The Heart of Campello

Born in the heart of a family of fishermen, son of an important ship-owner who was owner of a spinning workshop and later President of "El Pósito".

Later to study in Alicante in the School of Commerce and the Teacher Training College, obtaining the title of Primary School Teacher in 1934.

He became Lecturer in the College for the Training of Fishermen, then Lecturer in Maritime Orientation and afterwards Lecturer in EGB, alternating his career with other activities such as the ropemaking industry and columns in Alicante's local newspapers.

A lot of development is taking place along the Mediterranean coast in the province of Alicante. Vineyards have been turned into building sites. The developers are providing employment for local people, though the high-rise constructions are changing the nature of what used to be a quiet fishing village. The new residents have sea-views and views of the mountains. Some drive to out-of-town superstores while others buy their provisions in the small town of Campello, which has a good selection of small shops and a fairly large supermarket.

There are still shops where you can buy fresh fish and you still see people with fishing-rods on La Playa de Mucha Vista on December afternoons and evenings. You also meet second home-owners, often accompanied by pedigree dogs. There is a well known kennels in El Campello for greyhounds and you tend to meet a dog round every corner in El Campello, though they are usually friendly, well-trained and on long leads.

The nature of the town is destined to become more Cosmopolitan. El Campello people are accustomed to making tourists feel welcome. After all, this is the Costa Blanca.

The Future of Campello

What will be the future of this small fishing village that had grown into a tourist resort?

José Gomis Lledó has successfully documented the history of Campello in his well-illustrated 500 page book entitled Campello Entrañable.

He has lived in the heart of Campello and has worked at the heart of its traditional fishing industry. Places need residents who respect their identity and who are willing to contribute to the maintenance of a community spirit. The village of Campello has a community spirit, thanks to the people living in the heart of it who have continued small-scale industries and village traditions.