Benissa Film Office - Portal de Turismo Benissa

Benissa the smart set of the Mediterranean

The best set in the world, above any set, is a real life location. And few places are as special as Benissa, a unique municipality in the Valencian Community, located in the northeast of the province of Alicante, which has become an attractive smart set. The Tourist Office is responsible for managing the Benissa Film Office, from where support is provided to production companies and audiovisual media that decide to locate their project in this charming town with Mediterranean character, whether films, series, programs or other format.

Benissa by the sea

Les Bassetes Marina is ideal for small boats and offers unique views of the Peñon de Ifach and the Bay of Moraira. The Ecological Promenade runs along coves and beaches, offering spectacular scenery and historical remains such as the Torre de les Calcides. The coves of Fustera and Pinets stand out for their tranquility, natural beauty and crystal clear waters, perfect for enjoying the sunrise and the sea.

Marina

The waters that surround Benissa find rest in its marina. A small dock, adjacent to the municipality of Calpe, from which unique geographical features such as the Peñón de Ifach or the Bay of Moraira can be seen. Les Bassetes is a place of anchorage especially suitable for small boats of small draft and length, but also serves as headquarters for sailing and diving schools, and in its vicinity catamaran and windsurfing courses are taught. The hand of man has been able to respect the mountain that rises behind it, where there is a great botanical wealth, and has followed the natural course of its fall towards the coast, where the land of the coves merges with the crystal clear water. In the midst of this setting, the port is a discreet construction, perfectly integrated with the surroundings, which transmits serenity and invites the visitor to stroll. Scenery of family meals, walks to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, and shelter of boats before venturing into the Mediterranean Sea.

The richness of the Paseo Ecológico

It is possible to get to know the coast of Benissa by walking along its Ecological Promenade, a low-difficulty route, which is also equipped with gentle stairs in the steep areas. With an approximate length of 2.6 kilometers, it crosses emblematic points such as the Nautical Club, Les Bassetes beach, Fustera cove or Pinets cove; and allows access to beautiful seascapes. In the vicinity there are still remains of a watchtower from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Torre de la Casa de les Calcides de Benissa located next to the Baladrar ravine. Some of the characteristic plant species are thyme or cat’s head rockrose, only present in very specific points of the Mediterranean, which make up an important micro-reserve of flora. As the steps advance, sandy beaches, rocky coves and cliffs where the waters collide appear; unbeatable views of the calm waters are achieved, so clear that reflect the skies, of immense beauty at dawn and dusk. It is impressive to think that on the seabed sleep large meadows of Posidonia Oceanica, with flowers and fruits, which are a symptom of the enormous quality of the sea water.

The charm of Cala Fustera

Fine natural sand on one side of the shore; extensive Posidonia meadows on the other. Cala Fustera is a bay 110 meters long by 40 meters wide, which is one of the most special enclaves of the coast of Benissa. Very popular among the locals, it has managed to protect its natural charms from the impact of visitors and boasts of having obtained the Blue Flag, recognition awarded to beaches with proper environmental management. It is also considered a micro-reserve protected by its natural wealth, especially for the amount of cat’s head jarilla there, a species present in very specific points of the Mediterranean. La Cala Fustera is a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset. Here beats the contrast between the green vegetation of the coastline and the turquoise blue of the waters, which however, end up harmonizing and transmitting an immense sense of peace. Nearby is the Cueva de la Fustera, which is more than 10 meters high and offers a beautiful view of the coast, whose depth awaits the most intrepid seekers of adventures in nature.

Cala Pinets, discreet and rocky

Small and wild, the ground of Cala Pinets is composed of boulders, which enhances its beauty. With a length of approximately 20 meters, it is a small bay where the pine trees fall into the sea, and only the stone stops them. From Pinets you can access the Mar Morta, which owes its name to a small tongue of sea of little level and totally protected by rocks. Being sheltered from the waves, it is a quiet beach and suitable for bathing for children, as well as for underwater sports. Completing the picture are the well-known Roques Negres, which are rock formations of reddish tone, in tune with the so-called ‘sea tomatoes’. Again, another coastal singularity that should be mentioned: we are talking about an anemone of intense color, present in the clean and well oxygenated waters, which during the day remains contracted and only unfolds at night. Pinets is a discreet place, but of great charm for those who reach its steep relief and bathe in its waters.

Historic Benissa

The historic center of Benissa reveals its rich history in the Puríssima Street, from the Renaissance to the neo-Gothic of the Puríssima Xiqueta. Desamparats Street stands out for its imposing manor houses, a symbol of past splendor. The Cases del Batlle and Casa Abargues combine history and modernity, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the old nobility, now with cultural and social functions.

Puríssima Street, artery of the village

The heart of Benissa beats in a very unique historic center , small in size, but immense charm. In it coexist humble houses with white facades, dotted with historical details, next to the stately mansions of Renaissance air, a vestige of times of splendor. The cobblestone floor, known as “cinca”, comes from the pebbles of the coast and is present in some streets. Puríssima Street is the central artery of the municipality that runs from east to west through the old town. From the Plaza del Portal and the Placeta de l‘Església Vella, where we find a replica of the old front of the church; passing through the Sala del Consell, which with its stone arches is the oldest public building; or the Casa de Juan Vives, a place that tells the story of two pilgrims who left a miraculous image in that house until it became the current Patron Saint. There is also the Plaça del Rei Jaume I, up to reach the new church, the Puríssima Xiqueta, a neo-Gothic style building built in the twentieth century. It is known as the ‘Cathedral of the Marina’ because of its large size. La Puríssima is a street where different periods of Benissa coexist, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and that in its extension to San Nicolás street , houses the most emblematic stores.

The stately Desamparats Street

Popularly known as the carrer dels rics. Desamparats is the noble street par excellence of the municipality of Benissa. In the late seventeenth century, the city walls were extended to create a second extension in which the wealthiest families settled, seeking better views, greater tranquility and a good exit to the outside. Surnames such as Torres Orduña and Abargues, or the Baydal and Feliu families, promoted the construction of the houses that are still preserved today. Curiously, the best buildings, with large portals and iron railings, are located on the right side, where the lords lived; on the left side are those of lesser height, as they were reserved for the servants. The contrast between ostentation and humility is a constant in Benissa’s past, which in the present has given rise to unique spaces. Desamparats Street is accessed from Angel Street and, at the same entrance, is the Cantó del Asilo, a narrow alley that owes its name to the family home where the Piera-Torres family housed an old people’s home.

Past and present in Cases del Batlle

The Batlle houses are so called because, indeed, they were the residence of the mayor of the town. Its structure consists of two houses on Purísima Street, built in the late sixteenth century, on the site formerly occupied by part of the Muslim farmhouse. They are currently owned by the municipality and have undergone a thorough renovation, in which they wanted to maintain the original elements, combining them with other current ones. In its rooms the stone walls contrast with the Corten steel, which has the appearance of rusted iron. Thus, at the entrance, the wall of the old Andalusian grain storehouse is preserved, in which you can appreciate the tapial technique of the time; and in the lower courtyard there is also an old oil mill, with its corresponding millstone, stone with which the olives were pressed. Back to the present, among the public purposes that have been given, the houses house a library and a space for contemporary art, with the winning works, since 1982, of the Salvador Soria painting contest. There are also several offices and a conference room. Les Cases del Batlle are proof of how the past survives in the present with a totally renewed purpose.

The Abargues House, testimony of the bourgeoisie

The atmosphere of the Casa Abargues, one of the most emblematic buildings of the municipality of Benissa, is at least singular. It is a palatial home of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, whose interior exudes the noble atmosphere of the time, announced by the coat of arms located on the door. The rooms are a true testimony of how the Levantine high bourgeoisie lived. From the central courtyard to the stables and cellars, passing through the kitchen and the hall, which was once a carriage entrance. In some of the rooms curious elements are preserved, such as the bell used by the lords to call the service, more than a hundred books of the eighteenth century and a fountain decorated with remains of natural stalactites. One of the most beautiful elements is the Valencian tile staircase, with country prints, which leads to the rooms of the lords located on the upper floor. Also noteworthy is the blue room, with its mirror and crystal chandelier, and the private oratory. The latter is dedicated to the Mare de Déu dels Desamparats and once had a papal bull for the celebration of masses.

Private locations

In addition to locations in public spaces, Benissa offers a variety of private spaces that can be very interesting such as manor houses, luxury homes, restaurants, sports facilities, wine cellars... Contact directly with the office agents for any personalized request.

They have already passed through Benissa

River Island at
Cala Advocat and Pinets

RTVE talks about
beaches and tradition

Spanish cinema at
historic center

Vogue in Cala Fustera

Also in
webseries format

Photographic report of the footwear brand Lola Cruz in Cala Pinets

Dutch national television program "Gort over de Grens".

Photo session ride on
the ecological ride

Video recording in the Historic Center

Mercedes chooses Cala Advocat for photo session

Video clip Nach "Spanish rapper and composer".

Summer fashion photo shoot at El Corte Ingles in Cala Pinets

Technical requirements Benissa Film Office

Benissa wants to be the scene of several projects: cinema, advertising, television... We are very excited to be able to collaborate with you.

Deadlines

Give 7 working days’ notice for the processing of the necessary permits, especially when any traffic interruption and/or vehicle parking reservation is required.

Lodging

Both the accommodation of the equipment and its maintenance will be carried out within the municipality, for which the help of the Benissa Film Office is offered and several establishments are suggested.

Hazardous material

Shooting activities in which firearms, explosives, pyrotechnic material or special effects are used will require the authorization of the competent authorities for their transport, storage and use. In such shootings, it will be obligatory to give sufficient advance notice to the police, fire department and emergency services, for their due supervision, as well as to neighbors and shopkeepers.

Furniture

The removal or manipulation of any element may only be carried out after authorization and supervision by the competent municipal department.

Animals

In this type of filming, the animal protection legislation in force must be complied with and there will always be animal caretakers accompanying them.

Occupational hazards

Applicants must comply with the provisions of the regulations on risk prevention and occupational safety. In particular, when filming in places open to vehicular traffic, it will be mandatory to comply with the road signs and signals stipulated in the regulations in force.

Cleaning

The removal or manipulation of any element may only be carried out after authorization and supervision by the competent municipal department.

Bail

In this type of filming, the animal protection legislation in force must be complied with and there will always be animal caretakers accompanying them.

Insurance

Documentation and materials
Benissa Film Office

Any audiovisual production shot in Benissa must include, in the credit titles (initial/end) and prominently, the promotional corporate image of the municipality, as well as that of Benissa Film Office. The agency must also be notified on the day of the premiere/distribution, as well as deliver a copy of the production and four photographs of the shooting for internal use, which will be published on the website and local promotion. Finally, all interested parties must submit the following completed forms to the Tourist Office, either in person or online.

Tourist info Benissa

Resource guide in Benissa

The following are some of the establishments that collaborate with the Benissa Film Office

Where to sleep

Where to eat

Directory of
services

Brochure Benissa Film Office