Essentials

Monasterio de Santa Ana o de las Religiosas Agustinas, Santa Ana Monastery or the Augustinian Nuns Monastery in Sant Mateu in El Baix Maestrat in the province of Castellón, is one of the most iconic architectural sites in the town. Construction work started on the convent in 1701, integrating the structure into part of the old town walls, specifically a tower. The site comprises a number of buildings.

Santa Ana Monastery or the Augustinian Nuns Monastery has a church that is well worth a visit. The interior is decorated with Tuscan order columns and there are side chapels, which we’d recommend exploring.

The monastery site comprises two buildings that are located around a plaza. The most historic of these is a stone-built structure with arrow slits, which is fascinating to look at. Santa Ana Monastery or the Augustinian Nuns Monastery is steeped in history: come and soak it all up. Fancy coming to visit Sant Mateu?

Ayuntamiento de Dénia, Dénia Townhall, built in the 17th and 18th centuries and extended in the 19th, is an iconic building in this great destination in the province of Alicante that is renowned for its delicious gastronomy.

Two points of interest at Dénia Townhall are the clocktower and the inlay on the façade which hails from a Roman archaeological site, namely the forum of Dianium, the ancient Roman city of Dénia. You’ll also want to look out for two pedestals from the same site which are located on the side of the building.

Dénia Townhall’s most identifying characteristic is the porticoed passageway, propped up with arches and columns. You’re going to get plenty of great snaps of this part of the destination. We’d also recommend visiting the Castle and Walls and, a little outside the centre, San Lucía Chapel. You can also set off on an adventure in El Montgó Natural Park and walk trails like Vía Verde de Dénia. Dénia is a destination that has it all: come for a visit and be taken aback.

Recinto Amurallado de Alcoy, Alcoy Walled Centre, is a testimony to the rich history of L’Alcoià, a Valencian county in Alicante. The old walled part of the town dates back to the 13th century, and although sadly few ruins remain today, you can still admire the outline and some of the town's original towers. Originally, the walled centre was formed by three rings, including a castle that no longer exists today. Wander down the streets of De San Jaime, Fraga, Barbacana and Agost to see the remains of this old walled town. And see if you can find the towers that have been restored, such as that of Na Valora. Alcoy is a great destination for a mini-break and a journey back in time.

Lastly, head to Sant Roc street to walk through the 18th-century gate into the walled centre and to Riquer tower. Be an archaeologist for a day and go in search of ancient ruins in Alcoy!

Are you keen to discover the Medieval walls of Alcoy while on a trip packed full of fun activities? You’ll also love the town’s Art Nouveau architecture and the spectacular rock faces that define the urban landscape. Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine, making time for a stop somewhere to try a plate of pericana, an Alcoy speciality.

Iglesia de San Jorge, San Jorge Church, is a 20th-century building in the heart of Alcoy that stands out thanks to its unusual architectural design. The Neo-romantic style is a reinterpretation of the Romanesque and Medieval styles that came before, and the dramatic façade - flanked by two towers - is certainly a sight to behold. Set off on a cultural tour around the town and make sure the church is on your list!

Step inside the church and you’ll come across Neo-Byzantine features, including large murals that depict the legend around San Jorge - Saint George - and his connection with Alcoy and its fascinating past. San Jorge Church is not far from Plaza de España, so make sure you go for a stroll around the centre and visit both landmarks. Boasting charming squares, Art Nouveau buildings, museums brimming with artefacts and even historic air-raid shelters, Alcoy has got to be the next place on your list of getaway destinations.

What’s more, you’ll love the relaxing atmosphere that encompasses San Jorge Church and the other sights in the historic centre. And you’re bound to find a place to stop off at where you can try a delicious borreta, a typical Alicante delicacy that is pure comfort in a bowl.

Iglesia de San Bartolomé, San Bartolomé Church in Torreblanca, is a wonderful place of worship that you simply have to visit during your time in this part of La Plana Alta in the province of Castellón. The church was built between the 17th and 19th centuries, predominantly in the Baroque style, and has blue ceramic tiles on the roof. It paints a pretty picture in the centre of Torreblanca.

Light is a feature in San Bartolomé Church courtesy of the magnificent stained-glass windows that create beautiful interplays of light. We’d also recommend seeing the works of art in the church, namely the paintings in the dome and the canvas dating back to the 17th century.

Beyond visiting San Bartolomé Church in Torreblanca, you can also take a look around San Francisco Chapel and San Francisco Church-Fortress, which is part of the Stations of the Cross and the early Church. And make sure you set some time aside for Torrenostra Beach. So how about it? Fancy coming for a getaway?

La Serreta is an archaeological site dating back to the Iberian period that you can visit in Alcoy. A great way to get here is walking a lovely hiking trail. At the site, you’ll see the remains of both a settlement and a sanctuary, sitting in a location affording the most beautiful views.

Remains and fragments have been found in the sanctuary at La Serreta in Alcoy showing that it was a place of worship for a goddess called Diosa Madre de la Serreta. Small terracotta pieces were given to her as an offering. The Camilo Visedo Montó Municipal Archaeological Museum is full of information about the site: we’d recommend taking a look around before making your way to La Serreta.

To get to the archaeological site, we'd suggest wearing comfortable footwear. The site sits on the top of a hill and the only way to get there is on foot. Visiting La Serreta is a great way to complement your stay in Alcoy, but make sure you save some time to see the Rock Art at La Sarga too.

Monasterio del Santo Sepulcro, Santo Sepulcro Monastery, is a 16th-century church in Alcoy that was built as a convent for the Agustinas Descalzas nuns. The religious temple is thought to be linked to a few legendary miracles!

Santo Sepulcro Monastery is defined by its 20th-century Baroque style façade and Neoclassical main entrance. Step inside and you’ll come across a statue of Baby Jesus, which, legend has it, points out the place where stolen religious relics were hidden.

Visit this impressive monastery in Alcoy as you wander around the town’s picturesque historic centre. Go on a cultural tour of Alcoy, mapping out the former walled centre to discover the oldest part of the town. And if you fancy going even further back in time, visit La Sarga cave paintings for a great example of Valencian prehistoric art. Marvel at Santo Sepulcro Monastery and Alcoy’s many other sites of interest.

Sant Mateu is a charming village in inland province of Castellón that was historically the capital of El Baix Maestrat. You’ll have a wonderful time here getting lost in the labyrinthian streets and discovering the local gastronomy, culture and traditions. In medieval times, Sant Mateu was made wealthy by the silk trade.

Nowadays, you can discover all of Sant Mateu’s heritage by visiting the Conjunto Histórico, the Historic Centre. The churches, 12th and 13th century civic buildings, a medieval oven, fountains and stone façades defined by Gothic and Renaissance windows create a beautiful urbanscape. 

One of the best ways to really appreciate the wonders of Sant Mateu is to take a guided tour of the sights. You’ll discover its porticoed main plaza, Gothic palaces, such as the Townhall and Borrull Palace, as well as Renaissance buildings, like Marqués de Villores Palace. The local museums will immerse you even further into the village’s history, as well as its customs and traditions. We’d also recommend visiting Sant Mateu’s most iconic sight, San Mateo Apóstol Archpriest Church, a beautiful example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in the Region of Valencia. 

Next, venture into the surrounding countryside, including El Ángel Valley, where you can see the oldest olive groves in Spain, planted over 2,000 years ago.

Discover all of Sant Mateu’s heritage: you might find that one visit won’t be quite enough.

Jalance’s Medieval castle tells the story of the village’s past. Built by the Muslims on the site of a former Iberian settlement, this 11th century fortress perches atop a hill, offering views over the whole of the municipality.

The Castillo de Jalance is circular in shape and has two clearly divided areas. In the first you can see the majority of the castle walls – restored in the 19th century – which are protected by no fewer than eight guard towers. In the second area, you can find the remains of different rooms.

The fortress’ purpose was clear: to defend the village. In the Medieval period, the area in and around Jalance served as a natural border with the kingdoms of Castile and Aragon.

If you’re spending some time in the village, make sure you put the castle on your to-visit list and discover Jalance’s fascinating past.