'Refugio Marnes' is situated in the province of Alicante on the Costa Blanca, 8 Kilometres (15 minutes by car) from the main road from Benissa to Calpe (N332) and approximately 55 minutes to Alicante. Valencia lies in the opposite direction approximately 1 hours drive north. The nearest beaches are 30 minutes by car.
Marnes is situated in the Sierra de Bernia which is a small mountain chain that stretches about 20 Kilometres inland. It is not touched by mass tourism, and for the most part is declared a 'protected area'. Here you can find an enormous richness of fauna: wild boar, ginettas, martens, ermines and weasels. Several reptiles and a wide variety of small birds, owls, falcons, buzzards and even eagles co-exist.
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| Rock of Ifac - Calpe |
Flora: next to the olive and almond trees, are carobs and prickly pears (cactus). Whilst the area is dominated by big pines, the more original vegetation, mediterranean oaks are also to be found. Depending on the time of year, herbs like rosemary, camomile, thyme, and lavender add their spicy aroma to the area. Spring starts with the flowering of the almond trees which is spectacular, providing a sea of blossoms. The flowering season for all plants continues until July. There is a second period of flowering and growth after the first rainfall in autumn.
In the nearby village of Pinos you will find two restaurants and a little church. Only 10 minutes drive away is Bernia where there are two more restaurants. When you want the 'civilised world', within 15 minutes, you have Benissa and Jalon, the nearest towns. Valencia to the north, and Alicante to the south, are well worth visiting.
Refugio Marnes is most of all an area for rest; rest without persistent background noise. Here you can read a book, take the sun, have a swim or fall asleep in the shade of a tree, enjoying only the sounds of nature. The immediate surroundings of Refugio Marnes are an excellent place in which to have a long stroll or mountain walk. Sierra de Bernia is famous in the world of cyclists; professionals have their spring training camps on the Costa Blanca. Mountain bikers can go directly from the property for a spin on the mountain roads. In Jalon, Benissa and Calpe there are opportunities for horse riding.
You are approximately 30 minutes by car from the coastline, so for beach and aquatic activities there are numerous options. Around Christmas time, 'beach weather' is not unusual here!! Enthusiasts of hang gliding or para punting can go to Calpe. We have a large amount of tourist information on site.