Vall de Laguar

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Vall de Laguar is located in the north of the Spanish Alicante province, in an area known as Marina Alta. The town is bordered by the towns of la Vall d’Ebo, Orba, Murla, Benigembla, Castell de Castells. Vall de Laguar is just 14 miles inland from the nearest coastal town Denia.

Casa Lennisa is located right between the airports of Valencia and Alicante, about an hour and a half drive from both. If you come by car from the north of Europe, it is about 530 kilometers from the French border.

Vall de Laguar is an idyllic mountain town that consists of four villages. Upon entering the town, you pass the Fontilles sanatorium on the left, Europe’s last remaining active leprosarium (elevation: 328 yd). Campell, also known as ‘el Poble de Baix’ (lower town, elevation: 414 yd) is next, followed by Fleix or ‘el Poble d’Enmig’ (middle town, elevation: 437 yd) and Benimaurell or ‘el Poble de Dalt’ (upper town, elevation: 478 yd).

Horticulture used to be the town’s main source of income, but due to the change in climate it no longer provides a viable source of income. Over the past decades, most of the younger generations have left the area in search of employment. The older generation continues to look after the almond, olive and cherry trees and the harvest is highly anticipated. In spring, the tree blossoms add colour to the landscape – a sight to be seen!

Climate

Marina Alta’s climate is slightly different to Alicante’s southern regions. Due to the elevation, the temperatures are more consistent throughout the year. Summers are not as hot, with average temperatures between 25 and 30°C and in winter the average temperature is 12°C. The presence of both sea and mountains add a touch of humidity to the air and a slight breeze will often develop in the afternoons.

‘Lavaderos’ and Springs

Each village has its own identity, church, patron saint and ‘fiestas’ in summer months. Each village also has its own ‘lavadero’ or communal washing area where women used to catch up while doing the washing. Vall de Laguar’s lavaderos have been well preserved. Contrary to most areas in Spain, spring water is still readily available in our area.

Springs are dotted along the local walks and hikes. The largest amongst them are la Font del Reinós, Font dels Olbis, la Font del Poll, la Font del Gel, la Font d’Isber, Font Grossa, Font Figuera, la Font de la Mata, Font de les Carrasques, la Font de l’Olivaret. It’s common to see people from neighbouring towns drive up to fill their water barrels to capture the clean spring water. Our street has its own couple of springs: Font del Camusot at the lower end of the street and Font del Penyó at the top. Font del Penyó is a great picnic spot thanks to its lovely, shady location.

CULINARY

La Vall de Laguar is a small mountain village but has three great restaurants. If you are staying with us, be sure to ask us to book in advance because these restaurants are very popular:

La Venta del Collao: Located in the mountains above Benimaurell, surrounded by nature, it is only open for lunch (closing days Monday and Tuesday). They serve a varied three-course menu with different choices.

https://www.facebook.com/restaurantelaventadelcollaobenimaurell/

Restaurante hotel Alahuar: The restaurant of this hotel has a wonderful chef and a menu with something for everyone and very good paellas. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

https://hotelalahuar.es/carta-digital/carta-restaurant

El Nou Cavall Verd: This restaurant has a beautiful view but above all a different, fresh menu every time. This is the place to be if you are very hungry, the portions are large but above all: the food is delicious.

https://el-nou-restaurante-cavall-verd.business.site/

Hiking

Within Alicante province, Vall de Laguar is known as the ‘Catedral del Senderismo’ (hiking cathedral), the place to be for avid hikers. The best known hike is the ‘Barranc de l’Infern’ (Gorge of Hell), a 8.7 mile hike with more than 6,000 steps. The steps were carved into the mountainside by the Moors who inhabited this area over 500 years ago. This breathtaking hike is ideal for practiced hikers and people in good physical condition. The road between Fleix and Benimaurell provides great views over the terrain. Barranc de l’Infern is by no means the only hike in Vall de Laguar, there are many other hikes and walks through a mostly pristine natural landscape.

ruta_24_el_barranc_de_linfern.pdf (comunitatvalenciana.com)

But everywhere in Laguar there are hiking trails for hikers of all levels through forests, along springs, in the mountains but also along paved roads. All hiking apps offer endless possibilities for all types of walkers, hikers, speed walkers, joggers or climbers. There are also many opportunities for mountain climbing and descents in the area. If you've never climbed before, we can also put you in touch with a beginner level climber guide.

In the neighboring villages it is also beautiful to walk between the orange fields, the almond or cherry blossom or with your bare feet over the high tide line along the extensive sandy beach of Denia.

Here are some examples:

Wikiloc | Ruta El pantano d'Ìsber. PRCV 181 Tramo Campell-Barranc Fontilles - Isber - Campell

Wikiloc | Ruta PRCV 181 Tram Coll de Garga i Fonts

Wikiloc | Ruta Subida al 'Penyo Roig' Cavall Verd. Desce Campell

For professional cyclists and for cycling tourists an infinite number of routes can be found on Strava, Routeyou, Wikiloc,... But recreational cyclists can also explore the Costa Blanca with an electrically assisted bicycle or Stromer.

If you bring your own bicycle, we can collect your bicycle case and other luggage at the airport at an additional cost or transport it to your next destination in our delivery van. But you can also rent good quality racing bikes, electric racing bikes or Stromers two villages away. You can also book guidance on your cycling routes with them.

Be sure to take cash with you when you go cycling because in some small bars and restaurants you can't always pay with card or smartphone. Go eat or drink something especially in the small shops. It is tastier and cheaper than in the large restaurants on the coast.

Provide striking cycling clothing and a good helmet. There are few cycling paths, so it is better to see that you stand out when you cycle around here. The streets in the mountains are often winding and narrow. You want other road users to see you coming.

Enjoy the beautiful nature, the picturesque villages, the delicious tapas, the tough climbs and fast descents, the adrenaline and the oxygen-rich air.

Some examples:

Wikiloc | LA VALL DE LAGUAR. Fleix- Benimaurell-Petracos-Vall d'Ebo- L'Atzúvia- Pego- Sagra- Tormos- Presa d'Isber- Fontilles- Campell Trail

Wikiloc | Benigembla, Enduro Epico Trail

Wikiloc | CentresBTT Ruta 4 La Vall de L'Aguart - La vuelta al Cavall Vert Trail

Wikiloc | Murla-Parcent-Tàrbena-Benimaurell Trail





PADEL

Padel is now known worldwide but has been played in Spain for years. For several years now we have also had our own padel field in La Vall de Laguar. You can use this field for free, but you must reserve it with the municipality. So if you feel like playing a game of padel, you can always ask us to reserve the field for you. Let us know in time, because the field is in demand. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it from us.

Would you like lessons? That is also possible, just let us know in advance because the teacher gives a lot of lessons and so we can request it in time.

TENNIS

In addition to the padel field, our village also has a tennis court available. You can also reserve this via the town hall. If you would like to play a game, bring your own equipment and ask us to reserve the field with the municipality.

SWIMMING POOL

We obviously have a swimming pool in our B&B, but if you really want to swim long laps, 11 meters may be a bit too short. In the village there is the municipal outdoor swimming pool that is open from mid-June to mid-September, where you can use a 25-meter pool and a shallow children's pool for a low entrance fee.

Next to the swimming pool there is a 'chiringuito' bar where you can also have a bite to eat or a drink in the summer.

massages

Give yourself some quality time and pamper your body and mind with a wonderful massage! Our professional masseuse Vero is ready to give you a moment of pure relaxation. Whether you choose a relaxation massage, a foot massage, an anti-cellulite massage or an in-depth sports massage. Release the tension, feel the knots disappear and enjoy a wonderful feeling of well-being. Make an appointment today and give yourself the attention you deserve!

THE COAST

Casa Lennisa is a 40-minute drive from most large and small coastal towns on the Costa Blanca. There is a lot to do everywhere here.

For example, if you feel like taking a boat trip, there are many options, especially in Denia and Javea. You can do communal boat trips with a catamaran or a sailboat or you can go parasailing. These excursions are organized, among others, by Mundo Marino (Boat trips in Denia - Mundo Marino). You can go sailing to watch the sunset at sea or go snorkeling during the day or you can simply sail from Denia along the beautiful coastal strip of rocks to Javea and back in the evening. There are endless options.

If you want something more exclusive, you can of course also rent a Catamaran Cruiser with captain for a small group, with or without catering. Take a day out with this private boat to discover the island 'la Isla del Portitxol', visit caves and bays, snorkel, swim... For this we definitely recommend Captain Victor's boat. HELEN – CHATER DÉNIA (deniacharter.es)

Are you a bit adventurous, would you like to go jet skiing, padel surfing, surfing or kayaking, this is also possible in all these coastal towns. Some providers:

Jet ski, quad and buggy in Benidorm, Denia, Altea and Valencia (funquads.com)

MAREMOTOsports Jávea | Moto de Agua Excursiones y Alquiler

Kayak Javea: Kayak Excursions and Kayak Rentals 2023 (siestaadvisor.com)