Never heard of Algorfa? I’m not surprised. Until we went on a property inspection trip in July 2007, I didn’t even know the place existed. When we excitedly told everyone in England that we’d found our dream home in Spain, they hadn’t a clue either. The only way to describe its location was ‘Near Torrevieja.’ However, the town that has become our home deserves to step out of the shadow of its big, brash neighbour. Let me tell you why I love Algorfa – the little pueblo with the great big heart.
Algorfa is a mix of traditional and modern, cosmopolitan Spain. As well as several tapas bars – my particular favourites are Cafe Larralde and El Badaluke in the Plaza de Espana – it boasts some excellent restaurants. Try Restaurant Alquiblia, Meson Viejo or The Vestry. If you miss your English breakfast, Bar Algorfa on the road from the La Finca Urbanisation into the village can feed your passion, as well as serving excellent tapas. For me, this symbolises the success story that is Algorfa; the large influx of English residents are integrating with the indigenous Spanish population, rather than creating a separate community which is basically England in the sun.
Tony and I usually walk the two miles from our home into Algorfa; the views are stunning and we can sample plenty of Manolo’s best wine in Cafe Larralde. When we do take the car, it’s no problem negotiating the town. In Algorfa, more than 4 cars waiting at a junction constitutes a traffic jam!
All the roads into Algorfa are lined with orange and lemon groves. As the pueblo nestles in the foothills of the Sierra de Callosa mountains, any route into Algorfa is a scenic route, but on foot you’ll see lizards and hares and hear the ever-present birdsong. Who wants to be shut off from all this in a hot metal box?
There’s plenty to do in Algorfa besides admiring the views, though. There’s a Cultural Centre, Social Club, and a Sports Stadium and swimming pool that would put many English Division One stadia to shame.
Algorfa may be small, but it thinks big, and there are all the events that grace much larger towns, without the huge crowds which spoil enjoyment of fiesta days. In March, there’s the Fiesta of St Vincente Ferrer, Algorfa’s patron saint. A silent procession and Mass in the saint’s honour is followed by a huge paella in the Plaza de Espana.
In April, there’s a two week spring cultural festival, then there's the gastronomic festival in June, and the summer fiesta in July – I could go on and on. Come to Algorfa, visit the Ayuntamiento and see what’s happening here.
For the World Cup Final in July 2010, the Plaza de Espana was filled with tables, chairs and televisions, as well as a big screen which could be seen from all over the square. Everyone was there, the atmosphere was electric. and of course, the result was right! The party went on all night, although we gave up and came home to bed about 2.00am.
There’s a good mix of local shops – including Tien 21, which has better deals on electrical and white goods than most of the big outlets in the towns. However, if you can’t get what you want at a good price in Algorfa, Almoradi and Torrevieja are just a short drive away.
For the golf enthusiast, there’s the prestigious La Finca Golf Course. Tennis courts, riding stables and a swimming pool are also nearby. The beaches of the Costa Blanca are a short drive away, and Algorfa is close to both Alicante and Murcia, the region’s two airports. ‘Near Torrevieja?’ Algorfa is streets ahead!
