Where is Ondara?
The town of Ondara is located in the Marina Alta region, on the northern part of the Alicante Province. It is a village built on a ridge overlooking the coastlines of Spain with the mountains of Segaria right behind it. The area surrounding the village is flat, except that which the Sierra de Segaria occupies. Benasau is surrounded by the larger towns of Denia to the east of it, the town of Beniarberg to its west, Vergel to its north and Pedreguer to the south.
Tourists who intend to visit the town from other parts of Spain or the world arrive in either Alicante Airport or Valencia Airport. Distanced at 97 kilometers and 110 kilometers in that order, these two are nearest airports to Ondara. From there, the easiest way to get to the town is by using the roads A-7 and the N-332 which pass through the village.
Ondara accommodation
There are a number of accommodations available for vacationers deciding to visit Ondara. Accommodation types depend on several factors including but not limited to the price, location, amenities being offered and so on. Most of the towns surrounding the village of Oondara are much larger, providing tourists a wider range of options if they are looking for something that is not offered in Ondara. There are quaint cottages evoking a more traditional Spanish look to more modern hotels. Located more than 20 kilometers from the town of Ondara, is the cottage known as The Whim of the Portugese. This cottage was initially built as a mill more than 3 centuries back but still has some of modern amenities available. More luxurious accommodations are also available near Ondara. Hotels are located closer to the village. The Los Angeles Hotel in the neighboring town of Denia boasts of wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is good for tourists who are interested in taking a swim as the beach is located nearby.
Ondara Car Hire
There are numerous ways of getting to the village of Ondara. Tourists from other parts of Spain or the world can take a flight which arrives in one of the numerous airports located nearby the town. From there, travelers can take a bus or train which passes the towns of Gandia and Denia. Using buses and trains are common way to get around the villages. This is good to travel when a tourist has a lot of time available and a limited budget but rather limited. With using public transportation, tourists are passengers that need to follow strict schedules. This limits how much time a tourist can spend in one location. When traveling to a place such as Ondara, car hire services are a much more practical choice. It allows tourists to see and appreciate the landscape better. Hiring a car may have higher charges but the experience and memories that a tourist will get during the trip will be of greater value.
About Ondara
History
The earliest relics date back to the Paleolithic and Copper Era found in the Colom and Corb Caves. There was also evidence of an Iberian colony found within caves located in the mountains of Segaria. Various scientists are still arguing on the actual origins of the name Ondara. According to one of the dedicated researchers on the topic, Profressor Manuel Sanchis Guarner, the name was derived from the Iberian language denoting being sandy. The town of Ondara was initially referred to as Ondia and was built by the Moorish settlers. Historical records indicated that the area may have been temporarily inhabited by the mythical figure El Cid when he went against the King of Denia.
In the 13th century, with the arrival of King James I from the Kingdom of Aragon, the village was attached to the Kingdom of Valencia. The ownership of the town was passed from several members of the royal family for several centuries. Up until the early 17th century, the town still mainly consisted of Moorish families. When these families were forcibly exiled, the population numbers dwindled from 1000 residents to only 200. Settlers from other towns came in to fill the void.
Architecture
First time visitors to the town would be interested in seeing that some of the architectural artifacts dating from time of the first Muslim settlers. These include the Clock Tower and the Weir. The Clock Tower bears the town’s clock and bell, the only one of four towers that still remains to this day. Another Moorish structure is the Weir, it is a dam built of stone. From the time of the Christians, more historical structures have been preserved. These include the Town Hall, the Convent of the Immaculate Conception, the local parish church and the Plaza de Toros. As to be expected, a large number of these structural relics were built for religious purposes.
Tourist Attraction
After a long tour of the town and the surrounding area, tourists may be looking for a place to relax without needing to go back to their accommodations just yet. There are a few places in the town popular for relaxation. One is the previously mentioned Weir dam. This area draws residents as it is a cool during the summer because of the numerous elm trees planted around the area. Another is the Segaria Public Park. It is a recreational area built by the town government with a size of 94,000 square meters. Visitors may come to the area via the mud path next to a road which goes to the Puente del Vergel Beniarberg.
What To Do
Spain is known all over the world for its colorful fiestas held several days a year. Mostly influenced by the Catholic faith in the country, each town and village has their own set of festivals and events. These are held on top of the nationally celebrated festivities. A trip to Ondara is not complete without seeing the local culture, no better way than seeing one of its numerous festivals.
The locals refer to this event as the Schutzheiligenfest, a day dedicated to the town or village’s patron saint. For the town of Ondara, during the second weekend of July, they hold festivities dedicated to the Virgen de la Soledad. Another religious date is the third weekend of the month of June. During this time, parties are held around what is referred to as the Capilla del Cristo. One of the more popular celebrations consists of the running of the bulls which includes the area between the Main Street and the Plaza de Toros. Although said to be dedicated to Saint James, this celebration appears more secular in nature.
Sport
The town of Ondara takes pride in its sporting facilities. These were built with the intention of perking up the interest of the residents to take part and be active in sports. One of the town’s source of pride is the local swimming pool opened in August 2006 which is regionally recognized. Another is the Sanchis Guano, a sporting facility built to accommodate a number of martial arts sports including Judo, Taekwondo, Aikido and Kendo as well as another area built exclusively for playing basketball.
Ondara Golfing
Golf courses are another source of pride in the various towns surrounding Ondara. Golfing has put the region on the map by producing world class courses and accommodations for golfers from all over the globe. In the neighboring town of Denia, there is the Club de Golf La Sella which would give tourists the convenience of playing golf while enjoying the wonderful scenery.
Where to eat in Ondara
Tasting the local cuisine should be on the list of things to do when in the village of Ondara. It is a vital aspect of the trip. This region of Spain is known for a variety of dishes which involve its local produce. The town mainly relied on agriculture for several centuries, the local culinary dishes reflect the rural side of each town, regardless of its size. Common ingredients include rice and olive oil as well as a variety of meats and seafood. Wines are also a common part of the meal as there are a number of vineyards in the area.
There are a number of fine bars and restaurants located in and around the village of Ondara. The nearest restaurant which offers local dishes is The Bar D’The Roig. Located less than 12 kilometers from the village, it specializes and serves puchero on Tuesday as well as rice paellas.
The weather in Ondara
The weather in the village of Ondara is warm and sunny for most of the entire year. This makes it more enticing for tourists who like the outdoors. It is perfect for taking walks around the marked trails, go swimming at the nearby beaches, enjoy the wine at the nearby vineyards or playing golf in one of the nearby golf courses. Tourists need not worry of rain spoiling their holiday vacation as these are a rare occurrence. The winters are also quite mild in comparison to the neighboring areas in Spain, making Ondara a good place to visit any time of the year.
How do I find Ondara?
Directions from Alicante Airport
To Ondara Spain
Distance: 97.7 km
Time: 0 hr 57 min
Start: Head east
Take the ramp to N-340/Elche/E-15/A-7/Valencia/Murcia
Merge onto N-338
Merge onto E-15/A-7 via the ramp to A-31/Madrid/A-70/Alicante/Benidorm/Valencia
Continue onto A-70
Partial toll road
Continue onto AP-7 (signs for AP-7/Valencia)
Toll road
Take the exit onto AP-7
Toll road
Take exit 62 toward Ondara/A-332/Dénia/Jávea/Xàbia
Toll road
Merge onto CV-725
Partial toll road
Slight right to merge onto N-332/CV-4008
Continue to follow N-332
Continue onto N-332a/Av de Alicante
Turn right at N-332a/Calle de Sant Jaume
Turn left at N-332a/Calle de la Pau
Continue to follow N-332a
Arrive at Ondara, Spain
Directions from Valencia Airport
To Ondara
Distance: 110.2 km
Time: 1 hr 08 min
Start: Head northwest
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit
At the roundabout, take the 4th exit onto CV-370/Av del Mas de l’Oli
Continue to follow CV-370
Go through 2 roundabouts
Turn left at Calle del Trévol
Take the ramp onto A-7
Continue onto AP-7
Partial toll road
Take exit 62 toward Ondara/N-332/Dénia/Jávea/Xábia
Toll road
Merge onto CV-725
Partial toll road
Slight right to merge onto N-332/CV-4008
Continue to follow N-332
Continue onto N-332a/Av de Alicante
Turn right at N-332a/Calle de Sant Jaume
Turn left at N-332a/Calle de la Pau
Continue to follow N-332a
Arrive at Ondara, Spain
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