Xeraco

Xeraco is a coastal town located in La Safor county that lies in the south east of the province of Valencia. The town straddles the sea and the mountains, making its landscape one of contrasts, as the bright colours of the Mediterranean beaches meet the mellow marshlands and verdant mountainscapes. 

Sheer slopes in the inland come together with the tranquillity of the crystalline waters of the sea. A magical natural landscape which you can explore by getting active in the great outdoors and by discovering the long history of the town. 

What to do in Xeraco

Xeraco has a number of different sights for you to visit, such as Santísimo Cristo de la Agonía chapel, which sits in the heart of the town. Completed in 1833, this small place of worship has a tiled pitched roof and a sacristy at one end. 

Another of the buildings that it is worth a visit is Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación church. Dating back to the 18th century, the Neoclassical church is defined by its two, different sized belltowers. The smaller belltower is connected to the main building of the church and is thought to be the former minaret of the mosque. 

Formerly used to store the town’s water, the tank is an extraordinary sight that emanates history. It is located underground and was accessed by some stairs. Another sight to put on your to-visit list is Torre de Guaita, a former surveillance tower. Sitting on the right bank of the river, 2km from the village, the tower is over 7m high and was used to guard and protect the eastern coast. 

But beyond all the culture and history in Xeraco, there is also a wonderful natural landscape defined by the sea and the mountains that is waiting to be explored. During your time here, you simply have to while away the hours on its Blue Flag beaches and explore the marshland, which is now a protected natural area. 

And then there are the mountains. The best way to immerse yourself in their beauty is to walk the different hiking routes. One of these trails, namely Font de l’Ull, will take you to the mine, l’Escudella and Font del Xopet, one of the most stunning places in the local area. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite walking through the mountains, discovering the historic centre or lounging on the beaches, make sure you try some of Xeraco’s delicious dishes, such as arroz al horno (with or without the crispy rice on top), rice-stuffed peppers and the classic paella valenciana.