Essentials

Manises is renowned for its ceramic tradition, an iconic local activity that has put the town on the global map. Nevertheless, if you are spending some time in this part of Valencia, you will come across plenty of other places that have got fascinating stories to tell.

A case in point is Els Arcs aqueduct. The structure has been listed a Site of Cultural Interest and though it has changed over the passing of time, it remains an architectural treasure of Horta Sud.

The aqueduct is located in Salt de l'Aigua ravine. With regards to its antiquity, the first reference to the structure was found in an order by King James I in 1273, which talks of the need to restore it. The next mention is a fair few centuries afterwards, the 19th, when the aqueduct is referenced by the French scholar Jaubert de Passa. Although it was originally believed to be a Roman construction, more recent research has dated it to the Muslim period.

The purpose of Els Arcs was to carry water from the Quart canal over the ravine to the neighbouring villages. If you come for a visit, you’ll see 28 arches that over time have formed stalactites from the filtrations. The final result is breathtaking.

Water still currently runs through the aqueduct, which was adapted in the 1970s to continue fulfilling its purpose. If you’re interested in historic heritage, we’d recommend making your way to Salt de l'Aigua ravine to see an aqueduct which has withstood the passing of many centuries.

Ermita de Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo Chapel in Xaló, built in 1691, is a small place of worship located close to the site where La Marina Alta’s renowned street market is held. You’re sure to fancy taking a look around on your getaway to the destination, which is famed for its great wines and wineries.

During your time in Xaló, make sure you spend some time exploring Santo Domingo Chapel. The place of worship was built in both the Baroque and Valencian styles in the 17th century and is a joy to look at.

The chapel is the backdrop to Xaló’s festivities, which are held in honour of Santo Domingo in the summer. You will find yourself reaching for your camera to take a picture of this simple yet charming chapel sitting next to the River Gorgos. The area around Santo Domingo Chapel is also lovely: make sure you have a little wander around.

We recommend coming to visit Xaló to visit the chapel as well as Santa María Parish Church and the incredible wineries. So what do you say? Are you up for it?

Castillo de Ambra, Ambra Castle, is well worth checking out when sightseeing in Pego. A good way to reach the fortress, which dates all the way back to the 13th century, is to go on the gentle three-kilometre hike to the site. There’s no better plan for a family day out!

Tracing its origins to the Islamic period, the ruins of Ambra Castle are found perched atop a hill, granting spectacular views of the surroundings. If you are a keen photographer, then the views from the top of Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park will serve as great material for your photos.

Stretching over the ridge of the hill, Ambra Castle ruins feature ancient walls, towers and dwellings that spread down the slope. Many of these sites are in complete ruins, but you can still get an idea of how would have been during Al-Andalus. A trip up to the castle ruins is a must when visiting Pego. Also, don’t leave without going for a stroll around Pego’s old streets which are brimming with tradition. Are you up for uncovering the ancient secrets of this magnificent fortress?

From the pedestrianised area and the fountain to the buildings encircling it, València’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento has a lot of attractions. One of the most impressive buildings on the plaza is Edifici de Correus, the Post Office, which is also known as València’s Communications Palace.

The Post Office has four floors covering a total surface area of over 9,400 m². It is listed a Site of Local Importance and was the headquarters of València’s Post and Telegraph Office for many years. Nowadays, the building is open to visitors: we recommend you come for an explore to see each and every detail.

València’s old Post Office was built between 1915 and 1922 by the architect Miguel Ángel Navarro Pérez. His eclectic French style combines with elements of Valencian Art Nouveau to spectacular effect. The façade is decorated with allegorical figures symbolising the progress of postal communication in addition to the five continents that reflect the importance of international connectivity.

The metal tower is one of the most recognisable parts of the Communications Palace. Once you step foot in the building, look up to see the great stained-glass window designed by the Maumegean brothers. It has over 300 panels and the coats of arms of the 48 provinces in Spain.

Come and visit València’s Communications Palace and enjoy exploring this local heritage site. You are going to love it.

Montán is located close to the river Mijares in inland province of Castellón. The village sits in the embrace of lovely scenery where you can enjoy mountain pursuits like climbing, cycling and hiking. It is also home to a priceless archaeological site.

The Monte Calvario site in Montán has revealed the remains of an Iron Age settlement. Experts date the ruins to the 7th century BC. Excavations have discovered a settlement with a central street, town walls and a gate that served as an entrance to the town. It is believed that it could have been an area used to distribute commerce in inland province of Castellón. The site also proves that the Phoenicians inhabited the area and left their mark here.

The layout of the settlement is well defined. There are houses on the upper part of hill and storage constructions a little further down. Part of the site is open to the public. A signposted tour has been designed so you can take a look around safely and read interesting information panels that provide context and fascinating facts. A trail starting in the high part of Montán has been created so you can enjoy a circular trail, starting and ending in Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Make the most of the opportunity to come to Montán and explore its historic heritage.

Castillo de Beselga, Beselga Castle, is a Medieval fortress that stands atop a hill in Estivella, and whose striking outline has become an icon for this town in El Camp de Morvedre. Located on the northern slopes of Garbí in Sierra Calderona natural park, the scenery around here is truly outstanding.

Dating back to the 15th century, the castle in Estivella features a striking Almohad tower which can be traced back to the 12th century. The fortress itself was built around the tower, expanding over the years, and some of the original walls still stand today.

Beselga Castle is laid out nicely so that you can explore the grounds easily by using the stairs and railings that help you climb up to the tower. There are interesting information panels that will reveal the history of the place to you. And if you’re a hiking enthusiast, you can head off on a gentle walk from the castle up to Garbí Viewpoint. Want to explore this ancient Valencian site?

Ermita de Bolbaite, Bolbaite Chapel, is situated in the scenic county of La Canal de Navarrés, surrounded by idyllic natural pools. Perched atop a hill, this little church is dedicated to the saint Santa Bárbara. To reach it, enjoy a pleasant walk of about one and a half kilometres from town—a journey that’s as enjoyable as the destination.

Once you’ve reached Bolbaite Chapel, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the surroundings and a picnic zone complete with benches where you can enjoy a leisurely picnic. Bring the kids and turn the experience into a family affair.

Dating back to the 17th century, the chapel’s simple facade which features a single church bell exudes elegant charm. Step inside Bolbaite chapel and admire the frescos of the countryside which cover the walls in sky blues and field greens.

Make your way to this part of Valencia and uncover its natural beauty and rich heritage.

Iglesia Parroquial de San Francisco de Paula, San Francisco de Paula Parish Church, stands proudly at the centre of Bolbaite, a pretty town in the county of La Canal de Navarrés. Having undergone multiple transformations over the centuries, the Neoclassical-style church visitors see today was constructed in the 18th century.

This church features a 19th-century bell tower built in masonry. Its facade, adorned with an ornate postal in the late Baroque style, is a striking feature that reflects the artistic accomplishments of the period.

Step inside and you’ll encounter a relic of San Francisco Paula himself, as well as the church’s pretty side chapels.

After visiting the church in Bolbaite, take a short walk out of the centre and climb up to the chapel where you’ll find the ideal picnic spot. Bring your swimsuit if you fancy a dip in the water, as Cadena Gorge boasts a scenic riverbank beach - great for outdoor swimming.

There is a treasure hiding underneath the streets of the historic centre of Alicante: Refugio Antiaéreo Nº 13, Air-Raid Shelter Nº 13, which is also known as Los Pozos de Garrigós. In the past, the space held large water tanks that collected the water flowing down from Mount Benacantil. Today, however, the space has been converted in a cultural and educational centre: the Museum of Alicante’s Water.

Air-Raid Shelter Nº 13 is the perfect place to discover the history of water in Alicante as well as the sustainable projects underway in the city, making it an environmentally friendly and modern destination. On the ground floor of the museum, you can explore the local environment and the evolution of water supply in Alicante over time.

On the first floor, you will discover how the city faced drought over the years, spotlighting the construction of El Cid canal, a monumental piece of engineering in the management of water. Finally, on the second floor, you can discover Aguas de Alicante’s work to make the city a European leader in environmental protection.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Los Pozos de Garrigós.

Segorbe’s historic centre breathes the past. As you wander the pretty streets, you will come across sights and buildings that tell the town’s story. Even the layout of the roads is a vestige of the civilisations that once lived here.

Listed a Site of Cultural Interest, the historic centre of Segorbe has a number of different sights and monuments that you should absolutely put on your to-visit list.

The first should be Castillo, a fortress sitting atop Sopeña hill. From this vantage point you can soak up beautiful views over the countryside enveloping the river Palancia as well as the Sierra de Espadán mountainscape.

Another sight is Torre de la Cárcel, the prison tower, which is located next to one of the old gates into the town. While you’re here, you should take the opportunity to admire the Medieval walls, which are well-preserved and one of the most historic archaeological remains in Segorbe.

And then there is the Medieval aqueduct. Dating to the 11th and 12th centuries, this construction showcases the feat of engineering that once supplied water to the town.

Arco de la Verónica is an historic archway which displays the image of Santa Faz. Historians disagree about the origins of the arch, with some dating it to the Muslim period while others attributing it to Roman and even Medieval times.

As you spend time walking the streets of the historic centre and admiring the various points of interest, you will be transported back in time. Segorbe will soon win your heart.