Onil

Known as the birthplace of the doll, Onil is a small town where you can visit museums, gaze at historic sites and take part in unique festivals.

Located in the province of Alicante, Onil is a destination with plenty of museums that are worth taking a look around. Museo de la Muñeca (the doll museum), Museo del Aceite (the olive oil museum), Museo de los Festeros (the museum of festivals) and Museo de los Reyes Magos de Oriente (the museum of the Three Wise Men) will provide you with a unique insight into what this small town is all about. Keep reading to discover all the additional sights you’ll want to see on your getaway.  

What to see in Onil

Castillo de Onil, also known as Palacio Fortaleza del Marqués de Dos Aguas, is a good place to start your explorations of the town. This Site of Cultural Interest sits on Plaza Mayor, flaunting Gothic and Renaissance styles complete with four robust towers. One of these has been transformed into the belltower of the local church, which is worth popping into to see the 15th century altarpiece. The fortress houses a museum dedicated to local festivals where you can immerse yourself in the world of Onil’s celebrations and customs, some of which are unique to the town. 

Other points of interest in the town include an air-raid shelter dating back to the Spanish Civil War and a beautifully conserved 18th-19th century ice house located at Call Pouet. There is also a maze at Casa Tápena which is one of the biggest hedge mazes in Spain.

If you enjoy being in the great outdoors, Onil has got plenty of activities to choose from. You could go trail running or orienteering up in the mountains, pedal along mountain trails or hike to points of interest like Santa Ana chapel, Peñas Rojas, Castellets and Foites.

Onil is also a place of festivals. Dating back three centuries, the town’s Moors and Christians celebrations fill the streets with music, colour and intricate costumes that speak of times past. Another incredible event is Nit dels Fatxos, held on Christmas Eve, in which locals parade torches made of esparto, creating beautiful interplays of light. Both festivals have been declared Events of Tourist Interest. Come and experience them and everything else there is to see and do in Onil today.