<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p>The friendly village of Algorfa is located in the Vega Baja region of the province of Alicante. One of the Costa Blanca’s citrus farming villages, Algorfa lies in the fertile Segura river basin and its surrounding roads are bounded by lemon and orange groves which give off a beautiful scent in the springtime. Though it has a large administrative area Algorfa itself is just a tiny village with a population of less than 3,000 (as of 2006).
There appear to have been settlements in the region around Algorfa during the Neolithic Period (4,000 to 2,000 BC), some human remains and tools were discovered by a Jesuit archaeologist from Orihuela in 1903.
Algorfa and its municipality was officially founded in 1328 by a privilege granted by Alfonso II after which it became part of the kingdom of Valencia. The original village comprised only fifteen houses with fifteen families. The privilege was withdrawn after the War of Succession in 1714 by Felipe V, but was restored before the end of the 18th Century by Carlos IV.
Village life in modern day Algorfa revolves around the charming village square where throughout the year many fiestas, activities and celebrations take place, continuing the traditions of the past. Also in the village square are the church, the newly built Town Hall (Ayuntamiento) and a selection of bars and restaurants where villagers and visitors can enjoy a peaceful drink and a bite to eat.
Sunshine is the order of the day in Algorfa and its inhabitants can expect to see over 300 days of it during an average year. Rain is scarce and usually limited to the cooler winter months (the most common months for rain being February and November), and an average yearly temperature of about 19 degrees centigrade is normal.
Other attractions in the area around Algorfa are the Parque Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja (Natural Park of the Torrevieja and La Mata salt lakes), the cave houses and Shell house at Rojales, the nineteenth century church (in a neo-gothic style) on the way to Benejuzar and the Palace of the Marquis de Fontabla at Jacarilla with its extensive and lavish gardens.
Algorfa also has its own busy market held on a Sunday and always worth a trip.
Sporting enthusiasts may want to try out some of the local facilities and close by is the famous La Finca Golf Club with its fabulous 18 hole course and great variety of greens. The course, designed by Jose Gancedo is set in natural surroundings with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Also in Algorfa is a fine recreation centre with sporting facilities to suit all ages, these include squash, tennis, swimming and 5-a-side soccer. Don’t forget the Aqua Splash Park in nearby Quesada for a cooling dip on a hot summer’s day.
Though Algorfa is an inland village, it is still very close to a number of fine sandy beaches, the popular seaside resort of Guardamar del Segura is just a 15 minute drive away. The beaches of La Mata, Torrevieja and the Orihuela Costa are also within easy reach.
What best sums up the Costa Blanca village of Algorfa? The answer is the village motto – “Algorfa a place to live and to enjoy life”.
Algorfa can be accessed from the AP-7 motorway (Cartagena – Crevillente) and from the CV-91 between Guardamar del Segura and The historic city of Orihuela. Algorfa is approximately 35 minutes drive from both Murcia and Alicante airports.
This article on the village of Algorfa was written by journalist Steve Locke who lives and works in Cabo Roig on the Costa Blanca, Spain. Check out his website to read dozens of other interesting articles. More about Algorfa can be found here:- Algorfa And for details of property for sale in the area click here:- Costa Blanca Property</o:p>
The writer Steve Locke resides in Cabo Roig on the Southern Costa Blanca, Spain. His website provides a huge amount of info. on the region.