Medieval Spain was formerly occupied by an Islamic population comprising North African Berbers and Arabs, better known as the Moors. This population named the region "Alfàs" because of its rich agriculture and hydroponics. The name Alfàs (locally spelled as “Alfaz”) is therefore an Arabic place name and means fertile land.
The village of Alfàs del Pí meant for the Moors an important source of income thanks to the rich cultivation of fruit, olives, almonds and wines. The extraction of ocher in the ocher mines, of the Sierra Helada mountains, was used as a source for coloring substances.
After the Moorish occupation the village was named “L'Alfàs de Polop” through its link with the barony and the castle of Polop. The territory of the Polop barony stretched from Guadalest to Villajoyosa and to the beaches of Benidorm and Albir. This region was the most important and most powerful centre as security and defense against pirates and other invaders.
In 1836 the region L'Alfàs was declared independent from the municipality of Polop and was renamed into “L'Alfàs del Pí”. This name was a reference to the pine trees that were planted in 1786 on the village square. The name Pí is the Valencian pronunciation for pine and symbolizes the independence of the village.
Albir belongs to the municipality L'Alfàs del Pi and is a small village on the coast that is mainly known for its beautiful pebble beaches with in the outer corners sandy beaches and palm promenades. In the Albir area you can mainly find orange groves and pine trees.
In the early years of 1970 the nearby village of Benidorm experienced a rush of tourists that also affected the surrounding villages. This ensured, among other things, the arrival of the many theme parks in the surrounding area.
L’ Alfàs del Pí
Welcome in L' Alfàs del Pí,
Sightseeing and activities in L'Alfàs del Pí
Every Sunday morning, in the main street of Albir, there is a cozy market to visit. And every Friday morning, nearby the Church of L'Alfas del Pi, there is also a market with the typical products of the region.
- For a brisk walking route with beautiful views you can walk along the Sierra Helada towards Albir and Benidorm. In the nature park of Sierra Helada you can follow 3 routes with different levels of difficulty. One of these routes is the hike to the lighthouse on top of the cliff of Albir (= Punta Bombarda) and this is a route of 5 km. Here you can enjoy beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea and the Peñon de Ifach (or the rock of Calpe). During the hike you will find information panels with cultural and ecological information.
Golfers can indulge themselves with the diverse and nearby golf courses at “Melia Villaitana Golf Club” in Benidorm and at “Puig Campana” in Finestrat.
At the seawall of Albir you can stroll along the beach at the Spanish Walk of Fame which is named the ”Paseo de las Estrellas”. This is a tribute to the many Spanish actors who spend their holidays in the region.
In the Botanical Garden, of Jan Klein and Joke Schreuder, you can make a nice walk and enjoy the local plants, flowers and the local architecture.
TIP: For your for your hiking, cycling and mountain bike routes, check www.wiciloc.com
Festivities in L' Alfàs del Pí
During the beach festivities of Albir "Festes d'Estiu de la platja de L'Albir" in mid-August, all sorts of activities are organized such as sports competitions, workshops, concerts, fireworks etc.
During the annual film festival in July "Faro de Plata", Spanish actors and actresses come over to L'Alfàs del Pí for the award of "The Silver Lighthouse”.
The "Festes Majors del Santísim Crist del Bon Encert" is a festivity in honor of the Holy Christ and is celebrated in November. For about 10 days you can admire humorous parades, processions, fireworks and floral decorations in the heart of the municipality.
Gastronomy
Wine enthusiasts can go to the Bodegas Enrique Mendoza for wine tastings but also for an informative tour of making and ripening quality wines such as Cabernet, Merlot and Pinot Noir.
Turrón or nougat is made from almonds and honey and has been introduced to Spain by the Moors. The hard nougat, or turrón duro, comes from Alicante and the soft nougat, or turrón blando, comes from Jijona. Also, in L'Alfàs del Pí this is a traditional and locally produced delicacy.
The region is also known for sweet pastries “pastelas de Gloria” and for almond tart or “tartas de almendras”.
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