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This Blog has been created by an adventurer,traveler and fun-junkie.An English woman living in Spain,who runs a British sailing school with her gorgeous husband and is passionate about adventure sports and the environment - and willing to share the good stuff with you.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Nordic Walking Along the Foothills of the Sierra de Crevillente

The winter time on the Costa Blanca provides the perfect weather for Nordic walking and hiking. On a good day the temperature can still reach 18c - 25c, with clear blue skies and light winds.

Crevillente is a small town, located approx. 25 kilometres from the coast, west from Santa Pola. Behind the town is the Sierra de Crevillente, a natural park and two resevoirs, one of which can be accessed from the N-325 or through San Pascual.


(Facing northeast)


(Facing southwest)

The landscape is typical for the area, consisting mainly of low-lying scrubland and small patches of farmland. Although once some height has been gained, there are good views to the coast, Callosa de Segura, Orihuela, across the Sierra de Crevillente and depending on your location, to the other sierras inland. The highest point is approx. 825 metres.


(Across the valley towards Callosa de Segura and Orihuela)

Few people are seen walking whilst in this area, the many trails and routes provide a web of choices around, along, underneath and atop the Sierra de Crevillente. The foothills provide a tranquil environment which is easy going for even the most leisurely walker.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Air-Bound Experiences on the Costa Blanca, Spain

The Costa Blanca, and indeed the Valencian region as a whole, offers so much. From the sky many different landscapes can be admired, not just the seascape which gets much promotion and praise, but also mountains, valleys, canyons, plains, rivers and lakes.


(Flying over Alicante marina)


(Misty view to Callosa de Segura, near Orihuela)

The main sky-based activities presently on offer include hot air ballooning (very popular), flying light aircraft, heli-rides (very expensive), paragliding and microlighting (called ultralight in Spain).


(Microlighting / Ultralight)



The economic problems have been severaly felt in the Valencian region for at least three years; an unfortunate backlash has been the closure many good businesses. Where previously there were numerous helicopter charter companies based in and around Benidorm, now only two or three operate. This has resulted in an increase in prices which are largley too expensive for the average consumer / tourist - around 3,000 euros for 2/3 people for a couple of hours!!

However, activities such as hot air ballooning and flying are popular, and affordable - hot air ballooning approx. 150 euros p/person, flying approx. 150 euros p/person, p/hour). Many people choose to book these activities as gift experiences or to share with loved ones on special occassions, such as anniversaries.

Please feel free to get in touch if you want details of individual activity providers: anna@costa-adventures.com / +34 6802 97955

Friday, December 10, 2010

Parque Natural del Carrascar de la Font Roja - Alicante, Spain

The Parque Natural del Carrascar de la Font Roja is a great place for walking, hiking and scrambling. Located a short drive north from the town of Ibi, this national park is said to be one of the best preserved Mediterranean forests in Valencia.

The gentle hills, open scrub and farmland are broken up by small, rustic dwellings and as the roads become smaller, the landscape becomes more attractive.



If one travels just 10 kilometres north of Ibi (following the signs for the park), then takes the C795 to Banyeres, a delighful selection of trails, picnic areas and walks await just off the main road - take your pick!



One of which can be taken by turning right at a sign with 'Sotorroni'. Car access ends after one kilometre, although walkers and cyclists can continue up and over the ridge, soaking up the fantastic views towards the impressive and rugged landscape at Sierra d'Aitana.


(Entrance to trail)


(View towards Sierra d'Aitana)

Kermes Oak, yew and aromatic herbs such as rosemary quilt the hillsides, look carefully at trail egdes and you will see different animal footprints; deer, wild cat and badgers. Snake tracks and areas where wild boar have been foraging can also be seen with a patient eye. Look up and you may spy Golden Eagles, vultures, Eagle Owls or Bonelli's Eagle.


(Kermes Oak)

This area is the High Vinalopó, and one of the major wine-producing regions in Europe. Evidence is easy to spot whilst travelling to or from the park, although the vineyards are empty at this time of year.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Tweeting by costaadventures; an active life in Spain

If you are one for Tweeting, and want to get up-to-date and fresh information about whats hot on the Costa Blanca in Spain, then please follow costadventures.

Often information about events is only promoted at the last minute, so this is a great way to keep an eye out on what is happening in the region.

Frequently covered activities include: moto (motorbike) racing events, nautical events, walking routes, new activity services in the region, scuba diving, photography competitions, and from time-to-time, intresting points about local wildlife and the environment.