From the 520 m-long Senda Adaptada El Captivador to the 14.13 km-long Senda Local, La Nucia offers trails of varying lengths. There are also viewpoints and birdwatching sites, as well as historic places and recurring festivals. This gives you the opportunity to weigh up nature, exercise, culture and events with fixed dates when planning your trip.

Hiking, Nature and Mountain Biking

The hiking trail network comprises four signposted trails covering a total of 21 km. Rest and picnic areas, viewpoints, birdwatching hides, observation towers and recreational areas complement the network; it also includes an adapted route. The Senda Adaptada El Captivador is 520 m long and features a birdwatching hide, a rest and picnic area, a wooden bridge and an illustration of native plant species. The longer Senda Local runs for 14.13 km through La Nucia’s natural, historic and cultural sights. Check trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

For mountain biking, the BTT network offers four circular routes with varying levels of difficulty. They start at a trailhead with a bicycle repair station, route maps and information boards, and pass through the Bike Park. This forest park has five downhill runs and wooden features for different skill levels. As route conditions may change temporarily due to construction work, it is advisable to check the current status of the route before setting out.

Some natural sites also have their own distinctive features: Font de la Favara has a five-metre-high waterfall, a garden with native species, a picnic area, swings and panoramic views of La Nucia and the comarca. Plant enthusiasts will find a botanical garden at the CEM El Captivador Arboretum, dedicated to conserving, researching and sharing knowledge about plant diversity.

Culture and History

Through its educational, tourism and sociocultural programmes, CEM El Captivador presents the nature and Mediterranean and local history of La Nucia. The programme may vary. Historic sites include the Ermita de Sant Vicent del Captivador, built in 1804. Each year, the festival in honour of San Vicente Ferrer takes place there on the Monday after Easter. People from La Nucia, Altea and Alfaz del Pi take part; the exact date and programme change from year to year.

The Llavador de la Favara was built at the beginning of the 20th century so that some residents could collect water and wash clothes. La Nucia’s homes were connected to the water supply in the 1960s. In 2023, the Llavador was restored and enhanced as a tourist and cultural attraction. The 18th-century Iglesia de la Purísima Concepción stands in Plaça Major. Its stone staircase is a reminder of the former importance of stonemasonry and stone carving in La Nucia.

The permanent exhibition at the Museo Etnológico José Soler spans three rooms and is complemented by an outdoor exhibition. It covers traditional culture and customs, professions and trades in the comarca, as well as agriculture and livestock farming. If you would like to plan a visit, check current access arrangements in advance.

Events, Sports and Getting There

The main August festival days take place from 14 to 18 August in honour of the Virgen de la Asunción and San Roque. The programme includes processions, concerts, a fancy-dress parade and Mascletaes, among other events; tourists are also welcome to join in. The annual event and programme at Auditori de la Nucia offer a range of cultural experiences: the Auditori presents ballet, dance, music and theatre, including performances by international artists. Its programme changes with the seasons. Since 2005, the Mercado Medieval has been held on the weekend closest to 9 July; the dates vary each year. There is also a flea market for second-hand goods every Sunday on Avenida Porvilla. Check specific event dates and the flea market before your trip.

The Ciudad Deportiva Camilo Cano is the main sports venue of La Nucía Ciudad del Deporte. Set in natural surroundings, it offers a wide range of sports activities and facilities; access and opening hours vary between facilities. By car, you can reach La Nucia via the A-7 Mediterranean Motorway, exit 65. The N-332 connects the town with Alicante and Valencia. The nearest bus stations are in Benidorm, 8.6 km away, and Alicante, 51.8 km away. Check station services and distance details when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Horizonte, La Encina, Tormos, Rojales, Ondara, Gaianes, Beniarrés, Agres.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.