A brief guide to Benissa, Spain

When you think of the Alicante province and the loud and lively Benidorm, you think of British expats and noisy, English-speaking pubs. But Benissa is away from all that.

Located just along the coast from Benidorm to the East, Benissa is a beautiful medieval town – the kind of old place that has history, quiet and some interesting buildings.

There are still beaches, of course, for those who like their Sun. Cool water and picturesque coastlines are attractive and peaceful, away from the touristy hub-bub. But that’s just of Benissa’s appeal. The rest is all thanks to a restoration job that took place a few decades ago.

Back in the 1990s, local authorities stopped Benissa decaying into ruin, renovating its 17^th Century architecture to preserve it for new residents. The result is a small town with churches, town halls, narrow, uneven streets and a surprising amount of green countryside. It’s enough to attract people from all across the continent - a quaint concoction of old buildings and new homeowners.

With German, Scandinavian, British, Dutch and Belgian residents, some even call Benissa “Little Europe”.

Fortunately, despite the influx of people looking for a quiet spot near the beach, the real estate hasn’t become too overpriced. Relatively cheap homes and a decent Spanish climate give Benissa its own anti-Benidorm character without alienating expats completely.

Of course, with the Spanish VAT reduction of 50 per cent still in place until the end of 2011, Benissa is doubly affordable. And with its festive season setting in – a deeply important and religious time for Spaniards – it’s a nice time to invest in a Christmas getaway.

"I love the deep traditions of a Spanish Christmas,” says Marketing Director of Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, “but I fear that other European, more commercial influences are starting to creep in. My advice is to come out and experience the tradition for yourself - and sooner the better!”