Location
La Crisalida Retreats is located on the sunny Costa Blanca in Spain, just north from Alicante, in a small seaside town called Albir. The town itself is relatively quiet, with tree-lined streets and has an unhurried air; perfect for relaxation.
You can enjoy sunbathing on the lovely blue flag beach, a 15 minute stroll away from the retreat, or go for a swim in the azure blue sea. Enjoy wandering through the nearby natural park, watching the red squirrels with the smell of pine trees and sea enveloping you. Or maybe just gaze on the surrounding mountains and enjoy the peace of this stunning area.
All in all, this is a beautiful location in which to relax, detox and rejuvenate.
This part of Spain enjoys sun all year around and has a wonderful climate, being sheltered by the mountains. Indeed, on average there is over 300 days of sunshine each year. The winter months are relatively mild with some rainfall, and in the summer temperatures are consistently in the low- to mid-30s (and can rise up to 40 degrees C), with no rainfall for many months.
The coastline is stunning, with azure blue sea and a back drop of mountains. The beach, the Playa de Racó de l’Albir, has been awarded the prestigious EU Blue Flag classification, denoting its excellent facilities and cleanliness. There is a lovely promenade that you can walk on which stretches all the way to the delightful Spanish town of Altea (picture below), with its cobbled streets and wonderful old church in the old town, which is well worth a visit during your stay with us. From Albir beach you can see Calpe rock, the Peñon de Ifach, itself a challenging walk.
Surrounding Albir is the Sierra Helada, a protected nature reserve. The walk through trees along to the lighthouse is beautiful and you might have the possibility at the end to spot bottle nose dolphins.
Albir’s history goes back to the Roman times, when there was a settlement close to the sea front. During the Moorish occupation of Spain, agriculture was established in the area, growing oranges, almonds, grapes and other fruit. Agriculture is still important to this day. Although Albir is just north from Benidorm, the town cannot be more different, with very little nightlife apart from restaurants and cafes. The retreat itself is located off the main road, up a quiet side street. You can spend your whole retreat on our grounds, or easily explore the local area on foot or hire a bike.
Getting here from Alicante
Transfer from Alicante airport
We include free airport transfers between Alicante airport and the retreat via a shuttle bus service. This is for flights arriving and departing from Alicante airport between 9am and 7pm. Please note we cannot accept arrivals after 9pm at the Retreat.
We use a company called BeniConnect who operate a shuttle bus service, they guarantee no more than four stops before arrival at the retreat. We will provide them with your flight times, so they will be expecting you. They will group your pick-up with other flights arriving around the same time. There might be a wait at the airport of up to 1 hour until all the clients for the shuttle arrive. The drive to the retreat can be between 60 to 90 minutes.
Your departure transfer will pick you up from the retreat between 3 and 4.5 hours before your flight to ensure you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight (NB your departure transfer may be grouped with others). La Crisalida reception will confirm your pick up time 24 hours before your departure.
Reception will need your flight times at least 72 hours before to guarantee your transfer. If you do not provide the information in advance, we will be unable to book at transfer for you. Please note, transfers only operate between Alicante airport and the retreat on the day of arrival or departure.
Click on the button below to print instructions on how and where to collect your free airport shuttle transfer.
Transfer from Alicante train station
If you are arriving into (or departing from) Alicante train station we can arrange for a free transfer between Alicante train station and the retreat. This service is for trains arriving and departing at Alicante train station between 8:30am and 7pm. It is a stopping shuttle service operated by a company called BeniConnect. This service is shared with other people (non-retreat guests) and can have several stops before arriving to the retreat (or on the return journey back to the train station). You may have a wait at the train station for other passengers. The drive can take between 60 and 180 minutes, depending upon the number of stops. On the return journey you will be collected from the retreat 2.5 -3 hours before your train time.
To collect your transfer, once you leave the train, proceed to the arrivals hall. Immediately to your left you will see a restaurant called “CAFESTORE”. A driver from BeniConnect will be waiting for you outside this establishment with a BeniConnect sign.
You must provide the information about your train arrival and departure time at least 72 hours in advance otherwise will will be unable to book your transfers. Transfers only operate between Alicante train station and the retreat on the date of arrival or departure.
Click on the button below to print instructions on how and where to collect your free train station shuttle transfer.
Making your own way here
Arriving at Valencia airport
If you are flying into Valencia airport you can take a bus from the airport to Benidorm, the journey takes around 2 hours. (Make sure you pick the direct bus, rather than the stopping one!). You can check times and prices on the bus website (Alsa) on: www.alsa.es.
From Benidorm bus station you can take a taxi to La Crisalida Retreats. The journey is around 10-15 minutes and the taxi will cost around 10€ – 15€.
Driving
It is also straightforward to reach La Crisalida Retreats by car from all over Spain. We have a small car park on site. Click on the button below for printable driving directions from Alicante airport (from the south) or Valencia (from the north).
Do let reception know your approximate time of arrival if you are making your own way to the retreat.
Arrive and depart on any day of the week
Stay as long as you want at La Crisalida Retreats
La Crisalida is relaxed and laid back
Pick and choose what you want to do!
