Buildings of monumental significance in Abanilla include the La Iglesia de San José (the Church of San José) (18th century) and El Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart). Its situation between Aragon and Castile made it a strategic location during the Reconquest; the festival of the Holy Cross in May evokes these battles between Moors and Christians The surrounding area to Abanilla is very fertile, with many fruit and nut trees.
Algueña
Algueña is situated about 5 miles from the town of Pinoso. A smaller town, it is well serviced with banks, shops, supermarkets and restaurants. There is a large and busy market every Sunday.
Algueña was linked to the municipality of Pinoso until 1934 when it obtained municipal independence due to the strong growth during the last years of the 19th and beginnings of the 20th centuries. Today there some 1,501 people living in the town.
Algueña is on the Alicante wine route and has its own large bodega on the road to Pinoso. The bodega is open Monday to Saturday 9 am until 2 pm.
The town also host one of the areas motorcycle events on the fist weekend of July each year. Those entering race around the towns tiny streets at speeds that take your breath away.
Alicante
Alicante is centrally located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The air of the city is pervaded with the scents of the sea. The city has been an important seaport for many centuries. Alicante boasts one of the most beautiful seafront promenades in Spain.
Alicante has an excellent mild climate, with an average year round temperature of 18-20° C. The mild climate makes beach-life possible almost all year round, and there are plenty of fantastic beaches to choose from.
The city offers an interesting range of cultural activities in various centres around town, such as the Casa de la Cultura (cultural centre), the Teatro Principal (Principal Theatre), the exhibition centre Lonja del Pescado and for lovers of abstract and modern art, a visit to the Eusebio Sempere exhibition in the Casa de la Asegurada is a must.
It also has an extensive range of sports facilities, including football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, shooting, a riding school, swimming pools and gyms. For sailing enthusiasts, choose from the Real Club Náutico de Regatas, Alicante marina and the Alicante-Costa Blanca Nautical Club, which offer over 800 moorings. For scuba divers the sea around the Isla de Tabarca located off the coast are teeming with interesting sealife.
Panoramic views of the city and sea can be enjoyed from the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which sits 166m above the beach atop the Benacantil Mountain. If you are into mountaineering, then the Maigmó Mountain (1296 m) is a challenge that you will enjoy.
There are several beautiful green spaces to enjoy in the city centre. Including the Canalejas Park, home to a display of giant fuchus. El Palmeral, located on the seafront along the Murcia road, Lo Morant, which also has an auditorium where you can enjoy concerts and El Benacantil, with its extensive pine groves.
Alicante has excellent nightlife all year round, with many bars and discos open until the small hours of the morning. The old city centre, known as El Barrio, offers some of the finest restaurants and tapas bars, offering both authentic Valencian and International cuisine.
Don’t miss the magic and charm of Les Fogueres de Sant Joan. On the night of 24 June, the flames from blazing bonfires illuminate the Alicante sky.
Aspe
Aspe is a town and municipality in the province of Alicante, Spain. The town is located in the valley of the river Vinalopó, . It is a charming town, in a rural area surrounded by mountains, vines, olives and almonds but it is also just a few minutes’ drive from the bustling cities of Elche (12 km) and Alicante (25 km). Alicante airport and Costa Blanca’s beaches are just 22 km away.
The economy of Aspe is based on textile and footwear industries, as well as farming. Aspe is also famous for growing a special kind of grape, which is traditionally eaten at the stroke of midnight, every New Year’s Eve, all across Spain.
Places to visit inlclude the historical center (casco antiguo), Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Socorro (founded in 1602), Town Hall (17th century), Castillo del Río, a walled settlemented located 4 km outside the town and the Municipal Historical Museum.
Fiesta de la Virgen de las Nieves, is celebrated from 3rd August, every other year the fiesta takes place in the neighbouring village of Hondón de las Nieves so that the Virgen de las Nieves patron statue can be shared between the town and the village. The Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) fiesta was introduced in 1978 and is celebrated around the 2nd week in August with daily parades and events. The much loved fiesta of La Jira o El Último Jueves as been held for over a hundred years on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday (Maundy Thursday). The town’s people parade around town in various groups, called Jiras, parading around town in their group uniform and gather in the plaza or park to sing a song composed for the fiesta with original lyrics. Each group later spend the day at a country house enjoying the fiesta. The Fiesta de la calle “La Cruz” (Street party, The Cross) is celebrated on the first weekend after May 1 and is one of the oldest festivals in Aspe. There are parades, greasy poles, fireworks, parades, tasting of the traditonal dish habas hervías (boiled beans with wine) and a blessing of the four winds by the pastor.
Barinas
Barinas is in Murcia, Eastern Spain, Spain, situated between Macisvenda and Balonga, and is also nearby to El Tollé. Landmarks in the Barinas area include Sierra de Quibas, Sierra de Abanilla and Fortuna Spa Baths.
Canada de la Lena
Canada de la Lena is in an area great natural charm in the district of the town of Abanilla (Murcia), located between the mountains of Barinas, Espada and Quibas. The village is 10 minutes from the town of Pinoso, just off the road to Fortuna and close to the town of Algueña. Alicante airport and beaches are about 50 minutes away.
The village was previously known as Los Martinez, and was founded by this family of woodcutters. The economy of the village is based on agriculture, livestock and wine production and also benefits from the marble industry.
The small village church, dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen, is situated in the village square along with 2 bar restaurants. The village fiesta is celebrated on July 16 in honor of the Virgen del Carmen. The cuisine of the people is typical Murcian and Valencian dishes, based on salads, snails, gazpacho, gachamigas and meat.
Canada del Trigo
Canada del Trigo is on the border between Alicante and Murcia. The pretty village has many traditional properties, and some modern villas in the countryside. There are 2 popular bar restaurants. Pinoso town is 10 minutes by car, Alicante airport and beaches are 50 minutes away.
There is a cooperative of wine and other wineries in the village. The most characteristic product of this district is Quesos al vino (cheeses of the wine) which has a denominación de origen. Its crust is smooth, very light and has a garnet-red color due being washed in red wine and salt whilst maturing. It is a cheese that can be fried with tomatoes if fresh and is typical of the regions of Jumilla and Yecla.
The village is near to the mountain el Carce and in the lands surrounding the core crops are protected pine clad natural areas. Where you find thyme, rocket, rosemary, lavender, and conifers. Birds of prey such as owls, golden eagles, peregrine falcons or eagles and mammals such as wild cats, foxes and wild boars live in these natural areas.
Fiestas – Canada del Trigo fiestas are celebrated from 3 to 15 August in honor of his patron saint, the Virgen de los Remedios. On the 15th there is a parade in the morning, lunch and Mass. There is an offering of flowers and then the procession through the streets, fireworks and festivities.
Casas del Senor
The village of Casas del Senor belongs to the municipality of Monóvar, located in the province of Alicante, in the region of the Middle Vinalopo. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, pine clad hills and crops of olives, almonds and grapes the village is at the foot of Monte Coto, ideal for hiking. Landmarks are the bell tower of the church and the medieval aqueduct consisting of six arches of irregular measure, built of stone.
Less than 300 people live in the village many work farming the land. The village has restaurants, butchers, bakers, chemists, small shops and other services.
Traditional food is cooked on a fire of vine branches including rice with rabbit, gazpacho, gachamiga, sausages and grilled meat (carne a la brasa). Typical dishes are rabbit and snails paella, pigeon, partridge, chicken, grilled lamb, fasegures (large meatballs), beans in sauce, fried rabbit, gachamiga, gazpacho and soft cheese accompanied by the excellent Monovar wineries, now produce all kinds of wines with denomination of origin Alicante: red, white and rose, along with sweet wine and muscatel, or the famous Fondillón.
The name of the village means ‘houses of the gentleman’. You can find traditional town houses here and some quaint country cottages. The towns of Monovar and Pinoso with all amenites are both about 7 minutes away. There is a paved walk to the neighbouring village of Chinorlet. Alicante airport and beaches are around 40 minutes.
Chinorlet
The tranquil village of Chinorlet has a great location just off the main road between Pinoso and Monovar. The area is very popular with cyclists, walkers, hikers, climbers and people who just want to enjoy the rural Spanish lifestyle. The village has a population of around 200, although in the holiday season the population increases to around 300 inhabitants. Agriculture is the main industry and there are some small shops, a bakery, grocery store, 2 very good restaurants. a bar and a barber shop. The village is surrounded by pine clad national parks and vineyards.
Chinorlet is equidistant from Monovar and Pinoso both of which are around 7 minutes by car. Alicante airport and beaches are 40 minutes away. The village of Casas del Senor is a short walk away and there you will find a few more restaurants and shops and the local health centre.
Elda
Elda is a city located in the province of Alicante, Spain. As of 2009, it has a total population of 55,618 inhabitants, ranking as the 7th most populous city in the province. Elda joins together with the town of Petrer with a combined population of over 85,000 inhabitants. The river Vinalopó flows through the urban area of Elda.
Elda is an industrial town, whose economic activity is based in the production and trade of footwear, especially high quality and advanced design shoes for women. They are sold in major stores and prestigious boutiques worldwide.
Making footwear, which was entirely handmade until well into the twentieth century, attracted people to the then very small town of Elda thousands and thousands of domestic migrants, especially from La Mancha. From the post civil war years and the decade of seventies, Elda grew rapidly. In the 80s and 90s, when Elda stopped growing so rapidly, the design of its spaces became more rational. Apart from the Castelar and Sagasta Squares, new venues have been built downtown, a recent Main Square, The Shoemaker’s Square and the Civic Centre . In addition, the town centre has recently been repaved, with wide passages for pedestrians and free from vehicle parking.
Worth a visit is the Old Town, there are also four other parishes scattered throughout the neighbourhoods: La Inmaculada, San Francisco, San José and San Pascual. Other tourist sites include the Footwear Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Torre del Homenaje del castillo (a tower dating from the 12th century), Castelar Square, Count of Coloma Palace, the Town Hall and the church of Santa Ana.
The most important fiesta of the year in Elda is Moors and Christians fiesta. A celebration in which more than 6000 people take active part, one-tenth of our 60,000 inhabitants.
The valley is crisscrossed by the narrow river Vinalopó in whose basin there is a large park and playground. The city is surrounded by mountains such as Bolón, Camara, The Torreta Sierra and Bateig. It is a very popular area for hiking and climbing.
Fortuna
Not far from the capital of the Murcia Region, Fortuna is famous for the abundance of its hot springs. Water, scarce in this area, flows freely in Fortuna, giving rise to a number of fountains such as la Higuera, la Cueva Negra or los Baños, thermal springs that were already popular in Roman times and which have today converted Fortuna into an important spa town.
The history of the town goes back to Iberian settlements, the remains of which can still be seen in outlying districts such as Caprés, Castillejo or Cortao de las Peñas. The Arab domination is still visible in the Castillico de los Moros (Moors’ Castle). The town’s cultural heritage is enriched with the Baroque-style Parish Church of La Purísima, the Convent and the Town Hall (which conserves some beautiful panneaux), all constructed in an aesthetic modernist style.
The surrounding countryside (at times desert-like) is covered with the water that flows from its thermal springs. Visitors can admire the Cortao de las Peñas (two mountains split apart by the movement of the earth), or the Humedal del Ajauque and Rambla Salada, protected wetland areas of great beauty.
Hondon de las Frailes
The charming village of Hondón de los Frailes is located in the beautiful Hondón valley about 40 km from the Alicante airport and beaches. The municipality of Hondón de los Frailes covers an area of about 12 km2 and has a population of just over 1,000, it is surrounded by the mountains Sierra de los Frailes. Numerous mountian bike trails can be found in the area.
Frailes means Friars and the village was owned by an order of Dominican Friars during the 17th Century and was controlled by the Corregimiento de Orihuela until 1833. In 1840 along with the village of Redovan, Hondón de los Frailes became part of the municipality of Hondón de las Nieves and remained so until it gained its independence in 1926. There is evidence of settlements in the area going back to ancient times and there was a Roman site there during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsular. Later settlements by the Moors established Hondón as an agruicultural area, producing crops such almonds, olives and grapes. The present day village has mostly grown up around the 19th Century church, the Iglesia Virgen de la Salud, which was built by the Dominican Friars.
This farming community is a major producer of almonds, olives and grapes. In the evening the locals stroll along the pedestrian only street in the town where there are several bars and restaurants. There is a good selection of shops for day to day purchases, Dutch and English foods from Arkwrights supermarket, a butchers, a bank and a green grocers.
Hondon de las Nieves
Hondon de las Nieves (El Fondó de les Neus in Valenciano) is a municipality in the Vinalopó area in the province of Valencià. It is a small village, inland, west of the Alacant province. Its nearest city is Elche to the south east or Crevillent. The population is over 2,600 people.
Hondón de las Nieves (gorge of the Snows) is named after the “Virgin of the Snow” the towns religious icon, and the village church was built in her honour.
Hondon de las Nieves and it’s neighbour Hondon De Los Frailes are both typical Spanish agricultural villages which have changed very little over the years. The area is renowned for its fine table wines.
The village has everything you need for day to day living. There are bars and restaurants, shops, bakers, butchers and supermarkets. Alicante airport and beaches are just 30 minutes away.
Jumilla
Famous for it’s wines, with their own Denominación de Origen, Jumilla lies in the Altiplano of the Murcia Region, where the coastal terrains give way to the plains of La Mancha.
The town is steeped in history and cultural heritage, and a great many traces of its evolution are still visible today. The Iberian village of Coimbra, in the Barranco Ancho, is one of the most important in the region; likewise the Roman villas, the remains of which can be visited at the town’s Jerónimo Molina museum. The legacy of the Arab world is evident in the archaeology and place-names. When the Reconquest recovered this region for Christianity, it fell under the protection of the Manor of Villena, which was when the town began to take its present shape.
Many of the buildings constructed during these centuries bear witness to the town’s splendour: the 15th-century Castle, on top of the hill, built over the Roman settlement, and the Arab fortress, which still preserves the Keep, and the patio de armas, the Church of El Salvador (a symbol of Jumilla) and lastly the Ancient Council and Exchange: a mid-16th-century building and the only example of civil (not military) architecture in Murcian Renaissance.
History is not Jumilla’s only resource; the surrounding countryside is also a major attraction for nature lovers: the Sierra de Carche, the Sierra Larga or the Sierra de Santa Ana, among others, where visitors can admire the beautiful flora and wild fauna.
The Jumilla Wine Festival is held in August each year. A great chance to enjoy a fun evening getting soaked in red wine.
La Romana
La Romana is a pretty village, located in the foothills of the Sierra del Reclot and surrounded by vineyards, almonds and olive orchards. It is a mountainous area and there are several marble and limestone quarries in the area.
The village has a population of about 2,500 people and has a good selection of shops, bars and cafes. There is also an excellent Saturday market. La Romana has its own bodega, a cooperativa, where the local vineyard owners bring their harvest. There is a large sports centre on the edge of the village with a large pool, tennis, Paddle Tennis and Basketball courts, a football pitch and indoor gym.
The town’s popular fiesta is held in the third week of August every year, which includes the traditional Moors and Christians parades on Friday and Saturday.
The village is close to the towns of Alguena, Novelda, Aspe and Hondon de las Nieves and is a 30 minute drive from Alicante airport and the closest beaches are a 40 minute drive away.
Monovar
Monovar is a small town in Alicante province, with a population of over 13,000 people. It is about 15km from Pinoso and famous for its marble quarries, shoe making and wine. It is in a pretty, mountainous area, the town stands at a height of 341m (1,119 ft). Monovar has several traditional fiestas during the year, ranging from “Dwarves and Giants” in July to the week long town fiesta in September in honour of the Virgen de los Remedios.
Like many towns in the area, traditional food includes rice dishes made with rabbit and snail, gazpacho manchego – a hearty rabbit stew, migas – fried breadcrumbs with garlic and usually chorizo and of course the local red wine. There are 4 bodegas close by.
There is evidence of people living in this area since pre-history. The Romans also lived here, the remains of a Roman villa were discovered in the nearby village of Maña. In the Islamic era Monovar and Chinorla were fortified with a castle and a tower. The first documented history of Monovar was in the 13th Century. When the Moors were expelled from Spain in 1609 Monovar lost nearly 80% of its population. As a result Monovar was abandoned. As a reward for their support of the Bourbon Dynasty in the war of Succession, Philip V gave Monovar the title “Muy noble, fiel, ilustre & leal” (Very noble, faithful, illustrious & loyal) – this was encorporated into their coat of arms with a lily flower.
During the 18th century the population and the economy began to grow again, there was a resurgence of agriculture – with the growth of cereals, olives and grapes. This century also saw the construction of some of Monovar’s most emblematic buildings, which you can still see today, such as: the Torre del Reloj (clock tower), John the Baptist Church, the Chapel of the Virgin del Remedio and the Hermitage and Convent of Saint Barbara, which overlooks the town from the top of hill, keeping guard over Monovar. In the middle of the 18th century the railway came to Monovar, giving access to the rail line running from Alicante to Madrid and of course this played an important role in the economic development of the town. In the 20th century Monovar finally got the official title of city, as a consequence of its rapid growth. Since the 1920s the main industries have been, soap, flour, shoe-making and marble.
The modern day town has many bars and restaurants, small shops, a large supermarket, bullring, two wineries, a theatre/concert hall and a cultural centre. Monovar is a safe and friendly place to live and makes an interesting day visit. It is located on the CV83, the main road that runs from Elda to Pinoso.
Novella
Being famous especially as the “Spanish capital of marble”, Novelda hosts the Spanish marble industry.
Lots of 17th century architecture can be seen around any of the main city squares- “plazas”. Apart from having a beautifully restored facade which belongs to the magnicent the city hall, the church of San Pedro is right next door and both are the ideal starting point for a nice walk around the old town streets.
You might also like to visit the monastery of Santa María Magdalena. It dates from the 19th century, and has a church designed by a disciple of Antoni Gaudí. The Moorish castle of the Mola, with its unique triangular tower, and the Museum of Modernism are also in Novelda. This is a well preserved art nouveau house with original artifacts from the 1920s. The house itself is a work of art. The House-Museum is located in a modernist building designed by Pedro Cerdan Martinez (1863-1947) and is now a centre for modernist research and promotion.
A busy city with lots to see and plenty of bars and restaurants to explore down its side streets.
Sax
The picturesque town of Sax tumbles down a hillside in the Vinalopó Valley, in south-eastern Spain and is one of a series of towns and villages in this region of the Cost Blanca which are dominated by castles. Sax has a population of around 9,000 and is located between the towns of Villena and Elda. The history of Sax goes back to the times of the Moorish occupation beginning during the Eighth Century and little is known of the town prior to that time.
The Castillo de Sax (Castle of Sax) which is lit up at night, was originally built on a limestone ridge during the Tenth Century and the Levante tower from the Twelfth Century still survives today, the keep and courtyards were built at a later date. Despite its strong defensive position, both Sax and its castle were taken by troops under Jaime I of Aragon in 1239 and later in 1476 Sax became part of the Marquisate de Villena, within the province of Murcia. During the War of Spanish Succession (1701 – 1714) Sax sided with Felipe V who conferred the title “Muy Noble y Muy Leal” on the town for its staunch support. In 1836 Sax finally became part of the province of Alicante.
Over the centuries Sax has remained an agricultural town, the main crops being grapes (for wine production), olives, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Towards the latter part of the 20th Century, Sax developed some light industry including the production of shoes and leather goods, furniture and blinds, although agriculture and especially wine production are still important for the town.
Other interesting places to visit in Sax include the beautiful Parish Church of our Lady of the Assumption, originally built between 1530 and 1550, it was extended in 1789, the Ermita de San Blas (Hermitage of Saint Blas), the Ermita de la Soledad (Hermitage of Loneliness), El Pocico de la Nieve (snow cave), a pit in which snow was stored to supply water during the summer, and the small but interesting Museo Archaeológico which outlines the history of the area.
The people of Sax are warm and friendly and the town has a good selection of shops, tapas bars and restaurants, a market is held twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. As always Sax has its share of fiestas and festivals, the main one being the Moors and Christians festival held during the first 2 weeks of February.
The towering rock which looms over Sax is a popular place for rock climbing the most notable ascent being the Peñas del Rey.
To visit the castle you need to go to the local police station in Calle Maestro Vives 14 in Sax, admission if free and opening times are Monday – Friday 9am – 2pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9am – 6pm, guided tours can be arranged by booking in advance, phone the Town Hall on 0034 965 474 006 (mornings).
Yecla
Yecla is a town with a singular spirit, due mainly to its enclave situation, and is the living image of ‘Castilian’ Murcia, the area of transition between the coastal zone and the plains of La Mancha. Preceded by the fame of its inhabitants, it is naturally a town of enormous character which has impressed such writers as Azorín or Pío Baroja. The town is watched over by the Castle and the Sanctuary of La Purísima, which locals troop up to every 7th December ‘the day of the Alborada’ firing volleys of gunpowder with their ancient harquebuses.
Yecla has some rather unique sights, such as the Church of La Purísima or the Plaza Mayor; others of great beauty, like the Church of El Salvador, the Marketplace and the Clock Tower.
This region offers a number of hiking, cycling and potholing alternatives. Take a bike along the track that leads to Monte Arabí (a mountain propitious for fables and legends) to see the Neolithic rock paintings that decorate the caves of the Canto de la Visera and Mediodía. A long-distance hiking trail (the GR7), which comes down from the North of Spain to the Levant, passes through the region.
Aside from these attractions, Yecla has a very intense economic activity, based mainly on the manufacture of furniture, which is the object of an important world-famous fair. Also of note are the local wines, which have their own Denominación de Origen and have won numerous awards in competitions both in Spain and abroad
