A MAGICAL ENCLAVE

We invite you to discover the beauty and enchantment of this land, to change your life for a few days. Delightful surprises await you. Immerse yourselves in the surroundings and feel the magical spell of the Mediterranean light. Let us help you awaken your senses with the scent of orange blossom, almond trees in bloom, birdsong, heavenly sunsets …

Benimeli, where the self-catering country houses “El Sequer” and “Xaymaca” are located, is a small village of approximately 360 inhabitants. Formerly a Moorish settlement, whose name in Arabic means “sons of kings”, today, it is one of the prettiest villages of The Costa Blanca's inland, with narrow and winding streets, stately houses and a picturesque main square. Here can be found the 18thC Saint Andrew’s church, a cultural centre, the Town Hall, a bar/restaurant and a grocery store. The village’s infrastructure that boasts a sports complex, municipal swimming pool, chemist, post office, butcher and bakery, is sufficient to meet the needs of both residents and visitors. Headquarters of the Recoría Musical Band, Benimeli celebrates several cultural and musical events throughout the year. A pleasant climate all year round is another attraction this privileged location offers as a holiday retreat.

Nestled amongst citrus, olive and almond groves in the Rectoria valley, and surrounded by various mountain ranges, its strategic position allows the visitor the best of two worlds: the tranquillity of a rural setting yet easy access to many places of interest or coastal resorts with more activity. Halfway between Valencia and Alicante, a few kilometres inland from the Costa Blanca, it is undoubtedly an excellent starting point to visit other inland regions and the rest of the Valencian Community.
 

The Rectoria Valley, is composed of 8 small and enchanting villages, forming a semi-circle around the Girona river that winds down to flow into the Mediterranean Sea. This fertile valley, a green oasis of citrus groves, is interwoven by rural lanes that are ideal for walking or cycling.
The small group of mountain ranges that surround it are perfect to practise activities such as walking, trekking, hiking, rappel, canyon descent, mountain climbing (Hell’s Ravine in the Laguar valley) or speleology. In the Segaria mountain range, which seems to protect the village of Benimeli, archaeological remains from Iberian and Moorish times can be found, as well as their ancient terraces, once used for agriculture. In the area, there are many natural springs, with crystal clear water (Campillo and Catalá springs) and caves (Bolumini), and from the head of the valley a spectacular uninterrupted view down to the Mediterranean Sea.

Only a few kilometres from Benimeli are some of the Costa Blanca’s most emblematic towns which are worth visiting:

  • Denia (12Km): castle and museums; fishing port and fish market; daily ferries to the Balearic Islands; shops and restaurants; 20 Kms of sandy beaches interspersed with rocky coves.

  • Javea (14Kms): fishing port and Marina ; old town centre; secluded and beautiful coves; restaurants; the Nao and San Antonio Capes;

  • Ondara (5Km): XIX.C Arabesque bull ring

  • Benissa (14Km): well-kept historical centre with interesting buildings; coves; walking trails,

  • Moraira (18Km): fishing port; pretty beaches and coves; restaurants

  • Altea (25Kms): a picturesque and bohemian town where artists and artisans exhibit their works along the steep whitewashed streets of the old town centre; Its Auditorium (Palau de los Artes) and Villa Gadea offer an excellent and varied repertoire of musical and cultural events throughout the year.

  • Guadalest and Fuentes del Algar (20 Kms): unique village on the crest of a rock and natural waterfalls (www.guadalest.net)

  • Gandia (16Km): The Borgia’s Ducal Palace (15thC) Train station to Valencia; shopping centres;

And in an hour or less you can visit such places as:

  • Villajoyosa: chocolate factories, picturesque waterfront;

  • Jijona: turron factories (nougat sweet of honey & almonds)

  • Elche: Its famous Palm Forest; the Misteri of Elche ( 2 UNESO World Heritage Sites) museums, shoe factories;

  • Xativa (50Km): its impressive castle dating back to the Iberian age

  • Cheste : International Racing circuit

  • Alicante (90Km): Castle; MARQ – Arqueological museum; theatres; marine & port area; shopping centres; International Airport

  • Valencia (90Km): The Albufera ( natural inland rice growing lake); The City of Arts and Science; The Oceanographic Museum; the IVAM (Modern Art museum); the Ceramics museum; the Palau de la Música (Auditorium); the old quarter with its Cathedral and central Market; International airport;

  • Valencia will also be host city to the 2007 America’s Cup.
     

El Sequer · Xaymaca · A magical enclave · Leisure alternatives 
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Country Cottage "El Sequer" · Country House "Xaymaca"
Tel/Fax: 966 424 056 - jpilliner@telefonica.net