Enjoy our quick guide to Benidoleig – whether you are taking a short trip there or even thinking of moving to Benidoleig and become an expat.
Below we interview Vanessa Crocker-Dean from Hello2Spain who covers the Benidoleig area.
In particular we wanted to find out from her why people might consider moving to this area of Spain and what they could get for their money.
Where is Benidoleig?
Benidoleig is situated in the middle of Alicante and Valencia. Access is via the AP7 Junction 62; follow signs to Pedreguer then take the CV733 to Benidoleig. Coordinates are: Lat: 38.792427 & Long: -0.029737
Local towns include: Orba, Denia, Pedreguer, Ondara and various other villages such as Sagra and Tormos.
Many British expats live in this area, escaping the busy coast so you will easily find many holiday rentals, mostly villas with pools.
What historical sites are found in Benidoleig?
Manor house Baron of Finestrat.
Parish Church of the Blood of Christ.
Cave of Skulls . Throughout its 300 meters stretch, you can appreciate the original value of stalactites, stalagmites and beautiful domes of more than 20 meters high. It is located on the same side of the road to Pedreguer. It shows vestiges of habitability in the middle and Upper Paleolithic , dating from 130,000 to 15,000 BC.
Benidoleig history
The name Benidoleig is said to have come from the Arabic term “Dulaj bani” meaning children or descendants of Doleig.
It was originally one of the many Arab farmhouses which settled on the banks of Girona. Conquered by King James I of Aragon, the first owner was Hugo de Cardona, ancestor of the Marquis of Guadalest. Later, it was reverted back to the Crown and transferred by it to the Dukes of Mandas and Vilanova. In the year 1260, it was purchased by Joan Figuerola Munyós Crisòstom Julià. Ownership changed again which ended in the hands of the Baron of Santa Barbara. At the time of the expulsion of the Moors, it had about 50 families which in 1611, were repopulated with Mallorca. In 1620, it achieved the title of “barony.” Since Parish Tormos permuted Benidoleig, it fell under the stewardship of Orba until 1802, when it also won the municipal independence for that population.
What are the popular restaurants in Benidoleig?
El Cid is a very popular place to eat and socialize with various dishes on the menu including a Sunday carvery. Meeting point for activities such as Bowls, Tennis, Quiz nights, Dinner dances, Barbecues, Walking groups, and Bridge club, also a swimming pool which is great for entertaining the children whilst you can be enjoying another activity.
El Temple, a beautiful Spanish restaurant where you can get a menu del dia for under 10 euros with an exhaustive list of food to choose from.
La Lloma, another traditional Spanish restaurant serving beautiful cuisine.
What are the local fiestas and festivities?
Festivities are held in honor of Santa Barbara during the first two weeks of August. This is the main bull run. The bulls are very well looked after and only the best well-groomed bulls are used. They run down the main high street into and arena.
Other local activities: Spanish classes, pensionista club, weekly market selling fresh fruit and vegetables and a village band.
Nearest Beaches
Benidoleig has no beaches. The nearest beaches are in Denia and you have to drive 10 to 15 minutes to get there. Miles and miles of BLUE FLAG BEACHES, beaches for everyone, quiet and secluded or the opposite with water sports such as kitesurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, banana boats, jet skis and much more…it all depends what you like to do. The main thing is the beaches are never overcrowded which is why they are so popular with the Spanish.
The waters are shallow which make them so great for families with young children. There are no sudden drops like the Atlantic or other rough seas.
Along the beaches, there are nature reserves in the sand dunes and most plants are protected like most of the coastline in Valencia.
Various coffee shops, bars, restaurants, gift shops, supermarkets all thrive in the summer months. Some of these are accessible from the beaches depending on where you go. Near the shops are the life guards and Red Cross centre.
Nearest Golf Courses
Oliva Nova Golf Course has 9 or 18 holes and you can choose which one you wish to play. It was designed by world famous Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros. The course is next to the beach situated on a 5 star complex. There is a driving range and professional coaches for lessons for all abilities.
La Sella golf course was designed by the prolific José María Olazábal in 1991. La Sella is one of the most important courses designed by the double champion of the Masters in Agusta.
Javea golf course was designed by Francisco Moreno and opened in 1981. The course is a gently sloping 9 hole course with well-maintained greens and fairways flanked by palm trees, pine trees and orange trees. Although it has only 9 holes, on the second time around or back nine, many of the holes are played from different tees making it virtually an 18 hole course.
Local Amenities
Restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, medical centre, horse riding, bowls, cycling, hiking routes and then of course there are local shopping centres such as Ondara, Denia, Pedreguer, Markets to explore and buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Various schools for different ages, post office, auditorium, municipal swimming pool, art studio, bank, pharmacy, newsagent, dentist, hairdresser, florist and bakers.
The overall feel for the village is welcoming, friendly and very traditional.
Hello2Spain
Marques de Campo, 6, 03700 Denia
Tel. +34 672 208 879
Email: info@hello2spain.com
Website: www.hello2spain.com
Below is a video where you can see some of the notable places in Benidoleig.
Contact us to be featured – we want more expat interviews for our newsletter and website. You don’t need to be an estate agent, we want to hear from anyone who lives in Spain whether you are working or retired.
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