Oliva

Oliva is a municipality in the comarca of Safor in the Valencian Community, Spain. To its east lie 10km of coastline and beaches fronting the Mediterranean Sea.The Passeig (promenade) runs through the centre of the town, and features a market each Friday. On the left side of the Marina beach is Kiko beach. The blue flagged beaches of Oliva stretch for 7km; many contain sand dunesOliva has one of the province's biggest and most colourful Moors and Christians Festivals (Festes de Moros i Cristians, in Valencian language) in the area. In the old town there are two churches, Sant Roc and Santa Maria la Major. Sant Roc dates from the 18th–19th centuries, and Santa Maria from the 17th–18th centuries. At the top of the hill in the old town is Santa Anna Castle, built in the 16th century.In the centre of the village is a Roman kiln situated below one of the blocks of apartments on Santíssim street.Oliva's Old Town has historical streets which see various "fiestas" celebrated throughout the year: the falles "Fiesta" in March, the Moors and Christians in July and Setmana Santa (Holy Week). People may be seen strolling the Paseig, sampling tapas, drinking coffee or wine and simply relaxing with family and friends. Every Friday there is a market with a plethora of fresh, local produce and wares.Oliva is also a well-known town for cyclists, especially from Estonia. At the beginning of March, they gather there for the spring training camp. The Estonian national junior team trains there in spring too.