Situated between Almoradi and Rojales in the Vega Baja region of the Costa Blanca, Spain is the tiny citrus farming village of Algorfa. Located on the banks of the River Segura, Algorfa lies on rich and fertile land, its surrounding countryside is full of orange and lemon groves. Algorfa enjoys spectacular views both to the mountains and to the azure blue Mediterranean Sea.
A Jesuit archaeologist from Orihuela made an interesting discovery in 1903 in the area of Algorfa which gives evidence of settlers as long ago as 3,000 BC. The remains of twelve humans and some tools and implements are all that is left of Algorfa’s early inhabitants.
When a privilege was granted by king Alfonso II in 1328 the municipality of Algorfa officially came into being and the village consisted of 15 homes and 15 families. After the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) Felipe V withdrew the privilege, though it was later restored king Carlos IV towards the end of the 18th Century.
Modern day village life in Algorfa centres mostly around the pretty village square, this is where most of the traditional local fiestas take place and also other activities and celebrations. The square is also where the Town Hall is located, together with the church and the police station. The village square is a popular place to enjoy a quiet drink or a snack. Algorfa is an exceptionally friendy place and visitors are always welcomed with a smile.
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.
Also worth seeing whilst in Algorfa are the quaint cave dwellings at nearby Rojales, the Parque Natural de La Mata y Torrevieja (a fine Natural Park with walking routes and rich wildlife), the substantial gardens at the Palace of the Marquis de Fontabla at Jacarilla and the 19th C neo-gothic church on the road to Benejuzar.
Algorfa is an excellent location for sports and leisure pursuits, there are some fine walking and cycling routes in the area, superb water sports facilities in the coastal towns and a beautiful golf course nearby. There is a fine recreation centre in the village offering various sporting facilities such as tennis, swimming, squash and five-a-side football. The golf course is at La Finca Golf Club, an excellent 18 hole, par 72 course set in wonderful surroundings with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
For those who like the beach and the sea, the coastal town of Guardamar del Segura is just a short drive away. Guardamar has some beautiful sandy beaches which are very popular during the summer months.
Thus ends our little trip to Algorfa – the tiny Costa Blanca village with a big heart.
Get more information on Algorfa here: http://www.algorfa.my-costa-blanca.co.uk