Posted: Mon May 3, 2021 12:27pm
Our house is in the old quarter of Cocentaina near the abbey and the main church. It’s a small town, around 12000 pop. But has good amenities. Great tapas bars ( although limited opening at present due to valenciana local covid restrictions) Though I understand they are to be eased to stay open to 10pm now. The people are so welcoming and friendly they especially like to see us try to converse with our limited but slowly improving Spanish. For instance visiting the local tip (Ecoparc) the tip attendant was impressed I understood the difference between plástico and madura. Our neighbours are lovely, all Spanish and a good mix of age groups. I did end up with my car being towed away on market day (Thursdays) but that’s my own fault for not understanding that parking restriction operate on two squares and not just the Placa de Pla where I would normally park. The local police were pleasant and walked me to the pound to retrieve my car - an expensive but interesting mistake. There is a large Carrefour on the outskirts of the town on the road out to Alcoi, really useful. Plus several smaller supermarkets in the centre and excellent bakeries and butchers. It takes around 1 hour 20 mins to drive down to Valencia about 50 minutes to Alicante, both excellent for shopping. Alcoi is ten minutes away which has a greater variety of stores and a shopping centre.
The nearest coast is just under an hour away, stick to the North of Benidorm area up to Denia, Calpe etc and it’s really pleasant. Just above Cocentaina there is the national park Mariola, a great drive out, stunning countryside with great stopping points for walks and just soaking op the freshness of the air.
Back in town there are lots of independent shops and there is a good DIY - B&Q type warehouse called AKI - where I’ve spent a small fortune but is really handy to have on your doorstep.
a good tip if you go to Valencia don’t drive in there it’s a nightmare. Drive to Xativa, 40 minutes away park in the multi storey next to the station. Get a parking ticket , show proof of your return rail ticket to the attendant on your return and it’s a discount €5 for the day it cost. The return fare is about €14 each I remember. Take away the cost of fuel, expensive hourly parking in Valencia and add in the pleasure of arriving at Valencia Norte station with its wood panelled ticket offices and striking facade. Well worth the money. Head for the central market for everything gastronomic and the best array of fresh food I’ve come across in a city market, even beats Leeds market. No comparison and the architecture is amazing!
It’s a hard decision to decide where to buy and base yourself in Nirthern Cista Branca. For us it’s perfect , ideally positioned next to the A7 easy to get to both airports at Alicante 1 hour and Valencia 1 hour 10 minutes. I’ve driven down with one stopover in France ( Clermont- Ferrand) and the scenery is spectacular .
If you need any more info I’ll be pleased to assist and I’m sure there are others on this site that can also. Good luck with your search! 😊