The area surrounding the coastal resorts of the Costa Blanca that we know so well expands inland within the Valencian Region where we can find many charming villages that take you back in time to the traditions and heritage of our Mediterranean homes. If you get a chance to explore these hidden gems you won’t regret it and they are all within easy driving distance the coast making them ideal for a day trip. If you have visitors they may also like to explore more traditional areas close by.
Laguar Valley
La Val de Laguar in Alicante province consists of three villages which can be reached by entering the valley at its lowest point from the town of Orba. The first village is Campell, then Fliex and finally Benimaurell. This chain of villages are nestled between mountains and beautiful countryside with numerous walking routes. The area is known for producing cherries and its history and connection as one of the last Moorish strongholds in the area. Campbell has long narrow streets leading to the top of a hill. As it is the first village in the valley it is known affectionately as “poble de baix”, the town below, and is home to a butchers, a bakers, a pharmacy and a small grocery store. Fleix is the smallest village in the valley both by size and population housing a town hall, public school and a social centre. Benimaurell is situated 500m above sea level and has many winding streets that are not accessible to cars. The central square “Placa del Sacramet” overlooks the countryside with spectacular views due to its elavated position. A popular walking rout which takes you from Fleix to Benimaurell is paved and offers exceptional views of the area. The Barranc de l’Infern is 14km long and was built more than 500 years ago by the Moors with more than 6,000 stone steps.
Chulilla
This charming Roman town is perched on rocks about an hour’s drive inland from Valencia, it is filled with pretty whitewashed stone houses that blend naturally into the cliff walls that lead down to the Turia river which has shaped much of the landscape. It is a peaceful place where you can escape and experience pure tranquility and relaxation but, there is also plenty to do if you want to rock climb, hike or bathe in natural pools along the river’s route. The village castle is perched on top of a mountain and is open to visitors who can wonder at the spectacular views from this historical fortress.
Bocairent
Inland from Alicante and close to the Sierra de Mariola natural park this lovely town is in a truly beautiful location and houses numerous sites of historical interest. The medieval centre has cobbled streets and fountains with picturesque ruins and three chapels and a parish church with a museum of archaeology amongst others. Just a short distance from the town centre is one of the best preserved ice houses the Cava de Sant Blai and a well known site is the Covetes dels Moros whichi s a collection of caves excavated into a local mountain rock face which were used to store grain during the occupationj of the moors.
Alpuente
Travelling north and inland of Valencia this medieval town has been important in Spanish Royal history from the former independent kingdom of Taifa to becoming a Royal State Bailía of Valencia because of it’s important location on the border between Aragón, Castilla and Villa Real. The Villa Alhama is in the historic centre with halls and dungeons and a magnificent town hall from the Renaissance period. The streets and squares offer incredible views of the Islamic orchards and laundries and there are two museums with one located in an old oven and the other in a 14th century hermitage.
Villalonga
This final village of our tour is closest to our homes in the Costa Blanca area of the Marina Alta just a short drive from Pego, Ondara and Denia and is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the province with nature areas where you can enjoy the countryside on foot or by bike. The local heritage can be seen by exploring the centre of the village where some streets are decorated with beautiful altarpieces and medieval architecture mixes with Art Nouveau facades. Outside of the centre an easy walk follows the stations of the cross and the ruins of the castle offer s bird ey views of the area, originally an Islamic fortress you can see how it was excellently placed to protect the town. Another place that must be visiting is the near by Circ de la Safor, an incredible amphitheatre formed naturally in the moutains that surround it.
Conclusion
There can be no doubt that living in the Costa Blanca, there are so much beauty on our doorstep and fascinating hidden gems to visit just a short drive away from our homes.
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