The small town of Benissa Spain is one of the oldest towns of the Costa Blanca in the south east of Spain.
The municipality of Benissa includes around 4km of coastline and includes cliff tops, rocky coves, tiny bays and sandy beaches.
The area includes terraced vineyards, mountains as well as palm trees.
Ready to discover Benissa?
Great, read on 
Before we start… Yours Free
Spain 101 is a free ebook full of unique tips that will save you thousands of Euros when moving to / living in Spain.
Would you like to get it now?
Please click / tap on the image below:
Where is Benissa?
Benissa is located in the northern area of south eastern Spain’s Costa Blanca.
Its location close to the A-7 motorway means it has good road connections to the north and south.
The nearest international airport of Alicante is just over an hour from the town.
The major city and international airport at Valencia is about 90 minutes driving time from the town.
(Benissa Spain – Google Maps)
Further south, you will find the well-known areas:
The Region of Murcia is the next region to the south.
What is the History of Benissa?
Discoveries of cave paintings in Pino district suggest there was settlement here during prehistory.
Romans were also active in the area, which we know thanks to coins being discovered here, although no signs of settlement have been discovered.
The origins of the name Benissa Spain date from many centuries ago, meaning ‘sons of Issa’ in Arabic.
In 1248, James II of Aragon led to the town being inhabited by people originating from the Pyrenees.
During the 15th and 16th centuries the town was repeatedly attacked by Barbary pirates.
General Information about Benissa
Benissa is an upmarket coastal resort located between the resorts of Calpe, with its prominent landmark of Calpe Rock and Moraira.
The village houses of this region have doorsteps directly onto the street and include internal courtyards in the deceptively large interiors of these houses.
Its population of around 14,000 live among an atmosphere of history within the medieval town of cobbled streets and town walls.
The resorts of Denia and Javea to the north.
The historical part of the town is well preserved full of medieval character.
What is the Weather like in Benissa Spain?
The annual average temperature in Benissa Spain is a comfortable 20C.
An average of 31C throughout the hottest month of August.
And 16C the average throughout the coldest month of January.
The weather in Benissa is similar to Benidorm .
The wettest month is October and annually the driest month is July.
What Architecture can be seen in Benissa Spain?
Walking through Benissa’s old quarter of Calle Desamparados is like walking into a life sized museum of cobbled streets and town walls dating from the medieval era, as in Orihuela.
The most notable buildings include the 15th century Renaissance palace houses of Constitucion Square, and the neo-Gothic La Marina Cathedral which was only completed during the 20th century.
The historic medieval character of the town is best found in Calle Desamparados with its white walls, window grids and heraldic shields.
The oldest building in Benissa is the La Lonja de Contratacion, it is the 15th century former guildhall, built on three floors with a three arch arcade on the first floor.
In Medieval times it was the centre of commercial activity and today is used for touring exhibitions of cultural and artistic value.
Located in Plaza del Portal, Benissa’s Town Hall is a former old municipal hospital dating from 1790.
The Plaza de la Iglesia Vieja is where the church fortress of St. Peter as located. It was built during the 14th century, refurbished during the 16th century where it remained intact until it was destroyed in the 1950s.
The square today is used for cultural purposes, as other cities such as Alcoy and Elche.
The University Seat in Benissa Spain is part of the University of Alicante and dates from the 18th century.
Gastronomy
The local cuisine found in Benissa is dominated by seafood.
There are also excellent rice dishes to be found here.
In recent years, a more varied and international style of cuisine has arrived with the influx of people from overseas arriving and buying property in the area.
Although the local tastes are in plentiful supply, so too are international dishes from across Europe and beyond.
How much does it cost to rent or buy property in Benissa?
There are a number of amazing properties available in Benissa Spain for less than 50,000 Euros including apartments of between one and four bedrooms.
In addition, there are many houses of varying sizes, with some older properties requiring some modernisation or renovation.
Newer ready to move in homes start from around 60,000 Euros with traditional country homes on sale from 120,000 Euros.
Long term rentals in Benissa start from 450 Euros per month for two bedroomed apartments, with terraced houses available from 595 Euros per month.
Detached houses start from around 800 Euros per month.
What are the most Interesting Attractions I should visit in Benissa?
Beaches
Although Benissa is located 5km from the sea, the nearest beaches are in fact 11km away by road.
There are several relaxing bays along the coastline of Benissa, with its magnificent scenery of a high mountain backdrop and the landmark of the Penon de Ifach (Calpe Rock) being striking features.
The Blue Flag beach of Playa La Fustera is covered in fine sand with plenty to keep small children entertained.
The small beach of Cala Els Pinets consists of small pebbles and from there you can walk to the wonderfully named ‘Dead Sea and Black Stones’ or Mar Morta I Roques Negres as it is known locally.
The smallest of the bays along this stretch of coastline is Cala Llobela where pine trees extend all the way down to the sea on a beach of fine pebbles.
It is ideal for water sports or just basking in the sun. Cala Advocat beach is complete with a breakwater.
From here you can moor your boat at the small jetty or enjoy the pastime of fishing from the breakwater.
Fiestas
Like much of Spain, Benissa is home to a number of festivals with one in April in honour of Purisma Xiqueta.
The biggest annual festival is held in June when the celebrations are held to honour the Moors and Christians or Moros y Christianos.
Golf
The nearest golf course to Benissa is the San Jaime Golf Club Resort with a nine hole course.
If that is not enough of a challenge for you then of the the several courses in the area you may want to try the course at Oliva, designed by Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros, or the course at Javea.
There are lots of choices available within a one hour drive from Benissa.
Yours Free
Spain 101 is a free ebook full of unique tips that will save you thousands of Euros when moving to / living in Spain.
Would you like to get your copy now?
Please click / tap on the image below:
If you would like to read about other important points for living / moving to Spain, here are other useful articles we wrote:
