Playa del Albir.
Welcome to the beautiful small resort town of Playa del Albir! This gem of a town is located between Benidorm (6KM to the south) and Altea (3KM to the north). It is ideally suited to holidaymakers looking for an alternative to busy Benidorm but offering easy access to all the Costa Blanca has to offer.
When the local town hall with the help of its architects designed how the modern Albir would look, they made some very good decisions, they took care to create wide boulevards' lined with trees providing the spacious atmosphere that is so well known throughout Spain. Indeed Albir is known as one of the Costa Blanca's crown jewels.
Albir's beach is called "Playa de Racó de l'Albir" and is approximately 590 meters long, continually receiving the coveted Blue flag award annually since 2001.
The seafront here is breathtaking, offering sweeping views of Altea and Calpe's famous Peñon de Ifach. The beach is pebbly but beautifully maintained and sun beds are numerous. During the summer months the beach is protected by life-guards.
Each July the town hosts a film festival which is well known throughout Spain and a huge screen is erected on the beach. Films are shown from 10pm onwards.
During July and August each evening a craft market sets up along the beach front. Here you will find locally produced goods, such as paintings, leather goods and the occasional Spanish sweet treat! Albir is also home to a typical Spanish market which takes place every Sunday in the centre of town. The market opens at 9am and closes at 2pm. Here you will find anything from shoes to beach wear. If you're staying in an apartment this is an excellent time to stock up on some superb local produce. You will find a variety of locally grown fruit and vegetables and some great Spanish hams!
The Sierra Helada or frozen mountain dominates the town. This has been declared a Spanish national park and offers a stunning walk to the town's very own light house. Please remember that should you wish to take the walk to take bottled water with you and don't forget your camera! You can access the park by walking along the Cami del Faro. Best times to visit are mornings and late afternoons, to avoid of course the intense heat of the summer sun.
Modern Albir caters for its residents and holidaymakers alike. The town is home to approximately 5,000 full time residents most of whom are Northern European expats. The whole area has a cosmopolitan 'feel' about it and this is reflected in its bars and restaurants. Don't be surprised to find a Scandinavian bar next to a Dutch restaurant! The seafront is lined with a variety of sophisticated bars and restaurants, all of which can offer anything from a simple beer, to a delicious cocktail or a superb lunch or dinner.
Albir's nightlife tends to be more low key than its famous neighbour, however the choice of restaurants and bars opening until the small hours will not disappoint you.
The town has a choice of hotels ranging from large and modern to small and cosy. Nothing in Albir is too large as the town has a law forbidding any high rises to be constructed.
Albir is also home to a large variety of shops ranging from clothing boutiques to supermarkets. The giant Spanish supermarket chain Mercadona has a large supermarket located more or less at the entrance to the town as does Lidl.
Now there are times when you may get the urge to swap Albir's tranquillity for some serious Benidorm shopping, eating, drinking or partying.
Then you should know how to get around. You can make your way from Albir to Benidorm by bus or by taxi. Bus stops are conveniently located along Albir's main roads. The town is served by an excellent bus service. Look out for the number 10 which runs every 15 minutes through out the day to Benidorm. The price of a single ticket is 1.40 euros. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and you will of course know when you are in Benidorm simply by looking up at the high rises! The same bus will also whisk you to the beautiful Spanish white town of Altea within 15 minutes.
A ride from the taxi rank at the Avenida de l'Albir, which is located opposite the Consum Supermarket to Benidorm takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes and will cost anywhere between €8 and €11 depending of course which part of the city you wish to visit.
Then return to the tranquillity which is Albir, and relax.
