º
Benissa is situated in the north-eastern part of the province of Alicante, in the Marina Alta area. The town's coastline is formed mainly by small bays and cliffs, surrounded by mountainous areas formed by the Oltas, La Solana, Mala Verda and the most prominent Sierra de Bernia, with its almost 1200 metres of height. The town centre is situated at an altitude of approximately 200 metres above sea level. Historians have recently discovered three small cave paintings in the Pinos countryside, which have started to attract mystery fans. The traditional saying about Benissa is "octopus and massa" (polp i missa) and refers to one of the city's gastronomic traditions: octopus stew. Benissa, combined with the sea and the mountains, mixes typical dishes, hence its extensive and varied gastronomic repertoire: mallow casserole, "baked coca" or "blood with onions".
