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The pretty village of La Nucia is situated in the region of Valencia, on the northern end of Spain's Costa Blanca, and not far from Benidorm. So you can expect warm sunshine in a temperate climate, with a low amount of annual rainfall; just 507 mm. In high season visitors will enjoy temperatures of around 28°C (82°F), with August being the hottest month. Winters are cooler, January particularly so, but snow is rare. The lower temperatures, when days are breezy and sometimes overcast, bring most of the annual rain. La Nucia is fortunate to be situated in an area that avoids extreme weather. In summer the whole of the Costa Blanca gets many hours of sunshine, so if beaches or poolside lounging are your things, summer is the best time to go.
The atmospheric conditions and pure air in the region are ideal for activities such as paragliding or watersports. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this mild Mediterranean climate. La Nucia is located 243 meters above sea level, with the water temperatures of the nearby sea at an average of around 19.5°C (67.10°F). In August water temperatures can reach 26.50°C (79.70°F), but in contrast, they can be as low as 13.90°C (57.02°F) in March. La Nucia's inland position, with a cooling mountainous backdrop, helps to ensure a more refreshing and sheltered atmosphere compared to towns located directly on the coast, whatever the season.
The three kings' parade features the three wise men, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, who arrive on a float as true kings of the east. Some medieval interpretations depict the three wise men as the three states of man; these three stages are wisdom, maturity, and youth. During the festival, the three wise men, known as the three kings of the East, are accompanied by an entourage. Among the entourage are royal pages and other magical figures. In La Nucia, the ‘Cabalgata de Reyes Magos’ usually features a parade of at least 160 people that winds through characteristic streets in the town. The parade also features a group of artists, dancers, postmen, and other unique townspeople. During the parade, the three wise men are handed the keys to the city.
Every family looks forward to the parade hoping that the three kings will not forget to pass by their houses. This is an important holiday, especially for children. The day before Three Kings, Spanish children write a letter specifying what gifts they would like to receive. In keeping with tradition, if they have been kind, the children in La Nucía will find gifts in their shoes the morning after the parade.
Oktoberfest in La Nucia? You heard right! Even though this festival has German origins, thanks to the German and European tourists who visit la Nucia every year, it has become a tradition in la Nucia to celebrate Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest dates back to an October in the early 19th century in Germany, when the incredible wedding of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and Therese of Saxony took place. During the famous wedding, the entire city was invited to the festivities which took place in front of the gates to Munich. Nowadays, Oktoberfest usually lasts for about 16 days. It is very strongly associated with drinking beer; which is why some people refer to it as the ‘beer festival’.
In la Nucia, the ‘Fiesta de la Cerveza’ is set up as a traditional, large German Beer Garten in large tents with long wooden tables and benches where people can drink and be merry. The beer drinking is usually accompanied by traditional Bavarian music. Owners of breweries also get the chance to represent themselves here. As this festival centers around Bavarian culture, people dress up in traditional Bavarian clothing, play games, listen to music and dance. Octoberfest in La Nucia draws approximately 35.000 people annually, the location can vary.
Palm Sunday, also known as Domingo de Ramos, is celebrated on the first Sunday of the holy week before Easter. The impressive Palm Sunday procession is a major event in a series of Catholic processions that will take place in the run-up to and during Holy Week. Palm Sunday is celebrated to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In La Nucía, the theatrical performance of the passion and death of Jesus Christ is one of the central activities of this day.
The Palm Sunday procession usually starts at the Capella de Sant Rafel and makes its way towards the parish church of La Nucía. Children gather with their palms and olive branches so that they can be blessed by the priest of La Nucía. Especially for this occasion, the children wear their best clothes, “their Sunday clothes”; after the blessing, they take to the streets to watch the procession. The procession concludes in the Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción of La Nucía, where the Holy Mass on Palm Sunday takes place.
This solemn religious procession is attended by people from far and wide and is very impressive to witness. Count on the fact that there will be many people and busy streets; this is a true event of great cultural and religious importance.
This is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year in both La Nucía and other parts of Spain. As the name implies (Semana Santa means Holy Week); this is a week-long celebration. Easter is celebrated with a lot of emotion. People in La Nucía take an active role in Semana Santa. This week is filled with the beat of drums, night and day, the streets overflow with hundreds of colourful flowers and artworks of religious scripture. The combination of these elements results in a moving atmosphere that many people look forward to each year.
This week there are many processions, as is tradition in La Nucía. The processions are accompanied by religious music played by live marching bands. The people who take part in the processions dress in traditional capirotes (tall conical hats that cover their faces) and belted robes. Some women dress in black with black lace veils on the back of their heads. Delicacies are sold in the streets. Easter is a time of year to eat and drink to your heart’s content. But, above all, for many people Semana Santa is an opportunity to enjoy a few days off, surrounded by color and music in the company of friends and family.
This special event celebrates the founding of La Nucía. Instead of a standard street party, city officials decided to celebrate the occasion with a medieval market. During the medieval market, in La Nucía known as the 'Mercado Medieval', the city returns to the Middle Ages. Artisans take the opportunity to create works of art from materials such as wood, glass, clay and metal. These pieces are displayed and offered for sale in the medieval market.
During the event, you also get to enjoy traditional medieval entertainment. Such entertainment includes falconry, a wooden merry-go-round for kids, and donkey rides for everyone. Local producers set up stands to sell their fresh and usually locally produced and organic fruit, vegetables, wine, and olive oil. The fair is typically held in the narrow streets of La Nucía around the church and the town hall. The medieval festival is characterized by its focus on local business; the market is small, local, and no big companies are involved in the event. The vendors who sell at the market only sell products grown, produced or created by themselves. All the sellers get to dress like medieval merchants. This is a great place to enjoy medieval music, street theatre, jugglers and a fire show at night.
The ‘Feria de Navidad’ is a Christmas market in La Nucía where any and all products and items related to Christmas can be bought and sold. The market lasts two days and is made up of a wide variety of stalls that sell Christmas items. Think of Christmas trees, baking molds, ornaments, Christmas decorations and (parts of) Christmas stalls. Different workshops are also on offer every year. Live music and dance performances will be performed by various dance and music schools, and Christmas choirs will also perform.
The Christmas market is a great place for children; there is an inflatable bouncy house and there are craft workshops for children. In these special workshops, children can make items from clay, wood and paper while enjoying each other's company. A special Santa Claus workshop is also organized for the children. To top it all off, Santa Claus himself will also attend; he likes to receive letters from the little ones for the occasion. Several charities in La Nucía participate in the market. All money raised with this event will go to local and regional charities. This is an event that is open to everyone; both residents and tourists. There is usually enough space to park.
The Festivity of San Vicente is celebrated on the Monday after Easter Monday. In recent years, the festival has expanded to include the entire weekend; it starts on Friday and ends on Monday. “La festividad de San Vicente” is an event celebrated by Valencians in honour of their patron saint. The festivities take place in commemoration of Saint Vicente. Vicente was a young deacon who was martyred in Valencia in 304 AD, by order of Emperor Diocleciano. San Vicente is also referred to as the Patron Saint of Tailors and Dressmakers.
During the festivities you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment; from regional dances and performances by Valencian folk groups, to footraces, barbecues or concerts. In addition, altars are erected on the streets and squares in La Nucía. Children use these to perform plays about the miracles of the Dominican saint. For the occasion, statues of the saint are erected on various altars throughout the town. A solemn procession carrying a statue of the saint will pass through the streets. The participants in the procession dress up in clothes from the old times. The streets are filled with people and colors, and there is delicious street food. Among other things, a large outdoor barbecue is held; a great place to mingle.
This event is held in honour of the Virgin de la Asunción and San Roque. This is celebrated with a procession and a colorful parade. Participants in this particular procession usually dress in all-white attire. An impressive statue of the Virgin de la Asunción is lowered from the main altar at the parish of the catholic church in La Nucía. This heavy relic is the central point of the procession and is carried around town to mark the occasion.
The Fiestas en Honor a la Virgen de la Asunción y San Roque also feature theatre and live music concerts. People gather in the town square and make merry. It is also a chance for people to enjoy summer, celebrate with friends and family, and participate in one or all of the many things organized in La Nucía during these fiestas. This is a great chance to enjoy the local culture and commerce. During the festivities, popular meals are for sale in the streets and in restaurants and the streets fill with people, lights and colors. The Fiestas en Honor a la Virgen de la Asunción y San Roque fill the both locals and tourists in La Nucía with pride and joy.
San Rafael is celebrated every third weekend of November. San Rafael (or Sant Rafel in Valencian) is probably the saint who is most loved by the inhabitants of La Nucía; the festivities in his honour are therefore celebrated with great affection and devotion. San Rafael is a religious festival par excellence, commemorating the creation of the first parish in the municipality when it gained independence from Moria de Polop.
In addition to Holy Mass, there are several popular activities such as the paella competition and card game tournaments. A highlight of the festivities is an auction at the San Rafael hermitage. Here, sashes and ribbons of the saint can be bid on and one can win the right to wear them during the procession. All proceeds go to the church. The procession usually starts at the church on Plaza Mayor and heads towards the San Rafael Hermitage. At the end of the procession, an image of the saint is displayed and fireworks are set off. This is a good time to explore the old center of La Nucia and find something tasty to eat; traditionally "Putxero amb pilotes", a local specialy, is eaten on Saturday.
The Tour of Spain is one of the three Grand Tours in Spain, and therefore one of the most famous cycling races. In Spain, this sporting event is called “La Vuelta”. La Vuelta has 21 stages and lasts three weeks. The cyclists cover almost 3000 km during this event. The route of La Vuelta changes every year. The Tour of Spain passed through La Nucía in 2011, 2016 and 2019. The streets were closed off and kept clear especially for the occasion. The locals and holidaymakers took a strategic position to hand over bottles of water to cyclists.
La Nucía is a sports village, and it presents itself as such. There is a huge sports center (Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano), where almost all sports can be practiced. Many top athletes use the sports facilities available here to train for important matches and tournaments. Athletes from countries with colder winters like to come here, partly because of the mild climate. The municipality of La Nucía hopes to attract even more top athletes by continuing to build new sports facilities; amongst others, a sports hotel, an athletics track, and a second sports center. Although it is a small town, La Nucía describes itself as a “City of Sports”, and perhaps rightly so.
The La Nucía Food Truck Festival is truly an event to look forward to. You might have guessed it from the name; this is the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of food. For the “Festival Nacional de Food Trucks” several restaurants in the region rent food trucks in which they prepare and sell their hallmark meals. Mind you, there is something at stake: La Nucía is only one of the 9 stops of the National Food Truck Championship that will run across Spain (Malaga, Madrid, Seville… ..etc). After you try a dish, you can vote for your favourite Food Trucks through Facebook. The two best (and most popular) food trucks from each town advance to the Grand Finale that takes place later in the year.
Besides eating delicious food, you can also participate in cooking workshops here. But the Food Truck Festival is not only about food. Free live music is organized to provide a wonderful atmosphere for days on end, and there is special entertainment for children. The trucks open at noon and don’t close until 1 am. People from all over Spain and Europe come here to enjoy the wide range of cuisine; regional, Spanish and Portuguese. This is gastronomy on wheels like you have never experienced it!
During the La Nucía international day, many nations get the chance to showcase their traditions, costumes, customs, cuisines and other characteristic elements of their nation on a central stage. The event is usually held in the Pabellon Deportivo Camilo Cano, and opens at around 11. This is an all-day event, and access is free. Enjoy the dances and parades until closing time, around 6 in the evening. The ‘Día Internacional de La Nucía’ is usually attended by thousands of people from different parts of the world. Journalists from different nationalities cover and document the event in their local language. The purpose of the event is to celebrate the diverse cultures of different countries.
It is not only a chance for people from different parts of the world to share their characteristic traditions; it is also the perfect setting to learn about those of other countries. It helps to foster appreciation and unity between the different nations. Each nation gets a stall where they display their culture in the form of food, costumes and in other ways. They also showcase their national flags and play national music. Attendees get to move from one stall to another and explore all that the festival has to offer. The La Nucía International day is eagerly anticipated by both locals and non-locals every year, and usually takes place in March.
The La Nucía Sport Xperience is a sports festival that is open to all; people of all ages, from all countries, men, women and children. The idea of the festival is to promote sports and an active lifestyle during the Easter holiday as a healthy alternative to all the unhealthy holiday habits. All the activities are family-friendly, and access to the Sport Xperience is free. All the local sports clubs (and there are many!) participate in this yearly event. This leads to non-stop sports activities of all varieties. People get to compete in athletic tournaments, including canicross (a dog sport where owner and dog run the cross country), indoor football, tennis, paddle, beach volley, pad bolt and basketball. Other activities that take place during the sport Xperience include health and physical activities, leisure activities like archery, climbing, diving, paddle tennis, skating and painting in workshops. Special activities are organized for children; they get to enjoy theatre, bouncing castles, diving and skating.
The festival also provides access to a heated pool, spa area, gym and several group classes and activities like indoor cycling, aquagym and training for pole dancing. All the participants get free access to large and open areas to watch sports, play sports and enjoy the company of their friends, family and loved ones.
This day is organized by the Dutch Business Club Costa Blanca. The Dutch Business Club was established in the year 1966 under the name ‘De Nederlandse Zakenlunch Madrid’. It is an independent and non-profit corporation whose main role is to create a welcoming atmosphere in Spain for businessmen and women who speak the Dutch language. The Dutch business club organizes an annual Dutch day celebration in the shape of a business fair. This fair is visited by many Dutch businesses, representatives, students, tourists, immigrants and other Dutchies. However, all people are welcome to enjoy the event. The goal is to promote Dutch business in the region. There are many stalls of various entrepreneurs, a great opportunity for networking.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy the event and mingle. Typical Dutch games are played, a theater company sings cabaret songs, cooking workshops are organized and a choir sings. Dutch beer is served and people are encouraged to mingle and socialize. Naturally, a wide range of Dutch delicacies is also served and you can enjoy Dutch music. The Dutch Day usually takes place in October and is a great event to visit if you are curious about Dutch affairs in the region, or if you simply love Dutch snacks such as deep-fried “bitterballen”.
For most of the year, La Nucía is a quiet town where the nightlife centres around a few local bars and restaurants. It's not a place for wild nights out and crazy celebrations. However, there is a nice selection of restaurants here; you’ll find descriptions of our favorites if you scroll down.
If you are looking for loud clubs and busy pubs, take a 5 to 10-minute drive to Altea or Benidorm where there is lots going on. La Nucía can get lively on occasion. Most of those occasions are festivals, or 'fiestas'; these take place throughout the year and fill up the street with parties that can go on all night. August is an especially busy time – for a full list of festivals in La Nucía take a look at the section on National and Cultural Festivities to see what's on and when.
If you are staying in La Nucía and want an evening out in the town, take a look at our list of bars and restaurants below.
The Overdrive Rock Café has a biker and rock music vibe. Live bands play heavy rock tunes in the evening on the weekend, drawing in a lively crowd. Burgers and hot dogs are served most of the day. A full-size Harley Davidson hangs in the window and sets the theme, the rest of the décor has an American road-trip feel. There's a long bar inside that features a dancers' pole at each end where strippers perform on select nights.
You can also play pool, table football, electronic darts and pinball inside the bar in a dedicated gaming area towards the back. It's not uncommon to see a line of motorcycles parked outside as people drive from far and wide to listen to the music and enjoy a drink.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 10:00 - 2:00
Contact Information:
Carrer de Guadalest, 19
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Overdrive-Rock-Cafe-1107702996025154/
This is a local Spanish bar and restaurant with a fine selection of tapas. Taberna la Capitana is located in the centre of La Nucía. Outside there's a large covered terrace. It's a casual, friendly place to enjoy a drink, meal or coffee with friends.
Taberna la Capitana is well known for its traditional tapas selection that includes favourites such as squid, sliced hams and fried potatoes. The sandwiches here are huge and filled with a delicious assortment of fish or meat. In the evening, this is an ideal place to share a bottle of wine – they have a vast selection to choose from. A couple of local beers are available on tap too, and they also serve excellent coffee at all times of the day.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 – 23:00
Closed on Mondays
Contact Information:
Avinguda de la Marina Baixa, 29
Tel: +34 965 87 00 62
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taberna-La-Capitana/1495865810710429
This bar has an enviable location in the old town of La Nucía. It can be found on a wide corner opposite the church on the Plaza Mayor. The seating is mainly out on the paved terrace area, covered by an over-sized umbrella. There are a couple of long tables indoors too, where large families or groups can sit together.
The menu offers a wide variety of food. You can choose from tortillas, tapas, salads and sandwiches and all of these go together very well with a cold drink or hot coffee for breakfast or lunch. At dinner time you can also order main dishes that are expertly cooked such as chicken and rice, pork chops with potatoes and different kinds of seafood.
Opening Hours:
Monday 6:30 - 17:00
Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday 6:30 - 0:00
Friday 6:30 - 2:00
Saturday 7:00 - 2:00
Sunday 8:30 - 2:00
Contact Information:
Plaza Mayor, n5
Tel: +34 654 28 15 37
Email: tonysandonys@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/CerveceriaLaPlaza.LaNucia/
Driving into the town centre, the white and red sign of this large pizzeria is hard to miss. Pull round the back to the ample parking area, and prepare to enjoy your choice of pizza, pasta, or salads. With its large terrace area and popular menu, it is a favourite for family lunches and get-togethers. For those who appreciate a caffeine hit, they also serve an excellent cup of coffee, as well as a good range of beers, wines, and soft drinks— lovely staff members who will give you a warming feeling.
Opening Hours:
Sunday through Thursday 07:00 – 00:00
Friday, Saturday 07:00 – 2:00
Contact Information:
Avinguda de la Marina Baixa, 55
Tel: +34 966 81 30 58
Email: charliebar888@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bar-Pizzeria-Charlie-899348863467555/
Do you love German food, and enjoy your Sauerkraut, Bratwurst, or Kartoffelpuffer? Or do you prefer a succulent sirloin grilled to your taste with a fresh, crispy side salad? All washed down with your favourite German beer, of course. Whatever your preference, Restaurant Pfeffermühle ticks all the boxes. This Belgium-run family restaurant is a big hit with locals and expats of all nationalities.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday 12:00 – 00:00
Closed on Mondays
Contact Information:
Carrer Jamaica, 1
Tel: +34 617 19 32 51
Everything about this a la carte restaurant is spectacular. Its location, its décor, it’s setting and its garden. And that’s before we get to the menu. Popular with locals, expats, and visitors, it’s a place you need to book to avoid disappointment. Sunday lunch is a particular favourite. For starters try their speciality mussels, for the main course consider a succulent lamb shank, or maybe pheasant or deer, and complete with a house dessert. Throw in a choice of 100 Spanish and French wines, Sangria, and local beers, and your dining experience is complete.
Opening Hours:
Wednesday through Sunday 13:00- 15:00 and 19:00 – 23:00
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Contact Information:
Calle Argentina, 2
Tel: +34 965 87 32 08
Website: https://www.nuevoalcazar.com/
Just off the CV-70, approaching La Nucía from Benidorm, Restaurante Oasis is a place not to be missed. A typically busy, bustling Spanish restaurant, with a menu to suit all tastes. Food is of the highest quality, service superb, and you’ll have to look twice at the prices. From the set menu you could consider a four-course meal for two, plus a bottle of wine, for just €25. The lamb shank is very popular, the selection of salads fresh and crisp, and desserts range from ice cream to coffee cake and profiteroles. Oasis is a busy restaurant, so for those special occasions or large get-togethers, pre-booking is recommended.
Opening Hours:
Monday through Saturday, 8.30 – 17:00
Closed on Sundays
Contact Information:
Avenida Marina Baixa, 121
Tel: +34 965 87 09 20
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eloasislanucia/
Rapidly gaining in popularity, Restaurant El Tossal was opened in 2019, by Dutch expat husband and wife team Marco and Evelyne. Marco’s years of experience in the bar and catering trade are already paying dividends, with an increasingly busy venue. The comprehensive menus include a rotating monthly set menu for €18.95. The a la carte menu is comprehensive, with a good selection of starters, salads, meat dishes, fish, and desserts. The restaurant also offers a good selection of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and coffee, which can be enjoyed with a tapas snack, baguette, or sandwich.
Contact Information:
Carrer Mar de Liguria, 7
Tel: +34 649 35 62 33
Email: info@restauranteeltossal.com
Website: https://restauranteeltossal.com/
Who doesn’t enjoy visiting a Chinese restaurant, wherever they are? While restaurant interiors around the world remain very similar, the staple ingredients of rice, noodles, soy sauce, beef, pork, and chicken take on a unique taste and flavour all their own, slanted toward local tastes and preferences. With this in mind, Li and Chan, owners of the Novo China Garden, have got it right, with both locals and visitors rating it the best Chinese restaurant in La Nucía, and there are quite a few of them.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 11:30- 22:00
Contact Information:
Carrer Argentina, 1
Tel: +34 966 87 58 71
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/China-Garden-La-Nucia/239027222945385
One of a chain of restaurants dotted throughout Spain, the Gambrinus is a popular large restaurant frequented by visitors and locals alike. If you develop a thirst in the hot sunshine, come in and enjoy a cold beer with free tapas. The varied menu includes fresh garden salads, chicken and meat dishes, or you can enjoy a light lunch of croquettes, omelette, tortilla, baguettes or sandwiches, with your cold beer, Sangria or glass of wine.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 08:00 – 00:00
Contact Information:
C.C. El Pinar de Garaita, 17
Tel: +34 966 87 57 25
Menu: gambrinus.es
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GambrinusLaNucia/
If you want fine dining with magnificent views, without the price to go with it, then a visit to the Unoom Restaurant should be pencilled in. Serving a variety of Spanish, Mediterranean, and European dishes, this beautiful venue with its modern décor caters for everyone. The restaurant has a personal dining room if you wish to have a private party for six or more guests. If you happen to be passing and want to check the place out before booking, the Unoom has a bar/cafeteria on the ground floor, where you can enjoy a drink and snack while taking in the local vista.
Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 13:00 -16:00
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 13:00-16:00 & 20:00 – 23:00
Closed on Tuesdays
Contact Information:
Plaça de les Nits
Tel: +34 966 896 636
Website: https://www.restauranteunoom.es/
La Nucía is a popular town, with a friendly population of locals and expats from around the world. Bars the world over are the place to find genuine information or the local gossip, and La Nucía with its many bars, cafeterias, and restaurants is no different. Stroll its narrow, winding streets, find your favourite local bar and/or restaurant, and begin to find out what the expat life is all about.
Have you ever wondered what kind of fun activity you can engage in that will be suitable for the whole family and not leave the kids grumpy or the adults bored? Well, you'd be surprised at how many engaging activities are available locally that are fun and exhilarating. And many of them even have restaurants nearby so that nobody has to go hungry either! Several destinations near La Nucía are great for day trips, and they will allow you to relax your body and soul while you're at it. From botanical nature to zoological beauties to aqua amazements, fun destinations are plentiful here.
Even if you are not here yet, it is never too soon to start planning which places you'd like to visit. Some of these attractions offer combined tickets or special discounts, so be sure to keep an eye out! Here are some of the most exciting theme parks and attractions you may want to consider:
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? Then Terra Mitica is the place to be! Located 9.3 km from La Nucía, about a 13-minute drive, lies this exciting Theme Park that transports you to the history of Rome, Egypt, and Greece on its exciting rides.
An intensely thrilling ride is The Flight of the Phoenix against a backdrop of Rome. It is a 54-metre drop that lets you experience a speed of 100km/h in less than 3 seconds! This ride is so sensational the minimum age is ten years. Another invigorating experience is The Fury of Triton. Based on a Greek theme, this is a ride that has two plunges set in an environment inspired by the literature on oceanic adventures made by the ancient people of Crete.
Contact Information:
Partida del Moralet, s/n, 03502 Benidorm Tel: +34 902 02 02 20
Email: reservas@terramitica.com
Website: www.terramiticapark.com/en/
Located 11.4 km from La Nucía, about a 20-minute drive, this big marine animal park hosts various reptiles, birds, and mammals. You may also get to experience swimming with dolphins or sea lions (be sure to contact Mundomar beforehand about availability if this interests you).
There are several spectacular shows where trained animal handlers display their interaction with an assortment of sea creatures; our favourites are the dolphins and sea lions. If you and your crew get hungry during your visit, there are several places you can eat or sit down with your picnic basket. It is adjacent to Aqualandia; both parks even share the same car park!
Contact Information:
C/ Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 Benidorm Tel: +34 965 86 91 01
Email: https://www.mundomar.es/
Website: https://www.mundomar.es/en/
Located 7.6 km from La Nucía, about a 12-minute drive, lies this impressive zoological park. Terra Natura is more than just a zoo; it has fought hard to prevent species extinction through its participation in several international programs.
Terra Natura is home to unique residents, and there are four distinct zones that visitors can explore to meet this vast collection of animals. There is a kids' park, and there are special shows and other entertainment suitable for all ages. While you are here, be sure to take a breath-taking peek of the incredible flora and fauna from all over the world.
Contact Information:
Partida Foia del Verdader, s/n, 03502 Benidorm Tel: + 34 966 07 27 70
Email: info@terranatura.com
Website: http://www.terranatura.com
Located 11.2 km from La Nucía, about a 20-minute drive, lies the largest water park in Europe. This park has numerous slides and a wide range of both relaxing and invigorating water activities; over 15 different ones, to be exact!
Think of Benidorm's Amazonas, for example, where you get to experience waves as if you were at sea. There is also the eminent Zig-Zag slide, with many curves and exhilarating speed; there is a more suitable version for the little ones. Aqualandia also has an aquatic slide circuit known as the Black Hole, where you get to go down in a tube and experience the unexpected!
Contact Information:
Sierra Helada, s/n, 03503 Benidorm Tel: +34 965 86 01 00
Email: aqualandia@aqualandia.net
Website: https://www.aqualandia.net
Located 9.7 km from La Nucía, about a 16-minute drive, lies this spectacular nature reserve. A protected ecological area, Les Fonts d'Algar has waterfalls and springs. The various sources of limestone cause the water to bubble. Throughout the year, the spring water maintains a temperature of 17-18 degrees. There are rocks in the water, which is why wearing (water) shoes is recommended for your safety. There are lots of spots where you can jump into these crystal-clear waters.
In case you get hungry while on your trip, you can visit the restaurant located here or opt for the designated picnic site. Parking at Algar Waterfalls is only free if you're consuming food or drinks at the restaurant. If not, it is payable separately. Pets are not allowed to swim in the river, so you may want to leave them at home.
Contact Information:
Pda. Algar, s/n, 03510 Callosa d'en Sarrià Tel: + 34 965 88 01 53
Email: info@lasfuentesdelalgar.com
Website: http://www.lasfuentesdelalgar.com
Located 10.7 km from La Nucía, about a 19-minute drive, in a lovely environment close to Benidorm, lies this amusement park with educational features. It has beautiful gardens, and the dinosaurs are very realistic; the physical characteristics, sounds, and movement of these robotic models resemble real-life dinosaurs.
DinoPark Algar is a fantastic dinosaur park for the whole family, especially for younger children. There are sandpits and a paddling pool. The playground is paleontological; hidden in the sand is a skeleton of a prehistoric creature. At the centre of each DinoPark is a 3D cinema theatre. Entrance fees to the cinema are included in the ticket price for the park.
Contact Information:
Partida Segarra s/n, 03510 Callosa d'en Sarrià Tel: +34 636 277 466
Email: algar@dinopark.es
Website: www.algar.dinopark.es
These Cactus Botanical Gardens sit gently next to the DinoPark Algar. The garden is privately owned by a jolly elderly man, Pepe Perez, a plumber by profession. It opened in July 2001 at half its current size and has grown immensely over the years, constantly adding to its collection of cacti varieties from around the world.
These lovely gardens have benches along the paths, making your walk around it more comfortable and welcoming if you need to take a rest. There are several fountains in these gardens; the sound of the water and the look of the fountains make the gardens even more special. Cactus D'Algar hosts about 30,000 to 40,000 visitors annually, with a good number being repeat clients.
Contact Information:
Partida Armaig, 1, 03510 Callosa d’En Sarrià, España Tel: +34 965 881 095
Email: info@cactusdalgar.com
Website: http://www.cactusdalgar.com
Located 9.3 km from La Nucía, about a 13-minute drive, in part through a natural tunnel, lies a small attractive town that hosts around two million visitors annually. Despite it being a small town, it has about six novelty museums, making it a great attraction.
If you love the countryside, Guadalest offers you picturesque views from the valley to the sea. It's also a great distraction from the beach as it is located in a mountainous area. On the top of a large rock stands a castle, the Castle of San José, the main attraction of Guadalest. The castle still retains many of its old furnishings and objects. The view from the castle is spectacular.
Contact Information:
Avda. de Alicante, s/n 03517 El Castell de Guadalest Tel: +34 965 885 298
Email: turismo@guadalest.es
Website: http://guadalest.es
La Nucía is a village situated in a fruit valley flanked by Benidorm and Callosa d’En Sarria, about 3km from Altea. It is a town with a rich history and charming buildings. On the Costa Blanca you can have your pick of bustling tourist destinations with nightclubs and high-rises, but for those looking for a more quiet, laid-back experience, La Nucía is the place to be. Surrounded by pretty hills and mountains, it is a great place for outdoor activities such as mountain biking or hiking. In the tourist office in town you can pick up a map with different hiking routes and explore the surroundings.
And even though La Nucía is not located directly on the beach, there are many beaches nearby, in case you would like a change of scenery. Visit playa Poniente or Levante in Benidorm if you are craving a more urban setting, or drive to nearby Albir, Calpe or Altea to see what they have to offer. Read more about these towns and their beaches below. Happy exploring!
Albir beach is a pebble bay lined with palm trees with a beautiful paved walkway that runs along the beach and leads all the way to Altea. It lies between Punta Bombarda and the Sierra Helada. It is very peaceful and clean, has playgrounds for children, kayak rentals and volleyball nets. You can also rent sun beds and parasols. The sunrise from this beach can be amazing; this is a plus for the early risers who take morning walks on the paved path.
In general Albir beach is a good spot for swimming. When the waves get big it can be a bit challenging to get in and out of the water, but currents are generally not very strong. There are lifeguards on the beach who can advise you about the swimming conditions. This beach is generally quite quiet, but can get busy in the July and August.
There is a good selection of bars and restaurants very close to Albir beach, and there is very convenient and easily accessible parking nearby. Albir Beach is about 8,5 kms from La Nucía; about a 12-minute drive.
The coastline of Calpe stretches out for over five miles. There are several different beaches and bays in Calpe; LaFossa (levante) beach, Puerto Blanco beach, cantal-Roig beach, and Arenal-bol beach. It is probably most relaxing to pick one to hang out for the day instead of trying to visit all of them.
LaFossa (levante) beach is our personal favorite! It has an esplanade with playing field equipment and amazing views of Pennon de Ifach. This beach is a great pick for sightseers and families. LaFossa beach is a sandy beach with many cafes and bars along the shore; very handy if you arrive in the morning and want to spend all day at the beach. There are changing rooms, loungers and sun umbrellas for rent. It is good for swimming and sports like beach soccer.
La fossa beach is busy in late afternoons, when the sunset casts an exquisite light on Calpe Rock. The beach is easily reachable; it is a 15-minute drive from the old town in Calpe, and about 34 minutes by car from La Nucía (23 km). There is access to parking near the beach and there is also a tourist train that stops here.
Playa Poniente is a 3.5km lovely and clean stretch of sandy beach with calm waters. As most beaches on the Costa Blanca, this beach gets busiest in the hottest months of the year, mostly in the weekend.
On this beach, you can enjoy a beautiful and long walk with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. Sun beds and parasols are available for rent, and there is plenty of space to swim and exercise. It is a popular place to practice water sports like jet skiing, scuba diving, and parasailing. There are multiple life guards on the beach for your safety.
As this is an urban beach, you will find that there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The beach is easily accessible for pedestrians from the port road, Rambla de las Brujas, and there is easy access from the promenade. There are multiple paid car parks nearby. From La Nucía it will take you about 31 minutes by car to get to Poniente (11,7 km), depending on traffic.
Playa Levante is a sandy city beach that is kept very clean. The beach is cleaned every night, so it is always starts the day sparkling and fresh. Due to its central location in Benidorm, and its pristine sandy shore and calm water, this is by far the most frequented beach; it fills up very quickly in the summer months.
There are several lifeguard stations on Levante, the water is generally very well suited for swimming and other water sports. There are multiple agencies in the surroundings where you can arrange rentals of jet skis, pedal boats, and many other watersports. If you would like to cruise boulevard instead, you might be interested in renting a Segway so you can gently roll along and take in the wide variety of people parading around.
There are plenty of cafes and bars and souvenir shops within a few minutes’ walk from the beach. This is an excellent beach to visit if you are looking for an active day, good food and some shopping after. Levante beach is located about 10km, 18 minutes by car, from La Nucía.
There are several beaches in Altea, some large, others smaller and hidden, all of them pebbles or gravel. You can choose private bays with few people and enjoy the feeling of being disconnected from the world, or there are the more popular public beaches that have all kinds of services like life guards, sun beds, and parasols.
The main beach in Altea is Playa la Roda; it is close to Altea, and easily accessible on foot from the old town. It is a pebble beach, so shoes are a necessity. At Playa Roda you can hire kayaks, motorboats for fishing, sailboats, jet skis, and almost anything you can think of, really. There are also designated play areas for kids.
Another popular beach in Altea is Playa de Cap Blanch, it is the most southern beach of Altea, and it is the beach that connects Altea with Albir. There are umbrellas, hammocks, kayaks and roller skates for rent, and there are playgrounds, volleyball nets and soccer goals. Altea and its beaches are located about 8km from La Nucía, an 11 minute-drive.
La Nucía is a municipality located in the Comarca of Marina Baixa, Alicante. The Valencian community in Spain borders the cities of Altea, Polop, Benidorm, and L' Alfas del Pi. It is set in the fruit valley between Benidorm and Callosa d' En Sarria, a couple of kilometres from Altea. Tourists often visit this town because of its climate, culture, architecture, and shopping experience.
La Nucía hosts a series of markets on different days and in varying locations. Below you will find some of the most popular markets in La Nucía and a description of what they have to offer;
The weekly market in La Nucía offers a variety of unique merchandise and fresh foodstuffs. There are 400 stalls in total, but the market is split into two; each area hosts 200 stalls. The two areas are situated opposite each other on different sides of the road. In the market there are several places where shoppers can sit down and rest for a while. There is also a variety of local food and drinks available for you to enjoy.
Enjoy the local culture as you try the local cuisine and shop for the handmade crafts and foodstuffs. Most of the prices at the market are negotiable. You should be able to fulfil any other shopping needs in the area surrounding the market, since there are shopping malls, food centres and even insurance companies nearby.
The local market in La Nucía opens every Sunday from 8:00 to 14:00. The market is located a couple of hundred meters from Rastro Polop, in L’Alberca and Plá de Polop on the CV-70, the road that heads to Guadalest from La Nucía. Do note that there are no public vehicles that will take you to the market directly. There is usually ample space for parking on the main road between the markets.
This market opens every Sunday from 8:00 to 15:00. It is a flea market where you can buy antique, second hand and other general merchandise. It is situated at L' Alberca de La Nucía Industrial Estate. You do not have to worry about parking because you can park in the same industrial area where the market is set up.
The market features 700 stalls that sell different products of varying qualities and prices. Some of the products that you will find here are second-hand items, sourced from the locals. The market also offers crafts of different kinds. These are handmade by local artists. Other products you can find in the market include antiques that are unique and cannot be found anywhere else. You can also acquire flowers, clothes, shoes, and home decorations here.
Rasto La Nucía also sells food; all kind of local cuisines are prepared here, using local food products and natural spices. This is a great chance to experience Spanish culture through its food and music. This is a great place for locals and tourists to mingle and share their culture.
The "Mercado Medieval de La Nucía" has been held since 2005, when the 300th anniversary of the founding of La Nucía as an independent municipality (1705-2005) was celebrated. The market has a Medieval theme and opens every June, for three days from 6pm to midnight. The market is visited by more than 10,000 people annually. The location of the market changes every year.
The market is characterized by offering artisan products and handicrafts made by local artists. In about 60 of the stalls, artists and craftsmen display their beautiful original merchandise; including pottery, woodworking, soaps, bookbinders and pastries. This market also sells organic fruits and vegetables, oils, wines and cosmetics.
In addition to the unique merchandise, local actors perform street theatre and a variety of musicians, dancers, jugglers and other types of entertainers provide entertainment. The three days that the Mercado Medieval de la Nucía runs, there is no shortage of entertainment for children and adults alike. A schedule is available every year indicating which events will take place when. At the end of the last day there is always a campfire, music and entertainment to crown the three-day event.
This is a craft as well as an ecological market situated at L' Alberca de La Nucía Industrial Estate. The market opens every third Sunday of the month. It opens at 9:00 in the morning and closes at 14:00. At the ‘Mercado Ecologico de la Nucía’, different stalls sell products like fruits and vegetables. All the fruits and vegetables sold at the market are organic. They are sourced directly from the farms and gardens of the vendors at the market.
Other products sold at the market are natural cosmetics. Natural cosmetics are products that are manufactured from all-natural ingredients. These products work just as well if not better than commercial cosmetics and they do not contain harsh chemicals. Other products include homemade pastries and artisan toys manufactured by local artists. Here you will also find medicinal herbs, artisan soaps and organic bread; unique products that are not sold in any other market.
The Mercado Ecologico de La Nucía does not open all year round: The months that you can shop here are January, February, March and April. The specific dates are posted on the official website of the City Council of La Nucía.
The markets in La Nucía offer unique products that you will not find anywhere else. If you are visiting in the area, a visit to one of these markets is highly recommended. There is a good chance that you can pick up a special souvenir here and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the same time.
A visit to the local markets is the ideal way to experience the culture of this memorable village and the warmth of the local people. In addition, the products in these markets are more affordable than the products in shopping centers and even supermarkets. There are many more markets to explore in the area, in addition to the markets mentioned above. We hope you have a great time!