Get lost in the narrow streets of these two small villages not far away from Alicante.
On our way to Altea, we stopped in a small village called Villajoyosa but known by the locals under the name La Vila.
The name surely reflects its meaning of Joyful City.
A colorful old town with pastel colors houses in front of a long beach full of palm trees.
A bit touristic but a place where locals still live and enjoy the slow life. The smells coming from the inside narrow street and the clothes hanging are clear signs of this. Lot of flowers on the balconies and plastic white chairs aged by the sun outside of the doors waiting for al fresco chatting.
When it was time to have a little "almuerzo" (midday snack) we stopped in a cafe/restaurant called La Mar de Salat ( Carrer Arsenal, 40, 03570 Villajoyosa)
Of course, we took pan y tomate con jamon and a cafe con leche.
Once in Spain, I play like a Spanish.
If you have a car and you love mountains, the spot you see in the first two pictures below deserves your attention. I am talking about the Sierra de Bernia, a mountain range of 11 km that dominates the area and from where you will enjoy some breathtaking views.
Going down take the route for the beach in Altea and stop for a great paella or fideua in Restaurante Los Jazmines (Partida la Olla,94, 03590 L'Olla). A place loved by local families and groups of friends and that is the best sign to say this is not a tourist trap.
We had some red wine with gaseosa which is very popular here in Spain especially in Summer time and a fideua for two but it served more
than 3 adults: generous portions are the norm here!
Fideua is a paella made with a pasta shape called fideo to make it short. This was cooked with seafood.
It was the first time I was trying it as in my mind pasta is a kind of sacred thing for me and twice on this trip, what a joy to prove myself wrong!
We needed a long walk after this gargantuan meal so we got the car and drove to Altea for another climbing. A hundred steps surrounded by white tiny houses that give you the impression to be in one of those villages where time has stopped.
After stopping in a hidden and quiet miradero from which we could enjoy the view of the crystalline seawater we found ourselves in front of the two blue domes of the Church of our Lady of Consulation of Altea. You can spot these domes from far away for their shiny Levantine blue tiles.
Just a few steps and you will find a street with a lot of artisanal shops, like the ceramic one or the one that sells bags made with local cork.
These two villages are the best way to escape the chaos of the city and to enjoy a bit of fresh air kissed by the sun and surrounded by amazing views.
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