Algorfa is another of the villages of the Vega Baja region (Alicante province), located in lush and fertile countryside on the banks of the Segura river. It has a mountainous backdrop but still enjoys some beautiful panoramic views of the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Algorfa is a typical Spanish village, full of tradition and culture and its inhabitants are warm and welcoming. It is just a small village, having a population of below 3,000 and despite new development it retains most of its original charm.

A Jesuit archaeologist from Orihuela made an interesting discovery in 1903 in the area of Algorfa which gives evidence of settlers as long ago as 3,000 BC. The remains of twelve humans and some tools and implements are all that is left of Algorfa's early inhabitants.

When a privilege was granted by king Alfonso II in 1328 the municipality of Algorfa officially came into being and the village consisted of 15 homes and 15 families. After the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) Felipe V withdrew the privilege, though it was later restored king Carlos IV towards the end of the 18th Century.

Present day Algorfa is a quiet and friendly place, village life centres mostly around the charming village square where most of the local festivities and activities are held. The square is also the location of the Town Hall (completed in 2004), the police station and the church plus several bars and restaurants where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a cooling drink and watch the world go by. Visitors are always given a smile and a warm welcome in Algorfa.

Algorfa has a wonderful warm Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The entire region can generally expect over three hundred days of sun annually and enjoys an average temperature of approximately 19 degrees centigrade. Rainfall in Algorfa is low and occurs mostly in the winter months.

There are a number of attractions worth a visit whilst in and around Algorfa including the quirky neo-gothic church on the road to Benjuzar, built during the 19th Century, the unusual cave dwellings at nearby Rojales now used as a craft market, the lavish gardens of the Palace of the Marquis de Fontabla at Jacarilla and the Natural Park of the salt flats at La Mata with its varied wildlife and marked out walking and cycling routes.

Algorfa also has its own busy market held on a Sunday and always worth a trip.

Sporting enthusiasts may want to try out some of the local facilities and close by is the famous La Finca Golf Club with its fabulous 18 hole course and great variety of greens. The course, designed by Jose Gancedo is set in natural surroundings with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Also in Algorfa is a fine recreation centre with sporting facilities to suit all ages, these include squash, tennis, swimming and 5-a-side soccer. Don't forget the Aqua Splash Park in nearby Quesada for a cooling dip on a hot summer's day.

For those who like the beach and the sea, the coastal town of Guardamar del Segura is just a short drive away. Guardamar has some beautiful sandy beaches which are very popular during the summer months.

Thus ends our little trip to Algorfa - the tiny Costa Blanca village with a big heart.

Algorfa can be accessed from the AP-7 motorway (Cartagena - Crevillente) and from the CV-91 between Guardamar del Segura and The historic city of Orihuela. Algorfa is approximately 35 minutes drive from both Murcia and Alicante airports.

Newspaper contributor Steve Locke resides in Cabo Roig on the sunny Costa Blanca, Spain. His website is a wonderful resource for information on the Costa Blanca and surrounding areas. To see additional information on Algorfa follow this link:- http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/algorfa.html For details property for sale in the area look here:- http://www.needahandspanishproperties.com/