Alcossebre – Autumn break
After a busy working season we were due a rest. We hadn’t been away ‘properly’ since the dreamy Maldives and India, and that was several months before.
We decided on Alcossebre. A seaside destination, approximately an hour and a half drive north of Valencia, along the Costa del Azahar. We would use it as our base, to relax and also take the opportunity to discover the surrounding area, as well as a day trip to Valencia itself.
How we got there?
Flights
From Belfast International Airport we flew with Ryanair, to Valencia, costing £215 return. A quick 2 and a half hour flight would find us far away from grey Belfast and storm Amy, into sunny Espana 🌞
Car hire
As a gold member of Hertz, we got a good deal for £175 for 7 days. Collection was easy. Unfortunately, yellow wasn’t available lol. Even with GPS failing on my phone maps, it was an easy enough drive up the E15 to Alcossebre.
Where we stayed?
We opted for the Aparthotel Sea Experience. The reviews were excellent online. Importantly, cleanliness was excellent too, as well as the hotel having great proximity to the beach and onsite pool.
Only a couple of minutes walking from the room.
We were very pleased.
The 2 bed apt, with sitting area, kitchen and spacious balcony was exceptional value at £88 nightly.
There were some lovely, thoughtful and practical touches, like a bowl of fruit, cooking and washing essentials.
Weather
We also choose Spain due to the Mediterranean climate and a good chance to catch some sunshine. At around 23/25 degrees some days with clear blue skies, we were happy. However, they unfortunately chemtrail in Spain too, so the last few days of the hols had the disastrous man-made skies, which then brought down the rain. Makes my blood boil!
What to do in Alcossebre?
Other than soaking up the sun in Alcossebre, there is plenty of sightseeing to keep you occupied. We aren’t the type to sunbathe all day, especially when in new places, so we like to get out and see the area.
Serra d’Irta Natural Park
Just north of Alcossebre, the popular main natural attraction, is that of Serra d’Irta Natural Park, featuring 12 kilometers of coastline with cliffs, unspoiled coves, and numerous beaches.
Take a walk along the promenade
On a bright sunny day, taking a walk from the beach, following boardwalk or getting sandy feet, through the town to the promenade, and it will bring you all the way to the marina.
It is a good way to get in your steps, especially after all those tapas and refreshments.
Las Fuentes Marina
A hub for nautical activities and a departure point for visiting the Columbretes Islands. (See castellion).
The Marina was a pretty picture with lush boats, fancy apts and a handful of restaurants right on the beach.
Xivert Castle (Castillo de Xivert)
A historic Islamic fortress dating back to the 10th-11th centuries, located in the municipality of Alcalá de Xivert.
The knights Templar took over when they reclaimed the area and drove the Muslim forces out.
You can either hike to the castle, or drive up to the car park.
From the car park it only takes 5 minutes.
Set high up in the hills, the views are stunning all around.
In the fertile land of the valley, one will find the famous crop of the area, Mandarin oranges.
San Juan Bautista Church
The Church, dedicated to San Juan Bautista, was constructed between 1736 and 1766.
Notable for its impressive facade and museum, which is Valencian Classicist Baroque.
There is a Museum, located inside the Church, displays a number of oil paintings, golds pieces and ornaments.
Torre Campanario
The Bell Tower in Alcossebre is actually the adjacent historic town of Alcala de Xivert, The Baroque bell tower is from the 18th century and climbing the steps, offers some wonderful vistas from above.
Beaches
Ermita Santa Lucia
The pretty white walled Church sits on a mountain top with superb views of the coast and countryside.
Lots of people hike or cycle to the top, which is approximately 348 meters above sea level.
The road has some hairpin bends as you ascent, but worth the glorious vistas.
The Church is named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse, a Christian martyr from the 4th century.
As well as the sightseeing in Alcossebre, we made day trips to Castillo, Peniscola and Valencia itself, which you can check out here.
Lounge at the rooftop bar
The rooftop bar, kitted out with cabanas and a dipping pool overlooking the sea, is a real treat to sit and chill in beautiful surroundings.
Make sure you stay around for the spectacular sunset!
Not quite Acapulco fire but a pretty sunset sky.
Do some laps at the hotel pool
The pool area was very spacious and quiet, which we liked, due to the time of year.
Plenty of sunbeds and not a German in sight plonking their towels down sneakily in the night Lol.
I could imagine though, the busy season would be less peaceful.
Where to eat / drink?
As we had our own little kitchen we would be eating in half the time.
We got some frutas y verduras from a wee local store a couple of minutes walk away. The rest was got in Consum supermarket.
When we did venture out for our evening meal, this is where we tried.
Dona Catrina Mexican bistro
We decided to try this mexican eaterie due to the great reviews and it also would bring back a little taste of our time, living in Mexico! The veggie burritos were great.
Il Siciliano Ristorante Pizzería
It was a good try on Siciliano pizza, not quite what we had in Sicily itself, but we are in Spain afterall! It was fresh and tasty and the lasagna was decent.
Mas que Canas
Irish bars get everywhere and Alcossebre was no exception.
The owner, a Spanish local had actually lived in Cork for a few years and decided to bring a bit of Ireland Paraphernalia to kit out the bar with.
We only had snacks here, some lovely homemade chips, and some proper pints of ale and local larger.
They even had Guinness on tap, but Knox, a Guinness connoisseur, didn’t want to be disappointed.
Valentin
We stopped off at restaurant Valentin for a few drinks, after getting talking to a Latvia couple. Dinner went out the window though after reading the not so great reviews online. It didn’t help they overcharged us on the drinks bill too. We talked them back down to the correct price.
Pizzeria Cioffi
Deborah, the waitress, with the lovely smile and aura was why we decided to give Pizzeria Cioffi a try. Unfortunately for no fault of Deborah, the pizzas weren’t the best, especially with the vegetable one, with suspect courgette, covered with some sort of slime. On a positive note we didn’t get poisoned! Lol
We would say the pizzas are made from industrial dough with some frozen mixed with fresh ingredients. What they battered the aubergine with, we’ll never know, but it was whipped off the pizza in a hurry. Veggies probably best to stick with a margarita. Although, the chips were clean and from fresh oil.
Would we come back to Alcossebre?
Never say never! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. And, we loved it more, as it wasn’t ‘the typical tacky Spain’. Quieter and more suited to those wanting total relaxation in a friendly, low key environment. Although, we thought we were the youngest ones there, which wasn’t a bad thing lol
