Canals

Situated in the county of La Costera, in Valencia, Canals is a quaint little place that boasts beautiful traditional architecture and a rich and colourful history. Do you want to explore this inland destination, inextricably linked to the Borja family’s turbulent saga?

What to do in Canals

A wander around Canals’s historic centre offers the chance to admire its pretty streets, some of which are graced by decorative ceramic tiles dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Depicting religious scenes from the bible, these plaques are a fine example of the region’s religious heritage.

The old centre features inviting passageways and plazas that you’ll enjoy stumbling upon as you explore. And look up to admire the pretty cast iron balconies and wooden windows. The scenic path along the river Los Santos is dotted with old public wash houses and makes for the perfect afternoon walk.

Stop by Pont del Riu plaza to admire La Lloca, a Spanish plane tree that has been declared a monumental tree in Canals. Pose in the shade of its giant leafy branches and get some pretty photos while you’re there.

Other landmarks well worth seeing include the Parish Church of San Antonio Abad, whose façade is particularly notable, and the 20th-century Monastery of Santa Clara. To round things off, we’d also recommend making your way to the Hermitage of Cristo de la Salud.

The neighbourhood La Torreta de Canals is home to one of Canals’s most important landmarks, the Borja Tower and Walls. Tracing its origins back to the 13th century, these ruins were once part of the Borja family residence and were the birthplace of Pope Calixto III.

There, you can admire the old oratory, where an interesting 16th-century retablo de ánimas has been preserved. You’ll find it in the Hermitage of Santa Cruz. Another outlying hamlet is Aiacor, where you can visit the Hermitage of Cristo del Calvario. Finally, make time for Torre Cerdà too, where you can wander through streets lined with traditional houses.

There’s still so much to see and do in Canals, including an exploration of its scenic surroundings. See if you can find the country paths that lead to Sant Pere well, the river Cànyoles and Las Molas natural area. And if you visit in January, time your trip with the San Antonio Abad Patron Saint Festival for a chance to see firsthand incredible local traditions, like the giant bonfire, parades and animal blessing ceremony. 

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