QSD Lifestyle 01 jun04

QSD Lifestyle Num. 1 - June 2004 Costa Blanca: a beach for all Europe

The irresistible charm of Guadalest In search of peace on the island of Tabarca Interview with the Regional Director of Tourism

Rural tourism and Spanish gastronomy

Living in Spain

SUMMARY

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BEACHES

Costa Blanca: a beach for all Europe Beaches open to all

VILLAGES

Rojales, a living legend

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QSD NEWS Letting in Spain

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ON THE ROAD Unforgettable Guadalest

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Benidorm set to become the European city with most theme parks

Sebastián Fernández, Regional Director of Tourism

NATURE

In search of peace on the island of Tabarca

Rural tourism and gastronomy

The Mystery Play of Elche, world heritage masterpiece

QSD PROPERTIES

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GASTRONOMY

Today we’re eating at...

Restaurante Astillero (Santa Pola) FESTIVITIES QSD COMPETITION INFORMATION

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CULTURE

New and resale properties

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Published by: QSD Group Avenida de las Naciones, 1-6 local 52 03170 Ciudad Quesada - Rojales Alicante - España Tel. +34 902 111 272 Fax +34 96 671 71 21 www.qsdgroup.com e-mail: info@qsdgroup.com

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COUNTRY LIFE

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QSD Lifestyle

BENIDORM

INTERVIEW

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Also...

Chairman: José Ángel Quesada Editor: Alberto García Contributors: Richard Hart, Roberto Payá Advertising: David Merino, Francisco Espinosa Printed by: Gráficas Díaz Distribution: Logical Dismarket Edition, photography, Design and layout:

José Juan López e-mail: tabarcamg@ya.com Published by:

LEADER

Enjoying Spain

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n behalf of all the staff at QSD Group I would like to say that it’s a great pleasure for us to be able to reach you in your homes thanks to the first issue of this magazine that you have received today.

The aim of QSD Group Lifestyle is to show you how life is lived in Spain: its habits, its culture, its countryside, its people, its sun, its beaches… In the last few years thousands of families from all four corners of Europe have decided to buy a home on the southeast coast of Spain, no doubt attracted by the excellent climate, the lifestyle, the quality of services and the warmth of the people. Some buy a holiday home to enjoy their free time with us. Others decide to begin a new life here. And others simply look for a safe investment to make the most out of their savings. Our company has been making people’s dreams come true for over twenty-five years. This is borne out by thousands of satisfied customers but at the same time it pushes us to keep on improving and developing the way we offer our quality service, adapting ourselves to the times and to the market’s requirements. With this magazine we hope to establish a friendly link with our clients and give them an inside view of Spain every four months. We aim to present an enjoyable magazine with creative and practical content that will act as a guide and allow you to get to know our country. We will also show you how our company works from the inside: the people, the departments and the services we offer, as well as our company philosophy, our plans for the future and, above all, the present.

Our goal is to entertain you and we invite you to take part in the adventure of QSD Group Lifestyle.

We hope you enjoy it.

José Angel Quesada Aniorte Chairman of QSD Group

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Costa Blanca, a beach for all Europe

48 beaches on the Costa Blanca have been given the Blue Flag, an award that guarantees the quality of the water and complementary services, making it for many people a truly European beach.

Playa de Poniente, one of the most emblematic beaches of Benidorm, the Costa Blanca’s top tourist resort

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he Blue Flag is an environmental rating system for beaches and marinas set up in 1987 by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE) and it has 24 member countries, including South Africa. If we go to a beach that has this flag flying we can be sure of the quality of the services and the water, based on the increasingly demanding criteria that the applicants for the flag must comply with.

Before giving the award the FEEE assesses four basic areas: the quality of the water, application of the environmental legislation in force at the time, quality and safety of the services on offer (showers, changing rooms, waste-paper bins, etc.) and environmental information and education.

Councils are increasingly concerned to offer tourists better beaches and this has led them to introduce quality control 4

systems. As a consequence, the Costa Blanca now has the first beaches with ISO 9000 and 14000 environmental certificates, which undoubtedly add even more value to the already magnificent natural conditions of our coast.

Of the 2.093 blue flags awarded by the FEEE to the 25 member countries, 420 belong to Spain, which has more than any other country. In Spain itself, Alicante province has the most flags, with a total of 48 beaches belonging to 17 municipalities.

Of the 2,093 blue flags awarded by the FEEE to the 25 member countries, 420 belong to Spain, which has more than any other country. In Spain itself, Alicante province has the most flags, with a total of 48 beaches belonging to 17 municipalities.

The Costa Blanca possesses an infinite variety of beaches: from long sandy stretches several kilometres long to hidden coves where we can enjoy the sun and sea in private. The Mediterranean light is reflected in the water and the climate allows tourists to enjoy the sea practically all year round, with an average temperature of over 18ºC. And to ensure that they can be enjoyed by everyone, twenty-two of our beaches have access for the disabled and offer all the necessary services to make their stay a real pleasure. Nudist beaches are another alternative and they also provide the same amenities.

BEACHES

48 Blue Flags

Playa del Postiguet in the centre of Alicante

Assessment criteria

These are some of the criteria used when awarding a beach the blue flag: - High quality water that is constantly analysed.

- No industrial waste or sewage.

- Emergency plans to cope with pollution accidents.

- Enough waste-paper bins to keep the beach clean.

- Regular beach cleaning.

- Clear information about the Blue Flag Campaign.

- Environmental education activities.

- Easily accessible toilets.

- Lifeguard supervision and equipment for any possible accidents.

- Access prohibited for unauthorised vehicles.

- No camping.

- Restricted access for dogs.

- Easy and safe access.

- Recreational activities that are safe for the users and respect the environment.

- Proper maintenance of facilities.

- Access and facilities for the disabled.

- Source of drinking water.

- Public telephone.

The authorities of the Costa Blanca hope to keep on increasing the number of flags awarded to its coast and this year’s goal is to exceed the forty-eight awards received last season.

The municipalities with blue flag beaches are the following: Alfaz del Pi, Alicante, Altea, Benidorm, Calpe, Denia, El Campello, Elche, Finestrat, Guardamar del Segura, Javea, Orihuela, Pilar de la Horadada, Santa Pola, Teulada, Torrevieja and Villajoyosa.

Coves in Santa Pola del Este

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In the space of just three years the Costa Blanca has managed to change the face of the access to its beaches and it now sets the example for others to follow. In summer 2003, 22 of its beaches in 14 municipalities were rated accessible. This means that their services, facilities and access were considered apt for people with limited mobility, thus allowing them to enjoy the sea

Beaches open to all

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n June 2002 the Generalitat (regional government) of Valencia presented its Accessible Beaches Plan whose aim for 2004 is to have 80 places on the coast that can be used by all holidaymakers, whatever their age or physical condition, and by last summer they had already reached the number of 70. The plan consists of making the access to beaches easier and providing leisure areas with adequate facilities so that disabled people may enjoy the sun and sea in the same conditions as others.

On these beaches disabled people may also get into the water and swim using amphibious chairs.

Playa de Levante, accesible beach in Santa Pola

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BEACHES Continuous improvement The project has continued to develop new elements and services e.g. a lifting crane is being tested which would allow users to be transferred from their wheelchair to the amphibious chair with no effort required on the part of the person in charge of the service. An amphibious chair is also being adapted for children.

This service is used mainly by physically handicapped people or people with limited mobility, who account for 63.3%, while the mentally handicapped account for 24.5%. 12.2% are elderly people. With respect to the origin of the users, most come from other Spanish provinces (59%), 30% are from the same area and 11% are foreigners. In 2002, 2,995 services of this kind were carried out on the two adapted beaches in Benidorm while during summer 2003 nearly 8,000 people enjoyed the facilities of the adapted beaches.

An amphibious chair is also being adapted for children

How to create an accessible beach In order to make a beach accessible to all the ďŹ rst step is to provide reserved parking spaces for the vehicles of persons with limited mobility near ramps with a gradient of approximately 6% to help the user get down to the beach.

Then, in order to allow wheelchairs to move on the sand, a wooden walkway has to be installed, leading to all the necessary points: toilets, showers,

changing rooms and, obviously, the shore. All the facilities must be of the regulation measurements to allow wheelchair access and movement. As for bathing, people may use an amphibious chair or crutch and will be assisted by specialised personnel who will help them enjoy their time on the beach.

Amphibious chair in Torrevieja’s accesible beach (Photograph by kind permission of Consellería de Bienestar Social)

Amphibious crutch: safe bathing The province of Valencia, and particularly the Costa Blanca, is the first region in the world to use amphibious crutches on its beaches.

These crutches allow the elderly and people with limited mobility to move safely along the shore and even to swim.

Amphibious crutches were designed by the Biomechanical Institute of Valencia in collaboration with the Board for the Social Integration of the Handicapped and the company EMO. It provides the typical support of a normal crutch, with an elbow rest at the top and a handgrip in the middle, but the difference is that it is completely waterproof. Users can go into the sea with it and it will float.

Users will also find buoys in the sea where they can leave the crutches if they want to swim.

The result is that people with reduced mobility who do not need a wheelchair can enjoy the sea and the beach in complete safety. By summer 2004, the regional government of Valencia aims to offer an amphibious crutch service on all its beaches.

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Rojales: A living legend The river Segura, the source of life for what is deservedly considered one of the most fertile regions of Europe has, since time immemorial, governed the way of life in Rojales, a charming town of less than nine thousand inhabitants in the south of Alicante province. It is a traditionally agricultural town that nevertheless has managed to adapt itself to modern times, becoming a reference point for European tourism thanks to a significant development of its infrastructure and services.

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ojales is built along the banks of the river and has an outstanding 17th century masonry bridge from the time of reign of Carlos III, which still today joins the two parts of the town. Next to the bridge we can see one of the most famous symbols of the town, a waterwheel from the end of the 19th century which extracts water from the river to take it to the land in the upper part of the village.

The river winds its way through the centre and makes for a pleasant walk with access from the Town Hall, the market, the social club and the parish church of San Pedro Apóstol.

Rojales is dedicated to traditional

agriculture, especially citrus fruit, but in the last few years it has expanded its service sector significantly with high quality residential complexes, such as Ciudad Quesada, as well as emblematic tourist facilities such as La Marquesa Golf Club – one of the oldest golf clubs in the area – and the flying club.

However, this change of lifestyle has not done away with local traditions but on the contrary has reinforced them.

Centres such as the Casa de Cultura or the Teatro Capitol have a full calendar of cultural activities, along with museums such as the Museo de la Huerta (Agricultural Museum), the Museo de la Semana Santa (Easter Museum), the Archaeological Museum and the underground Ecomuseum inside the Aljibes de Gasparito (Gasparito Cisterns) where rain water was stored and sold.

In the last few years it has expanded its service sector significantly with high quality residential complexes, such as Ciudad Quesada, as well as emblematic tourist facilities such as La Marquesa Golf Club.

Cuevas del Rodeo (Rodeo Caves) The area of Cuevas del Rodeo, with its houses dug out of the side of the mountain in the upper part of the village, has been magnificently restored and a cultural association has transformed the caves into an area for crafts and artistic activities. Walking through this part is a fascinating experience and you feel the peace of country life, with the silence only broken for a few moments by children playing in the nearby school.

Other examples of traditional buildings are the windmill, which has been restored and is in full working order, and the Casa de las Conchas, a traditional house with over 600m2 of façade, terraces and balconies completely covered with clam and mussel shells from the nearby coast.

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Cave house in El Rodeo

VILLAGES

Church of San Pedro Apóstol

The many natural attractions of the municipality include part of the Natural Lakes Park of La Mata and Torrevieja and two paths, one running through El Recorral Park – previously a cattle grazing area and now a real oxygen generator thanks to its dense pine forest - and another that follows the traditional hydraulic network of the town.

The most popular celebrations of Rojales are the Romería de San Isidro (a procession held on 15th May), the main festival in honour of San Pedro, along with its Moors and Christians, and the celebration in honour of the Virgen del Rosario on 7th October. Another prominent event in the cultural calendar is the staging of the Legend of the Encantá in the medieval fortifications of Cabeza Soler (a hill near the river Segura), which dates from the times of the Muslim occupation.

The gastronomy of the region is based on the Mediterranean diet: abundant fruit and vegetables, rice with rabbit and vegetables, preserved pork products, chick pea stew and delicious desserts such as “almojábenas” (a kind of doughnut or fritter), pumpkin fritters and an endless variety of seasonal fruit.

Casa de las Conchas

Cave house converted into artists’ workshop

How to get there

Monument next to the river Segura

The municipality of Rojales belongs to the southernmost region of Alicante, the Vega Baja del Segura, and has good links to nearby coastal towns such as Torrevieja and Guardamar. It is only 47km. from Alicante and 84km. from Benidorm.

It is located next to the newlybuilt dual carriageway from Guardamar to Orihuela (a historical town and capital of the region) and this road is connected with the N-332 Alicante-Cartagena that runs along the coast and the new A-37 motorway that links up with the Autovía del Mediterráneo.

Rojales is in a strategic position as it is only 15 minutes from the beach and less than half an hour from the international airport of El Altet.

Waterwheel next to Carlos III bridge

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Letting in Spain

Richard Hart, Managing Director of QSD Group

Richard Hart is the Managing Director of QSD Group and he is responsible for coordinating and supervising the departments that complement property sales, the so-called full or added value services that we offer all our customers: - Legal advice - Financial advice - After-sales - Rental In addition to these responsibilities, he also contributes to the financial management of the company. In the next couple of pages Richard Hart is going to give us a detailed description of these services so that we can find out more about the internal functioning of the company.

lettinginspain.com

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he rental department is the newest sector of the company. It was set up at the beginning of this year for two main reasons: the first was to help our customers make the most of their investment as the demand for rental properties is increasing and they currently give better returns on investment than other options such as the stock exchange.

Secondly, it is a business opportunity: of all the tourists that Spain receives every year only thirty per cent stay in

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hotels. This figure indicates that there is a significant demand for holiday rental properties.

The QSD Group rental service is run almost entirely via the Internet. With the creation of the “lettinginspain.com” portal our customers can make on-line bookings in just four simple steps. We present the available properties (in the south of the Costa Blanca for the time being) in a user-friendly and intuitive fashion and we offer three types of holiday in one: beach, golf and countryside. We show photos and a series

of activities related to each property and supply a detailed description of the surrounding area. Confirmation of the booking is immediate and this is possible thanks to the professional staff behind the portal.

Our activity as a tourist accommodation company (E.E.A.T.) is authorised by the Tourism Agency of Valencia and we are well positioned with respect to other websites of the sector. We currently receive an average of 300 visits per day with which we reach our target figure.

QSD NEWS

A good investment

Miriam Pino, Manager of the Rental Department of QSD Group

A professional service Miriam Pino is the manager of the rental department of QSD Group and she has the most direct contact with the customers: “Our relationship is very pleasant and satisfactory and in many cases goes beyond the purely professional and turns into friendship.”

Her job begins with finding properties to form part of the catalogue that will be put on the website: “We don’t accept all houses because we demand a certain level of quality appropriate to a tourist property, based on its fittings and condition. We also take

into account the requirements of our clients and the market trends, which evolve as time goes by.”

Once the property is chosen “we draw up contracts and start to prepare the house, providing bed linen and towels. We can offer the owner what we call ‘management service’ which includes maintaining the house when they are absent, e.g. checking various elements every month. Finally, we give the owners legal advice, above all to inform them about the 25% tax that we deduct every quarter to pay to the Spanish tax office.”

The customers that rent a holiday property through lettinginspain.com receive a series of free services and there are also extras that they can contract through the website when they make their booking.

According to Miriam Pino, “a significant number of people who entrusted their house purchase to QSD Group have shown interest in the possibility of using this service and have visited our offices to request information. In fact, a high percentage of the houses on offer in lettinginspain.com are owned by previous clients of ours.”

“There is a lack of professionalism in the sector of rental properties in the area because they are managed by small companies or by individuals and for this reason QSD Group is winning the trust of the owners. For example, we guarantee that we will rent your property within a short period of time and that means that we ensure a return on your investment from the start and the risk of the purchase is therefore significantly diminished.

In addition, the owners can also choose to use their property whenever they like, provided they give us sufficient advance warning. Neither do they need to worry about any possible damage to the property caused by tenants.”

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The irresistible charm of Guadalest

Guadalest is one of the Costa Blanca’s most extraordinary villages. It has been declared a Historical and Artistic Site, has only two hundred inhabitants and no hotels and its castle is Spain’s second most visited monument after the Museo del Prado in Madrid. It receives the incredible amount of two million visitors per year, a figure which gives us a clue to the spectacular sight waiting for us should we decide to venture there. Why has such a small village become such an important reference point for tourists from all over the world? The answer undoubtedly lies in its Muslim heritage.

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uadalest is divided into two clearly differentiated parts: the castle and the village. As we approach the village we are transported into another era.

We walk up narrow streets that could easily be an Arab souk and see an infinite variety of typical products of the land and craftwork from all over the world.

A gate sculpted out of the rock leads us into the apparently inaccessible walled settlement where we find important monuments such as the Iglesia de la Asunción (church of the Assumption), Casa Orduña – now a museum – the bell tower over the tunnel, the medieval prison in the cellars of the Town Hall and the castles: one known as the Alcazaba or San José, destroyed by an earthquake in 1644 and situated

on the most vertical section of the sheer walls, and the Castillo del Rey, which was later incorporated into the village.

This group of monuments is rightfully considered one of the most outstanding and beautiful historical sites in Spain.

If we continue up the slope of the Vía Crucis we reach a terrace that was previously the site of a castle and is now a cemetery. It’s worth the effort to climb the hill because the views from this point are truly spectacular. With the reservoir (named after the village) at our feet we can take in the inspiring vision of the valleys, fields and pine forests stretching out as far as the eye can see until they finally meet the sea.

Another particularly interesting monument is the Peñón de Alcalá Tower, which is near to the village and situated on a pointed rock. The inaccessibility of this tower made it a strategic observation point over the valley. It is one of the most characteristic images of Guadalest.

As we approach the village we are transported into another era.

We walk up narrow streets that could easily be an Arab souk 12

ON THE ROAD

Túnnel leading to the walled village

One of the museums in Guadalest

View of the bell tower from the gardens

How to get there

Streets full of souvenir shops

Dome of the church over the reservoir

No time for boredom The village of Guadalest offers the visitor not only beautiful landscapes and historic monuments but also a wide variety of leisure activities provided by its museums (an incredible concentration of museums in such a small space): the Museo Etnográfico del Valle del Guadalest (Guadalest Valley Ethnographical Museum), the Museo del Juguete Antiguo (Toy Museum), the Belén Viviente (Living Nativity Scene), the Museo Microgigante and the Museo de la Tortura (Torture Museum).

The main festival is held on 14th-17th

August in honour of the Virgen de la Asunción and the image of the patron saint is carried from Casa Orduña to the church. An offering is made on the 15th and there is an evening procession on the 17th. During the first week of June the young people celebrate San Gregorio.

As far as cuisine is concerned, there are many restaurants in the village with typical dishes from the inland part of Alicante province, such as charcoalgrilled meat, although there is such a wide variety of cuisine on offer that you may find almost any international speciality.

Outside the village we can make a short trip to the reservoir, to Font dels Teixos and to country houses of Ondarella y L’Alberca. Another interesting excursion is to El Castillo via Penya dels Castells or through the Xorta mountains.

The municipality of Guadalest belongs to the Marina Baixa region and is 67km. from Alicante and almost 600m. above sea level. From Benidorm (25km. away) we can take the CV-755 via Callosa d’en Sarria, or the CV-70 via Polop de la Marina.

There is plenty of parking space next to the road by the Tourist Office, which is open daily from 11am to 7pm.

Panoramic view from the top of the castle

Ethnographical museum

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Benidorm set to become the European city with most theme parks

Terra Mitica is Benidorm’s best-known theme park

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ith the inauguration of Terra Natura in the next few months, which joins the already existing Mundomar, Aqualandia and Terra Mítica, Benidorm is set to become the European city with most theme parks. This innovative new park, which includes a Nature and Civilisation Centre, covers an area of 32 hectares and has required an investment of 54 million euros.

The range of

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leisure activities provided by these parks is completed by Benidorm’s two magnificent golf courses with hotels and residential areas, reinforcing the town’s image as an outstanding tourist destination.

In Terra Natura, the four natural elements (fire, air, earth and water) are represented in four thematic areas (Pangea, America, Asia and Europe respectively) with exact recreations of the original flora and fauna of these regions of the world. There is no obvious physical or visual barrier between the visitors and the animals and we will be able to see over 1,500 animals of almost 200 different species.

BENIDORM A round the world trip The visit to the park takes about six hours and is conceived as a trip around the world, accompanied by street entertainment and shows that will transport the visitors to the different continents. There is even an aquatic section where you will be able to swim with manta rays and sharks.

There is a wide variety of restaurants for visitors (table service, self-service, five

fast food restaurants, five bars, four food stalls and three mobile stalls) as well as thematic craft shops and arts and crafts workshops.

One of the most important characteristics of Terra Natura is its respect for the animals, which are cared for by a large team of vets, assistants, trainers and biologists, adding up to a staff of 62 people.

The visit to the park takes about six hours and is conceived as a trip around the world, accompanied by street entertainment and shows

New Benidorm-El Altet airport bus As of 19 th January, Benidorm has a direct connection with El Altet airport thanks to a new bus service that will transport the thousands of tourists from all over Europe who arrive at the airport of Alicante and whose destination is Benidorm. Up until now the only option has been the taxi service.

The new buses, marked with “Costa Blanca” and “Benidorm” run four times a day, leaving Benidorm at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00 and 20:00, and stop in front of the departures terminal. In summer the frequency of the service will be increased.

From El Altet airport the bus runs from the car park in front of the arrivals terminal, leaving at 10:30, 14: 30, 17:30 and 21:30. It will make two stops in Benidorm: Avenida de Europa and Avenida de Jaime I. The journey takes approximately an hour and a quarter and costs 6 euros.

In Terra Mitica there is fun guaranteed for everyone

Egypt in Terra Mitica

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Sebastián Fernández, Regional Director of Tourism Since June 2003, when he took up the position of Regional Director of Tourism, Sebastián Fernández has governed the political destiny of Costa Blanca’s tourism. This young politician, born in Benidorm and an expert in his sector, kindly gave this exclusive interview to QSD Lifestyle.

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f a European citizen who has never year in terms of hotel inaugurations on visited Spain asked you what the the Costa Blanca. The Tourism Company Costa Blanca is like, how would you Register of the Valencia region shows define it in order to give him a good idea that last year 17 new hotels opened their of reality? doors in Alicante, reaching a total of 296 - There’s no better way of finding things establishments. This is an increase of out than doing them personally but that is 5.76% on December 2002, when there only possible if you visit the Costa Blanca. were 279 hotels. This means that we The first thing that I would say to this Eu- have consolidated our hotel network ropean citizen, wherever he came from, is and it is now one of the most modern that in Alicante we have the best climate in the Mediterranean with significant in the Mediterranean and this is associa- market penetration in Europe thanks to ted with a very special way of life with a its excellent value for money. The rise lot of contact among people and a very in hotels has logically led to an increase open manner. In second place, I would in beds, from 57,852 to over 58,000. tell him about the great variety of tourist It’s also worth pointing out that most attractions, ranging from beaches and of the hotels inaugurated are in the been matched by the growth in bookings. coves to the landscape, nature, places to category of three or more stars, both Before it was much easier to set exact visit inland, gastronomy, culture, festivals, on the coast as well as inland. monuments, sport and leisure activities at Regarding occupancy for this summer, figures because people booked a long any time of day. although I’m not one for predictions, I time in advance but tourists are increasingly waiting until the - Although there is a significant infrastructure of hotels “In Alicante province we have the best climate last minute even though they have decided where of proven quality, the sector in the Mediterranean and this is associated they want to spend their is still growing and more holidays. and more accommodation with a very special way of life with a lot of - Residential tourism is being created. What are contact among people and a very open manner” has risen enormously in your expectations regarding the last few years with occupancy for summer would venture to say that it will be similar 2004? to last year – over 90% - because the in- many Europeans settling on the Costa Blanca and others buying a second home.

- 2003 was a particularly prolific crease in supply has for a long time

Visitors and foreign residents - According to the statistics of the Tourist Board, what are the percentages of different European visitors that the Costa Blanca receives?

- The most reliable figures that we have are based on hotel occupancy and arrivals by plane. Both coincide in that the British are our main foreign clients, occupying 70% of hotel beds, followed by the Belgians, the Dutch, the French and the Germans.

This figure only refers to foreign clients, who account for about half of the total amount.

The other half is Spaniards from other provinces.

How many foreign citizens

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live in Alicante province and which nationalities are the most numerous in quantity and percentage of the overall population?

- I could give you the official figures, based on the census of foreigners, but these figures are laughable when compared to reality.

There are tens of thousands but the vast majority prefer to remain on the census of their country of origin even though they live on the Costa Blanca during all or most of the year. As far as nationalities are concerned, the most numerous are the British, the Norwegians, the Germans, the French and the Belgians.

INTERVIEW How can we find the balance between property building and preserving the natural environment and the quality of life that characterises us?

- By agreeing development plans, studying the territory in depth and being aware of the fact that excessive building destroys a tourist destination. These elements have been combined perfectly in the province of Alicante. It’s true that we are growing because we can’t hold back development but we are also doing it in a sensible way. We have made our respect for nature and its conservation a tourist attraction and our quality of life is something that we are proud of and actively promote. These two factors are highly appreciated by our visitors.

- The important project of the Ciudad de la Luz (The City of Light) in Alicante deserves a special mention. What are the

most relevant aspects and characteristics of this project and how are the works progressing?

- Alicante has taken the first step towards becoming a reference point for cinema in Europe. It’s a project designed by the director Luis García Berlanga, promoted by the regional president Zaplana, endorsed by the regional government of Valencia and Alicante town council and has wide-ranging support from companies, professionals and society in general. The Ciudad de la Luz is a giant 3,195,395m2 work and leisure complex dedicated to the small and the big screen where films and TV series will be shot, research will be done and technicians trained. There is even a leisure area for visitors with hotels and gardens. The facilities will soon be operational and they have already received requests to shoot films and TV series

Costa Blanca, a golfer’s paradise - Golf attracts many European citizens keen on this sport. What is your assessment of the golfing activities available on the Costa Blanca?

- The Costa Blanca currently has 13 working golf courses that are easy to locate and are signposted on the roads. This means that Alicante is a leading golf destination and is improving every year with new projects that will increase the number of courses. As we are aware of the fact that golf players take advantage of their stay here to enjoy the wide range of possibilities that the Costa Blanca offers, the Tourist Board publishes a comprehensive guide to leisure activities in the province of Alicante, where

the leisure industry is the most highly specialised and diversified in Spain.

Sebastián Fernández in the World Travel Market in London, next to the actress María Jurado, protagonist of the Costa Blanca promotional video, and José Joaquín Ripoll, President of the Provincial Council of Alicante (Photos by kind permission of the Alicante Province Tourist Board)

Benidorm

“Benidorm is an incredible town, made by and for tourism, but it has managed to respect, save and keep traditions” - Benidorm is the symbol of tourism on the Costa Blanca with the highest concentration of hotels and leisure activities. To what extent does the rest of the province depend on Benidorm as the principal point of attraction?

- That’s a dangerous question to ask someone from Benidorm. I know Benidorm, I love Benidorm and I trust Benidorm. It’s an incredible town, made by and for tourism, but at the same time it has managed to respect, save and keep traditions that are hundreds of years old. It is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world but it still keeps its essential fishing and agricultural village spirit. Isn’t that marvellous? All Alicante province recognises Benidorm as the tourist capital, our driving force, but it’s nonetheless true that the other tourist resorts are attractive in their own right and have their own particular clients and markets. Therefore it’s not so much a question of dependency as complementing each other.

- The Alicante tourist sector must have to work constantly in order to maintain its present standard. What new projects can we expect in the next few years?

- It is indeed a terribly competitive sector which constantly needs new attractions for visitors and new markets to break into. However, we’re the leaders in this particular race, as a year doesn’t go by without the Costa Blanca launching new products on the market. The standard is high, we are actively aware of our capacity for improvement and our hopes for the future are intact.

17

In search of peace on Tabarca A PIRATE STORY

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he island of Tabarca is three miles from the Cabo de Santa Pola and eleven miles from Alicante, on which it is administratively dependent. It is 1,800 metres long with a maximum width of 400m. and has three smaller islands: Cantera, Galera and Nao. Its maximum altitude is 15m. and the average temperature is 17º.

In the past it was a refuge for Berber pirates during their attacks on the east coast of Spain. Its modern origin dates back to the 18 th century when the Tunisian island of Tabarka passed into the hands of the Spanish Crown.

The King of Tunisia invaded the island in 1741 and took its mainly Genovese inhabitants prisoner. In 1768 they were freed thanks to the intermediation of the monks of the order of La

Merced who paid the ransom given to them by King Carlos III and were then received in the town of Alicante.

Afterwards, Carlos III ordered a walled settlement to be built on what was then called the island of San Pablo or Santa Pola in order to provide shelter for the 300 freed Genovese and also to eliminate piracy. From then on the island was known as Nueva Tabarca, in memory of the Tunisian Tabarka.

Carlos III ordered a walled settlement to be built on what was then called the island of San Pablo or Santa Pola in order to provide shelter for the 300 freed Genovese and also eliminate piracy.

THE SETTLEMENT The well-preserved wall extends over almost half the island and surrounds a perfectly planned settlement. There are three main gates: San Rafael on the eastern side, San Gabriel on the western side and San

San Miguel Gate

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Miguel, which faces Alicante.

The most outstanding monument is the Baroque church of San Pedro and San Pablo, which is currently being restored. The Casa del Gobernador (Governor’s House) is also of interest and is now a charming hotel that has kept parts of the original house such as the arches and walls. Outside the wall a short walk will take us to a small cemetery and to San José Tower, the old lighthouse which has been restored and is now home to a biology laboratory.

San Gabriel Gate

San José Tower

NATURE

If we look out from the Alicante coast we can see the majestic figure of Tabarca rising up out of the sea. It is the only inhabited island in the Spanish Mediterranean and visiting it is a pleasure for many while living there is a privilege for the few. Tabarca is never a disappointment. Discovering the pleasures of this small and peaceful island, with all modern comforts but at the same time absolutely different from anything else, is an unbeatable experience.

The marine reserve is a real spectacle

VISITING THE ISLAND Tabarca has some thirty inhabitants who live there during the winter. Although

Catamaran connection to Tabarca

the original features of their houses have been preserved more modern buildings have been constructed recently. The inhabitants earn their living from fishing but in summer the island undergoes a transformation. The peace afforded by its isolation disappears with the arrival of up to five thousand visitors from Alicante, Torrevieja, Guardamar and Santa Pola, 25 minutes away.

A stroll along the island’s beaches is a real pleasure: crystal clear water, small hidden coves to enjoy in private…. And a pair of goggles will allow the visitor to discover a fascinating underwater world.

MARINE RESERVE In 1986 the island of Tabarca was declared a marine reserve. This reserve covers an area of over 1,400 hectares and protects well-developed underwater beds of oceanic posidonia seagrass, which encourage the regeneration of fishing resources in the area. There is a wide variety of species of marine animals and Tabarca has become one of the most important underwater observation areas. Several companies organise diving trips in the reserve and some boats have transparent hulls to watch the fish swimming by.

In 1986 the Island of Tabarca was declared a marine reserve.

This reserve covers an area of over 1.400 hectares and protects well-developed underwater beds of oceanic posidonia seagrass, which encourage the regeneration of fishing resources.

A GASTRONOMIC PLEASURE The obligatory visits on the island are the walled village and the coves but its delicious cuisine, based on fish and the culinary traditions of the fishermen, is not to be missed either. There are many restaurants and beach bars in Tabarca with the most typical dishes: salted fish, fried fish and squid, all kinds of rice and the typical fish “caldero”, a stew made

with the juiciest fish and “all i oli” (garlic and oil).

Tabarca maintains its customs and traditions such as the Easter processions and the festival of San Pedro (patron saint of the island) and the Virgen del Carmen. On 16th July small boats are decked out to accompany the patron saint of sailors on a beautiful tour around the island.

Rice made with fish stock

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The Costa Blanca Provincial Tourist Board has decided to promote rural tourism and gastronomy in the province of Alicante in 2004. Its aim is to increase the number of tourists throughout the year and expand the season beyond the peak summer months. Rural tourism is also a complementar y attraction to the traditional ones of sea and sand. Few tourists are familiar with the interior of the province and it is pleasant surprise for them when they discover the other side of the Costa Blanca.

One of the many refreshing fountains

Rural tourism and gastronomy

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he interior of Alicante province is a privileged environment because of its great contrasts: in just half an hour you can go from the beach to beautiful unknown mountain landscapes and even play in the snow on the highest peaks. This is undoubtedly a growing sector that will bring activity back to many small villages that were destined to disappear in the face of the upsurge of coastal resorts. According to the Regional Tourism Director, Sebastián Fernández, “although rural and inland tourism still accounts for a small percentage of the total tourist activity, it is growing at a strong rate and reflects a rising trend in tourists’ preferences: trips to relatively close destinations rather than long journeys.”

“According to the World Tourism Organisation, the main attraction of inland destinations is the variety of possibilities that they afford, varying from cultural and environmental activities to the landscape and the gastronomy. Rural or inland tourism has grown enormously on the Costa Blanca. In 1995 there was not one single rural hotel on the Costa Blanca but in 2002 there were 117 establishments with 875 beds.”

“Obviously, this success is due mainly to the initiative of private individuals who invested their capital in what a few years

20

ago was considered a market with an uncertain future, but in all fairness we must say that the state has helped this development by making a significant investment in improved communications and infrastructure with subsidies for restoring properties and building accommodation or other types of businesses related to tourism and services.”

Costa Blanca’s rural hotels and selfcatering establishments are encoura-

Rural or inland tourism has grown enormously on the Costa Blanca. In 1995 there was not one single rural hotel but in 2002 there were 117 establishments.

Church of Alfafara

You can still find spots like this

View of the mountain landscape from the inside of a rural house

COUNTRY LIFE How to find out more information

One of the magnificent rural houses in the interior of Alicante

ging a system of quality certificates similar to the one on the coast. Some already possess the ISO 9002 and the Q certificates for quality tourism. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised when they

see the excellent restoration works carried out on many properties, reflecting an inland Mediterranean culture which is at once so similar and so different from life on the coast.

www.comunitatvalenciana.com www.costablanca.org www.muntanyadalacant.com www.agrotur.org

Gastronomy Continuing with the complementary attractions of the Costa Blanca, its well-known gastronomy is another factor that appeals to visitors and will be promoted this year. Eating well is in itself a kind of tourism and discovering the gastronomy of each region of Alicante is a way of discovering its different and contrasting environments and cultures.

The sea culture is common to all

The Valencia region website has an interesting virtual interactive guide where you can visit rural self-catering accommodation and hotels in the interior with photos of both the inside and the surrounding area. The Costa Blanca website also offers detailed information in several languages about inland tourism.

Almost all the accommodation in the interior of Alicante province is organised by two associations – Asociación de Alojamientos Rurales de la Montaña and Agrotur - that have centralised their reservations on websites or call centres.

coastal towns, where rice, fish, seafood and salted fish (inherited from the Romans), all predominate. On the other hand, the cuisine of inland villages is dominated by game, poultry, typical “olletas” (stews) and gazpachos.

The common denominator in the two areas is the wine of the area, many with “denominación de origen” (guarantee of the origin and quality) and excellent traditional confectionery.

21

Elche is the third most important town in the Valencia region with over 200,000 inhabitants and an active footwear industry. The river Vinalopó divides the old town from the modern part. One of the most outstanding features of its landscape are the numerous palm groves which have made Elche famous around the world. In 2000 the UNESCO declared the palm groves a world heritage site and just one year later another jewel in the crown of the inhabitants of Elche – the Mystery Play– was proclaimed Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

The Mystery Play of Elche: World Heritage Masterpiece

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his celebration of medieval origin is held every year on 14th and 15th August in the Basilica of Santa María, a Baroque church begun in 1673 and constructed on the site of other religious buildings: a Muslim mosque, a Gothic church and another Renaissance style church.

The Mystery Play depicts the death, assumption and coronation of the 22

Virgin Mary and is of great artistic and historical interest as it is the only work of this type to survive to the present day, despite the Council of Trent’s ban on staging plays inside churches. Its exact origin has not yet been ascertained but the latest research suggests that it dates from the second half of the 15th century.

The literary text was written in the

Valencian language and consists of two hundred and fifty-nine verses although the most significant element is the music since all the work is sung.

According to the experts, it combines passages from several eras: medieval, Renaissance and Baroque songs and sections from even later times that together form an extraordinary and incomparable melodic work of art.

CULTURE

Characters advancing towards the cadafal

It is divided into two acts: the first, the Vespra, and the second, the Festa, and each act takes place in very different surroundings: earth and air. The horizontal or terrestrial setting takes the shape of a platform or cadafal in the crossing of the Basilica. This is the geometric centre of the church and, according to medieval custom, the platform was placed here so that spectators could watch from each of the four sides. The play begins in the chapel of San Sebastián – 50m. from the Basilica – where the singers set off preceded by the Municipal Band and together they walk through several

streets of the town. Once they arrive at the main door of the Basilica they reach the platform by walking up a ramp known as the “andador”.

The celestial or vertical setting takes place in the dome of the Basilica, which is covered with a large painted canvas with angels and clouds symbolising heaven. Certain essential elements of the work are lowered through a hole in the dome using two winches and thick rope.

The first of these elements is the Cloud in the shape of a pomegranate which appears to be completely closed.

However, as it descends the eight segments start opening up until we see the angel, played by a child, that has come to announce the death of Mary.

The second object is the Araceli, a kind of medieval altarpiece with the figure of the so-called Great Angel surrounded by another four angels. During the second act of the play the Virgin of the Assumption takes the place of the Great Angel in the Araceli.

The third device is similar to the second but on a smaller scale and is called the Coronation or the Trinity. In the middle we see a cantor who represents the Eternal Father sitting on his throne and at his side we see the other two members of the Holy Trinity.

It is of great artistic and historical interest as it is the only work of this type to survive to the present day

The pomegranate opens to reveal the angel

More information The National Trust of the Mystery Play of Elche has a magnificent website (www.misteridelx.com), in English as well as Spanish, where you can find detailed information about everything related to the performance, from a general explanation to historical, literary, musical, scenery and religious details and information about the festivities.

A wide variety of photos show the play from the inside and you may even purchase tickets online or ask for information by e-mail.

Photographs of the Mystery Play by kind permission of Elche Tourist Office.

Popular celebration For the inhabitants of Elche, the Mystery Play has been their town’s most important celebration for many centuries and many generations. Until the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century it was celebrated after the cereal harvest and before the grape harvest as Elche was then a primarily agricultural society. Thanks were given to the Virgin for her help and for the good harvest. Now thousands of townspeople and visitors take part

in the performance and the rest of the celebrations. One of the most popular events is the so-called Roà, held on the night of the 14th to the 15th of August when the inhabitants of Elche walk with lighted candles through the streets, following the route that the procession will take the next day.

The most important - and last – day of the celebrations is 15th August which commemorates the festivity of the Virgen de la Asunción (Virgin of the Assumption). The most momentous event is the procession through the old town with an image of the Virgin Mary carried by actors from the play accompanied by the faithful.

Elche Palm Grove

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GASTRONOMY

TODAY WE’RE EATING AT...

Restaurante Astillero (Santa Pola)

It’s impossible to talk about gastronomy on the Costa Blanca without stopping in Santa Pola, birthplace of Alicante cuisine based on fish and seafood from its well-stocked bay. Restaurante Astillero is one of the town’s many quality establishments and Sarmiento, its Head Chef, has prepared a menu for four people for us. They are typically Mediterranean dishes that can be easily made at home by anyone with an interest in cooking. Bon appetit.

First course: Prawn Salad Ingredients: ½ onion, chopped 2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped ½ lettuce, chopped 1 green pepper, diced 400 gr. peeled prawns Cocktail sauce: 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon ketchup Dash of brandy Mix well Preparation: Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, add the cocktail sauce as desired, and it is ready to serve.

Main course: Blanquette of monkfish Ingredients: 1 kg. monkfish 3 tomatoes, peeled 3 onions, peeled 1 “ñora” (hot or red pepper) 500 gr. potatoes 1 tablespoon olive oil Preparation: Boil the tomatoes, onions and the pepper in two litres of water with the spoonful of oil on a high heat for 20 minutes. Turn the heat down and cook slowly for another 30 min. Add the potatoes and cook for 8min. Add the monkfish and cook for another 10 min. Allow the dish to rest and then serve in soup dishes with “all i oli” (garlic and oil) sauce.

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Sarmiento, Head Chef of Astillero

Dessert: Dressed Oranges 4 oranges, peeled and sliced 80 gr. brown or white sugar Pinch of cinnamon 1 glass Cointreau

Wine For the first course we chose Marina Alta white from Bodegas Bocopa. For the main course we opted for Santa Rosa red, “reserva” of 1999 from Enrique Mendoza. The finishing touch for the dessert is a glass of Muscatel. All the wines are from vineyards in Alicante province.

FESTIVITIES

San Juan Bonfires On 24th June homage is paid to San Juan all over Spain but the most spectacular and multitudinous celebrations are held in the town of Alicante. For this reason it has been declared a celebration of international interest. The town comes to a complete halt for a few days to admire the papier-mâché creations called Les Fogueres – the bonfires – that each neighbourhood in Alicante works on industriously throughout the year.

On 20th June the giant satirical figures - showing people and scenes from everyday life, from the most local to the most global, are assembled. It is a delicate job because one false move by the cranes can ruin

the work of a whole year. The streets of Alicante become a real spectacle with works of art on every corner. A popular vote decides which creation is saved – called the ninot – to go on display in the Museo de las Hogueras (Bonfire Museum).

During this celebration there are several important events: the mascletá, when hundreds of firecrackers are set off at 2pm in the Plaza de los Luceros, to the delight of the thousands of people who fill the square; the bullfights in the local bullring where we can see the best matadores of the day; the floral offering to the Virgen del Remedio on the 22nd; or the international folklore procession on the 23rd. And we mustn’t forget one of the female protagonists of this festival – the Bellea del Foc - an honorary position occupied by a young woman chosen by the organisers of the festivities.

And the long-awaited day at last arrives. On 24th June there is a great firework display before the papiermâché creations are set alight. Then the Alicante night turns into an uncomparable display of fire that can be seen many kilometres away. The most daring participants stand around the monumental bonfire, shouting for the firemen to cool them down with a hosepipe shower.

As well as Alicante, many other municipalities celebrate San Juan, where bonfires are the common denominator: Benidorm, Callosa de Segura, Calpe, Denia, Guardamar del Segura, Javea, San Juan de Alicante and Torrevieja.

JUNE Elda: Moors and Christians in honour of San Antón, from the beginning of the month.

Pego: Main festival, Moors and Christians, 24th30th.

Rojales: Moors and Christians in honour of San Pedro, 29th JULY The most important festival of the month is on the 16th, day of the patron saint of sailors, the Virgen del Carmen. All the fishing villages along the Costa Blanca celebrate it by sailing out with an image of the Virgin. It is a particularly notable festivity in Alicante, Altea, Benidorm, Calpe, Campello, Santa Pola, Torrevieja and Villajoyosa.

Denia: Main festival in honour of the Santísima Sangre de Jesucristo, 3rd-16th.

Guardamar del Segura: Moors and Christians in honour of Santiago Apóstol, 16th-25th.

Novelda: Main festival, Moors and Christians in honour of Santa María Magdalena, from 7th onwards.

Villajoyosa: Main festival, Moors and Christians, in honour of San Jaime and Santa Marta, at the end of the month.

AUGUST Cocentaina: Main festival, Moors and Christians, of particular tourist interest, in honour of San Hipólito, from the second Sunday of August onwards.

Denia: Moors and Christians in honour of San Roque, 14th-16th.

Elche: In honour of the patron saint Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción, with Moors and Christians, first fortnight.

Xixona: Moors and Christians in honour of San Sebastián and San Bartolomé, 22nd-25th.

SEPTEMBER Alcoy: Procession to the shrine of Font Roja, third Sunday of the month.

Altea: Main festival, Moors and Christians in honour of Cristo del Sagrario and San Blas, last week of the month.

Ibi: Main festival and Moors and Christians in honour of the Virgen de los Desamparados, second weekend.

Javea: Main festival in honour of the Virgen de Loreto, 1st-8th.

Santa Pola: Main festival, Moors and Christians in honour of the Virgen de Loreto, 1st-8th.

Villena: Main festival, Moors and Christians, in honour of Ntra. Sra. de las Virtudes, 4th-9th.

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INFORMATION Consulates in the Costa Blanca Country

Town

Address

4

Phone

GERMANY

Alicante

Plaza Calvo Sotelo, 1

965218300

BELGIUM

Alicante

Av. Catedrático Soler, 10 Entlo. C

965929147

DENMARK

Alicante

Plaza Calvo Sotelo, 3 - 5º B

965207938

FINLAND

Benidorm

Vikingos, 4

965853599

FINLAND

Pilar de la Horadada Mayor, 23 - 3º dcha

FRANCE

Alicante

Av. Arquitecto Morell, 8

965921836

BRITAIN

Alicante

Plaza Calvo Sotelo, 1

965216022

BRITAIN

Benidorm

Aptdo. de Correos, 26

965850123

ICELAND

Benidorm

Av. Mediterráneo - Casa Flores 13

965850863

ITALY

Alicante

Pintor Aparicio, 34

965926048

LUXEMBOURG

Alicante

Av. Juan Bautista Lafora, 3

965205333

NORWAY

Alicante

Explanada de España, 29

965218300

NORWAY

Benidorm

Pal, 1 - Ed. Aurea

965852166

NORWAY

Denia

Diana, 27

965780053

NORWAY

Torrevieja

Patricio Pérez, 7

966704501

NETHERLANDS

Alicante

Castaños, 29 - 1º

965212175

NETHERLANDS

Benidorm

Av. de Europa, 11 - Edif. Cervantes 965857012

SWEDEN

Alicante

Duque de Zaragoza, 4 - 5º D

965218520

SWEDEN

Benidorm

Av. l’Aiguera-Ed. Anfiteatro C

966805933

SWEDEN

Torrevieja

Chapaprieta, 1

965710985

966766412

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6

5

1 2 3

7

11 13 9 12 10 Golf Clubs

1. La Sella (Dénia) 2. Jávea (Jávea) 3. Ifach (Benissa) 4. Don Cayo (Altea) 5. Alicante (Alicante) 6. El Plantío (Alicante) 7. Bonalba (Mutxamel) 8. Alenda (Monforte del Cid) 9. Campoamor (Orihuela) 10. Ramblas de Orihuela (Orihuela) 11. La Marquesa (Rojales) 12. Villamartín (Orihuela) 13. La Finca (Algorfa)

Useful phone numbers ALICANTE AIRPORT (EL ALTET)

966919000

RENFE RAILWAYS ALICANTE

965920202

GENERALITAT VALENCIANA RAILWAYS

965262731

COACH STATION ALICANTE

965130700

FIRE BRIGADE

085

NATIONAL POLICE

091

LOCAL POLICE

092

CIVIL GUARD

062

RED CROSS

965252525

TOURIST INFO

965230160

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