Benissa is a small town in Spain in the province of Alicante, 275 m above sea level, and one of the oldest towns on the Costa Blanca.
The municipality of Benissa has 4 km of coastline linking the towns of Moraira and Calpe. The scenery of the area includes cliff tops, rocky coves, sandy beaches and tiny bays along the Benissa Costa.
The territory of Benissa also contains terraced vineyards, mountains and palm trees. Spanish village houses, with doorsteps directly onto the street, internal courtyards and deceptively spacious inside. Old fincas (a farm or country estate) sit on large plots amongst vineyards with panoramic views to the sea.
Nearby towns along the Costa Blanca are La Fustera, Cala dels Pinets, Cala de La Llobella, Cala l’Advocat, Baladrar and Cap Blanc before reaching Moraira.
Benissa & Coast Photo Gallery
History
The toponym of Benissa comes from the Arabic tribal name Banu-Issa. After the Christian reconquest (1248) by the troops of James II of Aragon, the town was settled by people from the Pyrenees, Catalonia and Aragon along with the former inhabitants, although the majority of the population remained Muslim for centuries. The last Muslim citizens were expelled in 1609.
Benissa, together with Altea, Calpe and Teulada, formed a lordship, whose rulers included the Sicilian admiral Roger of Lauria. In the 15th and 16th centuries it suffered numerous attacks by African pirates.
The medieval town centre has been largely preserved with its town square (plaza), narrow streets, churches. Ironwork balconies and heraldic shields decorate the historic buildings. The Palacio de los Torres-Orduña is open to the public as a cultural centre and library. Benissa also has a strong Catholic tradition with a Franciscan seminary that has educated many Franciscans followers throughout Spain and a large NeoGothic church, the “Cathedral de la Marina”.
Transportation
Travel to Benissa is easily made from Alicante or Valencia, through the highway A-7 or the N332. The closest airport is the Alicante airport, located 70 km to the south-west. The closest railway station is also in Alicante.
Events
- Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni. A mediaeval fair, in January
- Fiesta Patronales de la Purisima Xiqueta, usually held in the last week of April to celebrate the Patron Saint of the town. Includes concerts, bull running, street processions and sporting events.
- Moros y Cristianos, held at the end of June to celebrate the battles between the Moors and Christians in the 13th-15th century
