In Penàguila, garden design, medieval architectural history and nearby routes come together as distinct themes to consider when planning your trip. The Jardín de Santos was laid out in 1841 by Joaquín Rico y Soler. In the historic quarter, a rectangular layout, a medieval gate and surviving sections of wall tell the story of the town’s past. Seasonal observations, local cuisine and routes of very different lengths round out the experience.
Gardens and routes in the surrounding area
The Jardín de Santos is surrounded by large trees. The grounds include a three-storey neoclassical pavilion, a large rectangular pond, a woodland area, an aviary and statues. Other features include a viewpoint, a stalactite cave and a hedge maze. The garden combines open and wooded areas with architectural and landscaped features. Check the current access arrangements before visiting.
The phytoclimatic route at Barranco de Aladrach starts at the cypress-lined avenue just outside Penàguila and follows the shaded side of the ravine. For a circular route, you can also choose the Penàguila–Arco de Santa Lucía–Castillo de Penáguila–Penàguila trail: it is about 7 kilometres long and rated moderate to challenging. The Penàguila–Font de L'Arbre–Penàguila circular route is about 28 kilometres long and considered moderate. The two options can therefore be compared by their approximate lengths and stated difficulty levels. When planning, take the condition of the routes and roads into account.
The short, vertical Barranco del Salt de Penàguila is also nearby. It is about 70 metres high and the descent includes four abseils. If you plan this activity, choose qualified providers and check the conditions.
Medieval architectural history
Penàguila’s medieval quarter dates from the late 13th and early 14th centuries, after King Peter III of Aragon granted it a charter in 1278. Its rectangular layout reflects the military architecture of the period. The entire area was enclosed by a wall, remains of which are still visible. The Portalet, a well-preserved entrance gate to the quarter, was built at a right angle for security and control.
Torre Vernet is the only freestanding tower in the medieval quarter. It is partially preserved and has been consolidated and restored; a surviving section of the wall can be seen next to it. Castillo de Penàguila is also part of the historic heritage: it is listed as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and is considered a structure dating from the Almohad period of the 12th century. South of Penàguila, on a mountainside, stands the Ermita de los Santos Médicos Cosme y Damián. It is an example of Valencian Gothic architecture and is considered a so-called Reconquista hermitage dating from the 13th to 15th centuries.
Culture, seasons and local cuisine
The Museo Etnológico de Penàguila illustrates the traditional process of olive oil production using historical equipment. This includes millstones, presses, a mixer, esparto grass baskets and settling tanks. If you plan to visit the museum, check its opening arrangements before your trip.
The Feria de Santa Lucia features local and artisan products, traditional dances, dulzaina music and performances by the Sociedad Musical Cultural de Penàguila. The fair lasts two days; check that year’s programme in advance. Another seasonal phenomenon is the solar alignment at the Arco de Santa Llúcia: between 13 and 29 December, the solar disc passes through the arch for about five minutes. The viewing point varies by day. Use solar filters and find out about the viewing conditions.
Traditional Penàguila dishes include Pericana, Arroz con conejo, Pebreretes Farçides, Olleta and Borreta. Together with the garden, the historic quarter and the routes, they offer a range of ways to shape a stay—from architectural history and local culture to trails of different lengths and difficulty levels.
Discover more destinations: Calpe, La Vall De Gallinera, Parcent, Orihuela, Mutxamel, Abdet, Relleu, Benidorm
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
