CAB Spain is wonderful online resource for all things living in Spain. They are a minefield of information. They write, publish and answer Expat’s question of laws, lifestyle and cultural aspects when living here in Spain. And it is run by a team of awesome dedicated people as volunteers. if they don’t know the answer to your questions they have the connections to find out.
Anyone can join ( this to include visitors, expatriates and Spaniards alike ) their service or read their blogs and social media channels (Facebook page). If you find their advice and services useful then you can make a donation (small or large) to help with their website running costs. DONATE HERE
Here’s what they say about their services:
We [ CAB Spain ] are confident that you will find the website both informative and useful. The site will assist you with all aspects relating to living, visiting, owning a holiday home or investing in Spain.
Our aim is to provide independent advice, information and support for all interested citizens in Spain, this to include visitors, expatriates and Spaniards alike. We cover all regions of Spain, the Balearic’s and Canary Islands. We believe that such an organisation is imperative, especially for hundreds of thousands of non-Spanish residents, who often struggle to understand their rights in a complex bureaucracy with the existing and ever changing laws and rules.
We are an apolitical concern but with our growing membership intend to become a strong enough force to be able to lobby for our rights here where we are habitual residents. We are also aware that Spain also needs a functional and serious consumer protection agency.
The services we provide are free via emails phone calls, legal clinics, social media but we accept donations to keep us afloat. There is also a private section “Ask for Advice” for donating members. Citizens Advice Bureau Spain is a registered charity, a Spanish Non-Profit/NPO/ONG organisation (Registration nº 11253).
We are quite convinced that we can make a difference and that we are stronger together!
Help us to help you by donating. Please do not leave this to others.
Thank you for caring and visiting us today. Myra Cecilia Azzopardi, Founder.
After the Covid 19 crisis (March / April 2020) we want to get back to working in & around the beautiful Hondon Valley helping buyers and sellers of real estate, their villas and homes. Real Estate can be hard, stressful work at times but at least our “office” and the satisfaction of making dreams come true compensates for the long hours…. here’s a glimpse of the area we work in.
Having lived and worked in the Hondon Valley for about 15 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 we can only give you a very short glimpse of the countryside and towns but we hope you understand why we love the outdoor lifestyle here. Yes, we have two offices in the villages but the Hondon Valley is also one of our offices (well the best one really!)
ABOUT HONDÓN VILLAS: As a local AIPP registered based business of 15 years, we at Hondon Villas try to ensure the people who buy or sell property through us are happy and content at all stages. After all they will be part of the Hondon community. We aim to make sure they are comfortable with their life-changing decision. You’ll get no pressure from us. Take your time…
Search Google “Hondon Villas” or visit our property website www.hondonvillas.net, portals or call into our high street office in Hondón de las Frailes, 03689. Spanish Real Estate. TEL: +34 622 314 244
The Catholic Church of Santa María in Novelda (about 25 minutes from the Hondóns) is a wonderful piece of “fantasy” architecture, based on the great Gaudi style of Barcelona. It’s well worth a visit. As it sits on a hill overlooking the town it also has great views and is wonderfully peaceful. It is classes as a national historic monument.
It is still used as a real church for worship and religious events and boasts an incredible marble (local stone) piped organ which sounds awesome!
Map Location / Coordinates : Google Map Diocese: Orihuela-Alicante Architecture: Built 1918 – 1946 Architect: José Sala Sala Architectonic style Valencian Modernism (Gaudi) The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena is a religious building located in Novelda ( Alicante ), Valencian Community , Spain .
Its construction, began in 1918 and required three phases to terminate the work in 1946. It was built from a project designed by the Noveldense engineer José Sala Sala. The building bears a distant resemblance to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona by Antonio Gaudí . It is shaped like a jug, symbolizing the jug that the Holy brought from balm to Jesus . This original form is also unique in the world. Subsequently the construction was carried out by the masters of works Ceferí Escolano and Antoni Amorós. It is a very unique and outstanding work.
On the main facade, two 25 m side towers stand out. high culminated by a stone cross, which is also in the dome and on the upper arches of the facade. The decorative motifs have antecedents in medieval, baroque styles and in nature itself.
The interior of the sanctuary is composed of a rectangular central nave with two attached side spaces; at the bottom, in the apse , is the dressing room of Santa María Magdalena , patron of Novelda, and behind the altar you can admire a beautiful painting attributed to Gastón Castelló . In the late 1900’s it underwent the incorporation of an magnificent organ built entirely in local marble , the work of the innovative organizer and artist Iván Larrea, who will become the only one in the world of these characteristics.
The Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena de Novelda is the place that many couples choose to marry and baptize their children. It is a place with a lot of history for the Noveldenses since the election of grapes that will accompany Santa María Magdalena in the procession of July 22, patron day, is also celebrated here. It is also interesting to note that, for several years, the Dominican sisters lived in a building next to the Sanctuary. Three years ago they marched to another region of Spain. In the place where they lived a hostel and a theme centre are being set up.
Hondon Villas: A short introduction to the glorious Hondon Valley inland to the Alicante Region, Costa Blanca South, Spain. Come enjoy the sunshine, peace, the scenic views and chill with friendly locals. Yep it’s slow here most of the year, it’s what people like here, but be under no illusion when the occasion presents itself, like the many local fiestas and music events, we know how to party!
The Hondón Valley is a peaceful, friendly, warm place surrounded by mountainous scenic beauty
The main two villages of Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes nest in the beautiful Hondon Valley. The relatively newly built Urbansation of La Montanosa is sandwiched between these two Hondón villages.
For decades they have grown an abundance of agricultural delights such as Grapes, Almonds and Olives (the main economy).
Hondon is surrounded by an expanse of stunning mountain views and traditional arid Spanish countryside. These excellent vistas are a delight in all seasons! Take a walk or drive through the country roads and you will just marvel at the changing light, shadows 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!
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.
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
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.
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: 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” 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, 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.
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
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.
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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!
Search for Hondon property here : https://www.hondonvillas.net/
Hola! thank you for your visit.
If you are looking to buy or sell property in the Hondón Valley area, please consider Hondón Villas, a local family business for 15 years. We are passionate about property and can advise & hold your hand throughout the process. Our office is in the main Frailes plaza, open Mon-Fri 10.00-17-00 and by appointment at evenings and weekends, WEBSITE : WWW.HONDONVILLAS.NET
