Benissa

Local Information

Benissa is located on the winding coastal road between Valencia and Alicante. It is a beautiful small town set in the northern (and prettiest) part of the province of Alicante. Beautiful beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear water, tall mountains, wide valleys with unusually green countryside all add to Benissa's unique appeal. Benissa has seen much architectural restoration in recent years, with the rennovation of the town's splendid seventeenth and eighteenth-century town houses, narrow streets, churches and town hall.

Benissa is often referred to locally as little Europe, as it is home to many euro-residents attracted by the beautiful countryside, coastline and an excellent year-round climate.

Benissa has a white church called the 'Cathedral of the Marina Alta.' It was constructed in the 1920s by masons from Benissa who used their own physical strength and money to build it. The church was consecrated during the 'Festival of St Peter the Apostle in 1929' and is 56 metres long and 29 metres wide. It includes a magnificent altarpiece in honour of the venerable patron saint of the village, the Blessed Xiquet and a statue attributed to Juan de Juanes. When visiting the cathedral, the curious light shining through the roof onto the altar is not to be missed.