The historic centre of Benissa is set to come alive with music, fun and atmosphere as the Festival SONE finally returns for its third edition from Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 5. This vibrant summertime festival will offer four nights of free open-air concerts in some of the town’s most iconic locations.

A unique music festival, inspired by the directions of a compass

Merging culture, heritage, and live musical performances, the festival will take place across four areas of the old town of Benissa, transforming them into colourful stages, representing the four points of a compass. Locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the charm of the town’s historic streets, enjoying a diverse programme of music under the nighttime sky.

The schedule: Flamenco, pop music, and energetic performances all around

The festival will kick off on Thursday, July 2, at the Pinada de Selva, where the southern stage will host the Babalú Band and their lively “Route 66” show. Known for their energetic performances, the group promises a vibrant start to the event at 10:00pm.

On Friday, July 3, the western stage at the Convent Franciscà Square will see a flamenco concert take place. During this event, audiences will enjoy a captivating fusion of flamenco and contemporary sounds, led by Irene Carrión and Óscar Gallardo. The performance, also beginning at 10:00pm, is expected to bring passion and intensity to the historic setting.

The northern stage at Placeta Vella, on Saturday, will see the Cuarteto de Cuerda Valencia present their concert, “4Pop.es”, at 10:30pm. This quartet will offer a fresh take on pop music through classical string arrangements, making for a fun fusion of classical music with contemporary trends.

Finally, the festival will conclude on Sunday, July 5, at 8:00pm at the eastern stage in the Placeta de l’Església Vella, with a performance by The Salsa Crew. They will bring upbeat rhythms, danceable tunes, and an overall festival finale to four days of music. 

A concert free to attend in Benissa

The best part? The curated programme of the Festival SONE will be completely free to enjoy. This festival promises an unforgettable cultural experience, bringing together music lovers, both local and foreign, in a large weekend celebration of sound, history and summertime fun in this Costa Blanca hotspot.

Calpe will travel back in time on Saturday, July 4, with a unique historical reenactment taking place at Bañoss de la Reina, an event in which visitors and locals can participate to experience Roman life firsthand, in one of the Costa Blanca’s most interesting archaeological settings.

An event that will transform Calpe’s coast

The event, taking place from 11:00am to 1:15pm and then again from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, will transform Calpe’s seafront, as well as the surrounding Roman structures, into a living museum in the town. Live performances, guided explanations, and interactive activities will make history buffs as well as curious newcomers feel as if they have just taken a trip back in time to the Costa Blanca of the past. Through these activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how this ancient enclave once functioned nearly 2,000 years ago.

The Baños de la Reina, an emblematic feature of Calpe

The Baños de la Reina is far more than just a scenic coastal spot. It was once a thriving Roman settlement, known as a vicus, which formed part of the wider territory of Dianium, which is modern-day Denia. The site included luxurious residential areas, thermal baths and even fish farms, carved directly into the rock, and was used to supply fresh seafood to its inhabitants.

These rock pools are among the most recognisable features of the site, and give Calpe a wealth of archaeological importance on the Costa Blanca. It also remains an important part of the cultural identity of the area.

Why visitors should take the opportunity to participate this July

During this reenactment, participants will be able to witness demonstrations of Roman daily life, from construction techniques to bathing customs, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mediterranean coastline. The event will not only entertain, but also educate, highlighting the importance of preserving and understanding Calpe’s archaeological heritage.

This immersive experience through Calpe’s past will provide visitors with a rare opportunity to connect with history in an engaging, memorable, and fun way, perfect for families, history buffs, and newbies alike.

Don Giacomo, a Mediterranean trattoria in the charming town of Oliva on the Costa Blanca, has established itself as one of the standout Italian dining experiences in the area, offering guests a culinary experience rooted in traditional Tuscan flavours, without losing its distinct Mediterranean touch.

A taste of Tuscany in the heart of the Costa Blanca

The restaurant has quickly become a hotspot for locals and visitors alike, seeking authentic Italian cuisine. With a particular focus on pizza napolitana, fresh pasta and high-quality ingredients, Don Giacomo presents itself as more than just a pizzeria, but a carefully curated dining experience inspired by Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage.

A leisurely stroll through Italy: Rotating selections of pizzas

Don Giacomo boasts a “peaceful stroll in Italy” concept, with an atmosphere designed to reflect a modern trattoria. The setting is stylish, yet relaxed, and open-kitchen elements as well as attentive staff contribute to the dining experience. The menu itself, of course, keeps with this theme, and features a rotating selection of signature pizzas that put seasonal ingredients and bold combinations at centre stage.

Some local favourites on the pizza menu include the salmone e burrata, combining creamy textures with fresh seafood, and gamberi e burrata, which blends prawns with rich Italian cheeses. These dishes reflect the restaurant’s emphasis on combining traditional Italian techniques with contemporary culinary creativity.

A charming trattoria in a charming setting: Locals and tourists alike gather at Don Giacomo

The restaurant’s setting in the charming town of Oliva also contributes to the dining experience, as holidaymakers and locals flock to Don Giacomo for dinner after a day on the golf course or lounging on the Costa Blanca beach. All in all, Don Giacomo is a relaxed, yet high-quality dining option for both newcomers and seasoned regulars.

With its blend of authenticity, presentation and location, Don Giacomo continues to position itself as a go-to Italian restaurant in Oliva, offering a real taste of Italy, just a stone’s throw away from the Mediterranean coast.

T. 962 85 73 76

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