Benissa

Infobox City Spain
official_name=Benissa
native_name=Benissa
native_language=Valencian
spanish_name=Benissa
community=Valencian Community
community_link=Valencia (autonomous community)
province=Alicante
province_link=Alicante (province)
comarca=Marina Alta
comarca_link=Marina Alta
time_zone=CET (GMT +1)
time_zone_summer=CEST (GMT +2)
area=69.71
population=12,424
date-population=2006
density=178
date-density=2006
lat_long=coord|38|49|50|N|0|31|46|W|region:ES_type:city
altitude=319

Benissa is a small town in Spain in the province of Alicante, 275 m above sea level, and one of the oldest towns on the Costa Blanca.

The toponym of Benissa comes from the Arabic ("Banu-Issa"). After the Christian reconquest (1238) the town was settled by people from the Pyrenees, Catalonia and Aragon along with the former inhabitants. The Moors were expelled in 1609. The medieval town centre has been largely preserved with its town square (plaza), narrow streets, churches. Ironwork balconies and heraldic shields decorate the historic buildings. The Palacio de los Torres-Orduña is open to the public as a cultural centre and library. Benissa also has a strong Catholic tradition with a Franciscan seminary that has educated many Franciscans followers throughout Spain and a large NeoGothic church, the "Cathedral de la Marina".

The municipality of Benissa has 4 km of coastline linking the towns of Moraira and Calpe. The scenery of the area includes cliff tops, rocky coves, sandy beaches and tiny bays along the Benissa Costa. Benissa also contains beautiful countryside, terraced vineyards, mountains and palm trees. Spanish village houses, with doorsteps directly onto the street, internal courtyards and deceptively spacious inside. Old "fincas" (a farm or country estate) sit on large plots amongst vineyards with panoramic views to the sea.

The nearby town of Calpe has a sports harbour where you can find diving, windsurfing, kayaking and many other activities related to the sea. There are many luxury villas on the cliffsides as well as less espensive accomidations along this stretch of Benissa known as 'Les Bassetes'. Nearby towns along the Costa Blanca are La Fustera, Cala dels Pinets, Cala de La Llobella, Cala l'Advocat, Baladrar and Cap Blanc before coming into Moraira.

Access

Travel to Benissa is easily made from Alicante or Valencia. By car, take highway A-7 to exit 62 "Benissa/Teulada". You can also take N332. The closest airport is "El Altet" in Alicante 70km SW. The closest Railway station "Trenet de la Marina" Denia is also in Alicante.

Fiestas

All dates are approximate

JanuaryFira i Porrat de Sant Antoni - Mediaeval Fair

AprilFiesta Patronales de la Purisima Xiqueta - Usually held in the last week of April to celebrate the Patron Saint of the town. Includes concerts, bull running, street processions and sporting events.

JuneMoros y Cristianos, (Moors & Christians) Held at the end of June to celebrate the battles between the Moors and Christians 13th - 15th CenturyExact dates for each year can be found at the Valencian Comunidad Tourism website] [http://www.comunitatvalenciana.com/costablanca/costablanca1.htm?dest=0&id=3&idmuni=582&nommuni=BENISSA] .

External links

* [http://www.alicante-spain.com/benissa.html Benissa] , city overview with video and pictures. From a Costa Blanca resident.
* [http://www.amlaspain.com/p-benissa-property-information.html Benissa] Property Listing for the Benissa area provided by The Spanish Property MLS