Benissa
Benissa is a surprising town, stretching from the coast to the towncenter inland and all the way to the mountain Bernia and Sierra de Oltá.
Benissa is one of the oldest towns on the Costa Blanca. It was given its name by it's Moorish population in 720 and translates as " sons of Isa ", a tribe that ruled Benissa for over five centuaries.
Today it's borders stretch in an almost rectangular fashion to the mediterreanean coastline , featuring mainly small bays and cliffs and then inland reaching the mountain ranges of Bernia and the Sierra de Oltá.
Benissa boasts of 4km of coastline linking Moraira and Calpe with many small coves such as playa de la fustera , Cala Pinet , Cala LLobella, Cala Advocat,Cala Baladrar,not forgetting the quaint harbour of Les Bassettes.
The actual town of Benissa offers a variety of historic architecture to enjoy, the major showpiece being the cathedral- type church " Iglesia de la purisima concepcion" built in 1929 standing proud in the main square of the town.
If you are visiting Benissa be sure to take a look at the Town Hall, which was once upon a time the Municipal Hospital dating back to 1790, Casa de cultura / Library built in the XVl centuary,Plaza de la vieja Iglesia, where a church-fortress once stood.
Visit : Historic walk through Benissa.
Benissa has three main anual fiestas, starting in January with a medieval fair in honor of San Antonio, the patron saint of animals, followed by the celebrations for the patron saint of the town " La Purissima Xiqueta ", held during the last week in April,consisting of parades, music,food and drink throughout the decorated streets. June brings the Moors and Christians, a very colourful event with large processions to comemorate the battles between the Moors and Christians that took place in the 13th to 15th centuary.
Benissa is without a doubt, history on your doorstep.
We have a small selection of easy walks in the Benissa area, have a look at our section Walks you can find it in Leisure.