Moraira: In Focus by Alexander Gresbek

Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Moraira: In Focus
by
Alexander Gresbek
©2023
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Introduction
Moraira: in Focus is an eBook by Alexander Gresbek that explores
the hidden gems of the charming town of Moraira, located on the
Costa Blanca in Spain. The town, which was once a small fishing village,
has now transformed into a popular tourist destination, attracting
visitors from all over the world with its beautiful beaches, delicious
cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.
Alexander Gresbek is a seasoned writer and photographer who has a
deep love for Spain and its many treasures. He moved to the Costa
Blanca with his wife Anuschka in 2018 and has since been exploring
the region, documenting his adventures through his words and pictures.
This Booklet takes readers on a journey through the town, sharing his
insights and beautiful images. He delves into the history of Moraira,
from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its current status as
a thriving tourist destination. He also highlights the town’s unique culture
and traditions, which are still very much alive today.
Whether you are planning a trip to Moraira or simply want to learn
more about this hidden gem on the Costa Blanca, Moraira: In Focus is
an excellent resource. With its beautiful photos and informative text,
this eBook is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, culture, and
adventure.
More books from Alexander Gresbek can be purchased from Amazon.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Moraira
Moraira is a small coastal town
located in the province of Alicante,
in the Valencian Community
region of eastern Spain. It is situated
on the Mediterranean Sea and
has a population of approximately
9,000 people.
Moraira is known for its beautiful
beaches, crystal clear waters, and
picturesque scenery. Some of the
most popular beaches in Moraira
include Playa de l’Ampolla, Playa
del Portet, and Platgetes de Moraira.
The town is also home to a marina,
where visitors can enjoy sailing,
fishing, and other water sports.
In addition to its natural beauty,
Moraira has a charming old town
that features narrow streets, traditional
buildings, and a central market
square.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
History
The town of Moraira, located on the Costa Blanca in Spain, is a
beautiful and historic destination that has been inhabited for
thousands of years. Archaeological finds in the nearby Cova de la Cendra
reveal evidence of human habitation during the Upper Paleolithic
era, while pottery from the Iberian period indicates that the area was
later inhabited during the Bronze Age. The influence of the Moors, who
settled the area following the Umayyad conquest of Hispania, is still
evident today in the region’s architecture and place names.
Legend has it that Moraira was named after the Moorish princess Ira, la
Mora. During the Reconquista, the Moors were expelled and the area
became part of the Kingdom of Aragon. The Moors were replaced by
Christian settlers who introduced the Valencian language to the area.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
History
Teulada, a municipality five kilometers from
the coast, was founded in 1386 by the Lords of
Lluria, Serria, and Grandia.
In the 16th century, the coast was raided by Barbary
pirates, and Teulada was fortified with a lookout
tower on the Cap d’Or. The Castillo de Moraira,
located in what is now the center of the town, was
completed in 1742 and armed with four bronze cannons.
The castle was damaged during the French
Revolutionary Wars but has since been restored.
By the end of the 18th century, Teulada had become
a farming village, with crops exported by sea from
natural ports. Fishing became an additional source
of income, and small buildings by the coast were expanded
to become homes for the fishermen. Moraira
gradually developed into a small fishing village.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Moraira’s economy transformed
due to international tourism. The town expanded
dramatically to accommodate new holiday
homes and infrastructure for tourists. Today, the
permanent population of Moraira is around 10,000,
with a high proportion of expatriates living in the
town permanently. The area is very popular with affluent
retirees, especially British, and the majority
of visitors to Moraira are Spanish, British, German,
Dutch, and French.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Geography
The Moraira valley is situated at the foothills of the Cap d’Or hillside,
which borders the town to the north. The valley is the convergence
point for several mountain streams, which flow through the
beach even during the driest August weather. Over time, these streams
have deposited their rich alluvial soil on the valley bottom. As a result,
the valley is blessed with fertile land, which is ideal for agriculture.
Today, more than 2,000 hectares of land in the Moraira-Teulada area
are under cultivation, and over 1,000 hectares are used for vineyards.
The terraced hillside agriculture that was developed during the Moors
era is still in evidence today. Visitors to the area can witness the spectacular
sight of the carefully constructed terraced farms that cascade
down the hillside. These farms cultivate a wide range of crops, including
grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits.
The town’s unique geography also has an impact on its climate. Moraira
enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild
winters and hot summers. The town’s location on the coast provides a
cooling effect during the summer months. The sea breeze brings relief
to the hot and dry air and keeps the temperatures bearable.
The climate in Moraira is also ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking,
cycling, and water sports. The beautiful landscape of the Moraira
valley, with its rolling hills and stunning coastline, provides an excellent
setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers and cyclists can explore
the many trails and routes that crisscross the region, while water
sports enthusiasts can enjoy the clear waters and beautiful beaches.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Climate
Moraira, is known for its stable Mediterranean climate. The region enjoys
an average of 300 sunny days per year, making it an ideal destination for
tourists seeking warm and sunny weather throughout the year.
The summers in Moraira are hot and dry, with temperatures typically ranging
between 28°C to 32°C. The warm Mediterranean Sea, with temperatures
reaching up to 25°C, provides an excellent opportunity for tourists
to indulge in a variety of water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, and
scuba diving. The region’s natural topography, with the surrounding foothills,
provides excellent protection from harsh weather during the winter
months, making it an excellent place to visit during the offseason.
Moraira’s mild winters are another factor that makes it a year-round destination
for tourists. The temperatures during winter typically range between
12°C to 18°C, which makes it an excellent escape from the colder
weather in other parts of Europe. The natural vortex created by the surrounding
foothills also provides a cooling sea breeze in the summer, making
it an excellent place to relax and enjoy the warm weather.
The town experiences very little rainfall during the months of July-August,
which is the peak tourist season in Moraira. This means that visitors can
enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and a variety of outdoor activities such as
sunbathing, hiking, and biking.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Moraira falls under the jurisdiction of the local Ayuntamiento, which is based
in Teulada and governs the entire Teulada-Moraira municipality. The Ayuntamiento
is comprised of 17 elected councillors, with the mayor serving as the
head of the council. The mayor appoints councillors to the Governing Board to assist
in the execution of his or her responsibilities. Carlos Linares has been serving
as the mayor since May 2015, taking over from Antoni Joan Bertomeu, who chose
not to run for reelection. In the most recent election, the People’s Party maintained
control of the municipality and secured a majority of seats on the council.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
To preserve the area’s heritage, the Teulada council has passed laws
protecting the abundant pine trees and limiting the height of buildings.
Moraira has a privately-owned marina built in 1985, operated by
Club Náutico Moraira. It has become a culinary destination with many
high-quality restaurants serving a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Economy
Although its history is steeped in
fishing, the town’s economy is
now driven by tourism and Spanish
property sales that have dramatically
transformed the coastline
over the past three decades.
To maintain the town’s charm and
character, strict planning regulations
have been put in place to prevent
over-development and highrise
buildings, making it a highly
desirable destination for tourists
and expats alike
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Beaches
Moraira boasts three sandy
beaches that are popular
with families, and numerous rocky
coves and inlets that are frequented
by snorkelers and scuba divers.
There is a large market held every
Friday from 8.30am to 1.30pm
in the main car park that sells all
kinds of things, from fresh produce
to handicrafts and souvenirs.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Yacht Club
The Moraira Yacht Club, also
known as the “Club Náutico,”
boasts 620 embarkation points and
features an associated club with
restaurants and shops. During the
summer months, sailing courses
and regattas are also held. Notably,
the district championship for open
sea yachts is held during Easter,
while the “Moraira Santa Eulalia”
regatta is hosted at the end of September.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Tourism
Despite its transformation into
a tourist hotspot, Moraira has
managed to retain its small-town
charm, and visitors are captivated
by its narrow streets, whitewashed
houses, and stunning sea views.
The town’s commitment to preserving
its cultural heritage and
natural beauty has earned it a reputation
as one of the most picturesque
towns on the Costa Blanca,
attracting visitors from all over the
world.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Moraira Castle
The Moraira Castle, from
the 18th century, stands
in the city center and near
the beach. The building, of
Bourbon origin, has a floor
plan called “ox hoof”, that
is, semi-circular in shape,
and its function, like other
buildings of the time, was
to protect the inhabitants
from the invasions of Berber
pirates.
Moors and Christians
The Moors and Christians festival is a popular event that
takes place in many towns and cities throughout Spain,
including Moraira. The festival celebrates the long and
complex history of the Iberian Peninsula, which has
been shaped by various cultures and civilizations, including
the Moors and Christians.
The festival typically involves a series of processions and
reenactments that depict key moments in the region’s
history. Participants dress up in traditional costumes
and take on the roles of Moors and Christians, marching
through the streets and engaging in mock battles.
In Moraira, the Moors and Christians festival usually
takes place in June, and it’s one of the town’s biggest
events of the year.
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
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Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek
Alexander Gresbek was born in London in 1965 and
completed his studies in business administration
with a focus on marketing and foreign trade. He then
worked as a logistics manager in Nuremberg, Düsseldorf,
and Bonn.
In 2018, Alexander and his wife Anuschka moved to the
Costa Blanca, where he now works as an author and photographer.
As a supporter of Spain, he encourages others
to visit the country and explore its diverse offerings, from
bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona to the tranquil
beaches of the Costa Blanca, suitable for every taste and
preference.
In his words, "Spain has something for everyone to fall in
love with," and he warmly recommends it to everyone.
We can only highly recommend Alexander Gresbek's
books on Spain, and we are delighted that they are available
on Amazon.
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