Anyone who likes nature, culture, wildlife and beautiful scenery can enjoy it here to their heart´s content. La Masia dels Artistes is located in one of Spain´s most glorious areas.

According to the World Health Organization this region has the healthiest climate of Europe, with daytime temperatures during the winter months between 17 and 23 degrees. Summers are hot and dry and sunshine is almost guaranteed;  it is quite rare to see the sky overcast for more than one day.

 

From February to early June the environment is at its best, starting with a breath-taking pink and white tapestry of almond blossom, followed by the flowering of wild irises, mimosa and many other plants.

Old carob trees, olive trees, cacti and citrus trees can be seen everywhere in the valleys around La Masia dels Artistes and the village.

 

The famous song of the green woodpecker can often be heard, as can the sound of many other small birds, the colourful bee-eater, the golden oriole and the cuckoo. In the evening one hears the tawny owl and the eagle owl. Wild boar walk through the dry riverbed 100 metres from the house and share their habitat with martens, foxes, stoats and weasels.

Overhead it is quite common to see eagles flying on the thermal winds and sometimes, if you are lucky, you can watch them teach the young ones how to fly.

Several times a week a shepherd passes the finca with his flock of sheep.

 

To the west lies the mountain range of the Cabeço d´Oro, with its distinctive Gorilla head mountain. In the morning these mountains are lit by the sun in golden colours, hence the name. To the east, at over 1400 metres high, Puig Campana can have a similar golden hue in the reflected evening sunlight.

One can make dozens of different hiking trips close to home or further afield and everywhere the beauty is breathtaking.

 

All around there are Roman and Moorish remains to be found, from an ancient Roman water well to Moorish irrigation canals, that are actually still used by the farmers today. The ruins of a 10-century Moorish castle overlook historic and picturesque Relleu. The village dates from the end of the 1st century, built by the Romans, and in the 10th century conquered by the Moors. There are also remains of the prehistoric Iberian culture. The whole village breathes history. In Relleu there are 6 bars and restaurants where you can have lunch or an evening meal.

 

Sailing lessons, rock climbing, horseback riding, golf, sandy beaches such as the ones at Villajoyosa and Benidorm, can all be found within 20 to 30 minutes drivingfrom the finca.

Other interesting and authentic villages, like Sella and Aigues de Busot, are only 15 minutes drive away; trips around the mountains take you to other surprising villages like Torremanzanas with its renowned Sunday market of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Food and drinks are available at all these villages and the owner of the finca will be happy to suggest places for refreshment.