Cavehouse holiday in La Canalosa: a local view

The cavehouse was originally excavated two to three hundred years ago.  Initially as shelter from the sun for the landowner whilst tending his crops and watching his animals graze.  Gradually the size of the cave increased to provide a dwelling for the landowners family and shelter for his animals.  The cave then took shape according to the farmers needs.  The family lived in the front area.  The produce that was grown was stored inside which meant areas for grapes and olives and the requirements for producing wine and olive oil.  Together with areas for drying and storing almond harvests.  Also rooms for sheltering the many animals including goats and donkeys.

 

We live in a house that was built above the Cavehouse about one hundred years ago. 

 

We have lived here for 22 years and have never regretted our decision to move to Spain for a second.  The kindness and friendliness of the local Spanish people is heart warming.    The tranquillity here needs to be experienced to be believed.  An ideal location to get away from it all, to release your stresses and just relax. 

 

The Cavehouse has an ambient temperature which remains constant making it cool in the Summer months and warm in the Winter.   It has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and accommodates 6 people comfortably.  Each bedroom has natural light from the front windows or light wells.  The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need – gas hob, electric oven, fridge freezer, dishwasher.  There is a pretty barbeque area outside with a dining area and seating area with umbrellas for shade if required.  

The many activities available at the cavehouse include the 8×4 swimming pool, tennis court, basketball area, boules court, giant chess set, pool table and trampoline.

La Canalosa is a small village with just 100 inhabitants in the village centre.  There is a church, an infants & primary school, a grocery shop and 2 bar/restaurants.  It also has a wealth of activities including a tennis court, a padel tennis court, childrens play park, fitness machines in the park and a barbeque area.

As with all Spanish towns La Canalosa has its special fiesta days which are not to be missed.  In May we celebrate Saint Isidro.  Saint Isidro is the patron Saint of agriculture so is very important to the local farmers who for centuries have relied on having good crops.  A statue of the Saint is paraded around the village followed by the local band and then food & drink is provided for everyone which includes ¨bunelos” which are lemon or pumpkin flavour ring doughnuts which the local villagers have made together the evening before.  

The Summer fiesta is always the last week of July.  Starting on the Wednesday with choral singing in front of the church.  Thursday is a street party where everyone brings their own food and drink and enjoys the entertainment provided together.  On Friday there is a fancy dress parade.  Saturday brings more entertainment on the stage.  A huge disco area with DJs is popular with the younger generation on the Friday & Saturday night.  With childrens activities on the whole weekend with bouncy castles, foam cannons and water fights.  The fiesta finishes on the Sunday with a solemn procession in honour of the Virgen de las Nieves and El Salvador and a grand firework display.

In December the village turns into Bethlehem when it hosts El Belen, a live nativity.  The whole story of the birth of Christ is told with local people playing all the roles.  An amazing sight to see from such a small village.

 

Every town and village in Spain has its fiesta dates.  You can visit a different town and enjoy the fiestas for every weekend of the Summer.  Many places also have Moors and Christians parades with their amazing costumes is fun to watch.

 

La Canalosa is 35 minutes from Alicante airport and 40 minutes to the nearest beaches of La Marina.  La Canalosa is nestled between Hondon de las Nieves and Hondon de los Frailes which both have many bars, restaurants, supermarkets and cash machines. They have market days once a twice a week to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.

20 minutes away is the vibrant town of Elche which is famous for its gardens full of palm trees and the Basilica of Saint Maria.

 

For Availability and prices Whatsapp Helen on 0034 648213889

Or on Messenger via Facebook

 

 

Cavehouse video

 

La Canalosa Belen