Local Area
Location
Cocentaina is situated on the Costa Blanca, in the province of Alicante. It lies between Valencia to the north and Alicante to the south. Cocentaina provides easy access to the northern coastal towns of Javea, Denia, Altea and Benidorm. To the south of Cocentaina lie the coastal areas of Alicante, Elche, and Torrevieja, all popular holiday resorts. The nearest airport is Alicante, newly refurbished and extremely modern and approximately a 45 minute drive now that the new motorway is finished and open. Further south is Murcia airport approximately 154 kilometres from Cocentaina. Also within easy reach is Valencia airport, some 110 km to the north along the new motorway.
The weather in Cocentaina
Sun is the universal rule when it comes to climate in the province and in Cocentaina. The summer climate is in the main hot with temperatures ranging anywhere between the late 20s to the mid 30s, with the winters being mild in general. You can expect rainfall, which helps to keep the countryside green and lush and being 1000 metres above sea level, snow can fall in the height of winter.
Where can you eat in Cocentaina
There are some wonderful Spanish restaurants in Cocentaina offering mouth-watering Spanish cuisine including Restaurante la Bodega, El Laurel, and L’Escaleta. There are also numerous bars and cafes that offer traditional delicious tapas. Midday is when most of the Spanish people eat their main meal of the day and there are several bars that offer extremely good value “menu del dia” (the menu of the day) which is terrific value for money.
Shopping
There are two very large supermarkets, Mercadona and Carrefour. There are also smaller food stores like Vidal and Mas y Mas. The town offers a range of different shops including numerous butchers, bakers and speciality shops, in addition to clothes shops, hardware stores and general merchandise. Each Thursday sees the wonderful open air fruit and vegetable market, which bustles with activity from early morning as the residents flock to buy their fresh produce for the coming week.
Accommodation in Cocentaina
There are several hotels in the area including Hotel Odon and Nou Hostalet, both of which are reasonably priced. There’s also a wide range of accommodation nearby, in Alcoy, Ibi and Ontinyent. There is accommodation to suit all finances.
Rent a car
Generally the easiest and cheapest way to rent a car is from the local airport or to book one online before arriving at the airport which is the best option, but this can be done through local companies also.
Out and about
There is always plenty to see and do in the area. For those who love the outdoor life, the area is a hill walkers’ paradise surrounded by beautiful mountains. One can drive for miles and miles and around every corner see something new.