VALENCIA PROVINCE
 Few cities are, like Valencia, able to combine so harmoniously remains from remote periods, as far away as 138 B.C., with the most modern, avant-garde buildings to be erected in the new millennium.
Valencia equals commerce, culture, cinema, theatre, museums, music, business. It is a place for international and avant-garde design and one of the most attractive cities in Europe when it comes to fairs and conventions.
Thanks to its location, Valencia has been the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, with the special charm that seaport cities have. The fine sand and crystal waters, the vastness of the open sea, and the proximity of the coastal mountain range lend the Valencian coast a unique appeal.
There are outstanding beaches and dunes at Canet d’En Berenguer, where the coastline becomes leisurely and residential, as it does to the north of the Valencian capital, where small tourist town (La Pobla de Farnals, Alboraya, and El Puig) have emerged where only a few years ago fruit and vegetables were grown.
In addition, still within the city of Valencia, the beaches of La Malvarrosa and Levante offer a wide variety of places to dine and enjoy a quiet evening by the sea. To the south, nature becomes predominant at Saler Beach and in the L’Albufera Nature Reserve, where the sun can be enjoyed in unique surroundings. The beaches of Cullera, Gandía and Oliva combine beautiful landscapes with a number of sporting and recreational facilities.
VALENCIA CITY
 Valencia is Spain's third-largest city with a population of some 740,000. It lies on the Mediterranean coast some 350km south of Barcelona. Madrid is a similar distance inland. Gastronomically, the region is home to paella, Spain's most famous dish. Historically, it is believed that the Holy Grail resides in Valencia's cathedral and it was here that El Cid fought the Moors.
The Valencia climate tends to be mild all year round and one of Spain's greatest festivals, Las Fallas, takes place every March when revellers enjoy a week long party with fireworks and massive bonfires every night.
The major tourist attraction in Valencia is the amazing City of Arts and Sciences which attracts 4 million annual visitors and is equally fascinating to adults and children alike. Valencia is now firmly established on the European art circuit with galleries containing works by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez. The city also hosted the 2007 Americas Cup sailing race which took place off the shore of Valencia. The city's football team is amongst the top teams in the country winning a league and UEFA cup double in 2004/05.
XATIVA
 Xátiva is the capital of the region of La Costera. Declared to be a Historic-Artistic Site, the Neanderthal skull found in Cova Negra dates from 30,000 years BC.
Birthplace of the painter José Rivera “el españoleto” and of Pope Borgia Alexander VI, it suffered a dark moment in its history at the hands of Felipe V, who, after victory in the battle of Almansa in the War of Spanish Succession, ordered the city to be burned, changing its name to San Felipe. In memory of the insult, the portrait of the monarch hangs upside down in the local museum of L’Almodí.
 The city preserves a wealth of artistic heritage to be discovered: the Renaissance collegiate church; the hermitage of San Félix, the oldest in the city (it is said to have been a Mozarab temple and that Jaime I rebuilt it); the church of Sant Pere, where Alexander VI was baptized, the Royal Hospital, which still preserves its original Renaissance façade intact; the palaces of the Marquis de Montortal and the Marquis of Alarcó. And the fountains: San Francisco, which is baroque; Trinidad, which is Gothic; and the Neoclassic fountain with 25 jets. Most outstanding, with 30 towers and four fortified gates, is its enormous castle, the result of the fusion of an Iberian-Roman fortress and a later Arab one. Running down from the castle are the walls which until the 10th century enclosed the Roman city. A second wall was added later which took in what today is the historic quarter.
VINAROS
 Vinaròs has so much to offer for you to enjoy its 12 km coast-line, starting from the Sénia River up to the Aiguadoliva gully, with more than 20 small coves protected by rocks, unique scenery, and fine sandy beaches in front of the promenade. All of them have the ISO 14001 environmental certificate which guarantees correct maintenance, cleaning and respect for the environment.
The coast of Vinaròs is divided in three areas: the coves of the north, the beaches in the middle, and the coves of the south. The biggest point of attraction are the beaches in the middle, because they are situated close to the urban area. They communicate each other through the promenade which has a great variety of restaurants, hotels, apartments, coffee-bars and shops. The coves are properly indicated and the access well equipped.
The coves are protected by small cliffs and with the typical Mediterranean coast vegetation like rosemary and palmetto, the sight is full of nature and sea. They are the coves: Cala Sòl de Riu, Les Devesses, Les Timbles, Les Lanetes, La Foradada, El Pinar, El Saldonar, and Els Cossis.
The south coast picked up the beauty and personality of the northern coves. Rocks return as well as hidden spots and the fascinating and suggestive forms of nature… They are the coves of Aiguadoliva, El Puntal, Les Salines, Les Roques, El Fondo de Bola, Els Pinets, places that provide the necessary rest.
The coves allow other kind of activities, in accordance with pause and tranquillity, like fishing in the sore or over the rocks, swimming or diving.
VINALOPO VALLEY
SAX
 Found between Villena and Elda alongside the Alicante-Madrid motorway.
An interesting area of south east Spain, with several ancient castles in the vicinity. The town is really not much bigger than a village, the population being 8,500.The locals are extremely friendly and the town contains some very nice restaurants; one of our favourite places to stop for a menu del dia.
Sax is very well positioned for travelling to Madrid, Valencia, Murcia and Alicante, having some very good roads connecting in the area.Sax situated in the higher Vinalopo Valley (walking book available ‘Higher Vinalopo Valley’) - a market town (Monday local street market)is also dominated by a castle of Islamic origin. The main street is bustling and in the evening is closed off to traffic to allow you to meander through and stop to have a glass of wonderful local wine and the delicious tapas! There are lots of shops to browse and a delightful market square. Each year from 1-5th February the Moors and Christian is celebrated in honour of San Blas, Patron of Sax since 1627, the streets are lined with all sorts of wonderful processions during the 5 day fiesta.
The Alenda golf course is approximately 10 minutes drive along the Madrid-Alicante motorway and there are several large towns within a few minutes drive. Here you can find tranquillity without being isolated.
Reaching a maximum height of 905 metres above sea level, the Sierra de la Peña Rubia can be found just to north of Sax, within the municipality of Villena. Near to the Sierra are various marked routes for hiking and cycling.
Sierra de la Peña Rubia
To the east of the town incorporating the municipalities of Sax, Petrer y Castalla. This beautiful sierra where the flora & fauna are in abundance. The highest point is in the término de Castalla reaching 1228 metres above sea level, there are many species of birds on the outskirt e.g.. a Fuente del Lobo. this an ideal place for hiking, cycling, or just looking at nature.
West of the municipality are rock faces almost vertical in the area of the Sierra el Peñón de Cabrera o de la Moneda, alcanzando at 869 metres above sea level. This is an ideal spot for rock climbing.
JALON VALLEY
 The Jalon Valley (also known as Vall de Pop) is situated inland from the coastal towns of Denia, Javea and Moraira. The Jalon Valley is on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain.
With some areas on the Costa Blanca coast becoming somewhat built up and overcrowded the Jalon Valley attracts a more discerning visitor and resident who appreciates more of a country feel although the coast and it's beautiful beaches are still only 30 minutes drive away.
The Jalon Valley has some of the best scenery in Spain. There are magnificent mountains which surround the plains of olive trees, orange groves, vineyards, raisins and almonds. Peppered in the Jalon Valley are unspoilt villages including Alcalali, Jalon, Lliber and Parcent.
The Jalon Valley is a walker's paradise ranging from a very gentle stroll to a six hour walk around the Sierra Bernia mountains to the south of Jalon. In late January and early February the whole of the Jalon Valley is covered with pink and white almond blossom and is the best time to see it.
THE TOWN OF JALON
 The village of Jalon is at the heart of the Jalon Valley. At the Old Square there is a fountain around which there is an open market held on Tuesday mornings. Seen from the square is the famous Jalon Church with its blue dome. Roaming around the many small streets, you will find an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. Jalon is very famous for its local wines. There are at bodegas (wine cellars) where you can sample the various types before buying.
Jalon was under Arabic domination for over five hundred years. The Arabians built two castles, one for the Solana (the Aixa) and another in the Bernie. Both fortresses controlled the Jalon Valley and the numerous settlers. The Arabians left behind the typical house style, for which Jalon is famous today, i.e. houses of stone and old bricks with large wooden doors as well as decorated walls.
The Arabic culture influenced life in Jalon up to its final displacement in the year 1609. After that the trade with raisins became the major economic activity. Many farmers from Majorca settled in Jalon in the 18th and 19th centuries and started cultivating the land, concentrating on grapes and raisin production.
AYORA VALLEY
 They say that the beautiful Ayora Valley is the 4th most attractive in all of Spain.They are definately not wrong!
The valley runs from Ayora to Cofrentes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area - passing along the way, the typically Spanish villages of Zarra, Teresa de Cofrentes, Jarafuel, Jalance to Cofrentes, sitting alongside the Rio Cabriel, where it joins the Rio Jucar. Here, the lake-like waters run green with the minerals taken in on the journey from the mountains.
The villages along the valley, all have their castles, each with a story to tell, and their historical centres possess a special charm, having narrow and picturesque streets and alleyways, paved in stone and staggered with buildings of different heights that allow a brief trip into the past. Townships are surrounded by the typical crops of a dry zone, and the natural landscape enriching the view, with water providing important healthy mineral and medicinal qualities, from some of its springs and rivers.
This picturesque valley is approximately 75 minutes from both Alicante and Valencia airports, and is easily reached from the excellent nearby motorway links.
Here you will find properties of all types, from typical Spanish country houses, to modern villas and apartments, at prices to suit all budgets, yet still so much cheaper than in the busy, overcrowded coastal areas.
So, if you are looking for the real Spain, steeped in history, and with friendly, hospitable people, ready to welcome you into their communities, rich with tradition and good food and wines, then this valley is for you.
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