Sella was recently described in a travel magazine as one of the most beautiful areas in Europe.
Sella is an ancient Moorish village which nestles between the Sierra Aitana Mountains at 1557m above sea level and the Puig Campana which is1408m at its summit. At the top of the village is a chapel, the Ermita de Santa Barbara.
Averages
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Day Temp in Cent
16
17
19
21
24
27
31
32
28
25
19
17
Night Temp in Cent
5
6
8
10
13
16
20
20
18
14
7
7
Sunshine hours/day
6
7
7
9
10
11
12
11
9
7
6
6
Rainfall days/month
4
4
4
4
3
2
1
1
4
4
6
5
From this high point you have full panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The landscape is covered in bancales which were built with dry stone walls many hundreds of years ago to provide areas of flat cultivated land on which still grow almonds, olives, orange and lemon trees.
On a clear day the sea is visible from many points in the village.
Springtime in Sella is super with the almond blossom a great attraction for photographers, a profusion of pinks and whites adorn the countryside.
The area around the village attracts visitors from all over the world, not only to enjoy the pleasures of the landscape, but also because Sella is a renowned centre for climbers and walkers who visit the area for some of the best climbing in Europe.
The village contains a network of narrow streets, typically Spanish with pretty facades, bouganvillia, balconies and little shops hidden amongst the houses. Although the village has only about 600 inhabitants it boasts two banks, two supermarkets, a fishmonger, a tobacconist, a pharmacy and two traditional wood oven bakeries.
Sella is one place where you can drink the water as the village is fed by its very own fresh water spring.
Very little English is spoken in the village. The local people speak Valenciana as their first language with Spanish second and although English is taught in the village school the older villagers have virtually no knowledge of it.
There are a variety of places to eat and drink. Bar Fonda and Bar Maria are typical Spanish restaurants serving traditional food and drink with Maria particularly famous for her paella.
Isa y Toni’s is a husband and wife run bar and restaurant serving a “menu del dia” and al a carte in the evening. Super steaks!! Toni speaks good English. Bar Paco and Bar Casino are situated in the Placa Mayor (the main square) and both are traditional Spanish bars serving tapas and baguettes. On the main road as you enter the village is Quatre Caps, an English speaking restaurant, serving international cuisine from a lovely sunny terrace with outstanding views.
Fiestas are the lifeblood of Spain and Sella is no exception. For such a small village there seems to be a never ending series of events throughout the year culminating in the main October fiesta which takes place the first weekend of the month. During the rest of the year at various times we have a regional crafts and produce fair, a cultural week, presenting a non-stop series of music, dance and theatrical events, the fiesta of Santa Barbara in December, a paella competition, a carnival, and a water fight. The list is endless, something is always happening.
If visitors have any time left after they have climbed, walked, eaten and drunk the local wines there are many places of interest to visit.
Amabile is one of the locals who everyone knows. He can be found playing his guitar in the local bars if you are lucky. When not playing he lives in a fabulous 900 year old flour mill, which he has lovingly renovated over the years. Visitors are welcome and he will provide a full guided tour on request.
During July and August the local swimming pool is open for residents and visitors alike and the poolside bar will provide you with refreshments during your visit. The natural spring at the Font Mayor feeds a deep swimming hole, popular with the locals during the hot summer days.
On the main road through the village we have an antique wash house where villagers used to do their washing in the days before running water was available in the village houses. Still used by some people it is in full working order and makes a great photo opportunity.
Twenty minutes up the mountain is the Safari Park. Feeding time is at about 11.00a.m and is a good time to drive through following the feeding wagon providing a good opportunity to see most of the animals in their natural environment.
Villajoyosa is the nearest coastal town about 16 kms away. Famous for its coloured houses in the old town Vila, as it is locally known, boasts a wonderful selection of local shops and a sensational beach which at its northern end culminates in the fishing port where the catch can be seen being unloaded and sold at the end of each fishing day.
From the station in Vila a local train runs north as far as Denia and south to Alicante and in both directions there are many local stations to stop of and visit like Altea and Campello. In July each year the Moors and Christians festival is a main attraction.
Close by at 24kms distance is Benidorm. Long having suffered negative publicity it is a great place to visit either for the day on one of the fabulous beaches, shopping in the old town or in the evening for a superb night out in one of the many bars or clubs. Something for everyone in Benidorm.
