Senija

Slow down in a quintessentially Mediterranean village where you can see traditional sights, gaze at contemporary art and join in with vibrant festivals.

Located in the province of Alicante, Senija is a village sitting in Vall de Pop where traditions and history collide with contemporary artwork. This is a small destination where you can escape the bustle of the city and sink into a slower pace of life. 

What to see in Senija

Originally a Moorish settlement, Senija’s history is closely connected to the cultivation of grapes and the production of raisins. Outside the village, you will see riuraus, traditional structures used to dry the grapes, sprinkled across the landscape. We’d recommend going for a walk to take a look at the riuraus before exploring La Creueta and Cueva de la Garganta, areas of natural beauty where you will also see a number of dry stone constructions. 

Back in the village itself, you will see a number of religious ceramic panels decorating the quaint streets. And that’s not the only artistry you can enjoy in the village. Museu Obert de Senija, or MOS for short, is an open-air gallery whose collections comprise the murals and works of art covering the walls and façades of the village. The pieces give Senija a contemporary feel and taking a stroll around and soaking them all up is a must during your time in the village.  If you’re here in the summer evenings, you’ll be sure to come across the locals sitting on their doorsteps, having a good gossip and enjoying the cooler air. 

Santa Catalina church is a 16th century place of worship built on the remains of a chapel that, in turn, was built on an old mosque. The church is well worth popping your head into to see a Baroque image of Virgen de los Desamparados and a well-preserved parish archive. 

Another highly–recommended activity for your time in Senija is to go to a restaurant to try the village’s local sausages and other dishes like borreta (a fish stew) and mullat. You could also head to a bakery to gaze at all the delights on display in their windows. 

And last but by no means least, you could join in with Senija’s various festivals: Fiestas de la Virgen de los Desamparados, for instance, Fiestas de Santa Catalina Mártir, which is held on the first week of May or Fiestas de la Asunción, taking place in mid-August. Come to Senija to breathe the quintessence of the Mediterranean and enjoy the country lifestyle.