San Miguel de Salinas - the official rough guide of San Miguel de Salinas, Costa Blanca, Spain

...featured here are days or part days out suggested by residents and regular visitors to the area...if you have one we could feature tell us...the gems are often hard to find and whilst we often want to keep our favourites to ourselves we are a friendly lot here in SMdS and we want you to find the best. Where possible we will also recommend a good restaurant for you to try...can we do more?
Some entries are in need of more information and will be developed.

Parque Reina Sofia - Guardamar del Segura - finding a good playground and park in the shade during the midday sun is often difficult... look no further than this beautiful spot. The well maintained park, like many in Guardamar del Segura, benefit from the great investment at the beginning of the 20th Century made by The Ingeniero Miro, who inspired a great forestation programme resulting in an extensive pinetum. It's great for young children and there are peacocks, swans, ducks and even terrapins. Having a friendly little cafeteria too makes it a great morning out. And, just up from the park, at The Plaza of The Town Hall there is also an interesting exhibition about MIRO in the Tourist Information Centre. It's about 1/2 hour from SMdS - for more information see www.guardamarinformation.com.

Our thanks to SMdS resident Roger Clark for another great addition to 10-places - Alcala del Jucar - If you like spectacular views, a completely unique setting, and somewhere different to the local tourist hot spots, then pay a visit to Alcala del Jucar. Firstly a word of caution, it is quite a long way but the return journey is manageable within a day.

How to get there? Head off on the AP-7 motorway around Elche, bear left and pick up the A-31 road from Alicante to Almansa, then head for Alpera, staying on the CM-3201 for the rest of the journey. The distance is about 120 miles and without stops it should take about two and a quarter hours. However, you may well wish to stop on the way to see the sanctuary of Saint Mary Magdalene at Novelda or the castles at Sax, Villena or Almansa.

After Alpera you leave the coastal mountains and hills behind and travel through a fairly flat countryside, not unlike England, when suddenly the road starts descending into a previously unseen gorge. Down and down you’ll go round hairpin bends and finally arrive at the village of Alcala del Jucar at the bottom of the gorge. It is a unique place, hundreds of feet below ‘ground level’ as the gorge has been carved out over countless ages by the river Jucar. The population of the village is about 1,400, three quarters of whom live in cave houses built into the steep gorge sides. These cave houses have to have their kitchens and bathrooms on the ‘outside’ of the gorge wall, and inside the temperature remains at about 18C all year.

In the village there is an attractive small ‘beach’ area and an island in the river, and with the gorge sides towering above it is very spectacular. A meal is available at the local hotel. There are many very narrow, steep streets lined with well-preserved houses heading up towards the castle, from which there are splendid panoramic views of the gorge. The castle is of Arab origin, rebuilt during Christian times. The old bridge that crosses the river was built by the Romans, and rebuilt in the 18th century; at one time Alcala del Jucar was known as a port and there were Customs on the bridge and goods had to be declared when crossing the bridge. Across the river from the castle there is a bullring, unusual because of its location, construction, and very rare non-circular shape.

A visit to Alcala del Jucar is an unforgettable experience, and sadly the photos do not adequately show the sheer scale of the gorge. It was a long way but well worth it. If you don’t like the idea of a long car journey, there is a coach trip which has the added advantage that after lunch you are taken up to the castle prior to walking down to visit a cave on the way.

Our sincere thanks to Roger for his contribution - more visitors and residents journey further to find the many secrets of Spain and we all need a bit of help with some ideas on those special destinations!


	Cartagena and Calle Mayor - This ancient city has all the history to go with it... founded by The Carthaginians in 223BC as *Quart Hadas, it was the port at which Hannibal landed in May 218BC to march north on Rome with 32,000 infantry, 8000 cavalry and 37 elephants. But in 209BC it was conquered by The Romans who renamed it Carthago Nova*. Between 5BC and 1AD they constructed a classic amphitheatre, which today is part of the major restoration of the city.

As we have said with all cities it is best just to go with a recommendation - a starting point and discover it from there. We start at Calle del Carmen at the beginning of the newly paved Rambla of the historic quarter continuing on Calle Mayor - a straight route to the port. It is full of interest with shops, boutiques and interesting eateries. Please look up all along the way because the architectural embellishment of the high buildings is not to be missed. You can follow signposts along the way to historical attractions. As the Calle Mayor reaches the port it enters The Plaza Ayuntamiento and the magnificent edificio of the restored baroque Town Hall.

Cartagena has many archaeologic sites. Throughout the old centre you can find museums with remains of Roman buildings. Next to the Arsenal (Menéndez Pelayo), there is a Naval Museum. On the opposite side of the harbour to the city is the National Museum for Underwater Archeology, containing a reconstructed Roman galley and exhibits from shipwrecks.

Across the road from El Ayuntamiento you'll find the harbour with its ocean-going yachts, cruise liners and of course the famous submarine. There are also many bars and cafes here. But, as you know we always like to recommend one.

Twice now we have chosen The Cafe Bar Restaurante Columbus (fundado en 1932), C/.Mayor 18, nearly at the bottom on the left with loads of character - Menu del Día 12Є or simply have what you fancy and watch the world go by from your table on the Rambla.


	Las Cuevas del Rodeo - ROJALES - Not a million miles from the very under-developed Barrio de Cuevas of SMdS, just up into the Vega Baja, lies the village of Rojales. It has a large cave area and over the last few years it has been occupied by an artisan colony with about 20 open as workshops and studios. The local Ayuntamiento has promoted it in the past but, in the true Spanish way, it has curtailed a number of cultural events, particularly open-air concerts... probably because they were getting too popular! A Swedish Artist told me the caves were originally dug by coal miners from Murcia and later occupied by Gypsies and latterly the artisans... there are many caves simply locked and forgotten...she told me she adopted hers and after spending months recovering it, the owner 'came out of the woodwork' and she now pays him rent! This is definitely a good morning out and only about 20 minutes from SMdS + it gives you some idea what we could have here in our pueblo. There's a nice little bar there too!

Sanctuario de la Fuensanta - If you like mountains, views and churches then you will probably enjoy a visit to the Sanctuario de la Fuensanta at Algezares, overlooking Murcia. A temple built in the traditional baroque style, it is the habitual residence of Virgin of Fuensanta, the Patroness of Murcia, and has been a place of pilgrimage during Lent and the Festivals of September since the Middle Ages, when hermits took water of a "Holy Source". The sanctuary is set halfway up a mountain on the edge of the Parque de el Valle, and there are superb views over Murcia city. The church has a lovely ‘gold’ background to the altar, and by putting a coin in the meter this will be beautifully illuminated. It is a working church, and closes for the siesta, re-opening at 4pm. Nuns, of the Franciscan Order, run the gift shop where you can buy delicious chocolate covered nuts amongst other things. There is also a refreshment café.
The nuns are the custodians of the sanctuary and next to Sanctuario de la Fuensantala are the antiquitous Hermitage and Monastery de la Luz and the Hermitage of San Antonio 'the poor one' and The Convent of the Franciscans of Santa Catalina del Monte.
	After your visit, if you wish you can drive a circular tour of the mountain road through the woods in the Parque de el Valle - declared a Protected Natural Park since 1979. From San Miguel the easiest way to the Sanctuary is via Torremendo, Torreaguera, Beniajan and Algezares from where it is signposted and can anyway be seen on the mountainside. Distance is about 25 miles. Our Thanks to Horatio (SMdS Forum Member) for his great photos and interesting article - please feel free to add your favourites to 10-places.

The Palace and Gardens of The Marques de Cubas y Fontalba
For those with an interest in history we recommend a visit to Jacarilla, a matter of 12kms from SMdS. It was Don Bartolomé Togores, a nobleman closely linked to King Jaime I, who became Lord of Jacarilla in the latter part of the fifteenth century, putting this agricultural settlement on the map. But in the early nineteenth century succession fell to the Marqués de Fontalba.

In the 1920s The Marqués de Cubas was Francisco de Cubas y Fontalba; he had married Encarnación de Urquijo. The Marqués commissioned a grandioso palacio, a stately home with 28 bedrooms surrounded by over 20,000 m2 of exotic gardens with palm trees, hibiscus, together with the beautiful lilac Jacaranda trees. As with all stately homes there is an interesting grotto made of sea rocks dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena.

Alongside the house lies the magnificent church constructed in the neo-gothic style and dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Belén/ Our Lady of Bethlehem. The house will eventually undergo much needed restoration and no entry is currently permitted: this does not detract from its grandeur and the gardens are open from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm Saturday/Sunday - 4pm to 7pm evenings.

Whilst you are in Jacarilla look out for Restaurante Meson Pedro where you can get a pretty good typical Spanish menu del día - Distance 12kms - about twenty minutes - a great half day excursion.

8kms up the CV95 towards Bigastro turn right at BP Garage 4kms on the right.

Why not take a trip to the small Island of Tabarca?
It is an archipelago comprising of the island known as Plana de Santa Pola or Nueva Tabarca and a few islets. It’s 1,800m long and 400m at its widest, has a maximum height of 15 m above sea level and lies three nautical miles south-east of Santa Pola and about 8 miles off Alicante, under whose administration it falls. The walled village of San Pedro y San Pablo is the island's port and it all has an interesting history having always held a defensive position from pirates and North African marauders.
Tabarca was listed as a Site of Historic and Artistic Interest by the Ministry of Culture in 1964. But it is Tabarca's highly transparent waters that are particularly exceptional.

We're not going to tell you how many different species of creatures live in the clear blue waters, suffice it to say it's an extremely rare environment - protected by law as the Tabarca Marine Reserve since 1986.

	The island is a great place to visit and it is a 'step back in time' - foto from AF. The speciality restaurants serve the finest platters of seafood and the walks around the islands provide stunning views and a rare opportunity to share the island's terrestrial and marine ecosystems. You'll have to take a BOAT TO TABARCA ISLAND and departures from the harbour of Alicante, every day (several trips in the morning and the afternoon) during the high season and Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays the rest of the year, it takes about an hour: it's only a 20 minute trip from Santa Pola Harbour.

The hilltop village of Guadalest
With some 200 inhabitants, Guadalest must be included in our ’10 places’. Around 25kms inland from Benidorm along CV-70 road it always was a strategic military stronghold with fortifications dating back to 715AD and the period of Moorish occupation of Spain. It retains this influence in ‘El Arrabal’, the part outside the fortress with its little streets and squares where the majority of today’s shops, craft shops, museums and restaurants are located.

The castle, damaged by an earthquake in 1644 and siege during the War of the Spanish Succession, can only be entered by one small tunnel cut through the rock at the San Jose gate. The area inside the walls includes the ancient city dungeon, the bell tower, Saint Josep castle, the Orduña House, parish church and the Moorish fortified building called Alcozaiba. Guadalest has been declared a 'Monument of Historical and Artistic Value' and is a major tourist attraction in Spain.

Your day to Guadalest would not be complete without considering a visit to Arche Noah or Noah’s Ark the animal sanctuary.

	Noah’s Ark is the inspiration of a man called Serafín who is devoted to providing a home for abandoned and mistreated animals rescued from circus acts, street photographers and irresponsible private collectors. The menagerie includes animals like, lions, tigers, black panthers, cheetahs, wolves, monkeys, bears, chimpanzees, snakes and even domestic farm animals. It is financed by visitors, entry is a nominal 5€, together with generous donations and in 2002 a visit by Spain's Queen Sofia raised the profile of this labour of love in animal care. Guided tours are available, or visitors can just wander around as they wish, enjoying the peace and tranquility of this very special place. It is well worth a visit. Arche Noah in Valle de Guadalest (tel: 96 597 23 59) is open from 10 am to 8 pm.
We highly recommend Restaurant L'OBRER, Ctra. d'Alcoi 27, Benimantell - Tel: 965 885 088 or 965 885 139. Described as Cocina Típica del país - this was a rather special, highly awarded, and extremely busy eatery, only 1km from Arche Noah & Guadalest. Journey distance 135kms time about 1½ hours each way...a very good day out!

Carmen del Campillo - Casa Morisca

Moroccan tea culture is for lovers of Islamic Art. The genuine rather than the theatrical is not always easy to find. This is a beautiful place that I was introduced to by a Brit friend that lived close by, a special place that is passed on by word of mouth.

Whilst the influences of Moroccan culture are very deeply rooted in the Spanish psyche, places of true Moroccan authenticity, where one can experience things other than Moors & Christians in Fiestas and those annoying 'lookie-lookie' alfombra salespersons are difficult to find. Of all our ‘Top 10 Places’ this is one that will take you to another world - I'd like to suggest that, if asked how you heard about it, you could mention this entry... somehow I think they would be bemused... just choose from a selection of fragrant infusions, have a sweet cake, and enjoy the experience!

Carmen del Campillo - Horario
de octubre a junio: lunes y martes: cerrado, resto: abierto desde las 4 de la tarde
de julio a septiembre - abierto todos los días desde las 6 de la tarde
Más informacion: www.carmendelcampillo.com

With grateful thanks to Forum Member reddragon for helping us to add some information: there is a useful MAP that accompanies this entry


El Litoral - The Coastline Personally I have never been a great fan of sand, it get's everywhere! Apologies to a whole generation that absolutely love the beach. So this entry in The Top Ten Places is deliberately entitled - El Literal. The Coastline of The Southern Costa Blanca and Costa Calida offers so much more than just The Beach! Whilst almost every turn off the A332 takes you to one or another beach along it's entire length, we favour Mar Menor because we like to stroll along the seafront. There are miles/kilometers of coastal paths to follow - try Las Alcazares because the best little beachside Menu del Día is there! The name completely escapes me, I'll tell you when I remember...but there are many to chose from. Like most seaside towns the best time to visit is 'out of season' - that means before the Spanish descend to their holiday homes from places like Madrid during the months of July and August. At other times of year you could be on your own! Remember if you see a couple during the week it is unlikely that they will be Spanish - they promenade at 'El fin de semana'! Pictured are 'footprints in the sand' - El Molino de Quintín at Las Salinas de San Pedro - El Monumento al Pescador by the Escultor Manuel Almansa 1998 at Las Alcazares - Sand Fans by SMdS

	Murcia - shopping or culture? It’s a very sad indictment that to most Murcia now conjures up a picture of the ultimate destination for consumer therapy with IKEA, Primark and Malls Nueva Condominia and Thader. Well this Top Ten Entry is not about shopping! It is also very difficult to discover cities, they are too big for a start and easy to give up on; so what better way than to get a clue from a true Murciana and website friend - Alicia. She begs you to start by finding - La Plaza de las Flores. For Alicia this is the heart and soul of her City, and she says 'see this and you'll want to come back for more'. Alicia has many favourite restaurants around this area including - can you ask for more? Left a photograph of Murcia Cathedral by Foxy (forum)

The Fuentes del Algar - The Waterfalls and Riverside of L'Algar Inspired by Horatio’s great photos (forum) we bring his recommendation to our 10-Places listings - The Fuentes del Algar. Set in the hills above Altea, over an hour’s drive north from SMdS, it provides a sharp contrast to days at the beach and enables the visitor to find the inner tranquility of Spain with the added coolness that only mountain waterfalls can offer.
	Horatio visited out of the high season and found many of the car parks closed but found parking on an open space with a large official-looking board outside. An attendant directed him to a shady spot, at a cost of 2.50€ with a discount option of 60 centimos if his dining choice was the restaurant opposite. There were several eating places, most with attractive-looking swimming pools for customers to use, along the short walk to the entrance to the waterfalls - admission fee is around 3 Euros. Whilst there you can also visit an environment museum (aromatherapy, aromatic herbs, essences etc), the avenue of aromatic plants, and a water museum. Don’t forget to take your swimming things and a pair of good jellies because the river is full of stones. Horatio’s photographs speak for themselves of The Fuentes del Algar and he has posted better quality images on the forum.
Directions: Driving to Algar from Altea or Calpe drive the N-332 road to Urbanizacion Sierra Altea, where you take the CV-755 which gets you directly to Callosa d'En Sarria (which is just 2 minutes from the waterfall) or if you come from Benidorm take the CV-715 via La Nucia and Polop gets you directly to this lovely place. We acknowledge Horatio’s contribution and also some information from the local website – http://www.alicante-spain.com/algar_waterfalls.html

San Miguel de Salinas
Email: info@san-miguel-de-salinas.com