - but like all the places revisited (some after 35 to 40 years or more ), development now sprawls into the hills behind the coast.

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An interesting visit was to the Town Hall, which was built over early settlement remains - preserved for viewing - and which houses a S. Dali creation in the entrance area.

Elche, noted for it's palm trees, is now a thriving large town, with large recreational parks.

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Benidorm sprawls for miles - and now skyscraper buildings are being built, to limit the spread of development. But if it is bargains and nightlife you are after this is the place to visit. The old town still exists with small streets - and reminders of Barcelona ( human statues ) are also to be seen from time to time.

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Calpe, too, has been built up and developed beyond all recognition - apart from the Ifach Rock - but if you are into fish and other seafood dishes, this is the place to take lunch.

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The Rock and new marina below .......... Dishes on display at a local restaurant

Meanwhile, back in Denia, market day ( by the permanent indoor food market ) reminds one of the fresh, reasonably priced produce we are missing back home - not to mention the oranges. Six kilos of fresh oranges could be bought for the same price as just 6 or 7 oranges in a UK supermarket.

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Javea, where many celebrities have permanent or second homes, suffered in the October 2007 rain storms. Quite a few of the properties build on the hillsides overlooking the town have suffered due to soil erosion. But it remains one of the most healthy places to live in Europe.

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The modern " Fisherman's " Church........ Part of the sea front and hillside development.

Guadalest is a must for anyone visiting this area. Once a Moorish stronghold, this tiny village, complete with castle and bell tower, is perched high up on a rock with commanding views down the Altea valley. There is a prison and cemetry among the buildings of this once fortified outpost - though now mainly museums, souvenir shops and the inevitable cafes, restaurants and bars.

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............Coach view on approach....... ................................Close up view

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Opinion: Although only a three star hotel the Hotel Port Denia offers good value for holiday makers. The inclusive facilities provide ample food and a good bar, etc.. The hotel entertainment and activities programme, was good. Outdoor and indoor swimming pools, Gym. The excursions available were more than adequate to get a flavour of the area. Denia town centre was within comfortable walking distance, however, a bus was also available from near the hotel. Plenty of flat walking on the marina surround and the promenades. Good local beach. The nearby modernised railway station provided additional options to travel down the coast. Hotel had internet facilities - but for longer sessions it was cheaper in town.

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