The Santuario de Santa Magdalena on the outskirts of Novelda is a 20/30 minute drive from the Hondón Valley. It’s well worth a visit and is an interesting piece of architecture overlooking the town and the new high-speed railway to Madrid.
As you can see from the picture here the external masonry is very “Gaudi-esk” in style, similar to the iconic buildings of Barcelona. You will marvel at the ornate work on the outside but if it is open you should also peek inside as it is equally as beautiful and features the only 70 piece marble pipe organ in the world. On the day we went the organist was there and proudly played a few hymns. An awesome sound.
Along side the church is also a triangular keep (tower) and grounds. It has limited opening times so check the link below before setting off. It is best seen on calm warm sunny day like we did… it’s definitely worth a look. Maybe you could combine this with a trip to the Novelda town market, usually a Wednesday.
Albatera (see Google Map), an historic Spanish City and municipality located close to the Vega Baja del Segura. It is in the province of Alicante, part of the Valencian Community on the Costa Blanca South, Spain. Albatera comes from the words “Alba”, meaning Spanish and “Terra”, meaning land. Albatera basically means “Spanish Land”.
Albatera Town Hall: The Albatera Ayuntimiento have more information online: » More about Albatera here: Albatera Tourist Information or try here.
Geography: Albatera has an area of 66.5 km2 and according to the last census 2005, has an approx’ population of 12,000 inhabitants. It is near to the towns of Crevillente, Orihuela, San Isidro (Train Station), Catral and Cox.
The closest airport to Albatera is Alicante (L’Altet) at around 38 kilometres (35 minutes drive), although San Javier Airport (Murcia) is also easily drivable. The postcode for Albatera is 03340. Road access to Albatera is usually the E-15 (A-7) and N-340 roads.
Weather and Economy: The climate is typical Mediterranean, with an average annual temperature of 19ºC, reaching 30+ in the summer with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The economy of Albatera is mainly based on trading “confección costura” (Clothing Manufacture) and farming/agriculture. You cannot fail to spot the acre upon acre of crops such as lemons, oranges, figs and olives… and they are delicious!
Culture and Events: The population are mostly Castilian speakers, although there is a push to speak the Valencian language now. The main town hosts mainly Spanish, Hispanics and North Africans. However, the surrounding “Campo” has many homes of retired northern Europeans such as the British and Dutch who own either holiday villas or have migrated for the “Spanish Dream”.
Catholic Church:The most important and central monument in the city is the baroque Catholic church built in 1727 which is the centre piece of the main Plaza. Also important is the Sanctuary of the Patroness of the Virgen del Rosario or Aurora, who is celebrated on the first Sunday of October by the “Brotherhood of Our Lady”. Albatera has a long history of cultural tradition such as traditional music, with two local bands, a choir and parish choirs.
Fiestas: Albatera, like many Spanish cities/towns, offer a week of Fiestas for the community (the whole family can join in). The main and colourful parade event being the “Moors and Christians”, which are spectacular, a “must see”. The Semana Santa (Easter) is also a very religious and a busy time for the city. The festivities in honour of the town’s patron St. James, are usually held the week of July 25th. Albatera is still developing with the construction in recent years of the House of Culture in the “Parque de la Huerta” (30,000 m2), the House of Music and more sports facilities (including a new public outdoor pool).
Nature: As Albatera is surrounded by mountains and natural parks (Parque de Montana) it boasts excellent outdoor activities such as walking/hiking such as the “Rambla de la Sal”, cycling and shooting sports. They have also recently built an outdoor communal swimming pool.
Come visit the Hondon Valley… with beautiful mountain views, the vineyards and 300+ Days of glorious Spanish sunshine per year!
Brought to you by Hondon Villas. Voted “Business of the Year” in the Pride of Spain Awards. Buy or Sell property. We have 10 Years in Spanish Real Estate. We are the #1 local Real Estate Agent in the Hondon Valley areas covering Hondon Valley, Albatera, La Romana, Macisvenda, Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes for property sales, homes and real estate services.
One of the nicest days to visit the Hondon Valley is on Market Day, every Saturday in the lovely Hondon de las Nieves…. You can shop for fresh produce or clothes, meet with friends for drinks or just enjoy the tranquil ambience over a brandy, coffee or a tostada or a selection of tapas. Hondon Villas wish you The Good Life!
The main two villages of Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailesnest in the beautiful Hondon Valley. 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.
So please, 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! :-)
Approx’ 1 million Brits are living in Spain. We love it! Which means it is very doable and most of the headaches or hurdles have been conquered by those that have taken the plunge already. Good news indeed for new foreign workers and overseas home owners to this lovely part of Europe.
Hondon Villas can help of course and we have good connections and contacts who will assist you with legal paperwork, language, lifestyle, utilities, moving in and beyond. Let us know… 100% well be able to guide you for our geographical area. Our AIPP membership makes us duty bound to give you good, well meaning and honest info’ .
Get the Knowledge First: Of course there is lots to know and learn about the differences from one country to another. Spain has many, especially around property, work, legalities and culture. So, if you are thinking of coming here, then the more preparation and research you do before hand will help relieve the stress of your important life changing decision. Indeed, good knowledge will save you valuable time and possible minimise the costs you’ll incur to be here. Get wise and read up.
Speaking Spanish: Of course knowing the language is going to help a lot. It’ll speed things up and you’ll feel more in control. Having said that most foreigners in our area DO NOT speak Spanish so well and rely on interpreters but most lawyers and agents communicate in English in this area, such is the demand. You’ll get by but learning Spanish will help you integrate more.
Government Help: Both the Spanish and UK Governments have online help, official channels, consulates and experts in various fields to help along your journey. You’ll need to know how to change residency and register for health services or tax. The good news is, in Spain for a relatively small charge there are Gestors / Lawyers and Accountants that can help with all this. > UK Gov “Living Abroad” > UK Gov “Living In Spain” > Citizen Advice Bureau, Spain
Property Buyer’s Guides: Many real estate agents and well-known portals, like A Place in the Sun have property buyer’s guides that can be downloaded and read online. The AIPP/AIPO have your interests at heart and provide a list of approved agents and many useful downloads on property overseas. They also offer some FREE legal Advice. > AIPO Website > A Place in The Sun website (Buying, currency, legal, mortgages, viewing trips, tax) > Righmove Overseas Buyer’s Guide
Property Exhibitions: If you prefer to talk face-to-face, then before you buy or even come over to Spain, you could attend Property Shows and Trade Exhibitions, etc to meet experts and advisors. The large UK venues like Olympia, NEC, ExCel, etc are a good place to start. There are still some UK agents offering Inspection Tours (3~5 day trips to look at areas and houses).
Check you local press or search online for these exhibitions near you, they can really help fire you up to an overseas move and put your mind at rest that there is lots of help out there. You’ll be able to get specific advice rather than generic help online, by emailing or calling your questions to agents, lawyers, tax experts, employment agencies, etc. So make a list of concerns or questions pertaining to your circumstances and then find the expert you need to get answers.
Interact with Online Blogs, Groups and Social Media: Up-to-date information is key as Spain does tend to change rules and laws around property and its related topics. There are lots of social media groups to ask Expats or experts about the areas you are interested in. We run the “Hondon What’s On” page, our own Hondón property Facebook page and have a Hondon Villas Blog. But find one that suits you where you can interact with people already living in the area. It’s worth the time and effort.
Read Books and Magazines: There are also plenty of paperback books on life in Spain, buying or investing in Spanish Property available on Amazon or other eBook formats. Book stores will have some or can order them for you. Make sure they are up-to-date though.
One of the most popular monthly magazines on overseas property is the A Place in the Sun magazine. Well worth it for buying tips, hot properties and locational info’. You can buy this in newsagents or order online to be delivered to your door. > Amazon UK : Books on Buying Property In Spain
If you need to ask us a question or are concerned about buying property in the Hondon Valley area, in any way here are the main points of contact. WEBSITE: WWW.HONDONVILLAS.NET OFFICE: +34 622 314 244 EMAIL: agent@hondonvillas.net FACEBOOK: facebook.com/hondonvillas/
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
Thanks to Dino T. on Facebook for the following article / a quick guide to managing this crisis, for workers, business owners and residents during this CoronaVirus 19 Lockdown in Spain. #keepsafe #stayathome #coronavirus
No. #1 Be positive – we know how hard it is to be positive at the moment, but the law of attraction means that the more positive we are, the better things start to turn out. Life will go on, we will make a success out of the changes, however long things may take.
Protect your future business – before closing down, consider using ERTEs to be able to temporarily lay off staff, you can then take them back on again when business gets back to normal. Claim your one-off benefit from the state and register for the social security moratorium. Stay in touch with your Gestoria about what else you could do. Contact your customers to re-assure them that you will be back soon. How can you strengthen your business in the future? Who can you collaborate with? What opportunities will all these changes bring? How can your business help other local businesses?
Mortgage break – Most banks are now offering a Government backed scheme to have a moratorium of up to 6 months, that could give you the space you need to get back on your feet. You may need help filling in the forms from your bank or Gestoria.
Sort your rent out – pay it if you are able, look into what help might be available, ask your landlord for a payment break. Do not bury your head in the sands, landlords will be more flexible if you stay in touch with them.
Make sure your paperwork is up to date – register when you can on the “padron” at the town hall, check that your residencia is still valid, make sure your tenancy contract is up to date. Without these things, you may struggle to get help from authorities.
Don’t worry if the ITV inspection of your car is overdue – the centres are closed, so you won´t be fined. But remember to book it in as soon as they re-open and don’t drive your car if it is not roadworthy or insured.
Look after your physical and mental health and those around you – eating a balanced healthy diet, control your drinking, get some exercise, sing in the shower, share your problems, do deep breathing exercises, take up yoga, sleep regular timetables, leave your mobiles before bed, spend time with your children or pets.
Don’t worry about things that are out of your control. Read the news, but don’t obsess about it. Don’t get ill – things will seem worse if you get infected. Stay home unless essential. Don’t take risks with your health and those living in your household. When you do go out, use gloves and hand sanitizer, stay 2 metres away from people.
Check what benefits might be available – some new benefits are becoming available for those who don’t have the right to “paro” (unemployment). Find help if you don’t understand what you are reading. Consider what other employment or self- employment options may exist after the return.
Talk to Citizens Advice Bureau Spain about your problems and read their regular posts about benefits, tax, residency, etc… don’t ask on general sites because people may not know and inadvertently give you incorrect advice. Here is their excellent website.
Respect the workers – don’t get mad with health workers, town hall employees, supermarket workers, police. Instead thank them for their work and do everything you can to make their work easier and safer.
Focus on priorities – make an action plan and do something positive every day. Don’t ignore anything, be aware of what you need to do and when.
Prepare for the future you want – consider what kind of future you want, what would be your ideal work / business? Use the lockdown time to research your plans, making plans for the future will make you feel stronger.
Consider releasing monies that are tied up in savings plans and private pensions, but check if there are any penalties or tax disadvantages in doing so Consider renting out a room in your home to share expenses.
Share your experiences – how did you cope? Did you manage to get help from Social Security or the Tax Office? Share your experiences and help others. We are all in this together.
Show you care – call your closest friends, listen to their problems too, they are also suffering, remember that ¨a problem shared is a problem halved¨. Do something kind for friends and neighbours, it will also make you feel better.
Sell your stuff – when the lockdown ends, could you sell some of your valuable belongings? Maybe trade down your car for a cheaper model.
Consider going home – if you have exhausted all your options, be open to the idea of returning to your home country, especially if employment or business options will be brighter there. It is not failure, it is recognising when the time is right to do something different and moving on.
This article was first written and published b Dino Trubbianelli c2020 on Facebook. Please support his website “Visit Albir”.
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.
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
