Interesting Facts about the Hondón Valley Area ©2009 hondon.co.uk
Hondón de las Nieves is a small village, inland, west of the Alicante Region. It's nearest city is Elche to the south east or Crevillente (20 mins drive). Nieves and it's very close neighbouring village 'Hondón De Los Frailes' are typical Spanish, rural villages, quaint, friendly and have changed very little over the years. The economy rely heavily on the agricultural industry in this very fertile valley.
Grapes and almonds are mainly grown here but also many other root crops and fruits. The other dominant industry is Construction with many limestone quarries servicing the Costa Blanca building trade for cement products.
Hondón de Las Nieves literally means 'Gorge of the Snow' but not after the weather (there's virtually no snow)! It is named for the village’s loyalty to their patron... "The Virgin of the Snow". This effigy and the church is at the heart of village life, the 'Virgin' has her own fiesta dedicated to her. You'll often see posters in village windows or flags in the streets with the 'Virgin' printed on them.
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New Build Properties - New People !
The last 5/6 years has seen an influx of Northern Europeans into both Frailes and Nieves areas. These people have seen the potential for living and investment and so are keen to buy relatively cheap property, villas and apartments inland with larger plots that you'd not match nearer the coast. Some Urbanizations are now being build inland. The biggest (about 450 detached villas) so far is is between Frailes and Nieves, known as "Montanosa" (aka Mi Casa Familia or Oasis).
This Urb' is mainly habitated by Brit's and Dutch and is still under construction - it centers around the old 'La Finca' building which is now an excellent renovated restaurant, bar and 'social' centre (...great food by the way and friendly service). The urb' is due to be finished in 2008/9. The two villages of Frailes and Nieves have benefited from this injection of people and their money. Both villages have / are now under-going some new and re-construction, new businesses are opening and the general infrastructure is being improved.
Area Facilities
The surrounding area and valley is mainly farming land and pine covered mountains. A Beautiful sight most of the time as this area enjoys 320+ days of great weather. Summers are very hot, winters quite mild. Although Frailes / Nieves have sever winter storms from time to time... but the farmers need the water for their crops. It is a peaceful and tranquil area, non-commercial really and suited to people you want a slow pace of life in a rural setting. You'll need a car as public transport is sparse and most Malls at least 20 mins away. Although both villages are well serviced for mini supermarkets, hairdressers, DIY, builders, pet shops, bakers, butchers, restaurants and bars... even if the opening hours take some getting used to.
Nieves has about 4 small but well placed and stocked supermarkets. One of which is English, a 24hr 'La Tienda' (shop), spotlessly clean butchers, a fresh bread bakery, a newsagent, a few banks, 2 or 3 hairdressers, gift shops, a post-office, a school, a large Multi-Sport Center, tobacconist, Bodega Wine merchants and a well stocked chemist. There's a local Doctor too. For a larger selection and bigger shops, Albertera or Aspe are the nearest towns. It's the drive to Albertera over the mountain that most people 'gasp' at. The Vista over-looking Costa Blanca South is fantastic and it's the drive that most Property Agents seduce you with !!!
Market days in the village are Wednesday and Saturday plus there is an indoor weekday market selling fresh local produce. Saturday morning has a lovely atmosphere with all the villagers buying their weekend supplies, children playing in the Plaza (main square) and the Al Fresco nature of the bars and restaurants.
Village Life is Slow !!
Hondón Nieves itself has a population of around 1600 people. Village life centres around the main palm-lined 'plaza' with pastel-shaded buildings, bars, restaurants and the Ayuntamiento (town hall). Several bars serve tasty tapas 'al-fresco' looking onto an area. The plaza provides a focal point for the many and varied fiestas that take place throughout the year.
Fiesta is Party Time!
Frailes and Nieves excel in the Fiesta season... for small villages (approx 2000 pop.) they really do 'push the boat out'. The Fireworks are amazing, costumes just as amazing and their hospitality is welcoming. The locals seem to have embraced the 'foreign invasion', possibly because of the wealth it brings but also they are genuinely friendly people.
Hondón de las Nieves - The Valley of the Vines!
Known by many as 'el valle de las viñas', Hondón de las Nieves is now a bustling village in the heart of Hondón wine and grape country. They grow red and white grapes as far as the eye can see !! Some are for wine-making (delicious and silly cheap!) but many are for eating. Surrounded by pine trees in the woody Crevillente Sierras (mountain ranges) this rural area is known as the District of Vinalopó; a name often seen on Spanish wine. So sampling the excellent locally produced vino is a must!
Hondón Weather
The two main villages of Hondón sit in a valley of Sierra de la Crevillente. Summers are very hot and dry while the winters are a quite few of degrees cooler, windy and can rain hard but it doesn't last long. In fact the weather in the mountains make for interesting views: the mist and clouds change the landscape dramatically.... so cameras a ready !!! So yes in winter you'll need a wooly jumper and long trousers at night but it's no where near as cold as UK.
Hondón de Las Nieves Property
There are town and country homes for sale on the Costa Blanca. Property in Hondón de Las Nieves and Frailes areas give you all the benefits of country living with the added benefit of being close to the neighbouring towns, airports, motorways, leisure facilities and beaches. There are plenty of new-build or resale villas, fincas or apartments available in the Hondón area. Prices are reasonable here and you'll GET A LOT more for your money inland !!!
Finding the Right Hondn Property
Finding a property for sale in Hondón or the Costa Blanca is quite easy as most agents know the area and the 'big' agents have searchable websites... just type into Google Search 'Hondón Villas' or similar... there's a good choice. Whether you are looking for a villa, town house, apartment, finca or other property in Hondón de Las Nieves or Frailes areas, Google is a great place to start your search.
Property Related Resources
Hondón Valley Villa for Sale | New Build Luxury 3 bed villa, private swimming pool, underbuild (garage) all mod-cons, great mountain views and beautiful gardens. Has to be be seen!
Holiday Let Templates for Villas and Apartments | Choose a web design template for your holiday home rental. DIY or we build it for you... great value and inclusive offer!
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