Artisanship in the Region of Valencia

Discovering the Region of Valencia goes beyond visiting sights and places of interest. To really get to the essence of the area, you have to immerse yourself in our customs and traditions. Feel the history that emanates from the streets. And explore the artisanship that defines the identity of municipalities. Up and down the Region, craftsmen and craftswomen are at work, using their skills to keep age-old traditions very much alive. 

Artisanship in the province of Castellón

The province of Castellón is home to a number of destinations whose traditional products hark back to the area’s long past. One of these places is Morella, which is famed for its traditional shawls. Known as la manta morellana, the shawls are defined by their bright colours and horizontal stripes. Wool is one of the oldest textile traditions in Els Ports county and you can still find the shawls on sale in Morella today. 

In Peñíscola, on the other hand, you will find one of the most traditional Mediterranean remedies: Tisana del Papa Luna. A combination of coriander, anise, fennel, caraway, cumin, liquorice, burning bush and cinnamon, this infusion was historically taken by Papa Luna when he was feeling unwell. All the ingredients that go into the medicinal drink can be foraged in and around Peñíscola and Sierra de Irta. The remedy was prescribed during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries for headaches, aches and pains, stomach aches and kidney pain and can be bought today in the stores close to the castle. 

And then there is the ceramic tradition. Many municipalities, such as Vila-real, Onda, l'Alcora, Ribesalbes, Almassora, Sant Joan de Moró and Traiguera, have been creating pieces of ceramic art for years. Located in the Triángulo de la Cerámica, the Ceramics Triangle, these artisans primarily create tiles as well as fine plates and pots. Visit any of these towns and villages to discover the artistry that is alive here. 

In the Alto Palancia county, artisans continue to work with esparto grass to craft walking sticks, hampers, baskets and even rugs. This tradition is part of the identity of the local area, bringing historic customs and craftsmanship into the present day. 

Artisanship in the province of Valencia

Artisanal products have also defined the lives and the stories of many locals in the province of Valencia. Aldaia, for example, is famous for its fans. These hand-held objects combine artistry, artisanship and functionality. Around the world, Aldaia fans are recognised for their extraordinary quality.

Silk plays an important role in the province, specifically in València. Between the 14th and 18th centuries, the city was on the silk route and thrived from the trade. Nowadays, silk is still used by many artisans in the creation of local traditional clothing and the finest handkerchiefs in the Region of Valencia.  

Tavernes Blanques, on the other hand, holds a well-known secret. The town is internationally renowned for its Lladró porcelain. The manufacturer creates hundreds of fine porcelain figurines and sculptures every year, which it ships to its enthusiastic customers around the world. 

Artisanship in the province of Alicante

The province of Alicante is positively bursting with artisanship. In Gata de Gorgos, whichever way you look you will see beautiful wicker pieces – shoes, baskets and furniture – as well as items of bobbin lace. All painstakingly made by hand, the products you will find in this corner of la Marina Alta will capture your attention in the boutique windows as you wander the town’s pretty streets. 

In Elche, you will also find a great piece of traditional artisanship. Palma blanca, meaning ‘the white palm’, is a decoration made from palm trees. Palmeros, the artisans making this decoration, carefully clean and brush the plant before they are transformed into beautiful shapes in the workshop. Veritable artistic masterpieces. Though the decorations are traditionally used in Holy Week, they can also be placed in vases or worn as buttonhole bouquets. 

Onil is another well-known artisan destination, famed for being the birthplace of Famosa dolls. Many of the dolls that are on sale today are still made in the municipality. The dresses, clothing and accessories are also all lovingly made here. Located in the so-called Toy Valley, Ibi is a lovely town that children will be excited to explore and that will take adults on a trip down memory lane. 

Last but by no means least, Agost is another municipality where traditions and customs are still very much alive. Pottery is the art the village is known for and it is in locals’ DNA. Today you can join activities and workshops in which you will make your very own jug, a traditional piece that has been made in the village for many years.

The above are just a handful of the crafts that you will come across in the Region of Valencia; there are many many more. During your stay, make sure you take the time to discover the artistry that has defined and continues to characterise the different destinations up and down the Region.