Oliva Spain |
Oliva has a population of about 20 000 people, lies on the southern tip of Costa del Azahar, close to the border of Costa Blanca, on what is known as the Orange Blossom Coast. This area sees an average of 300 days of sunshine a year so it's small wonder that almost every outdoor sport imaginable is available here. The beaches are definitely one of Oliva's biggest plus points - beautiful, long stretches of fine, golden sand which never gets crowded even in high season. The beaches are bordered by sand dunes and strict planning controls have mercifully saved the area from the skyscraper development which has marred so many of the Spanish costas.  
Oliva beaches are easily accessible by a 20 minute walk through the vast orange groves, a 5 minute drive, or a bus from the town centre. Don't expect shopkeepers and bar owners here to speak English (unlike the neighbouring resorts of Denia, Javea where the main European languages are widely spoken). The most widely spoken language in Oliva is the local "Valenciano" (similar to Catalan) but all the locals also speak mainstream "Castellano" and appreciate foreigners making at least some effort to converse in Spanish. Still retaining its traditional Spanish feel, Oliva has always been a popular holiday location for the Spanish people, and is becoming increasingly popular with international tourists. Attracted by the fine sandy, unspoilt beaches, which even in summer time are relatively uncrowded, and the excellent climate many choose to return to Oliva year after year.  
Oliva still has the remains of an ancient Moorish castle and the town has two attractive blue domed churches (Santa Maria and Sant Roc) and a maze of winding cobbled streets. The market in Oliva is held on Fridays. Just 45 minutes drive south of Oliva is the totally different world of Benidorm which boasts some of Spain's biggest holiday attractions including the Terra Mitica theme park, Aqualandia water world and a wacky nightlife in which more or less anything goes! Sports & leisure facilities in Oliva include: Golf at the Oliva Nova Golf course, Sailing, Kite Surfing & wind surfing at the Club Nautica, Cycling (bikes can be hired from El Valenciano in the town), Horse riding (riding school & stables located near Oliva Nova), Deep sea diving at the nearby town of Bellereguard, Swimming at either the indoor & or outdoor pools at the town's main sports centre or of course the sea, Walking in the hills on the many paths & tracks, Tennis at the Club de Tennis.
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