Alfàs del Pi

"Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Alfàs del Pi and its coastal resort of Playa del Albir must be doing something right. There are more residents from overseas than Spanish, including over 2,500 Brits and the largest diaspora of Norwegians in the world. It is a truly international enclave here on the Costa Blanca which makes for an exciting and diverse holiday destination. 

As a visitor, you will almost certainly locate yourself in the beachside hub of Albir. Along with the majesty oSierra Helada and an eye-catching promenade where you can easily saunter, jog or cycle the 5km to Altea, you will also find a varied collection of fabulous bars and restaurants throughout this cosmopolitan resort.

Albir Beach.

If you visit in early July you’ll encounter the Alfàs del Pi Annual Film Festival, now entering its 36th year, bringing a little taste of Cannes and Hollywood to this corner of Costa Blanca.

Try and fit into your itinerary the gradual climb from Albir to Faro de L’Albir, a lighthouse built in 1863 and perched at the top of the Sierra Helada peak. Nearby, catch a glimpse of Torre Bombarda, a historic tower pre-dating the lighthouse by a few hundred years and once used to protect the inhabitants from pirates and smugglers.

Any exhaustion felt walking up the tarmac road that brings you to the top will soon dissipate when greeted with exceptional views as you gaze out towards the sea and Calpe’s Peñon de Ifach in the distance.

Albir Lighthouse