Biar is a large village west of Alicante on the Costa Blanca. Biar is framed by the foothills of the Sierra de Mariola and is dominated by the Moorish castle, built in the twelfth century, which sits on a hill above the town. It benefits from a short transfer time as it is only forty kilometres from Alicante Airport. Biar has had a long and troubled history being the site of many struggles and battles since the days of the Romans. Biar is noted for its pottery, its blankets and its manufacture of dolls. Being a few kilometres from the coast, a Biar holiday offers the wild beauty of the landscape, interesting visits to historical sites as well as relaxation on sandy beaches and participation in water sports.
A Biar holiday offers a guarantee of summer sun in an area of outstanding beauty. It provides many sightseeing opportunities as well as sandy beaches. Many recreational facilities are available both in and out of the water. There are also golf courses in the area.
A Biar holiday is popular with couples of all ages. Being close to the coast, visitors can enjoy relaxing days on the beach as well as exploring the historical streets of the old town. Families often prefer their base to be nearer to the sea.
The most popular time to take a Biar holiday is from April to October when the temperature ranges from a very pleasant twenty five degrees rising to the early thirties in the height of summer.
Biar is a small inland town on the Costa Blanca. Sitting beneath the Moorish castle, built to defend the people from marauders, it enjoys wonderful views over the countryside from the mountains behind and over the valley to the vivid blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The castle above the town was built by the Moors in the twelfth century has four towers and a semicircular enclosure as well as the sixty foot tower, the Torre de Homenaje which has been restored. The climb up to the castle is worth the effort for the view alone. The narrow cobbled streets of the town combined with the castle give an old traditional atmosphere to the settlement. The town square with the fifteenth century church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary is the perfect place to sit and relax over a coffee. Although a small town, Biar has a bustling economy with its distinctive pottery, its toy manufacture and its production of blankets. It welcomes tourists with genuine warmth and every effort is made to make your stay a memorable one.
Being close to the coast, holidaymakers can take time from sightseeing and hill walking and enjoy relaxing days on the beach. There are several kilometres of sandy beaches and rocky coves where you can bask in the sun or try your hand at water sports. There is also a choice of courses for golfers. Remember to bring your handicap certificate as this is sometimes a course requirement.
Although there is much to see and do in Biar, for those who wish to travel further afield car hire is recommended.
Biar is as relaxed by night as it is by day. Evenings are a far cry from the party nights so often found at the coast. As the sun goes down behind the hills people wander the cobbled streets or enjoy a meal and a drink under the stars.
Biar has a variety of shops providing all your holiday needs. There are also opportunities for purchasing gifts and souvenirs. Local pottery is on sale everywhere as are leather goods. There is also a weekly market on Wednesdays. If greater variety is needed you can make the short journey to Alicante where there are boutiques and department stores.
Although Biar restaurants serve a variety of cuisine, many of them provide traditional menus where fish features prominently. A good way to sample Spanish food is to order a plate of tapas which consists of a medley of bite-sized dishes. Tapas are also ideal for filling the sometimes long gap between lunch and dinner, which is served later in Spain than at home.
Children are always made very welcome in Spanish restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
