Alfauir

Swept up in mountains and orange groves, Alfauir is a place full of historic sites where the sun always shines.

Located in the province of Valencia, Alfauir is a place where different civilisations have left their mark behind. Not only will you see Iberian and Roman remains, you will also have the opportunity to see a Moorish castle that has been overlooking the beautiful scenery for centuries. This is a quintessentially Mediterranean destination that you simply have to come and visit. 

What to see in Alfauir

Situated in La Safor, Alfauir is on the monastery tour which snakes its way through the province of Valencia. One of the highlights of the tour is Alfauir’s great Old San Jerónimo de Cotalba Monastery. Constructed in 1388, the building has, over the years, accumulated a collection of Mudejar, Gothic, Baroque and even Neoclassical architectural elements. During your time in the monastery, make sure you take time to sit in the Mudejar cloister and feel a sense of calm wash over you. 

You also won’t want to miss the orange patio, olive oil mill, grain store, winery, stables and even the old kitchens where the monks who lived here for centuries would prepare their meals. And then there’s the church’s Baroque chapel and the Romanesque gardens that are close to a Gothic aqueduct. 

Beyond its historic sites, Alfauir is also a great walking destination. There are no shortage of trails in the area that will lead you to beautiful areas such as the orange groves, castle and monasteries. Alternatively, if you like horse riding, you could sign yourself up for a hack. 

You’ll be pleased to hear you can enjoy the IE-001 (also known as Ruta dels Monestirs), an 83km Itinerario Ecuestre that will take you to no fewer than five monasteries: San Jerónimo de Cotalba, Aguas Vivas, Corpus Christi in Llutxent, Nuestra Señora de La Murta and Santa María de la Valldigna.

The local gastronomy is best known for dishes like cocas de dacsa (a sort of wrap) and empanadillas with herbs while the historic centre is the ideal place to wander narrow streets and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Come to Alfauir and enjoy a getaway full of history and heritage.