Polop Valley
Brief description
The Polop Valley lies at the foot of the Sierra de Aitana mountain range and includes characteristic villages such as Polop, Callosa d'en Sarrià, Tàrbena, Benimantell and Bolulla. This region combines green valleys, rugged mountains, citrus orchards and rustic villages with beautiful views. Yet the bustling coast of Benidorm is only 20 minutes away.
01 Location and accessibility
• 15–25 minutes' drive to Benidorm, Altea and the coast • Good connection to the AP-7 and N-332 • Approximately 50–60 minutes' drive from Alicante airport • Central location between the coast and the mountains
02 Beaches
• Nearby beaches of Benidorm, Albir and Altea • Choice of lively boulevards or quiet bays • Perfect for day trips: sun, sea and back to the tranquillity of the inland
03 Education
• Local primary schools in Polop, Callosa and other villages • International schools in Alfaz del Pi, La Nucía and Benidorm • Good school connections for families
04 Food
• Plenty of local restaurants serving traditional cuisine, including specialities such as arròs amb fesols i naps • Known for orange, almond and nispero cultivation (loquats in Callosa) • Authentic tapas bars in villages such as Tàrbena and Benimantell • Local produce at local markets and small shops
05 Local culture and events
• Annual festivals such as Moros y Cristianos in Polop and Callosa • Romerías, processions and village markets • Visit the historic cemetery on the hill of Polop or the Nispero Museum in Callosa • Village squares with active communities and lively summer months
06 Shops and markets
• Local bakeries, butchers and neighbourhood shops in most villages • Supermarkets in Polop and Callosa • Weekly markets with fresh vegetables, fruit and local products • Larger shopping centres in Benidorm and La Nucía a short distance away
07 Leisure and activities
• Hiking in the Sierra de Aitana and around the Fuentes del Algar (natural springs in Callosa) • Canyoning, climbing and cycling in the surrounding countryside • Visit to Castillo de Polop or viewpoint of Tàrbena • Swimming in natural pools, picnicking in the mountains • Nearby theme parks (Terra Mítica, Aqualandia) on the coast
08 Real estate
• Wide range of detached villas with mountain or sea views • Authentic village houses in quiet streets of Benimantell, Tàrbena and Bolulla • Modern urbanisations (new build) with amenities in Polop de la Marina • Interesting for those seeking peace, nature and affordability, but with access to the coast • Good investment for nature lovers or those who want to live permanently in a quiet area