BENIMELI,
Benimeli is a small village in the Marina Alta county, in the valley knowed as la Rectoria, is very close to Segaria range, so near that you can see the mountain from any street of the village. It has 350 inhabitants aproximately and it's economy proceed basically from rural sources.
A stay in Benimeli is a priviledge, because of many reasons, but you'll remember specially the friendliness and pleasantness that neighbours of the village show to visitors.
Benimeli is only 15 Km from Dénia's beaches (costa Blanca). Best way to arrive is from Ondara - coming from national road 332 or taking Ondara-Dénia's exit if you take the A-7 motorway - then you have to continue towards Beniarbeig's through B-road.
Benimeli has as a muslim origin, was conquered by Jaume I in 1256. Five years later, the king sold the village to knigt Boubet, over time was owned by different knigts. In 1306 here was a place named Abenimeli. We know that Pere Franquesa in 17th century lost the ownership of the place for having failed to pay some taxes. In 1609 had 200 inhabitants who were moorish, when they were expeled, the village became uninhabitated. Last village's lord was the Cirat count (at the end of 19th century) when the place had 75 inhabitants.
In Segària range, there is a rock called "Cadireta del rei Moro", there was located a little muslim castle, probably it was derelicted in conquering times, now it's in total ruin, and it's remains can go unnoticed if you don't know the place, nevertheless, pieces of the castle walls and other parts of the construction still remain.
Interest information, gastronomy and much more...
Walks in Segària are very attractive to hillwalking lovers, it offers beautiful scenaries show us the domine of the valley and the closeness of the sea. Català, Campillo and Ramon springs are a refreshing surprise that Segaria grants us.
Saint Andrew's church is interesting to visit, specially the chapel dedicated to Ecce-Homo. Beside the church is the so-called Casa de Cultura, wich promotes all kind of cultural events.
Benimeli celebrates the festivities of it's patronal saints: Inmaculate Virgin and Ecce-Homo Christ in the third week of August. At the begginnings of June there is the Blessed Heart's festivity. Last sunday on November Benimeli celebrates a festival in Saint Andrew's honour. Last week of April is "The Cultural Week" of Benimeli.
Weather is mild in winters warm in summer, so we can enjoy of the stay during all the year. Nothing is so refreshing and relaxing as a bath in Benimeli's Swimming-Pool.
Of the typical gastronomy we recommend you the rices's meals: arròs caldòs "amb fesols i penques", paella, arròs al forn, the typical coques and other specialities broadly avalaible in the local bars, as delicious as if you were in the best restaurant of the world.
L'Alzina, casa rural. reservas@ca-alzina.com - consultas@ca-alzina.com
