Climate and Neighbourhoods on the Northern Costa Blanca: From Pego to Altea

The Costa Blanca is booming, but where do you actually want to live? We had some people over for drinks, and the conversation turned to buying a house. The pros and cons. Beautiful locations and their downsides.

Pretty soon we were talking about Cumbre del Sol. It really is a gorgeous area. If you don’t know better, the value for money there looks fantastic. But people who have lived there through a winter are often rather less enthusiastic.

A large part of it sits more in the shade, and it’s damp. Then there’s the fierce wind it sometimes gets. That often sends you back indoors sooner than you’d like. It isn’t like that everywhere on the Cumbre. But it is in a lot of places. Just like living by the Montgó. One side is sunny and dry; on the other side, you live in the damp and the shade in winter.

It’s worth thinking about when you’ll mainly be using the house. What matters to you, and which places are fairly similar but offer better value for money?

Town by town, we look at which neighbourhoods there are, how they sit in terms of altitude, wind, rain and sun, which spots are warmer or actually cooler, and how things stand with damp, dryness and any flooding.

Finally, we compare the villages with each other: where will you be sitting in the shade in winter, which places are the sunniest and driest, where do you get the best views, and which locations are the most popular places to live?

Contents

• Pego – Green valley and Monte Pego
• Dénia – Port town with neighbourhoods from beach to mountain
• La Xara – Rural village near Dénia
• Jesús Pobre – Charming village on the Montgó (south side)
• Pedreguer (and La Sella) – Inland living with a view
• Jalón (Xaló) – Wine village in the sun-drenched valley
• Llíber – The idyll of the Pop Valley
• Jávea (Xàbia) – Three areas and a unique microclimate
• Gata de Gorgos – Artisan village
• Moraira – Old fishing village with a sheltered climate
• Benitachell (and Cumbre del Sol) – Rural village and stunning views
• Teulada – Wine village on the hill
• Calpe – The iconic rock
• Benissa – Sprawling municipality from mountains to sea
• Altea – Artistic seaside town facing south
• Conclusion: the climate of the Costa Blanca North

Pego – Green valley and Monte Pego

Neighbourhoods

• Pego centre (a Spanish town in the valley)
• Monte Pego (hillside urbanización with villas)
• The surrounding farmland (rice fields and citrus groves in the Pego valley)

Pego lies inland in a fertile valley, surrounded by mountains and bordering the Marjal de Pego-Oliva wetland nature reserve. The old village centre sits at a low altitude (some 80 metres above sea level), right next to the flat marshland.

This sheltered position, close to the sea and ringed by mountains, gives it an excellent microclimate for farming. It’s a permanently moist area, thanks to the rivers and mountain springs that feed the valley.

This means Pego is relatively green, with rice fields. That’s unique in the Alicante region. Humidity is high here. Even so, the winters are mild and the summers warm. In January it’s approx. 16°C during the day. In summer the valley can get hot (30+°C), but the nearby sea often brings some cooling in the evening.

This little village is still wonderfully authentic. More and more Dutch people are coming to live here. But your children will genuinely still be taught Valencian at school and sit in class with Spanish kids. There are authentic restaurants and little bars, a lovely village square, and yet you’re in Dénia in just 15 minutes.

Climate & location

Pego’s valley opens north-east towards the coast, which lets sea breezes and clouds push well inland. In autumn the surrounding ring of mountains can ‘squeeze out’ the rain clouds, which makes September/October the wettest months. But even that is relative, with monthly totals of 100 mm.

The flat land of the Marjal acts as a natural overflow for excess water. During heavy Mediterranean downpours the marshland can partly flood, which usually spares the village centre from flooding.

The higher neighbourhood of Monte Pego sits on the flank of a hill (approx. 200 m up) and offers spectacular views over the rice fields, the mountains and the Mediterranean in the distance. Living at this height means a pleasant breeze and slightly cooler summer evenings, but also more exposure to wind in general.

In winter Monte Pego gets plenty of sun. But houses that face fully north can stay shaded and chilly for longer in the coldest months.

All in all, Pego is slightly cooler at night and slightly warmer during the day. That’s because the village isn’t right on the sea. Still, the difference with Oliva, for example, isn’t very big, because Pego is open to the coast.

On winter mornings the valley can be misty because of the damp ground, while in the afternoon the sun breaks through almost every day. In our experience, though, it often blows just that bit harder on the beach here.

Surroundings

Pego is a Spanish village with an authentic feel, surrounded by greenery. Climate-wise it’s a little wetter and lusher than the coastal towns further south, but still mild and Mediterranean.

It’s a quiet area, popular with nature lovers and farmers but less so with beach tourists (the beach is 15 km away, via Oliva). That’s still only approx. 10 to 15 minutes to the beach by car, though. So what are we even talking about?

Living on Monte Pego is popular with foreigners who love views and peace and quiet. Bear in mind that the nearby water and rice fields can also attract mosquitoes in the warmer months. Compared with other villages, Pego is a bit more humid, but also very sunny. The winters are mild and frost is rare.

Dénia – Port town with neighbourhoods from beach to mountain

Neighbourhoods

• Centre & Port (historic town and commercial port)
• Las Marinas (long sandy beaches north-west of the centre)
• Las Rotas (rugged southern coast with rocks and villas)
• Montgó/La Pedrera (residential areas on the slopes of the Montgó)

Dénia is a lively coastal town at the foot of the Montgó massif, stretching both along the beaches and towards the mountainous interior. It sits right by the sea, with the Montgó range (753 m) directly south-west of the town.

This striking mountain has a strong influence on the local climate. Honestly, this mountain is beautiful. Thanks to the shelter of the surrounding mountains and the proximity of the Mediterranean, the climate here stays temperate and pleasant, without extreme cold or heat.

Climate

In January, the depth of winter, the afternoon temperature hovers around 16–17°C. In summer the highs are around 30°C to 35°C. Dénia gets a lot of sunshine hours a year and benefits from cooling sea breezes in summer, so it rarely gets unpleasantly hot. That said, in our experience it can feel a bit like standing in front of a hairdryer in the town itself in the height of summer.

Dénia is, however, more exposed to the easterly sea wind (Levante). Especially on the south side, around Las Rotas, the wind blows straight in off the open sea. In summer that’s refreshing, but in January a damp sea wind like that can feel bitingly cold. That’s when you really want your thick winter coat on.

The northern neighbourhood of Las Marinas, towards Oliva, is flat and more sheltered from mountain winds. On warm days a sea breeze can pick up here, bringing pleasant cooling in the late afternoon (ideal for windsurfers and kitesurfers). You’ll also find several surf spots here. Dénia is a big favourite of ours. Good restaurants, nice shops, the beach, the port and the boat to Ibiza.

Microclimate & differences

What’s interesting is the microclimatic difference between Dénia and neighbouring Jávea, just 8 km away but separated by the Montgó. When a westerly wind blows in the region, a föhn effect occurs: on the Dénia side the air rises up against the mountain and descends towards Jávea via the sea.

As a result, Dénia can actually end up warmer than Jávea on a day like that. On one day, for example, 37°C was measured in Dénia against 30°C in Jávea, purely because of the Montgó. In general, Dénia is a little drier and warmer in summer than some of the surrounding villages, and rain falls mainly in spring and autumn.

Dénia really does get a lot more rain in winter. The Montgó holds the rain back from Jávea, and it falls on Dénia instead. Annual rainfall is around 500–600 mm, often concentrated in the autumn (September/October/November).

In the past the town has occasionally had flooding in lower-lying streets during gota fría downpours, especially when the dry riverbeds (ramblas) fill up. Dénia has stretches where there’s a flood risk. Dénia’s centre and port, however, sit right on the sea and on slightly raised ground by the castle, so water usually drains quickly away to the sea.

Our colleague from Utrecht is very proud of having once seen Dénia’s snowplough. Luckily it pretty much always stays in the shed and is as good as new ;). Fun fact: around 15:00/16:00 the wind almost always starts blowing in off the sea.

The Montgó dominates Dénia on its northern side and Jávea on its southern side. Dénia catches the full sea breeze (Levante) off the Mediterranean. Homes on the flank of the Montgó are sheltered from the north wind, which adds to the mild microclimate in this area. But living right at the foot of the Montgó does mean you live in the shade in winter, and it’s damp.

Neighbourhoods & sun/shade

In Dénia the contrasts between neighbourhoods are big. Las Rotas (the southern coastal strip) is loved for its rugged coastline, pine trees and villas with sea views, but this zone gets less morning sun because of the mountain, and more wind off the sea. In winter the Montgó can cast shade here early in the afternoon, as the sun is lower and the mountain to the south-west blocks its last rays.

La Pedrera/Montgó (on the slope of the Montgó), by contrast, is protected from the cold north wind and has lots of south-facing houses, which means lovely warm winter sun. These Montgó neighbourhoods are known for their very mild microclimate all year round, but here too you need to watch out for damp and shade.

Las Marinas (the sprawling beach neighbourhoods to the north-west) is flat and open; here you get sun all day and often a breeze. In winter it can be a little cooler at night further inland towards Pego, but during the day it warms up quickly in the sun.

Dénia is also a proper town, with life all year round. Compared with the smaller villages, Dénia has more amenities and more going on, and you notice that in day-to-day life: a bit more traffic and town noise, but also the facilities of a gastronomic capital (UNESCO has named Dénia a Creative City of Gastronomy).

That’s why Dénia attracts people who want to live there year-round with the conveniences of a town, while the climate stays wonderfully Mediterranean.

La Xara – Rural village near Dénia

Neighbourhoods

• La Xara village centre
• The surrounding countryside (farmland and new builds outside the centre)

La Xara is a small village just west of Dénia, only a few kilometres from the coast. It lies in flat farmland at approx. 50 m altitude, between Dénia and Ondara, close to the motorway access.

Climate

La Xara largely shares Dénia’s climate: mild, sunny and Mediterranean. Because it’s just a few kilometres inland, it can be a degree warmer in summer and a little cooler at night in winter than right on the coast. Daytime temperatures are usually 15-17°C in January and around 32°C in July/August.

The sea breeze reaches La Xara easily, as there are no high obstacles in between – the way to Dénia is open. So in summer La Xara gets late-afternoon ventilation much like the coast. On clear winter nights, ground fog can form over the plains and fields around the village, but it usually lifts quickly in the morning.

Location & neighbourhoods

La Xara has a traditional village centre and some new builds on the edge. It lies on the flat part of the Marina Alta, with the Montgó visible to the east. Although the Montgó is some distance away, it can give La Xara a little shelter in an easterly wind, as the strongest sea wind hits the Montgó head-on at Dénia.

La Xara itself has no distinct microclimate; weather-wise, you can think of it as a suburb of Dénia. Rainfall and sunshine hours are similar to Dénia.

Because the green valley of the Río Alberca (which runs from Pedreguer to the coast) is nearby, La Xara can get slightly more humid air after rain, but real flooding is unusual because the village sits a little higher than the surrounding fields.

Living here

La Xara is popular with people who want quiet, rural living while staying close to Dénia and Dénia’s modern hospital (which is just outside La Xara). It offers a mix of traditional fincas and new houses.

Compared with other villages, La Xara is very small and rural. It lacks the seafront setting of, say, Moraira or Altea, but in return it’s very authentic and peaceful.

The village also has a few really good restaurants – a big tip from us. A wine bar, El Raco de la Xara, and El Carreter (star-worthy, but at good prices).

The difference in climate is minimal, although the sea air may feel just a touch less humid than right on the beach. In winter there’s plenty of sun; only if you lived right next to a mountainside (which isn’t really the case in La Xara) would you get early shade.

Jesús Pobre – Charming village on the Montgó (south side)

Neighbourhoods

• Jesús Pobre village (compact centre)
• Scattered finca areas around it (including towards Gata de Gorgos and the southern slope of the Montgó)

Jesús Pobre is a picturesque little village on the southern flank of the Montgó, between Dénia and Jávea but a little inland. It’s really an extension of Jávea. It sits at about 110 m altitude on a terraced ridge.

Climate

Thanks to the nearby Montgó, Jesús Pobre enjoys a unique microclimate. The huge mountain shields the village from the cool north and east winds. The Montgó itself acts as a climate buffer.

Houses on the mountainside are sheltered from raw winds, which results in mild temperatures all year round. In practice this means Jesús Pobre is slightly warmer and sunnier in winter than the surrounding flat areas.

The average winter afternoon temperature is around 15°C, but in sheltered corners of the village you can sit outside comfortably on sunny days, even in January. At night, because it’s slightly higher up, it can cool down a bit more than, say, Jávea by the sea. The cold air flows down off the mountain into the valley.

In summer temperatures are high (30+°C), but there’s often a gentle breeze from the direction of Gata de Gorgos or the Jalón valley that brings relief.

Location & sun

Jesús Pobre faces east relative to the Montgó, but it does lie on the Montgó’s south side. In the morning the sun rises from the direction of Jávea. In summer you get it in full, but in winter the Montgó can hold back the first rays by an hour or so if you live right under the mountain.

Towards evening, on the other hand, the village benefits from its open west side. The sun sets over the plains of Pedreguer, so Jesús Pobre keeps the light for a long time.

The winter sun is low in the south-west, but luckily there’s no high mountain wall there to cast shade. The Montgó lies to the north-east. So Jesús Pobre still gets afternoon sun even in the middle of January, unlike, for example, some spots on the north side of the Montgó, which are already in the shade early by then.

Rainfall is similar to Jávea: heavy showers can fall, especially in autumn, and they can drop a bit of extra rain on the flank of the Montgó. However, Jesús Pobre sits high enough not to suffer from flooding; rainwater drains away to the lower-lying plains.

Character

The village has an authentic atmosphere and is less touristy than the coastal towns. With its sheltered spot in the lee of the Montgó and the green landscape around it, it’s very popular with people looking for peace and quiet.

Compared with the busier coastal villages, Jesús Pobre is cooler on summer evenings (nicely cooled by the breeze) and just a touch chillier early on winter mornings. The difference is small, but worth mentioning for residents who are sensitive to climate.

The air is very clean thanks to the nearby Montgó nature park. That makes Jesús Pobre one of the best-kept secrets of the Marina Alta: a place with the “Montgó effect” (a pleasant microclimate) without the bustle of the coast.

On Sundays there’s an authentic artisan market here. The tastiest ingredients, the most beautiful jewellery and ceramics. The atmosphere is really fantastic. Live music, fresh coffee or a drink, and sitting on folding chairs in the sun.

We often go there for breakfast. In high summer the market is held in the evening, and then you sit under the festoon lights with a good glass of wine, enjoying the music and the view.

Pedreguer (and La Sella) – Inland living with a view

Neighbourhoods

• Pedreguer village (centre on a hill)
• La Sella (golf resort and villa area on the mountainside between Pedreguer and Dénia)
• Monte Solana and other urbanizaciones (villa areas on the edge of Pedreguer)

Pedreguer lies a little inland, at the foot of hills that form the transition between the coastal plain and the mountainous interior. We live in this village ourselves. The village itself sits at approx. 80 m altitude and looks out over the Orba valley towards the coast.

Climate

In Pedreguer you get a typical Mediterranean inland climate, though tempered by the sea 10 km away. Summers get hot (often 2-3°C warmer than right on the beach), with temperatures that can peak at around 33–35°C in the hottest part of the day in July/August.

At night it cools down a little better than by the sea, because the open valleys radiate the heat away. Winters are mild: an average of 15–17°C during the day in January, although on clear nights Pedreguer can cool to around 5°C because of the pronounced inland effect.

The surrounding mountains (including the Muntanya Gran and the Segària ridge) shelter it from the north wind and catch the showers. That makes Pedreguer slightly drier than, for example, the nearby coastal strip: annual rainfall is around 450–500 mm. Most of the rain falls in autumn.

Location & wind

Pedreguer sits in a bowl between hills. To the east the valley opens out onto the coastal plain at Ondara, which means sea air flows in, and on warm days a breeze from the east can cool things down.

There are also plenty of houses here with sea views, even though it’s inland. At the same time, the valley is fairly closed off from strong sea winds. It’s usually less windy than on an exposed hill on the coast.

In the winter months the sun is lower. Pedreguer gets plenty of afternoon sun. Only towards evening does the sun drop behind the western hills, and then it can cool down quickly. In some low-lying parts around Pedreguer, morning mist can form in winter, but it usually clears quickly.

La Sella

This upmarket neighbourhood and golf resort lies on the mountainside north of Pedreguer, against the southern flank of the Muntanya de la Sella (part of the Montgó massif). La Sella reaches heights of up to 200-250 m. That gives it phenomenal views towards the coast and Dénia.

La Sella’s microclimate is similar to that of Montgó/Jávea: with its south-westerly orientation and the mountain at its back, it’s protected from the north wind and gets plenty of sun. In winter La Sella is popular with people who come to spend the winter, because temperatures stay pleasant and it’s often warm enough to sit out on the terrace.

Higher up, though, the wind can have free rein; on windy days you notice more gusts up in La Sella than down in Pedreguer. The nights are slightly cooler there because of the altitude.

Living here & how it compares

Pedreguer is a proper Spanish working village, with less tourism than the coastal towns. It’s popular with people looking for space and peace who still want to be on the beach or in Dénia within a 15-minute drive. Compared with coastal villages like Moraira or Jávea, Pedreguer is hotter in summer and a bit colder at night in winter.

Humidity here is lower on average. After a hot day it cools down faster, so the evenings are pleasantly dry. Flooding isn’t really an issue. Pedreguer sits on higher ground and water drains off towards the flat edges (where farmland soaks it up).

La Sella is a sought-after place to live thanks to the views and the facilities (golf course, padel court and luxury sports hotel). People here enjoy a breeze and a panorama, but you have to allow for a bit more wind and stronger sun because of the altitude and exposed position.

Overall, Pedreguer and its surroundings offer a somewhat calmer, drier and warmer climate than right on the coast – ideal if you love rural living without the extreme heat of the deeper interior.

Jalón (Xaló) – Wine village in the sun-drenched valley

Neighbourhoods

• Jalón village centre
• Valley neighbourhoods (including houses along the Jalón river and the surrounding vineyards)

Jalón is the main town of the Pop Valley (the Jalón valley) and is surrounded by smaller villages. Jalón lies about 20 km inland in a broad valley surrounded by mountain ranges such as the Sierra de Bernia (to the south) and the Coll de Rates hills (to the north). The valley sits at around 250 m altitude.

Climate

Thanks to this sheltered position, the Jalón valley has a microclimate of its own that those in the know praise as one of the best in Spain. It’s typically Mediterranean, with hot, sunny summers and mild winters.

In practice it can get very hot in summer (35°C is nothing unusual in July/August), but the air is relatively dry and in the evening it cools to approx. 20°C, which makes the nights bearable. In winter the days are mostly sunny and mild. It’s 14–17°C during the day in January, usually under clear skies.

At night Jalón can cool down considerably, because the valley loses heat under clear skies; minimum temperatures of around 2–4°C do occur, and occasionally a light night frost in the open fields. Because the valley is enclosed by mountains on all sides, there’s little wind.

This lack of cold wind, combined with lots of sunshine hours, is why people who winter here love this climate. Some sources name part of the Jalón valley as the place with the very best microclimate on the Costa Blanca, because of its mix of relatively high winter temperatures, low humidity and shelter from the wind.

Rainfall & flooding

Annual rainfall in Jalón is similar to the rest of the Marina Alta (around 500 mm a year), but it’s distributed differently.

Because high mountains (such as the Bernia) hold back the clouds coming in from the sea, much of the rain falls against the mountainsides (the south side of the Bernia gets more rain). In Jalón itself you often see threatening clouds piling up against the mountains, after which local downpours can break out and fill the riverbeds.

The Jalón river (Gorgos) flows through the village and in heavy autumn rain it can briefly turn into a raging torrent, yet large-scale flooding is rare and usually limited to the fields outside the village. In October 2007, for example, the river rose considerably, but the village itself stayed largely dry.

Location and sun

The Jalón valley runs east–west. In the morning the sun comes up quickly over the eastern hills and bathes Jalón in sunlight early on. The high Sierra de Bernia on the south side of the valley does mean that the low winter sun disappears behind the mountains earlier in the afternoon. In December, for example, dusk can already be falling in Jalón around 15:30–16:00, as the sun sinks behind the Bernia.

The north side of the valley (where the village of Llíber lies, among others) faces due south, so it catches the maximum winter sun, while the south side (up against the Bernia) stays in the shade for longer.

This means that spots directly below the Bernia ridge (like some of the fincas there) only get sun later in the morning in January and are back in the shade early – it can be chilly there in winter. The valley floor itself, however, gets full sun in the middle of the day and warms up noticeably.

Living here & atmosphere

Jalón is known for its vineyards and its weekly market (& a flea market), and it has a relaxed Spanish atmosphere. It’s popular with Spaniards and foreign residents alike who love nature (walking, cycling) and peace and quiet, but still want a community and amenities nearby.

Compared with the busier coastal towns, Jalón is quieter and a few degrees colder on winter nights, but also free of sea damp and sea mist. The sweet little village square has a few small restaurants, but scattered around the valley you’ll also find some really great authentic restaurants.

Humidity is lower here, so the heat feels less oppressive, and people with rheumatism or asthma often feel better in the dry warmth.

So Jalón offers a sunny, dry climate – you’re literally sitting in the inland ‘oven’, which is ideal for sun-seekers. Still, it’s not extreme desert heat, thanks to the relatively short distance to the sea, which lets a breeze through now and then.

All in all, Jalón stands out for its more continental weather within the temperate Costa Blanca. It’s hotter on peak days, cooler in the late hours, super sunny and not very windy. Many people consider this microclimate ideal for their health.

Llíber – The idyll of the Pop Valley

Neighbourhoods

• Llíber village centre
• Valley houses (scattered homes between Llíber and Jalón, often on vineyards or almond groves)

Llíber is just 2 km from Jalón, in the same valley, so it largely shares Jalón’s climate. The village itself lies on the north side of the Jalón river, against sun-drenched south-facing slopes. We think it’s absolutely beautiful here.

Climate

Llíber enjoys plenty of sun and slightly milder nights than Jalón, because it sits just a little lower and more sheltered. During the day in the summer months it’s similar (very warm, with peaks of 35°C possible), but in the evening Llíber is often just a bit warmer than Jalón, probably because cold air sinks at night to the lowest part of the valley (by the riverbed around Jalón).

Llíber sits a little higher up the slope, so the coldest layer of air often slides past below the village. As a result, Llíber residents usually get less frost and mist than on the valley floor. So in winter Llíber can stay a few degrees warmer at night than Jalón itself – a small microclimate difference within the valley.

During the day, the houses in Llíber make full use of their southerly orientation. The blocks of houses face the sun and the Bernia lies behind the village (to the south), so Llíber gets lots of sun in the morning and early afternoon until the Bernia hides it.

Like Jalón, Llíber sits in the rain shadow of the mountains. Many showers drop most of their rain on the surrounding mountains, so the village sees relatively little. When heavy rain does fall, the water runs off via ramblas towards the Gorgos river; Llíber itself sits a little higher up and has little trouble with flooding.

Character & differences

Llíber is smaller and quieter than Jalón, with no big supermarkets or markets, but that’s exactly what gives the village its serene charm. The tiny village square is really lovely, though.

The climate difference with Jalón is minimal, but for the connoisseur: Llíber can feel just that bit more sheltered and milder. Where Jalón, down on the valley floor, sometimes has morning mist, in Llíber you look down on it from above with a cup of coffee in the sun.

Compared with the coast, Llíber is clearly drier (the air is bone-dry in July/August, so the sky is a deep, clear blue and the nights cool down considerably) and it gets less rain in winter.

What little wind blows through the valley you do feel a bit more in Llíber when it comes from the north, because the village is open to the north (towards the Sierra de Segària). But strong north winds are rare here.

That makes Llíber a dream spot for anyone who loves rural living, sunshine and an ideal microclimate. It’s no coincidence that so many northern Europeans have settled on the hills around Llíber, enjoying vineyard views and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Do watch out, though: a great many houses in Llíber are completely illegal.

Jávea (Xàbia) – Three areas and a unique microclimate

Neighbourhoods

• Arenal (beach and promenade district)
• Puerto (port and fishermen’s quarter)
• Pueblo (historic centre inland)
• Various villa areas: including
• Montgó/Ermita (villa areas on the Montgó)
• Balcón al Mar/Cabo de la Nao (cape with cliffs and a lighthouse)
• Adsubia/Tosalet/Pinosol/Cap Marti (villa areas near the Arenal)
• La Corona (hill by the port)
• Costa Nova (villa area further south)

Jávea is one of the most popular places to live on the Costa Blanca North, partly thanks to its microclimate, which is often described as one of the best in the world. Suddenly all sorts of influencers are popping up, and there was a piece in the paper calling it the new Ibiza. There are international schools here, which makes it extra popular.

The municipality stretches around a wide bay and two capes (Cabo de San Antonio to the north and Cabo de La Nao to the south). The imposing Montgó (753 m) separates Jávea from Dénia and watches over the town from the north-west.

Climate

Jávea has mild winters and summers that aren’t too hot compared with the interior. A frequently quoted study claimed that Jávea has the second-healthiest climate in the world (after Rio de Janeiro), with moderate temperatures all year round.

In December/January it averages 15 °C during the day and rarely drops below 5 °C at night. Snow or frost is extremely rare; the last time it snowed in Jávea was in 2016. In summer the highs are around 30–32 °C, but there’s often a sea breeze, and the coast stays slightly cooler than the interior.

What stands out is how many sunshine hours Jávea gets: some 325 days of sun a year, or well over 2800 hours of sunshine. The combination of sea air and shelter from the mountains makes for a stable, pleasant climate with few extremes.

The Montgó effect

The Montgó plays a crucial role in Jávea’s climate. First of all, it protects large parts of Jávea from the cold north wind (Tramontana).

The neighbourhoods right on the southern and eastern flanks of the Montgó in particular (such as Montgó Garroferal, Rimontgó and Tosalet de Montgó) are sheltered and enjoy calm, sunny days, even in January. The result is mild temperatures: the Montgó area is one of the places where you can often have breakfast outside on the terrace in winter.

What’s more, the Montgó makes westerly winds that come over the mountain descend towards Jávea as a warmer Llebeig wind. As a result, with certain westerly patterns Jávea is cooler than Dénia in the afternoon (Dénia gets the föhn, Jávea the moderate sea breeze).

The Montgó also affects rainfall, though: the mountain often catches clouds, which then drop their rain on its slopes. As a result, rainfall around Jávea can be unevenly distributed. Even so, our feeling is that the Montgó often holds the rain back and that more of it falls in Dénia than in Jávea.

In total Jávea gets around 500-600 mm of rain a year, mainly in late autumn (September to November), during episodic gota fría downpours. These can dump a lot of rain in a short time, which occasionally leads to flooding. The low-lying Saladar (the marshy plain by the Arenal), for example, floods every few years after extreme rainfall.

Humidity

Jávea’s position by the sea and around a mountain makes for relatively high humidity. On average humidity is 67%, which you could call high (especially in summer). This means the heat can sometimes feel a bit muggy and there can be dew in the morning.

At the same time, this humidity contributes to the lush green landscape (palms and pines thrive). People with sensitive airways do notice a difference: Jávea feels more humid than, say, drier Moraira or the Jalón valley. Even so, this climate is considered very healthy because of the clean sea and mountain air and its stability (few sudden changes in the weather).

The Montgó protects Jávea from the cold north wind and creates a microclimate with mild temperatures all year round. At the foot of the Montgó lie green villa neighbourhoods, while the bay of Jávea can be seen in the distance. The view from this area is stunning, and the sun shines here around 325 days a year.

Neighbourhoods & microclimates

Jávea is unique because it has several distinct parts, each with its own feel and even small differences in climate:

Arenal beach

Lies in the middle of the bay, facing south-east. In summer there’s always a bit of a breeze off the sea; in winter it’s often sheltered and sunny. The Arenal area benefits from its open position. In winter the sun shines straight onto the promenade from morning until late afternoon. Only in a strong easterly wind (Levante) can the beach be troubled by wind and sea spray.

Port (Puerto) & Playa Primer Muntanyar

This northern stretch of Jávea’s coast is positioned slightly differently, facing more to the north-east. It can be a little windier here when the wind is from the north-east.

The port also catches a bit less afternoon sun in winter. The terraces are in the shade in the afternoon. In summer that’s actually rather nice. The Cabo de San Antonio (the cliff to the north) can cast a shadow over the village towards sunset. But the differences are small, and it’s mild here too.

Old town (Pueblo)

Lies around 2 km inland from the coast, on a slight rise. The narrow streets offer shelter and shade, so it stays pleasantly cool there on summer afternoons. In winter, on the other hand, the centre can feel a few degrees colder at night than the beach, because there’s no warmth from the sea nearby. During the day, though, there’s little difference, and the sun gets everywhere.

Montgó area

This is one of the most popular residential areas because of its microclimate. Houses on the flank of the Montgó face south and enjoy lots of sun all year round. Because the Montgó shields them from the north wind, it’s warm and sheltered here.

You can often sit outside 300 days a year without being bothered by wind. In winter this part of Jávea can easily feel 3-4°C warmer than exposed spots elsewhere. No wonder it’s a highly sought-after area for living permanently.

Balcon al Mar / Cabo La Nao

This southern tip of Jávea (the cape) has a slightly different microclimate again. It juts further out to sea and so catches more wind from different directions. In Balcon al Mar there’s often a breeze, which is wonderfully cooling in summer. In winter this cape is a little cooler and damper; the sea air can form fog banks by the lighthouse at night.

This neighbourhood gets a beautiful sunrise in the morning, but in winter it has less sun after midday, because the sun then sinks behind the interior and the slopes on the cape are in shade for long periods (an easterly orientation soon means no more direct sunlight after midday). Temperatures are mild, but houses here benefit from a good southerly orientation for winter sun.

Other villa areas (Costa Nova, Tosalet, etc.)

These lie further inland from Cabo La Nao and a little lower. They’re a bit more sheltered and have more pine woods (which give shade). The microclimate is similar to the Arenal area: warm, sometimes a touch muggy in the height of summer because of the trees, but very pleasant in spring and autumn.

Living here & popularity

With all these facets, Jávea has enormous appeal. It offers views of the sea and the mountains, and thanks to its geography you can choose a neighbourhood that suits your preferences (wind vs. shelter, high vs. flat, lively vs. quiet).

The Montgó area is considered exclusive and is very popular with international buyers because of the space and the good climate all year round. The urbanizaciones near Cabo La Nao are also popular with people looking for peace and nature (close to the Granadella and Ambolo bays).

The Arenal, on the other hand, is sought after by people who love the beach and having things to do. Compared with Moraira, for example, Jávea is more spread out and a little hotter in high summer (because parts of it are further from the open sea), and also more humid, as mentioned earlier. Even so, the WHO considers it one of the healthiest places to live.

If you’re thinking of moving to Spain, many people would say Jávea is an excellent choice, and we notice that many of our clients look for their dream home here too, because of the unique microclimate and the international atmosphere. At the same time, that’s also because it’s one of the best-known areas.

Gata de Gorgos – Artisan village

Neighbourhoods

• Gata centre
• A few new residential areas on the edge (e.g. Gata Residencial)
• Scattered campo houses in the surrounding countryside

Gata de Gorgos is a traditional Spanish village known for its wickerwork and guitar making, on the Gorgos river (also called the Jalón river) halfway between Jávea and Ondara. The village sits at about 70 m altitude in a valley that runs from the Jalón valley to the sea.

Climate

Gata’s climate is similar to that of Pedreguer and Jalón, but a little more moderate, because air flows through it.

Summers are warm to very warm (30–34°C in July/August), but Gata often feels slightly less hot than the higher Jalón valley, as a breeze from the coast makes its way in via the Gorgos valley. Its position west of Jávea means the sea wind can reach Gata in the afternoon. In the evenings it cools to around 18-20°C.

Winters are mild: around 16°C during the day in January and 5-7°C at night. Because Gata is a bit further from the sea than, say, Moraira, winter mornings can be chilly. Still, it almost never freezes; the mountain slopes to the north and south of the village (such as the Caballo Verde hills) keep extreme cold out.

Rainfall & wind

When it rains in the Marina Alta, Gata gets its share too, but heavy showers sometimes just pass it by. Annual rainfall is around 500 mm. In autumn the Gorgos river can fill up, which in the past has led to minor flooding of the lowest-lying parts along the banks. The village centre, however, sits a little higher and has mostly stayed free of water damage.

Wind in Gata is usually moderate; the most common breeze is the sea wind from the east in the late afternoon. Now and then the Poniente (westerly wind) picks up, bringing warm, dry air from the interior, and on a day like that Gata can heat up considerably (sometimes >35°C, but only occasionally, in high summer).

The surrounding hills do give some protection from the strongest gusts. The valley is fairly narrow, so storm winds from the sea lose some of their strength.

Day-to-day climate

Gata de Gorgos feels like a rustic village, with mainly local residents and a handful of expats.

The climate is slightly more continental than right on the coast, which means: very sunny (little sea mist), slightly lower humidity and somewhat bigger swings in temperature. The advantage is that you rarely need the air conditioning on full in summer, because the dry heat feels more bearable and you can air the house well in the evening.

In winter it’s often sunny during the day and you can sit on the terrace of the bar in the village centre, but as soon as the sun goes down you notice it cooling off faster.

Gata’s (relatively) new residential area (Gata Residencial) sits on a small hill just outside the village and has an open view towards the sea. From here you drive up the mountain into Monte Pedreguer. It’s a little windier up there and you get the evening sun for a bit longer.

Compared with the surrounding villages: Gata is cooler than Jávea on a winter morning, but warmer than Benissa village, for example. It’s drier than Teulada or Benissa, because Gata lies in the rain shadow of the Bernia range.

That makes Gata a pleasantly dry microclimate for people with rheumatism or anyone who wants to avoid the humidity of the coast. Many old houses here, for example, have no mould problems, something that can be an issue closer to the sea.

Moraira – Old fishing village with a sheltered climate

Neighbourhoods

• Moraira centre & harbour
• El Portet (chic bay and villa area to the west)
• Paichi/Sabatera (villa areas just inland)
• Benimeit (hillside neighbourhood with views)
• Moravit & Pla del Mar (neighbourhoods near the centre)
• Next door, San Jaime (golf urbanización, partly in Teulada/Benissa)

Moraira is a much-loved seaside town. It’s known for its picturesque harbour, small-scale development and luxury villas.

Climate

Moraira benefits from a unique microclimate, which the World Health Organization has described as one of the healthiest in the world. Its position on an indented stretch of coastline, sheltered by hills and cliffs (such as Cap d’Or near El Portet and the hills towards Benissa), means Moraira suffers less from strong winds and extreme temperatures.

The average annual temperature is around 18°C. In winter it hovers around 16-18°C during the day and cools to around 8-10°C at night. There’s practically no frost here. In summer Moraira usually stays below 35°C; many days are 28-32°C with a light breeze.

The sunshine here is abundant. More than 2800 hours a year, which means the vast majority of days are sunny. Rain falls less often than elsewhere, perhaps 450-500 mm a year on average, limited to a few days in autumn and the odd shower in spring.

Shelter & wind

Moraira’s coast is partly enclosed by the Cap d’Or cliff (near El Portet) and the hills towards Calpe. That makes it sheltered. The village itself has few tall buildings to create wind tunnels.

What breeze there is usually comes from the north-east or east across the sea and is partly slowed by the rocky coastline. So Moraira feels less draughty than open beaches like those in Dénia. In a storm at sea Moraira is of course not entirely wind-free, but the gusts are softened.

San Jaime and Benimeit, higher up the hill towards the interior, catch a little more wind, but still less than similar heights elsewhere, thanks to that same sheltering rugged coastline. A local saying goes: ‘In Moraira you hear the wind, in Benitachell you feel it’ – meaning that the coastal town itself often has calmer weather than the slightly higher hinterland.

Humidity & temperature

Moraira has relatively low humidity compared with Jávea. Because there’s no big mountain directly behind it holding moisture in, excess humid air usually blows away along the coast. That means less chance of mist and mugginess. In practice you notice, for example, that washing dries faster in Moraira in summer than in Jávea.

Temperature swings are mild. The seawater that warms up in summer gives off some heat in winter, so winter evenings stay mild. At the same time, that same water stops summer from getting sweltering, because the sea breeze cools things down. So Moraira has a very balanced climate, ideal if you want to live outdoors all year round.

People say that in Moraira you can have breakfast outside 300 days a year thanks to the microclimate, and that doesn’t seem like an exaggeration. OK, maybe it was last year, with all that rain.

Neighbourhoods & sun

• Centre & Pla del Mar: lie right on the sea, facing due south. There’s plenty of sun here, especially in winter, when the sun is in the south and comes in across the sea. At midday in winter the promenade is one big sun terrace. In the evening the sun drops behind the hill of Cap d’Or, but you have an open view until sunset (no high mountains directly to the west).
• El Portet: faces south-west. This neighbourhood gets the sun a little later in the morning (Cap d’Or can briefly block the early sun), but then enjoys sunshine until the evening. In winter the sun disappears a little earlier behind the western hills here, so in December the bay can already be in shade by around 16:00. Still, the sheltered position is so favourable that it rarely feels cold.
• Hillside neighbourhoods (Paichi, Sabatera, Benimeit): these sit higher up and often a little inland. They mostly face south or east. The higher you go, the better the view, but also the more wind. In winter these neighbourhoods are still mild, but a home on an exposed slope can cool down a bit more in the evening wind. That’s why the smartest houses are built so their terraces are sheltered. Many villas here face south for maximum winter sun.
• Neighbouring areas (San Jaime, part of Benissa/Teulada): Although officially partly in neighbouring municipalities, these neighbourhoods feel like Moraira. San Jaime (by the golf course) sits a little higher and more exposed; here you get wind sooner and slightly bigger daily temperature differences, but also gorgeous far-reaching views and sunsets.

Popularity

Moraira is a very sought-after place to live because of this combination of climate and quality of life. It has stayed small-scale (no high-rise blocks) and is surrounded by green hills and the sea, which gives it an exclusive feel. Now and then it even has a bit of a Mallorca vibe.

Crime is low, the air is clean and the community is international but relaxed. Compared with busier towns, Moraira has fewer large-scale amenities (no big shopping malls, for example), but most people find the peace and charm more important.

Climate-wise, Moraira and its surroundings stand out for their very mild winters – you see lots of people spending the winter here, because in January you can regularly sit on the terrace in a T-shirt. The summers are pleasant too. No extreme heat, thanks to its position. Moraira is much loved, and that also makes it the most expensive village in the region.

Benitachell (and Cumbre del Sol) – Rural village and stunning views

Neighbourhoods

• Benitachell village centre
• Los Molinos (villa area inland)
• Cumbre del Sol (large urbanización on a coastal plateau)
• Valle del Portet (valley between Moraira and the Cumbre)

Benitachell (or, in Valencian, Benitatxell) is a small village on a hill a little inland, between Jávea, Teulada and Moraira. The municipality does stretch all the way to the sea, however, where the spectacular residential area of Cumbre del Sol has been built on the clifftops.

Climate in the village

Benitachell itself (the village) sits at approx. 120 m altitude, about 3 km from the coast. The climate here is a mix of inland and maritime. The sea is close enough to take the edge off extreme heat, but because the village lies behind a ridge you don’t get the full sea breeze the way Moraira does.

Summers are hot (32-35°C during the day in July/August), and at night it often cools to 20°C or just below, so it can cool off pleasantly. In winter the afternoon temperature is around 15-17°C, and nights cool to 7°C.

The village lies on a south-west-facing slope, so it gets lots of sun and is relatively little bothered by the damp sea air (which often blows over the village towards the valley behind it). So Benitachell’s weather is just that bit drier and clearer than on the lower-lying coast. You often see a bit of haze hanging over the sea down by Moraira while the sky is clear blue in Benitachell.

Rain here mostly comes as short showers in spring and autumn. The village itself has little trouble with flooding; the water runs off to the sea via deep barrancos (ravines).

In a storm, though, the wind whips around the village sooner than elsewhere, because Benitachell is open to the north and east. A north wind (Tramontana), for example, is felt more strongly here than in Jávea (which is protected by the Montgó). That doesn’t happen often, though. Usually the weather is calm, or there’s a light breeze.

Cumbre del Sol

This is a striking residential area of Benitachell, on a high plateau right by the sea, with cliffs rising 100-200 m above sea level. It’s beautiful here, and cheaper. That’s because it’s also a bit damper and windier here. The microclimate here can differ from the one in the village.

Temperature & sun

On Cumbre del Sol you’re fully exposed to the elements. That means the sun beats down in full. There are few trees or tall buildings, so in summer it can feel hot in the full sun. At the same time there’s often a breeze, especially during the day, which cools things down. In winter this plateau is very sunny. Houses facing south or south-east catch the sun all day until it sets.

However, houses on the northern edge of the Cumbre (towards the cliff that looks north) get hardly any direct sun in winter. It faces north, so it’s in shade almost all day. That can be chilly. It’s cold, damp and windy here. Houses here get mould more quickly and are almost impossible to heat.

That’s why orientation on the Cumbre is crucial. The most sought-after plots face south/east, with sea views and sun all day long.

Wind

Because of its height and exposed position, Cumbre del Sol gets the full force of the wind, from both the sea and the land. On a breezy day it’s wonderfully cooling, but in a strong wind it can be uncomfortable on unsheltered terraces.

Gusts (Levante storms or the Poniente) can have free rein and are stronger than down in Moraira. Residents here learn to position their terraces out of the wind, or put up windbreaks.

Rainfall

When it rains, this plateau takes the full force of it straight off the sea. Drainage is good, fortunately (steep roads downhill), but the weather can get wild.

Gota fría downpours have occasionally caused mudslides here that ran down along the roads. Because the Cumbre is so rocky, less water soaks into the ground; that means big puddles in the streets during cloudbursts, but also that it runs off quickly towards the sea.

Residential character

Benitachell village is a quiet farming village, a lot less touristy than Moraira or Jávea. People who live here love Spanish village life and house prices that are attractive compared with the glitz of the coast.

Cumbre del Sol, by contrast, is almost entirely international and holiday-oriented, with spectacular views as its biggest asset. From the Cumbre you can see Ibiza on a clear day, and you have sea views all around. The finest views, however, come at the price of wind.

Cumbre del Sol is a picture-postcard setting, with the intense blues of the sea. It’s popular with photographers and climbers, especially around the Moraig cliff. In summer you’ve got nothing to complain about here: no mosquitoes (too high/dry), always a breeze and cool nights. In winter you need to make sure you have a spot out of the wind.

Popularity

Benitachell is less well known, but Cumbre del Sol has grown in popularity in recent years thanks to new-build developments and its spectacular natural setting. Price-wise it’s more attractive than Moraira/Jávea, which draws a lot of buyers. Bear in mind: for amenities you’ll need to drive to the village or to Moraira/Jávea.

Teulada – Wine village on the hill

Neighbourhoods

• Teulada historic centre
• Newer neighbourhoods around the village
• Rural caseríos (farmhouses) in the surrounding countryside

Teulada is the historic village that, together with Moraira on the coast, forms a single municipality (Teulada-Moraira). The village lies about 6 km inland from Moraira, on a ridge at approx. 200 m altitude.

Climate

Because of this position, Teulada is slightly cooler and drier than Moraira. In summer, maximum temperatures can climb a little higher (34-36°C on peak days), because the sea breeze doesn’t reach the top of the hill as directly. However, the altitude also means somewhat lower humidity and more cooling in the evening.

There’s often a breeze from the interior at night. In winter the days in Teulada are mild (14-16°C in Jan.), but the nights can be quite chilly. Nights are regularly around 5°C, with sometimes a degree of frost out in the countryside.

That’s because Teulada is open to the north-west. On clear winter nights, cold air flows from the interior up to this height. Even so, it will rarely really freeze in the village itself, because of the heat the buildings hold.

Rainfall follows roughly the same pattern as Moraira. Little rain, and mostly autumn showers. Because Teulada is higher, it can catch slightly more rain from passing clouds (which bump up against the ridge). But there are no big differences; here too, around 500 mm falls a year.

Wind & sun

Teulada gets more wind off the land. In summer that means lovely evening breezes from the Bernia/valley side. It’s wonderfully cooling. During the day the wind is usually light.

The sea wind does reach Teulada, but often later and weaker (it’s partly held back by the first hills along the coast). In winter a cold north-westerly can sometimes be felt, something Moraira down below hardly notices. So it can happen that it’s still and 18°C in Moraira while it’s 16°C in Teulada with a fresh breeze.

Sunshine hours in Teulada are abundant, and you almost never see sea mist here. There is sometimes morning mist from the Benissa/Teulada valley itself, but that’s sporadic and clears quickly.

The sun is high enough to light the village from sunrise to sunset, except where buildings cast shade. Because Teulada lies on a south-facing slope, the village itself gets lots of sun, especially towards midday. The north side of the Teulada hill stays cold for longer, but the village centre is well placed.

Living here

Teulada is a traditional Spanish village with an authentic atmosphere. It attracts fewer foreign residents than Moraira, although more and more people who value the real Spanish community, while still wanting to be close to the coast, are settling here.

There are still some really cosy, old-fashioned little places. Ca Toni is one of our favourites. There are also lovely bodegas and vineyards. MonteSanco is an absolute must-visit. Their red wine, the Bobal, ranks among the top 1% of wines in the world.

The climate is just a little more continental than by the sea. That means you might need to put the heating on a bit more on winter evenings and won’t have a beach breeze on your doorstep in August, but otherwise the difference is small.

Compared with Jalón, for example, Teulada is still milder, by the way (because it’s near the sea and lower down). Flooding doesn’t happen; the village sits high and dry.

The vineyards around Teulada benefit from the slightly cooler winters: in January it can get cold enough to give the vines their rest, but never so cold that it does damage. That’s perfect for the Muscat grapes the region is famous for. The moscatel.

So Teulada offers a healthy, slightly cooler microclimate that is still 100% Mediterranean: lots of sun, no snow, and summers that bring bountiful harvests.

Calpe – The iconic rock

Neighbourhoods

• Calpe centre (historic core and modern town centre)
• Playa Arenal-Bol (main sandy beach with promenade)
• Playa La Fossa/Levante (second beach by the Ifach rock)
• Las Salinas (area around the salt lake)
• Maryvilla (villa area on the western hill)
• Calpe Hills/Empedrola (villa areas in the hills inland)
• Mascarat (on the north side, by the border with Altea)

Calpe is a well-known seaside resort, recognisable by the Peñón de Ifach, a 332 m rock that juts out into the sea and forms the dividing line between the two main beaches.

Climate in general

Calpe has a classic Costa Blanca climate, with mild winters and hot summers. In January it averages 16°C during the day and 7-8°C at night; frost almost never occurs on the coast. In July/August the average high is around 30°C, although peaks of 35°C to 40°C are possible on still days.

The Ifach rock and the surrounding mountains (such as the Oltà and the Bernia range towards the hinterland) subtly influence the microclimate. Calpe, for instance, lies in the lee of the Bernia when the wind is from the north. The cold northerlies are partly blocked, so in winter Calpe often stays just a little warmer than places further inland.

At the same time, in summer the breeze can be channelled between the Ifach rock and the coastline. On the east side (Playa La Fossa) that brings wonderful cooling on hot days, like natural air conditioning by the beach.

Around 500-550 mm of rain falls a year on average, peaking in autumn. The salt lake (Salinas) in the middle of Calpe shows that the area is relatively flat and holds water; in extreme rain (gota fría) the lake can swell and flood the surrounding paths, but the residential areas usually stay safe.

Neighbourhood nuances

Beach neighbourhoods (Arenal-Bol and La Fossa)

Right on the beach, the climate is moderated by the sea. In summer a sea wind blows in off the Mediterranean almost every afternoon, which keeps it feeling pleasant.

The Peñón de Ifach makes the wind bend around the rock: on one side (Arenal beach, south of the rock) the wind may come slightly from the south, while on the other side (La Fossa, to the north) it’s more easterly. You notice this when you walk from one beach to the other – sometimes the wind drops away behind the rock and suddenly it’s very warm and still, or the other way round.

In winter the rock and the surrounding buildings give plenty of shelter, so you can sit on terraces out of the wind in the sun, even on chilly days. Calpe’s promenades face due south (Arenal) and north-east (La Fossa); the south-facing Arenal is sunny until late afternoon in winter, while La Fossa gets a bit more shade in the late afternoon from the rock and the mountains to the west.

Centre/Salinas

The more inland part of Calpe, around the salt lake and the old town, is a little more sheltered from the sea’s influence. It can be slightly hotter here in summer, because buildings and terrain weaken the wind. On warm days the salt lake can create a slightly sultry microclimate (the water evaporates and holds on to heat).

At the same time this area has few draughts, so in winter it’s often a few degrees warmer than the open coast: the warmth of the town and the water keeps the cold out. The birds on the Salinas bear witness to the mild climate; flamingos spend the winter there thanks to the relatively warm water.

Hillside neighbourhoods (Maryvilla, Empedrola)

These sit higher up and further from the sea. Maryvilla, in the west of Calpe, is built against the slopes of the Ifach foothills and looks south-east out over the bay. Since the higher you go, the more wind you get, villas at the top of Maryvilla catch strong gusts, especially in a north or east wind.

The view is brilliant. But because it often blows far too hard here, you end up indoors more than outdoors. Fortunately not every day is stormy, and clever designers have created sheltered corners here.

In winter Maryvilla sees the sun rise later (because of the easterly orientation, the mountain holds back the first sun) and it gets plenty of sun in the late afternoon until it sets behind the mountains. These are things you really need to pay attention to when you go to viewings. They’re why houses here seem better value. But you have to ask yourself whether you actually want to live there.

Empedrola and other neighbourhoods on the south side of Calpe lie towards the Bernia or the Oltà mountain. These too offer magnificent views. Sometimes even as far as the Benidorm skyline.

In winter a home on an exposed hill like this can feel cold when it’s windy, while down in the town the weather is mild. In summer, however, these heights are often just a bit fresher thanks to the wind and lower humidity, and cooler at night, which is exactly what residents appreciate. So these houses are better suited as a summer holiday home.

Mascarat/Canuta (north side)

This area near the border with Altea, around the marina and the tunnel to Altea, faces a different way again (more north/east). Here the sun shines straight onto the cliffs at midday, but in winter it sets early behind the high mountains of the Sierra de Bernia to the west. As a result, some apartments here have no more sun after 15:00 in December.

It is, however, very sheltered from the south-west wind (the Bernia keeps it out). This microclimate is a little cooler in winter but pleasant in summer (being on the north side, there’s no scorching afternoon sun on the façade).

Comparison and lifestyle

Calpe is somewhat more dynamic than Moraira or Jávea: more high-rise buildings and more tourism. The high-rises create a microclimate of their own (the buildings hold heat and block the wind). That’s why the town centre often feels warmer in winter, and sometimes more oppressive in summer, than the open countryside just outside it.

Calpe is very popular with tourists and residents alike who love amenities (shops, restaurants) and a lively atmosphere. There’s a big, wide promenade and a fantastic sandy beach. Great for an early-morning run, and a fantastic beach to take the kids to.

You get the best views in Calpe from the higher points. But then you’re also in the wind.

Flooding is rarely an issue in Calpe. Drains in low-lying streets can struggle after heavy rain, but the Salinas (which takes in excess water) and good town drainage keep that problem short-lived. In short, Calpe has a very sunny climate with salty sea air, and mild winters (thanks to the sea and the shelter).

Benissa – Sprawling municipality from mountains to sea

Neighbourhoods

• Benissa pueblo (historic town inland)
• Benissa Costa (coastal zone with urbanizaciones such as Baladrar, La Fustera, Montemar, Buenavista, San Jaime)
• Interior (finca areas around Pedramala, Berdica, Sierra de Bernia)

Benissa is an old market town that takes in both a stretch of coast and a large interior.

Climate in Benissa town

The town of Benissa lies at about 250 m altitude, some 7 to 8 km from the coast. That gives it a noticeably different climate from the coastal villages.

In summer it’s a little cooler in the evening. The altitude and the distance from the sea bring the mercury down. Sometimes you can even sleep comfortably with the windows open. During the day it can certainly get hot, up to 40°C, but often just a touch less muggy than down by the sea, because the air is drier.

In winter Benissa is clearly chillier. Average highs are around 13-15°C in January, with lows that regularly dip towards 3-4°C. It’s one of the few places in the Marina Alta where you occasionally see a bit of frost on roofs or car windscreens. Snow practically never falls here.

Rainfall

Benissa gets slightly more rain than the coast, especially at the foot of the Sierra de Bernia, which rises to 1100 m. Clouds coming in from the sea run into these mountains and can unload there. Pedramala and the neighbourhoods higher up against the Bernia notice this in particular. They have lush terraces and greenery, thanks to the extra moisture.

On average perhaps 600 mm falls a year in Benissa, and even more on the Bernia itself. In Benissa village itself the rain is spread out and rarely a problem. The water runs down the hills to lower-lying ground.

Coast (Benissa Costa)

Benissa’s stretch of coast is quite special: it isn’t a real town centre but a long strip of more than 4 km of coastline between Moraira and Calpe, with inlets, cliffs and little coves. Various urbanizaciones lie along it.

The climate of Benissa Costa closely resembles that of Moraira and Calpe, depending on which is nearer. The eastern part (around La Fustera, closer to Calpe) is influenced a bit more by Calpe’s open bay and breeze, while the south-western part (around Baladrar, closer to Moraira) gets more of Moraira’s shelter.

Overall, Benissa Costa is sunny and mild: 17-18°C on a winter’s day, 30°C on average in summer. Behind the coast, however, the Benissa plateau rises fairly quickly.

Many of the coastal urbanizaciones lie on slopes that climb towards Benissa. That means that if you live in Montemar or Montetemar (a neighbourhood just inland from the coast road), for example, at 150 m altitude, your climate is already a little different from down by the bay.

Up there you have lovely views and a bit more wind, and in winter the afternoon sun doesn’t last as long. The Benissa plateau behind you blocks the last rays early in the evening (in December you’re in the shade by around 15:30-16:00). The low coastal strip right by the sea (such as at the little beach of La Fustera) doesn’t have that. It keeps the sun until later.

This means that in winter some houses in the higher streets of Benissa Costa sit more in the shade, while down by the sea people are still walking in the sun or taking a quick dip. Some people actually prefer that higher position in summer, because it’s less sweltering up there and you get shade and cool air from the late afternoon. It’s a trade-off.

Wind

Benissa’s coast is open to the east and south-east. In an easterly it can blow hard and make the sea rough. The cliffs then offer only limited shelter.

On the other hand, the south-westerly (Poniente) from the interior usually reaches the coast weakened, because the Benissa plateau takes the worst of the wind out of it. Up on the plateau itself (Benissa village and Pedramala) it can get very windy, but down on the Benissa Costa you notice much less of it.

Interior (Bernia, Pedramala)

The north-western part of the municipality of Benissa lies in the mountains. The microclimate here is colder and wetter. Bernia even gets the occasional frost in winter, and snow on the summit. That doesn’t happen all that often. In summer, on the other hand, it’s cooler up there (at 600-800 m that can easily mean 5°C less than by the sea).

Pedramala is a plateau at around 300 m with fincas and vineyards. In the winter months this area catches glorious full sun (south-facing slope), but it can cool down a lot in the evening. For lovers of a rural climate (crisp nights, clear skies, crickets in summer), it’s paradise.

Living here & how it compares

Benissa town is less popular with foreign buyers than the coast, mainly because of the cooler winter climate and the fact that it isn’t directly on the sea. Even so, you can see Benissa starting to become hugely popular.

And some people choose it precisely for the authentic atmosphere and accept the slightly harsher winters; with a stove or central heating that’s perfectly manageable, in exchange for a spacious house and garden at lower prices.

Benissa Costa, on the other hand, is very sought after: you get large plots with sea views, closer to Calpe or Moraira, but without being in the bustle of a tourist centre.

The climate there is almost as mild as Moraira’s; you just need to pay attention to location (a house deep in a wooded barranco, for example, can be partly in shade in winter and damper, while one on the cliff gets full sun but more wind).

Views in Benissa are often breathtaking. Many homes look out over the bay of Calpe or towards Moraira. As mentioned earlier, a high position gives you a panorama but also wind – something to bear in mind.

In general you could say Benissa is a climate chameleon, ranging from very mild Mediterranean on the coast to almost a mountain climate on the Bernia. But in the inhabited part, where most of the houses are, you get an ideal mix: sunny, slightly less humid, not much bustle.

It’s no coincidence that many luxury villas and old fincas belonging to wealthy people lie tucked away along the mountain roads here; they knew how to find the calm microclimates, away from the busy coast but still with a view of the sea.

Altea – Artistic seaside town facing south

Neighbourhoods

• Altea town (centre and old town)
• Altea la Vella (rural village at the foot of the Bernia)
• Altea Hills (luxury villa area on a hill)
• Mascarat/Marina Greenwich (marina and apartments on the north side)
• Cap Negret (northern coastal strip)
• Olla de Altea (southern suburb towards Alfaz)

Altea is often called the most artistic and most beautiful town on the Costa Blanca, with its white church dome and picturesque old town on a hill. But Altea has a lot to offer climate-wise too. It lies on the open bay of Altea, facing south. To the north it’s sheltered by the high Sierra de Bernia (1128 m).

Climate

Because Altea faces south/south-west, it catches lots of sun all year round. In winter the sun is low in the south. Ideal for Altea, because the whole town faces south, so almost every terrace and balcony gets sun in the middle of the day.

In January daytime temperatures are around 16-18°C, a little higher than elsewhere, because the Bernia blocks cold northerly winds and can create a föhn effect (a dry, warm downslope wind when the wind is from the north). At night it cools to 7-9°C, milder than in the places directly behind the Bernia (Alfaz and La Nucía are cooler).

In summer Altea is warm, but the bay brings a breeze and the Bernia sometimes holds off the worst heatwaves. It averages 30°C in July, with 22-24°C at night (though humidity is a little higher, because the bay is relatively sheltered, so humid air doesn’t always clear quickly).

Being on a wide bay means Altea gets slightly less wind off the sea than, say, Calpe. The wind spreads out over the whole curve of the bay. That sometimes makes the summer air rather still in the old centre. In the narrow streets it can then get oppressively hot in the middle of the day.

Still, there are often thermal winds. Wind blowing from the interior towards the sea in the evening, which drives the heat out of the town.

Rain is scarce. Altea is partly in the rain shadow of the Bernia and the mountains around Puig Campana. Around 450-500 mm a year, often in autumn downpours.

Neighbourhood microclimates

Old town & centre

On a hill right by the sea, facing south-west. This part may well have the best microclimate: the white buildings reflect the sun, the slope lets cold air slide downhill, and the nearby water moderates the temperature.

In winter the narrow alleys out of the wind are gloriously sunny; in January you see locals sitting outside painting or playing guitar in the sun. In summer, on the other hand, the alleys can be sweltering around siesta time, but luckily the evening brings cooler air fairly quickly here, as the sea breeze picks up again and the stones cool down.

Cap Negret & La Olla (coastal strips)

These are the areas north and south of the centre along the coast road. They sit right by the sea and catch the full breeze. That makes it feel slightly cooler here in summer, but also colder in winter when there’s a strong east wind (the wind comes straight off the sea).

The pebble beaches here warm up less than sand, which means the surroundings stay a little fresher at the water’s edge. In winter, though, these areas are sunny and open. No mountains to take the sun away until very late (only the hill of Altea itself can cast shade on Cap Negret early in the morning).

Altea la Vella & the interior

This little village lies behind Altea, closer in under the Bernia. The inland climate is noticeable here: slightly cooler winters (the Bernia casts early shade in the afternoon and holds on to the warmth less) and slightly less moisture from the sea.

In summer, Altea la Vella can actually be hotter during the day, because less sea wind gets through behind the first hills. The many citrus groves here point to a microclimate. Oranges and lemons thrive, as frost is rare, but they get just enough cold in winter for their growth cycle.

Altea Hills & Sierra de Altea

This is the famous luxury villa area on the flanks of the Bernia, between 100 and 400 m up, overlooking the bay. Altea Hills is beautifully set on south-east-facing slopes, which means you have sun in the morning and into the afternoon, but late in the afternoon/evening the sun’s rays disappear behind the ridge. In winter that effect is stronger (dark early); in summer the light lasts longer.

The advantage of the height is fresh air and fewer mosquitoes. The disadvantage is wind. As mentioned earlier: high-lying neighbourhoods like Altea Hills can catch quite a lot of wind. The top plots in particular have stunning unobstructed views, but every breeze up there turns into a gust.

So terraces in Altea Hills often have glass screens or alcoves so you can sit outside in shelter. You really do have to roll your awning in when you go out.

The temperature is a few degrees lower than at sea level, which is welcome in August and in January means you’ll occasionally need to put a jumper on a bit earlier. Even so, Altea Hills is very popular, because here too the Montgó and Bernia ridges hold off the northern cold, and people talk of an exceptionally healthy microclimate.

On many days of the year you have a gorgeous clear view from Altea Hills, because the air gets blown clean. Smog or haze often stays hanging down below.

Mascarat/Marina Greenwich

This is the area up against the border with Calpe, below Altea Hills, by the Campomanes marina. It’s on the north side of Altea, which means it faces a slightly different way (more to the east).

Here the sun arrives directly early in the morning, but in winter it disappears around 15:00 behind the high rock faces of the Morro de Toix (a spur of the Bernia). So it can turn chilly in the late afternoon in the winter months. In summer that’s actually fine, because you avoid the hottest sun on your façade in the late afternoon.

Mascarat is somewhat windy in an easterly (the wind can shoot through the gap between Altea Hills and the Morro de Toix), but otherwise the weather is fairly calm. The water in the marina is usually calm, except in a strong north wind (rare).

Why people love it

Altea has been loved by artists and expats for decades because of its unique atmosphere and, not to forget, its climate and light. Its south-facing position gives a special light (photographers rave about the golden glow on the Bernia at sunset, visible from Altea) and very reliably sunny weather.

Altea also claims around 300 sunny days a year, and you can feel it. The promenade is in use all year round. Compared with Calpe, for example, Altea has less high-rise and a slightly cooler summer climate (Calpe’s beaches can feel hotter because of the shelter of the Ifach, while Altea is more of an open bay with a breeze).

Compared with Moraira/Jávea, Altea lies a little further south, but thanks to the mountains the microclimate is similarly mild. Flooding in Altea is limited to, at most, the Algar river in heavy rain, which can burst its banks towards the river mouth (between Albir and Altea), but the town itself is on higher ground.

The view over the sea from Altea Hills and from the old town is phenomenal and a big plus for residents. In Altea Hills you do pay the ‘wind price’ for it, but many people are happy to.

In short, Altea offers a very comfortable, sunny microclimate, with the pleasures of a southerly orientation (warm winter sun, beautiful light) and the protection of the mountains (few extremes). That, combined with its charming ambience, makes it one of the most sought-after places to live on the Costa Blanca North.

Our first holiday together was to Altea. We’re still a little bit in love with it. The only downside, as far as we’re concerned, is that there’s often a traffic jam on the road there.

Conclusion: the climate of the Costa Blanca North

Living anywhere on the Costa Blanca North is pleasant, but as we’ve seen, every town has its own pros and cons.

Coastal towns such as Dénia, Jávea, Moraira, Calpe and Altea share mild winters and lots of sun, but differ because of their geography. One place catches more wind, another a bit more rain or damp. The Montgó, for example, means Jávea and Dénia can get different weather on the same day, and the shelter of Cap d’Or gives Moraira an exceptionally calm microclimate.

Sitting in the shade in winter? That happens mainly on north-facing slopes and behind high mountains: if you live right on the north side of the Bernia or the Montgó, for example, you miss out on a lot of direct sunlight in winter, and it feels chilly and is damp.

A south-facing house in this region is worth its weight in gold in winter. You have sun and warmth all day. That’s why south/south-east-facing neighbourhoods (the Montgó in Jávea, the centre of Altea, etc.) are so popular.

In valleys like Jalón, a high mountain range to the south (the Sierra de Bernia) can mean the valley falls into shade earlier on winter afternoons, while higher terraces a little further along still catch the sun.

Sunniest and driest

The whole Marina Alta enjoys 300+ days of sun a year, but a few places stand out. Moraira and Jávea both claim approx. 325 sunny days a year. Those in the know also name the Jalón valley as one of the sunniest microclimates, with little wind and low humidity.

As a general rule: the inland valleys (Jalón, Orba) are dry and sunny, but hotter in summer. The coast is tempered a little more by the sea wind and sometimes gets a sea-breeze cloud.

The most humid spots are usually right by the sea near wetlands (Pego with the Marjal is more humid; Jávea has relatively high humidity). The driest spots are inland at altitude (Pedreguer, Jalón), where humidity is often lower and rain less frequent.

Best views

For those you have to go up high. But then you have to put up with a bit of wind. You notice it in neighbourhoods such as Altea Hills, Cumbre del Sol, Maryvilla and Montgó. From there, picture-postcard panoramas of sea and mountains unfold.

Do bear in mind that top locations like these come with more wind and sometimes a bit more driving to reach amenities. Nevertheless, these are the places where people fall in love with the landscape: breakfast with sea views and sunshine, but perhaps a cardigan to hand for the wind.

On the other hand, lower-lying neighbourhoods near the sea (El Portet, Las Rotas, etc.) offer fairy-tale views of lapping coves and cliffs, often with extra shelter.

Most sought-after places to live

Of the places we’ve covered, Moraira, Jávea and Altea remain as popular as ever with international buyers, and that’s no surprise. Moraira deliberately preserves its charm (no high-rise) and is praised as ‘the place to live’ for anyone looking for peace, class and that microclimate. It is very Dutch, though.

Jávea combines a reputation for a healthy climate with a variety of neighbourhoods to suit every lifestyle. From cosy and old-fashioned to loud and brash, and from Ibiza-style coves to the commercial Arenal. Altea draws artists and bon vivants with its beauty and its position on the southern flank.

Calpe appeals to people who love a lively atmosphere and the beach, while still enjoying the mild winters. Dénia is the favourite for those who want urban energy and gastronomy without leaving the region, with the Montgó in the background as climate guardian.

Valley villages like Jalón and Llíber are popular with lovers of rural beauty and a very healthy, dry climate (often ideal for joint or breathing complaints). Pedreguer, Gata and Benissa offer a more authentic Spanish life and space at a somewhat better price, which many permanent residents find attractive.

In short, the Costa Blanca North has something for everyone. From a slice of Holland in the sun to authentic Spain. We’re happy to help you work out which place suits what you’re looking for, and we’ll point out the pros and cons of the houses and locations. Would you like to live on the Costa Blanca North? Then shall we have a chat and look at which place suits you best? We’d love that!