IIn the light of the pandemic, many people have opted for more rural environments and small towns, which are also places full of charm. In fact, even if you opt for beach tourism, you can spend a day discovering a town that may not be as well known as others. If you haven’t already done so, we invite you to visit some of the most interesting villages in Alicante’s inland on your next holiday.
Which villages in Alicante’s inland are not to be missed?
Although the Region of Valencia is mainly associated with the sea and the beach, the truth is that it has other places of interest. For example, the villages in Alicante’s inland that we show you below:
Guadalest. It is undoubtedly one of the towns that you will like the most if you have the opportunity to visit it. It is also one of the most visited. It has a marked medieval style and you will love visiting the Castle of San José, the Church of La Asunción, the Museum of Nativity Scenes, the Dolls’ Houses, the Orduña House and the 12th-century prison.
Bañeres. It is the town in Alicante that is located at the highest altitude. It is surrounded by nature and you will be surprised by its incredible landscape. It is within the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park. It has a great industrial tradition, something that can be seen by visiting any of its museums. You cannot miss its castle.
Villena. It is the capital of the Alto Vinalopó region. It has an imposing castle, which is also worth a visit. Also not to be missed are the Santa Bárbara viewpoint, the Archdeacon’s Church of Santiago and the Archaeological Museum. It is worth visiting the town at any time of the year, but especially when the Moors and Christians and Medieval festivals are celebrated.
Petrer. Another town worth a visit is Petrer. We say this because of its important historical heritage. For example, the Castle-Fortress, the Chapels of San Bonifacio and Santísimo Cristo del Monte Calvario, the Church of San Bartolomé or the Aqueduct of San Rafael. It also has a large leather goods and footwear industry. You will also discover different green areas, such as the Explanada Garden or the Cervantes Park.
Alcoy. This is one of the best known towns in the area. Two of the festivals that are celebrated every year in the town stand out, one is the Moors and Christians and the other is the Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men. It is a village with a modern feel, but also with a medieval style. If you come to the area, you will be able to visit the Font Roja Natural Park, the Wall, the Historical Centre and the Explora Museum.
Sax. It is located in the Alto Vinalopó region and for many it is one of the most beautiful villages in the area. It has many places worth a visit, such as the Church of the Assumption, the Hermitage of San Patricio or the Hermitage of San Blas.
Biar. This is another town located in the Alto Vinalopó region. You will enjoy visiting its yellow and red houses, as well as its castle located on a hill, which dates back to the 13th century and which has become its main tourist attraction. You should also visit the hermitages of the Santos de la Piedra, Santa Lucía, del Roser and San Ramón, the Church of La Asunción, the Sanctuary of the Virgen de Gracia and the Town Hall.
Polop de la Marina. You may well have heard of this town, as it is one of the best known in the province. In fact, in its time it played a key role in some historical events such as the conquest of the Cid Campeador. This is why it is of great cultural interest. It is a village with a marked medieval style. You can visit its Castle, its Medieval Wall or the Sanctuary of the Divine Aurora. Another place not to be missed is the Fuentes de Polop (Fountains of Polop).
Castalla. This is a town with an outstanding Renaissance and Gothic style, which is home to numerous monuments. You can start by visiting the Old Quarter, which will allow you to discover its emblazoned houses, which date back to the 17th-19th centuries. You can also visit the Moorish-style castle, which stands on the top of a hill. There are also some interesting religious sites, such as the Ermita de la Sangre hermitage, the Franciscan Convent and the Church of La Asunción.
It is clear that if you visit the area you can enjoy not only going to the beach, but also visiting some of these villages in Alicante’s inland. You’re sure to love discovering everything they have to offer if you spend a few hours of your holiday there.