An itinerary to discover Vall de Pop

Vall de Pop, in Alicante, is a pretty valley where history and tradition are present at every turn. The area also offers walking routes through striking landscapes, along with an extraordinary food culture that reflects the character of inland Alicante. This itinerary guides you through one of the province’s most distinctive inland areas.

What to see in Vall de Pop, Alicante: villages, landscapes and history

Day 1: Benigembla, Murla and Parcent

Start the day by visiting the Sindicat building in Benigembla, a former neoclassical cooperative. From here, take a walk towards the old washhouse, with views of the impressive Cavall Verd mountain. For those keen on walking, the PR-CV 465, known as the Sender del Badall i les Fonts de les Penyes, offers a rewarding route with soul-stirring vistas.

Continue on to Murla, where you can explore its quiet streets, visit the washhouse and see the notable Castle-Church of San Miguel Arcángel. The hermitages of La Sangre and San Sebastián are also worth including in your visit.

To round off the first day, head to Parcent, a key starting point for cycling and walking routes in Vall de Pop. The PR-CV 158, Sierra del Carrascal de Parcent, stands out for its varied landscapes and a well-known viewpoint overlooking the surrounding area.

Day 2: Alcalalí and Xaló

In Alcalalí, a visit to the 15th-century medieval tower is essential. Its upper levels have been adapted to provide panoramic views across the valley. From here, continue to Xaló, one of the liveliest towns in Vall de Pop. If you are visiting on a Saturday, its traditional antiques market by the river is well worth a stop.

Take the opportunity to visit local wineries to taste the well-known mistela and red wines, and to pick up artisan cured meats from Vall de Pop, a direct legacy of Balearic culinary tradition.

Day 3: Llíber, Senija and Benissa

Llíber is a village of traditional architecture, where you can discover the riuraus, historic structures linked to the drying of grapes for raisin production. Stone façades and wooden doors define the streetscape, and a walk up to the calvary rewards you with views over the surrounding vineyards.

Senija combines its Arab past and the riuraus tradition of Vall de Pop with the contemporary edge of the Museu Obert de Senija (MOS), an open-air museum of murals painted on building façades. The area is also well suited to enjoying nature at the Cova de la Garganta, as well as local cuisine based on artisan cured meats and dishes such as pelota de puchero.

The itinerary ends in Benissa, by the sea. You can wander through its historic centre or explore hidden coves and cliffs along the Ecological trail. Keep this route as a way to fall in love with Vall de Pop, and discover much more by subscribing to our newsletter.