The town of Oliva, Valencia, Spain

Guesthouse Accommodation in Oliva

Avinguda Font d'en Carros 16, Oliva 46780, Valencia, Spain


	General Information Oliva is a very traditional yet progressive town on the border of the 'Costas Azahar & Blanca' directly between Alicante and Valencia Airports (Click Here for directions). The town is situated on the Mediterranean Sea coast, with the mountains just inland, which provides an average of 3000 hours of sunshine per year. It was founded in 1449 and remains steeped in history, yet is quite lively with plenty of activities for the more active tourist or prospective resident. There's anything from golf to pony-trekking or a wide variety of water-sports on the miles of golden beach. During the evening you can sample the local fare at one of the excellent restaurants, or enjoy a cool drink at many bars. Also for the more lively during the summer, Oliva opens its 'Chiringuito's' (beach bars) where you can party until the early hours of the morning. Since Oliva wants to maintain a typical Spanish feel it hosts many festivals during the year, with the main ones being the explosive 'Moors & Christians' parade, the visually stunning 'Fallas' (Festival of Fire), and the excellent Carnival (Click Here for info) .
	The Old Town This is still full of charm and tradition, with tiny narrow streets that wind towards the beautiful 'San Roc Church'. Then you can carry on up to 'Castell de Santa Anna' the ancient castle that overlooks all of the old town. Around this area you will find traditional Spanish bars tucked away, where 'Tapas and Brandy' is the order of the day!!. Be warned, very little english is spoken in this rustic part of town so take a phrase book. Visit Oliva's oldest street 'La Hoz' and imagine what life would have been like centuries ago. The Market is every Friday, where freshly harvested oranges, locally produced fruit and vegetables, fresh fish and olives can be bought at fabulously inexpensive prices. There are also many other stalls selling clothes, shoes, jewellery, pictures and gigantic paella dishes !!

	The Beaches There are ten kilometres of clean golden sands that proudly display the Blue flags for European Clean Seas. Oliva boasts several beaches including 'PAU PI' with its yacht marina, restaurants and bars. Further along there is 'AIGUA BLANCA', which is surrounded by naturally protected dunes. Here you can either get away from everyone else and quietly sun worship, or go and try one of the many water sport activities (click here for info) that are on offer.
	Golf There are several golf courses around the Costa Azahar with 'OLIVA NOVA GOLF' (click here for info) currently being the most well known. This is an excellent 18 hole course (6,445 meters, par 72) designed by the Spanish maestro and champion Severiano Ballesteros. It is quite a testing course with plenty of water, considered to be one of the best on Spain's Mediterranean coast. N.B. To play you must have a valid 'Handicap Certificate'
	Food Prepare your senses to see, smell and taste the delicious food here in Oliva. This area of Valencia is famous for its 'Paella' however Oliva has its own traditional dishes such as 'Les Pebres Farcider' (peppers stuffed with rice), 'La Espar Denya' (an interesting combination of eels and chicken!), and 'Els Figatells' (a type of local hamburger). Along with these there is always fish freshly caught from the Mediterranean and served in numerous ways. Add to this a fabulous selection of pastries and desserts, and complimented with a fine wine or beer, you have a perfect meal. However Spanish cuisine is not the only type available, the town now offers a good selection of other nationality restaurants to cater for everyone's palette.
	Natural History The Marjel de Oliva/Pego ( Oliva/Pego Marsh) lies just 5Km to the south of Oliva and extends over 1000 hectares of wetland. It is an area of special scientific importance (SSI) for bird and marine life. The Natural Park can be driven round and good views of the hundreds of breeding Herons and Egrets can be obtained. To the west it is surrounded by Mustella and Segaria mountains providing a dramatic backdrop to this ecological haven (click here for more info).