Benigembla brings together the architectural history of the Església de Sant Josep, hiking trails, landscapes and regional specialities. You can plan your stay around the things that interest you most: architecture and local festivals, different routes or local cuisine.
Architecture and Culture in Benigembla
The Església de Sant Josep was built in three phases: the bell tower was completed in 1833, the church in 1895 and the interior in 1913. The church is neoclassical in style. The Baroque bell tower has a square floor plan, three sections and a double-pointed top. A sundial is located on the main façade. The different styles and dates make the church’s architectural history easy to follow.
El Sindicat has a different architectural profile. The building is neoclassical in style and includes Rococo and French Baroque elements. It was formerly an agricultural cooperative and now serves as a sociocultural centre. Various events and festivals are held there, including the festival of Sant Antoni in January. If an event date is important for your trip, check it in advance.
Local festivals are celebrated from 12 to 17 August in honour of Sant Josep, Sant Agustí, Sant Francesc and the Mare de Déu de l’Assumpció. Sant Honorat and Sant Antoni feature in the festival calendar on 16 and 17 January. These dates can help you plan your trip to coincide with local celebrations.
El Safareig is also connected with everyday community life: women used to gather there to wash bedsheets, blankets, towels and clothes.
Hiking Trails with Different Highlights
Two moderate routes start at Plaça de Baldomero Vega. The current MACMA route description gives the trail to Cova de la Cistella as 2.99 kilometres long. The 2.52-kilometre Camí dels Moros a la carena del Penyó is also moderate and follows a linear route. The distances and linear route format make it easy to compare the two options. At the end of the Cova de la Cistella route, access is via ropes; take this into account when planning.
The Camí dels Moros reaches El Penyó at an altitude of 720 metres. From there, views extend to Coll de Rates, Montgó, the Sierras de Seguili and Segària, and the road between the Vall de Guadalest via Tàrbena and the Vall de Pop. The path is also associated with a historical interpretation: Moriscos used it during their resistance against the king to reach Cavall Verd, after the expulsion of all Moriscos from the Kingdom of Valencia had been ordered.
Another option is route PR-CV 427, which starts in Benigembla and leads to the summit of Cocoll, where there is a geodetic marker. The PR-465 Senda del Badall i les Fonts circular hike runs along the southwest slope of Benigembla. On the Va de sentits route, QR codes turn the Vall de Pop into an interactive open-air museum; mobile access is required.
The Camí de Pedra i Aigua connects Benigembla with Benissa, Senija, Llíber, Xaló, Alcalalí, Parcent and Murla in the Vall de Pop. The route reaches Benigembla along the riverbed and passes through an area with natural scenery and wildlife. For cyclists, the BTT Vall de Laguar route is another option: this circular route around Cavall Verd passes through Benigembla, is about 30 kilometres long and has significant elevation changes. Check trail conditions before hiking or cycling.
Riverside Scenery and Local History
The Río Gorgos is a defining feature of Benigembla and is associated with its preserved water infrastructure heritage of aqueducts, reservoirs and springs. A severe flood in October 1957 led to the construction of a retaining and protective wall on the riverbank near Benigembla.
Cocas and Olive Oil from Benigembla
You can try different types of cocas in Benigembla. These include fried cocas with tomato and anchovies, oven-baked cocas and escaldadas cocas, also known as minxos. The latter are cooked on a griddle and served with a range of fillings. Olive oil from Benigembla is traditionally sampled with a piece of bread or with tomato. So, alongside architecture and trails, local specialities are another highlight to discover.
Discover more destinations: Benidoleig, Abdet, Algorfa, Benilloba, Crevillente, Aigües, Elche, Margarida.
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
