Ermita san Anton, Hondón de los Frailes

The Ermita Church in Hondón de los Frailes, Spain.

Many of you will have seen the small catholic church on the west edge of our village (at Av de Castilla). This is the Ermita San Anton, Hondón de los Frailes and is without a bell but has an iron cross. It only measures 5.38 by 2.00 metres. It has two windows on each side and an altarpiece with the image of San Antonio. If you are passing have a look through the door “spy hole”… often there are candles lit, an altar and crucifix with nice decor and a few chairs for prayer or worship. GOOGLE MAP.

You can see these mini-churches all over Spain, most towns and villages have one or more. Usually they are ornate and pristine inside but tucked away off the beaten track or in very rural areas. Many are not so little though!

The Ermita has a long history being founded around the late 16th century in Ermita, Manila. Its name was taken from La Hermita, the Spanish word for “hermitage”, after the fact that a Mexican hermit resided in the area where he built a hermitage which housed an image of the Virgin Mary known as the Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance). He had his own place to practise his religion. It was Spanish soldiers that found this place, which ultimately spread the word and idea further afield.

Early on the Ermita Churches were very rustic and made of bamboo and wood. being made by hermits, farmers and the poor. As time passed the local community would want to ensure these places reflected their importance and local authorities and the church would fund much more elaborate buildings.

Map of Hondon Frailes
Click to enlarge…

There are also stories and legends that speak of 12 Franciscan priests led by Friar Martin de Valencia, who when settled in new territories (as part of the Spanish Conquest) and decided to build the first churches for the travellers who entrusted their soul to God.

Spain, Valencian Community, Hondón de los Frailes, village, GPS: 38.2714,-0.9319

Hondón Nieves Fiesta Season 2019

Well, well, well... the local Hondón Townhall have ben a bit more forth coming with their plans for the summer fiestas in Hondon de las Nieves this year. Normally P.R. is limited, late or sketchy but they recently published the itinerary of events for July and August, not only locally but with the Información online news channel! We’ll also put it on our “Hondón What’s On” Facebook page. See the day-by-day list below.

With summer great days arrive to enjoy in Hondón de las Nieves
The Fiestas of Hondón de las Nieves, have been declared by the Regional Tourist Office and begin very soon. They have a program of events full of activities for all audiences across the community. See the day-by-day list below.

Thursday, August 1st. From this day a series of acts of tradition and popular roots will follow. Unique, unrepeatable, and highly anticipated moments, because Hondón de las Nieves, unlike the rest of the towns or cities, celebrates its festivities every two years, the odd years to honour the patron lady, the Virgin of the Snows who is peculiarly the Patron of two villages and a hallmark of both peoples of Aspe and Hondón de las Nieves.

The Correfocs – Crazy Fireworks!

These festivals take place over two weeks. With events and activities for all ages, where both neighbours and visitors will have a place to enjoy the celebrations.

Last Saturday, July 20, the presentation of the major and minor Fondoneres took place. But, next Thursday 1 August, from 6:30 p.m. The evaluation of the decorated Hondón streets will be carried out and the party will officially begin with the proclame a winner. This year the announcement will be carried out by Pepe Sirvent Sirvent.

The following days the streets of the town will be full of colour as the residents paint and hang trimmings and lights in their own street. Our people will also be the offering of flowers to Our Patron (August 3) and there will be a procession of August 5 in honour of the Virgin of the Snows.

As a novelty this year the “cannon shot” will be held, next Saturday, August 3, which includes a parade that will tour the town and then the “cannon shot” of confetti will take place, with music and tapas that will last until 7:00 p.m., becoming an afternoon for everyone.

Children Welcome!
The children can also be part of the party with activities such as the giant slide (Tuesday, August 6), the playground (Thursday 8) mechanical bull, cars, football, inflatables all in New Street. The activities are completed with the family workshop (Saturday 10th).

TAPAS: In addition, as of August 9, everyone can enjoy the tapas route in different restaurants in the town. Tapa and drink for only 2.50 euros.

But, one of the acts that nobody can miss is the great retreat with brass bands with music and costumes that dress the municipality with colour. The retreat is the act of greatest claim for young people, who participate parading through the streets in costumes.

Fiestas Correfocs Hondon de las Nieves

Fireworks late on Saturday 10th August!
And one of the most anticipated is the correfocs, a fireworks show in which young and not so young people walk the streets with a peculiar music ending in the Plaza de la Villa where the act ends with a spectacular exhibition

Event Diary:

Thursday, August 1
6:30 p.m. Evaluation of decked streets.
9:30 p.m. Proclamation

Friday 2nd of August.
10:30 AM Giants and Big Heads.
9:30 p.m. Soup of Cabasset

Saturday, August 3.
11:30 am Parade
7:00 p.m. Wreath.
9:00 p.m. Regional dances.
00:30 hours Great retreat

Sunday, August 4.
6:30 p.m. Tour of the town’s decorated streets.
00:00 hours Serenade.

Monday, August 5.
11:00 hours Parade
12:00 hours Mass greater.
9:00 p.m. Procession.
00:00 hours Verbena.

Tuesday, August 6.
5:00 p.m. Giant slide.
11:00 p.m. Musical evening

Wednesday, August 7.
From 9:30 hours free sports activities.

Thursday, August 8.
6:00 p.m. Playground.
10:00 p.m. Night March

Friday, August 9.
12 to 15 hours. Cap route.
7:00 p.m. Trade Fair.

Saturday, August 10.
10:00 hours Family Workshop
12 to 15 hours. Tapa Route.
7:00 p.m. Trade Fair.
00:00 hours Correfocs

Sunday, August 11.
9:00 a.m. Cycle Touring
12:00 hours The soda. Giant Paella
12 to 15 hours. Tapa Route.
9:00 p.m. Concert.

ENJOY THE FIESTAS !!

We’re Celebrating 5 Years in the AIPP

AIPP Badge 5 Years for Hondo Villas, Spain

We at Hondón Villas (the #1 local Hondon Valley Real Estate agent) are celebrating 5 years in the Association of International property Professionals (AIPP).

We were the first Hondón Agent to apply and be accepted by the AIPP due to our long international experience in real estate. Maureen Cook (Director) saw the benefits of the AIPP long before any other local agent did because the AIPP pretty much echoes Maureen’s own attitude to professional service standards. Indeed, she believes she goes beyond the AIPP’s service recommendations.

Professional Customer Care is our Top Priority
Hondón Villas have 5 years of AIPP membership and fully support their ethos. Plus, with our 10 years in the Hondón high street and 20+ years in the UK Realty industry, we are the ONLY LOCAL AGENT that have and do consistently strive for pro’ standards! The other agents are still catching up… well we welcome that they all now want a AIPP Members Badge which should raise the standard of services in the area.

Porfessional Real Estate Agent

Of course actually practising the AIPP standards is different to just displaying the badge online and is no substitute for our passion, knowledge and experience. We’ve proved time and again that it’s safer to buy through Hondon Villas than any other local agent, most of who work from a car, have no office, have few credentials or pedigree, with limited experience, no corporate liability insurance or a local network. We are the safe way to buy your dream home in the Hondón Valley, Spain.

Ultimately we love selling home in the Hondón Valley and we hope that shows when you meet us! We look forward to looking after all your property needs. Call +34 965 075 357 or visit us at our offices in Hondon the Hondón Valley.

A Place in the Sun are also AIPP members.

About the AIPP – The industry standard
The AIPP, set up in London 2006, is now a well established non-profit body of estate agents and related professionals looking to improve the work and business standards of the international real estate industry. They do not sell property but with over 380 members and growing they do help promote, train and educate the industry and buyers to ensure a smoother and stress-fee property buy/sell experience. AIPP is also a Trustee of the IESC – International Ethics & Standards Coalition . Learn more about the AIPP here.

So we take this opportunity to thank you for supporting a local, passionate and experienced business who invests in the local high-street, it’s people and community services. Buy LOCAL as it keeps the community ticking over.
To find out more about Hondon Villas and our real estate services (buy or sell) then visit our extensive website www.hondonvillas.net. or visit the AIPP website to verify our membership.

Restaurants: Hondon de los Frailes

We often get asked about restaurants and bars available in the Hondon Valley areas. There are plenty to choose from in Nieves, Frailes, La Romana, Abanilla, Fortuna and the surrounding areas. Here we list bars and restaurants for Hondón de los Frailes.

There are Hondon restaurants and bars to suit all pockets / budgets. They do change opening times and menus on a regular basis so we advise you ask locals or call the restaurants direct if you have any questions or need a booking.

Or you can check out Tripadvisor (or similar) for more up-to-date reviews. As we all have different tastes and expectations we shy from full reviews, ask around or better still go and make your own mind up…. But is is important to show support for local trade after all. Use ’em or lose ’em.

©2019 Updated: This article is brought to you by Maureen of Hondon Villas
the premier and local Estate Agent for the Hondon Valley.

Restaurants and Bars in Hondon de los Frailes

28 Restaurant in Frailes

The most established is Restaurante Veintiocho 28 in the main Frailes plaza, opposite the Town Hall). At the time of writing, 28 is owned and run by Simone and Marcus and boasts plenty of outside sunny seating, a shady canopy (from the sun and the odd rain shower), a small inside bar and larger a-la-carte restaurant.

The menu is varied British / international. Open most days for breakfasts, drinks, lunch and dinner with many specials, “Sunday Roast”, snacks and full 3 course dining “menu-del-noche” . It is well regarded as a clean and friendly catering establishment with food to match. It attracts all nationalities of the area (British, Dutch, Spanish, etc …). They have a 28 Facebook page. They also cater for special occasions and parties.

Infinity Restaurant, Hondon Valley

Infinity: The new kid on the block. Formerly a tea shop, this one is on the main road CV-845 through Frailes and currently run by local residents Jay and Natalie. You can dine inside in pleasant clean surroundings. At time of writing they are open selected evenings and Sunday lunches. Call 622956544 for full details and menus.

La Buena Vida: (2019 this now has limited opening or special event catering). This opened about 8 years ago as an Italian themed restaurants but is now more international cuisine now with full a-la-carte dinner menu, “menu-del-noche”, early birds, “Sunday Roast” and chef’ specials. This is located just off the main plaza in Frailes and has an ornate decor and plenty of inside seating with a greetings lounge. The atmosphere is relaxed dining and smart casual dress code. They also cater for special occasions and parties.

The Irish Bar
The “Irish Bar” Hondón de los Frailes

The same owners of La Beauna Vida also run “The Irish Bar”. El Nuevo Valle: This popular plaza bar and snack restaurant is in the main plaza opposite the church. They serve drinks, inside and out, with a fast-food snack menu all week and specials for steaks, pizza, Chinese and the Brit classic “Fish n Chips”. They also offer a large screens sports area which doubles as a meeting / party room and live music venue.

Caramels: This Spanish run and recently refurbished bar is popular with all nationalities. It is mainly a bar with some outside area at the back for music / food if pre booked. They are predominantly a drinking establishment with sports TV, bandit machines and a pool table. This is on the main through road in Frailes, near the garden centre CV-845.

Pepins: Another well established Spanish owned bar and occasional restaurant. they also do Tapas and snacks. This is often used by local social groups as a meeting place, bingo, quizzes, etc. A friendly and welcome bar and popular with Spanish workers at breakfast and lunch. This is on the main through CV-845 road in Frailes, near the grocer’s shop / lottery shop. Tipsy Terrace: The new kid on the Frailes block… built from an old house at the end of the main street it has a varied menu and personality of its own. Breakfast, snacks and dinner menus available. They also do private functions.

Tipsy Terrace: The new kid on the catering block. Situated near the garden centre end of the main street. This is the largest bar, restaurant and events establishment in the village with a sunny courtyard and outdoor bar. Well placed for families or large parties. They offer a very varied menu from tapas, snacks and meals from breakfast to dinner. Open most days all-year-round. Website: www.tipsyterrace.com

El Fogon del Friars: The largest venue, Spanish run and just out of the village as you head out towards Barbarroja / Macisvenda on the CV-845. This has a large car park, shaded terrace and large restaurant inside. There is a large courtyard to the back that is used for larger events / music. It is popular for breakfast and lunchtime “menu-del-dia” but evening menus and events are only occasional. The food is typical local Spanish / tapas.

Punjabi Virsa: The locals have been wanting an Indian restaurant for a while and now we have one. It is at the quieter garden centre end of the village plaza, near Tipsy Terrace. It’s already proved popular with mixed reviews in the early days but is now well established and offers a wide variety of spicy dishes. The also offer a menu del dia as lower prices than the evening meals.

La Finca Restaurant
La Finca Restaurant, Hondon Valley

La Finca Restaurant, Hondon Valley. They offer about 100 typical Indian dishes in clean surroundings. The large dining area is inside with the kitchen and bar to the back. They also offer an early bird priced menu of three courses with poppadoms and drinks included. A magnificent façade, garden and terrazzo is in the middle of a new build development. Converted into a B&B, bars and restaurant this has the look of an old Spanish hall but with all the mod-cons. It has had a chequered history with many owners trying to make a go of it. As we write it is run by Dutch & Spaniards and seems to found its niche in Spanish food and culture with live music and value menus. Being so large it can cater for large parties, events and fiestas. The opening times and days vary and they tend to have limited opening days in the winter so please check before you go.

… so look out for our next article on the bars and restaurants in the sister village of Hondón de las Nieves.

The New Corvera Airport, Murcia

It’s OPEN! The “NEW” but late Corvera Airport (Murcia International) is about a 1 hour drive from the Hondon Valley. This now gives Hondón residents and local visitors more options for flights (see below), travel and indeed promises to open up the Spanish property and work market. (Note in April 2019 there is a proposed name change to Juan de la Cierva Airport – [ link ])

WEBSITE: https://www.corveraairporttravel.com/
GOOGLE MAPS: https://goo.gl/maps/YaswKLAnxHPN8v3R6

The village of Corvera is 25 minutes inland between the cities of Murcia, Costa Calida and Cartagena so tourists and homeowners on the coast like the Mar Menor and in Orihuela Costa will have a longer transfer time than they did from old airport atSan Javier. However, the increased choice of airlines and the frequency of flights should more than make up for this.

Of course it is still early days as to how this airport will impact on both tourism and the regional property market, but we are hopeful and excited as Hondón Villas have noticed over the last year or so, more property enquiries and listings towards that way.

Sadly, it has meant the small (military) San Javier airport has now ceased all commercial operations. And the promised Paramount theme park will not be built near-by, due to the long delays. Alicante Airport remains more convenient to our local area (about 35 minutes). However, Corvera airport still promises to become a major gateway to south east Spain (Murcia and Alicante regions). However the early signs are that Air services are slowly taking shape, as is the on-site facilities.

Having lived in Spain for about 15 years now we know Corvera was on the radar back then. But, sadly, Corvera has had a chequered history. Many businesses invested in the area on the strength of this important infrastructure and the proposed economic boost, particularly for the golf resorts, hospitality & entertainment industries. The airport started construction about 10 years ago and took 4 years to build. So sadly, it stood idle for 6 years despite many commercial and political attempts to get the airport up and running mush sooner.

The good news: in January 2019, the Murcia International Airport in Corvera was opened by King Felipe of Spain. The occasion was marked by the touch-down of its first commercial flight – a Ryanair service from the East Midlands.

It would seem for the immediate future the airport will cater for northern Europeans coming to Spain, their key market. Like Ryanair, EasyJet has also launched UK flights to Murcia International and other airlines due to start routes include TUI, Norwegian Air and Jet2. The frequency will be ramped up in time for the summer 2019. There are plans and capacity to take flights from other international links and further afield. Also the airport can take larger aircraft than San Javier which should mean more visitors to the area.

As for Corvera airport facilities, these are sparse at the time of writing but will increase as traffic improves. Covering 37,000 square metres, there are 24 check-in counters, 9 boarding gates, a few shops, cash machines, wi-fi, parking, taxis, bus services, car hire and hotel possibilities. [ Visit the Corvera website for up-to-date details of facilities and flights ] If you use the airport let us now what you think?

Airlines & Destinations (as of May 2019)

Airlines Operating From Corvera (RMU)
Air Nostrum : Easyjet : Norwegian Air : Ryanair : Jet2 : TUI : Volotea : Smartwings

2019 Destinations (check with your airline):
EasyJet:
London Gatwick & London Southend & Bristol
Ryanair:
London Stansted & London Luton
Manchester & East Midlands & Birmingham
Leeds Bradford & Bournemouth
Dublin & Glasgow Prestwick
Jet2:
Leeds Bradford & Manchester
Norwegian Air:
Oslo & Stavanger & Bergen & Trondheim
Tui: Antwerp & Charleroi
Volotea: Asturias
Smartwings: Prague

About 1 hours drive from the Hondón Valley.

Bliss! Working in the Hondón Valley

Hondon: Tranquility, Beauty and Warmth

Hondon Villas suggest you join us for the Good Life!

Having lived and worked in the Hondon Valley for years we know the area quite well and the best bit of being in Real Estate you get to see more of the geography than most! Here is a short video that might just give you an idea of it’s beauty and tranquillity.

### Please SUBSCRIBE to the Hondon Villas Channel ###

Here we can only give you a glimpse of the local Hondón countryside and towns but we hope you understand why we love the outdoor lifestyle here.

So, yes the Hondon Valley has become one of our offices (well the best one really!) as we value, list or sell homes for our vendors. As you can see there are some excellent vistas that are a delight in all seasons!

Please we suggest you make time for a country walk or drive through the old “camino” roads. You will just marvel at the changing light, shadows, rural settings and picturesque skies.

The Hondon Valley is well known for its mild climate and pleasant summer breezes, which is very welcoming in those hot summer months when temperatures rarely fall below 30 degrees.

The region enjoys sunshine in excess of 310 days per year, where the air is very clean and the pace of life slow. Hondon offers a very peaceful and stress free life. Come take a look at the Valley of the Vines, drink the local wine under the bluest of skies and feel the warmth of the Spanish sun on your face … and you’re hooked! We were! We love it!

INTERESTED?
Please contact … property @ hondonvillas.net or
Tel: OFFICE: (0034) 965 075 357

Search for Hondon property here : https://www.hondonvillas.net/

You’ll see us around the Hondón Valley

Hondon Villas are out and about in the Hondon Valley nearly everyday.

Good news at HVHQ we decided to get our main company car emblazoned with our green & navy Hondon Villas insignia. Here it is!

Simple but effective. As you know we have been around for over 12 years now selling and renting homes in the Hondon Valley region. Now when we pick clients up they’ll see us coming!

Give us a wave if you spot us in the local caminos. Call our office in Frailes (number on the car) if you need help with Real Estate in Hondón.

Details are on our website : www.hondonvillas.net

The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena, Novelda

The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena is a beautiful ornate Catholic Church located in just outside Novelda Town (near Alicante), Valencia, Spain.

Coordinates Map: https://goo.gl/maps/hQijtfcSrzM2
Usage: Worship Catholic Church
Diocese: Orihuela-Alicante
Construction: 1918-1946, Valencian Modernism architectural style (Gaudi)
Architect: José Sala

“The most beautiful things I have seen in a very long time. Absolutely lovely. So worth the visit with friends and family. All enjoyed the experience. “

It was built from a project designed by the novel engineer José Sala Sala, 1 2 with a certain inspiration in the modernist style of Antonio Gaudí. Later the construction was executed by the masters of works Noveldenses Ceferí Escolano and Antoni Amorós. It is a very unique and outstanding work within Valencian modernism.

The building bears a distant resemblance to the Sagrada Familia of Barcelona by Antonio Gaudí. It has a jug shape, symbolizing the jug that the Saint brought as a balm to Jesus. This original form is also unique in the world.

Its construction, begun in 1918, required three phases (one of them paralysis), to terminate the work in 1946. Different resources were used to finance the works, such as the Zarzuela lyrical galas in which the director intervened orchestral Asterio Mira, the Nortenden baritone Eduardo Mateo-Quirant and his wife, Josefina Landete (both parents of Paloma Mairant), among others.3

On the main façade there are two 25 m lateral towers. of height culminated by a stony cross, which is also found in the dome and on the upper arches of the façade. Decorative motifs have antecedents in the medieval, baroque styles and in nature itself. These influences led the author to combine pebbles from the Vinalopó River, polychrome tiles, red bricks, masonry, etc., which are reflected throughout the exterior of the building.

The interior of the sanctuary is composed of a rectangular central nave with two attached side spaces; At the end, in the apse, is the dressing room of Santa María Magdalena, patron saint of Novelda, and behind the altar you can admire a beautiful painting attributed to Gastón Castelló. Since the late twentieth century is planned and is proceeding slowly to the incorporation of an organ built entirely in marble, work of the innovative organ maker and artist Ivan Larrea, who will become the only one in the world with these characteristics.

The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena of Novelda is the place that many couples choose to get married and baptize their children. It is a place with a lot of history for the Noveldens since here the election of grapes that will accompany Santa María Magdalena in the procession of July 22, day of the patron saint is also celebrated. It is also interesting to note that, for several years, they lived in a building next to the Sanctuary, the Dominican Sisters. Three years ago they went to another region of Spain. In the place where they lived, a hostel and a thematic centre are being set up.