Great Things to Do Near Casa Toscana
Theme Parks
The Costa Blanca has its fair share of theme parks and water parks, and for all the thrills and screams of white-knuckle rides one only need drive 40 minutes to reach a cluster of waterslides, wave pools, safari parks, dolphin shows, life-size robotic dinosaurs and a world of mythical lands. A little more demurely, the City of Arts and Science is a vast complex on the outskirts of Valencia, incorporating an interactive Science Museum ('El Museo') for hands-on educational fun for all ages, 'L’Hemisferic', a magnificent planetarium with IMAX cinema screen in a building the shape of an eye, and 'L’Oceanografic', the largest aquarium of its kind in Europe, built in the form of a water lily, with separate areas depicting different aquatic environments: the Mediterranean, Tropical seas, the Red Sea, Antarctic and Arctic.
Caves
Cueva Del Rull in Vall d'Ebo and Cueva de Las Calaveras in Benioleig are both prime examples of the typical rock formations that hug the coastline, creating the ‘microclimate’ that this part of the peninsula is so famous for. These caves are close to hand and definitely worth a visit, as well as a perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day, with parking provided and a small entrance fee. Xàbia’s coastline has more clandestine caves, such as Cueva del Llop Marí and Cova Tallada, which are only accessible by kayak, making the journey getting there as much fun as exploring the caves.
Local Boat Trips
Motorised boats provide a link between the ports of Altea, Calpe, Xàbia and Dénia on a regular basis during the summer months. A great way to view the rugged coastline from a fun point of view. Glass bottom boats chug out to coral reefs to take a peak and admire the marine life just offshore and Catamaran Sunset Cruises are very popular, setting sail late afternoon from the same ports.
Castles
The shady ramparts of Denia Castle enjoy magnificent views of the harbour and the intricate labyrinth of narrow streets belonging to its old town below. A moderate climb will take you to the top of this historic landmark with panoramic views of the town and coastline. Inland, nestled in the neighbouring Sierra Aitana Mountains, the inspiring Castle of Guadalest is affectionately called the ‘Eagles’ Nest’, prompted by the way it is perched on the peak of a rocky pinnacle. There are still some residents living in the centre of this Moorish village, making their living by selling handmade lace, almond and honey products to visitors who pause to enjoy the far-reaching mountain views.
Local Markets
This stretch of the Valencian coastline boasts a vibrant local market somewhere, every day of the week. By far, one of the most popular is the ‘Rastro’ in Jalon on a Saturday morning, where locals from surrounding villages congregate along the river bank, to sell local products such as honey, olive oil, sweet almond pastries and crispy ‘Churros’ (a doughnut mixture) to dip in thick, rich chocolate. Leather handbags, beach dresses and lace tablecloths sway in the breeze, intermingled between stands laden with hand-crafted wooden figurines, colourful ceramic dishes and an endless array of shoes. The hum of traders chanting today’s special offer, a solitary guitar strumming in the distance and the chance to barter for a bargain whilst buying a week's supply of fresh fruit and veg makes for a fun morning, mingling with the locals. Other markets of note take place in Dénia (Monday) and Moraira (Friday). Market times are 0930h – 1400h
Visiting the Old Quarters
Each resort has lovingly preserved its original old quarters (El Casco Antiguo), comprising a maze of cobbled streets, terraced houses, archways and alcoves, shady plazas, with a cocktail of absorbing aromas emanating from the occasional bar or restaurant located on the ground floor of someone’s house. No two 'Casco Antiguos' are the same, but are always perched on a hill, harking back to the constant fear of attack by Pirates and the Moors endeavouring to conquer the land. These characterful pockets of history are resilient to any changes that may take place in the surrounding area, promising a delightful ambience for evening dining. Altea, Calpe and Dénia prove to be the most popular venues, with elegant dining as well as less formal Bistros and Pizzerias.
Valencia City
A diverse city, from the ramparts of the medieval old quarters with shady plazas, narrow cobbled streets and an abundance of historical buildings, to the modern, state of the art architecture of the 'Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias', Spain’s third largest city is close enough for a perfect day trip. A horse drawn carriage or open top tourist bus provide tours of the most emblematic sites, whilst ‘retail therapy’ takes on a whole new definition amidst the buzz of scurrying shoppers darting between the trendy boutiques and department stores of Calle Colón.
Explore the Jalon Valley
The Jalon Valley, also known then as the Vall de Pop, is a walker's paradise. Discover the many hiking routes that link the 8 villages of the Jalon Valley together. Offering some of the best scenery in Spain, there are magnificent mountains which surround the plains of olive trees , vineyards, almond blossom to explore and when it’s time for a rest, stop in one of the local cafes or restaurants in the surrounding villages of the Valley.
