Why move to Benissa
Enjoy the beauty and climate of the Costa Blanca, but escape the crowds in this picturesque and tranquil medieval town.
Benissa is a beautiful medieval town in the Alicante province and is known as the gateway to the northern Costa Blanca. Located on a windy coastal road near the Mediterranean sea, Benissa enjoys a warm, temperate climate with low rain in the summer months and mild winters. With breathtaking views of the green and beautiful wine-making region of the Jalon valley closeby, this area is considered to be one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.
One of the oldest towns in the Costa Blanca, Benissa has preserved its medieval character of narrow streets, carved lintels, and heraldic shields. The houses here are picturesque: adorned with pretty floral window-boxes and ornate iron grilles. Stroll around the old town and you will find the beautiful ‘Cathedral of the Marina Alta’, which was constructed in the 1920s by devout local stonemasons.
Don’t let the tranquillity of this little town fool you into thinking there’s nothing to do however – with regular markets, festivals, and fiestas, there are lots of opportunities to explore the local culture, not to mention the food and wine! There is also a wide variety of stunning natural scenery on your doorstep – from the dramatic winding roads of the Jalon valley, to the beautiful rocky coves of the nearby beaches. You don’t have to venture far from the town centre to get to the beach. Approximately 15 minutes away by car, you can explore one of Benissa’s four main beaches: the Cala Lobella, Baladrar, La Fustera and Cala Pinet.
Property
With a wide range of property on offer in the area, from contemporary countryside villas, to historic townhouses, there is something to suit most preferences and budgets.
Transport
Located just off the motorway, Benissa is ideally located to get to larger cities. It’s just 50 minutes to Alicante airport, 70 minutes to Valencia airport and buses run regularly to Alicante. You’re not far from Ibiza either – head to nearby Denia to catch the ferry, and you’ll be there in just over 3 hours.
Employment
The main opportunities for employment are related to the tourism industry and you’ll find the most available work in hotels, holiday resorts or the restaurant trade. Speaking additional languages is advantageous and English teachers are generally in demand.
Health
The town has a number of excellent healthcare centres, such as the Clínica Benissa. The English-speaking Clínica Britannia in nearby Calpe also serves the town.
Schools
There are lots of primary and secondary Spanish state schools in the area. If you are looking for an international school the private Lady Elizabeth School is an approximately 20 minute drive from the centre of the town.
Living expenses
Like other coastal towns in the area, Benissa offers a cheaper alternative to living in the main cities or larger coastal resorts.