A 100-metre-long wall with six attached towers, a church with rounded arches made of tosca stone, and a three-kilometre route give La Xara several concrete starting points for a stay. Its cultural heritage ranges from an Iberian archaeological site to buildings dating from the 19th and 20th centuries; the landscape and festival days add further dimensions. When looking for a holiday rental in La Xara, you can first consider whether you want to focus your visit mainly on archaeology, local history, a route or the patron saint festivities.
Iberian Archaeology and Architectural History
The archaeological site of L'Alt de Benimaquia lies on the north-western edge of MontgĂł. It dates to the Archaic and fully developed Iberian periods. The settlement was fortified by a 100-metre-long wall with six towers attached to it. A wine-production facility and locally made amphorae that imitate contemporary Phoenician types have also been identified at the site. The description therefore includes not only a chronological classification, but also specific details about fortifications, production and vessel forms.
The Església de Sant Mateu is considered La Xara’s first public building. Construction began in 1877 and was completed in 1881. The building has a rectangular floor plan; its interior is divided into three naves, with rounded arches made of blocks of tosca stone. The La Iglesia church complex was completed in 1902 with the construction of the parish house. La Escuela was built in 1963 on land purchased by local residents. Together, these different dates point to several periods in the town’s history, without implying that the buildings all date from the same period.
El rentador adds a municipal building to the architectural picture. It has a single nave, crossed lengthwise by an irrigation channel, and is now integrated into a residential complex with pedestrian streets. Its form and the channel are connected: the flow of water is part of the building’s design.
Route and Landscape
The Ruta dels Riuraus I passes through La Xara. It is three kilometres long, circular, easy, and has an elevation change of 13 metres. Along the route, you can see the Riurau de Pinella, with its carved pillars. The length, circular layout and elevation change give a clear idea of the route’s profile; check the trail conditions before setting out.
Other landscape features include the Barranco del Regatxo, also known as Morxama, which runs through the La Xara area. J. B. Basset Park offers a different perspective, with its garden design and native flora. A carob tree stands in Plaça del Garrofer and is 8.5 metres tall. Its age is estimated at 300 to 400 years. La Xara therefore brings together a named ravine, a landscaped park and an individual tree of estimated age as distinct ways to experience nature.
Festivals, Cuisine and Getting There
The patron saint festivities in honour of San Roque and San Mateo begin on the first weekend of September and last ten days. They include bull events in the street, the use of gunpowder, communal dinners and musical performances. If you want to time your trip to coincide with the festivities, check the dates and programme for the relevant year.
Another local highlight is Cruet de peix. This dish is prepared in an earthenware baking dish with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, fish and clams. Its ingredients offer a specific culinary complement to the town’s archaeological and architectural features.
For getting around, the railway station between the town and the mountain is relevant; it is now served by the TRAM. Check the timetable for your travel dates before planning your journey around it.
Discover more destinations: Alcoy, El RĂ fol d'AlmĂşnia, Pilar De La Horadada, Benigembla, Gaianes, Guardamar Del Segura, TĂ rbena, Callosa De Segura.
For the wider travel overview: Alicante.
