In Mutxamel, weirs, irrigation channels and historic buildings tell different stories about the town. There are also long-standing festivals and routes that reveal the history of the Huerta de Alicante. The subjects that interest you most can shape how you see Mutxamel: water engineering and landscape, local history or cuisine.
Water engineering and routes through the Huerta
The Azudes de Mutxamel and de Sant Joan are located within the municipality and are classified as Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) in the Monument category. The Ruta Assut Nou – El Cantalar also leads to water-related cultural heritage along the Rio Seco. Sites along the route include the Azud de Sant Joan and the Acequia del Gualeró. The Mutxamel histórico route runs along the former Acequia mayor and offers insights into the irrigation system of the Huerta de Alicante, watchtowers, traditional house styles and notable people who were born in or lived in Mutxamel.
At the Centro de Interpretación Les Fontetes, visitors can learn more about the traditional irrigation system of the Huerta de Alicante; the centre also explains how the weir works and why it is important. Two local walking trails and the Camins d’aigua route start from here. If you would like to explore the area on foot, you can combine the theme of irrigation with the two local walking trails and the Camins d’aigua route. The centre’s opening arrangements and trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.
Bec de l’Aguila lies in the north-east of the municipality. The area was designated a Microrreserva de Flora by an order of the Conselleria de Medio Ambiente of the Generalitat Valenciana dated 4 May 1999. It is also a recreational area for hiking and cycling. If you are planning a trip there, check local access conditions before you set off.
Townscape and architectural history
Ravalet is considered the first settlement centre of Mutxamel. The houses arranged around a square, the narrow streets, roofs and façades point to an Arab origin. Those interested in how a town has grown over time will find a different subject here than at the individual waterworks: the focus is not a weir or canal, but the layout of the streets and houses.
Iglesia El Salvador is Mutxamel’s most important religious building. Construction began on 16 February 1513 and was not completed until about a century later. The Gothic tower attached to the church dates from the 15th century, stands 23.5 metres high and now serves as a bell tower. In the past, it protected the population from pirate attacks. Here, architectural history and a former defensive function come together in one building.
The palace and gardens of Peñacerrada are also classified as cultural heritage: on 24 January 2008, they were entered in the first section of the General Inventory of Valencian Cultural Heritage as Bien de InterĂ©s Cultural (BIC) in the Historic Garden category. The Jardines de Peñacerrada bring together French, English and Italian styles. The Ruta turĂstica Arcadi Blasco offers another artistic perspective: a tour of Mutxamel visiting important places from the artist’s life and work, including the Fuente de la Torre VigĂa.
Festivals and local cuisine
The Moros y Cristianos festivals have been celebrated for more than 150 years and take place from 7 to 12 September. In November 2020, the Generalitat Valenciana designated them a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. Another tradition is the festival in honour of San Antonio Abad in Calle El Salvador, documented since the 18th century. Customs include bonfires, horses, a procession and the blessing of the traditional Bollito; the programme also includes a field mass, music, dancing and raffles. Festival programme details may vary from year to year. Check the dates and current programme before your trip.
Tomatoes of the Muchamiel variety, broad beans, bread from Mutxamel baked in a wood-fired oven and confectionery are all part of Mutxamel’s culinary identity. A seasonal event celebrating local cuisine is the Jornadas de la cuchara, held every March: participating restaurants offer menus featuring traditional stews from Mutxamel cuisine. Dates and participating venues may change; check what is on offer in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ondara, Beniarbeig, Orxeta, Alfafara, Castillo de Montemar, Salinas, Puerto Marino, L'AtzĂşbia
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
