Alfaz del Pi (Valenciano: l’Alfàs del Pi) is a pretty resort town in eastern Spain, belonging to the comarca Marina Baja in the province of Alicante. And, although this town is not located directly at the Mediterranean Sea shore, this did not prevent it from becoming a cozy and comfortable tourist destination for residents of both European and other countries.
In addition, Alfaz del Pi is surrounded by other remarkable resorts: for example, the incendiary Benidorm lies five kilometers south; the picturesque Altea is six kilometers to the north; La Nucia, buried in fruit trees, is five kilometers to the west; and the large beach of Cap Blanc is just three and a half kilometers to the east.
Alfaz del Pi: Population
According to figures from the National Statistical and Census Institute (INE), the number of inhabitants of the town today is 0.05% of the total population of Spain. Between 2011 and 2014, Alfaz del Pi experienced a population growth of +2.6%. Based on these indicators, it was assumed that the number of inhabitants will increase to 25,477 people by 2021. However, the pandemic brought about changes in the real estate and tourism sector, and, only 20,042 people lived in the town at the beginning of 2020. In 2022, the population grew to 20,668 people.
Alfaz del Pi: Climate and Weather
The climate of Alfaz del Pi is favorable for holidays and permanent residing. The warmest months are July with an average temperature of +29°C, August +30°C, and September +27°C. During this period, there are almost no rainfall (maximum 1-2 rainy days per month).
The coolest weather is from December to March, when the air temperature is 14-16°C, which, however, does not cancel the clear and sunny days, the total number of which is more than three hundred days annually.
In Alfaz del Pi, many wellness and sports centers can be found, where you can take care of your health and keep yourself in great shape all year round.
Alfaz del Pi: the History of the Town
The history of the development of the settlement, Alfaz del Pi, began with fortifications built to protect against Barbary pirates. Inside the settlement itself, the inhabitants planted orchards and cultivated almonds, that served as a solid basis for economic growth. The narrow streets of Baldons, Calvari, El Gall or Marina Baixa with their picturesque Mediterranean-style houses, as well as the majestic Plaça Major with lush pine trees, and the church of San José, remind of those times, when the life in this place proceeded in accordance with the agricultural seasons, and the ringing of bells announced the beginning and end of the working day.
Archaeological evidence of these places showed that the first inhabitants appeared here during the Neolithic, from the 5th century BC, when the first Iberian settlements were formed, and in the 2nd-4th centuries AD, the territory of Alfaz del Pi was already ruled by the Roman conquerors.
The region was not bypassed by the Arab domination, which lasted from 711 to 1258, and reflected in the cultural traditions and appearance of the town, and in the 7th-8th centuries. Here, as in the entire region of Alicante, the fights with North African pirates took place.
In the 16th century, the settlement still had a different name – Alfaz del Polop. At this time, the large-scale construction of an irrigation system, called Rieg Mayor de Alfaz, began in the town. Thanks to a complex network of canals and many mills, agricultural land began to prosper and the population grown. Interestingly, this irrigation system continued to function even 345 years after it was built!
In 1836, the name of the town changed, due to the independence of the municipality from Polop, and it became known as l’Alfàs del Pi in honor of the pine (Valencian dialect), which was solemnly planted in the main square as a symbol of independence.
Back in the middle of the 19th century, only 250 inhabitants were registered in the municipality, and today Alfaz del Pi has become a multinational town with a population of more than 20,000 people. This is a wonderful Mediterranean resort, popular with those who appreciate the combination of a wonderful climate, the authentic atmosphere of the down town, and a rather calm and measured pace of life away from megacities.
Since the middle of the last century, the main role in replenishing the municipal treasury gradually began to play not the sale of fruits, but the developed tourism sector.
Attractions in Alfaz del Pi
As we can see from the rich history of the town, where the struggle for possession of these fertile lands was in full swing, and Roman and Muslim motifs were tightly intertwined in culture that did not violate the Spanish identity, unfortunately, there was no chance to keep the old buildings intact. And yet, in addition to the beach holidays at the nearby Cap Blanc and Playa de Albir, there are other places worth visiting in Alfaz del Pi.
Lighthouse Del Albir – Faro de l’Albir
In the beautiful Sierra Helada Natural Park, which stretches along the sea coast, you can take a walk to the picturesque Del Albir lighthouse. The road there is well-maintained and comfortable, and beautiful landscapes, sea air and refreshing breeze accompany you along the way.
The ascent to the lighthouse is not difficult, and it is quite possible to carry it out even in the company of children. At the beginning of the route there is a convenient parking lot, where there is almost always a place. The main thing is not to forget to take water with you so that the walk leaves only pleasant impressions.
- Address: Parque Natural Sierra Helada, 03581 L’Alfàs del Pi, Alicante
- Phone: +34 965 888 265
- Website: lalfas.es
Ancient Ocher Mines – Antigua Mina de Ocre
It is known that ocher, a natural yellow-brown mineral paint, began to be mined in prehistoric times, and its small-scale exploitation continued until the beginning of the 20th century. The mine of Virgen del Carmen, located in the natural park, near the Del Albir lighthouse, has been preserved as an example of such mining.
The former dwellings of the miners can still be seen here, as well as traces of mining activities carried out in this area. It is recommended to make the excursion with the whole family in order to learn not only about the peculiarities of the extraction of natural pigment – ocher, but also to get acquainted with the local diverse fauna and flora. At the end of the guided tour, you can go down to the bay of the mine to swim in its crystal clear waters.
The Horse Riding Club – Hipica Sierra Helada
This is a great place to finally learn how to ride a horse! Riding lessons are available for adults and kids. In fact, this club even has groups for children with disabilities – this is an effective rehabilitation and a great opportunity to «feel in the saddle» in every sense of the word.
- Address: Camí del Repetidor, 5, 03503 l’Alfàs del Pi, Alicante
- Phone: +34 693 012 399
- Website: hipicasierrahelada.com
The Tower of Bombarda – La Torre Bombarda
The remains of the ancient tower of Bombarda or Punta del Albir are located in the northernmost part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park chain.
To get there, the Del Albir lighthouse can be taken as a guide, that has an asphalt road laid out to it. There is also a hiking trail leading directly to the tower, here is a link to this route.
The history of the tower is as follows: the municipality of Alfaz del Pi, located far from the coast, allowed it to maintain a more protected position from pirate raids, compared to coastal localities.
Initially, the tower was part of a residential building, which was later transformed into the Alfas castle-fortress. Now practically nothing of the house remains, but in ancient times, locals found shelter and a safe haven from Barbary pirates here.
Today, the tower is a log-pyramidal structure about four meters high, with a strengthened gate at the base.
The results of archaeological excavations have shown that the Bombarda tower was built according to the same architectural scheme as other towers in this area, such as Torre del Charco or Torre de Aguas.
Would you like to visit Alfaz del Pi or even settle down permanently here? If you are interested in this wonderful town and you are keen on renting or buying property in this town, we look forward to answering all your questions. Also, you can find our catalog of real estate in Spain on the following link.
