L'Alcoià: A County Bursting with Surprises

Located in the province of Alicante, L’Alcoià is a mountainous county that is criss-crossed with hundreds of trails and walks that will lead you through mountainscapes and natural parks like El Carrascal de la Font Roja and Sierra de Mariola.

Rivers, vales and reservoirs, like Tibi reservoir, paint a lovely picture that humans have inhabited for thousands of years, leaving behind important archaeological sites in their wake. The county is also the perfect place to taste delights like pericana and borreta. 

L’Alcoià is home to the area known as Toy Valley, a group of municipalities that made the Region of Valencia famous for its toy industry. Come with us to explore a landscape bursting at the seams with heritage and historic treasures, great festivals and magical places where you can take incredible photos.  

What to do in L’Alcoià

We are going to start our explorations in Benifallim, a place where you can wander among dry farming landscapes and old farmhouses, and where the brave can climb up the castle. We also recommend visiting La Capella gorge and El Rontonar, a peak where you will find a fascinating ice house. 

Our next stop is in Tibi, the gateway to Sierra del Maigmó where you will find trails that will lead you up to the peak as well as to areas like La Foia and El Maigmonet. You also won’t want to miss the walk to Pou de Neu del Maigmó, Pozo de Nieve del Maigmó and Pou de Briga. If you’re into cycling, make sure you pedal El Maigmó Greenway.  

Banyeres de Mariola has a walk that will take you on a discovery of the mills lining the river Vinalopó and a fantastic castle that is well worth a visit. The village falls within the borders of Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, one of L’Alcoià’s best kept secrets. 

Next up on our journey through L’Alcoià is Penàguila, an old medieval village whose historic centre is calling out to be explored. While you’re here, make sure you look out for the remains of the old walls. And don’t forget about the rock shelters where rock art has been found as well as lovely Santos Garden, which will blow you away. 

Castalla Castle and Curtain Wall is a must-visit on your tour around L’Alcoià as well as the destination’s historic centre and El Xorret del Catí natural area, which is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors. You will now find yourself in Ibi and Onil, two of the main destinations connected to the Region of Valencia’s toy industry, which are great destinations for a family outing. 

Ibi has its very own Greenway, Vía Verde de Ibi, and space devoted to biodiversity: Torretes Botanic Garden. This, together with Ibi’s Valencian Toy Museum makes this part of the province of Alicante a great destination for a family getaway in L’Alcoià. Outside the town, you will find many ice houses that are a joy to explore.

Onil is home to the Doll Museum, a wonderful place to take a trip down memory lane, as well as an incredible hedge maze and garden at Casa Tápena. 

Lastly, we’re going to stop off in Alcoy, an Art Nouveau destination with a beautiful historic centre where you can enjoy our local festivities. Don’t miss the opportunity to see incredible Christmas celebrations and the Moors and Christians festival. Come and explore L’Alcoià.