San Juan De Alicante offers a range of experiences for a stay: an 18th-century chapel, historic towers, walking routes through the town and the Huerta alicantina, and cuisine in which rice plays a central role. When choosing accommodation for your trip, you can start by asking yourself whether you would rather focus on local history, outdoor activities or regional dishes.
Walking routes of varying lengths
The routes described range from about three to about 24.5 kilometres. Route 2, “Camino de Lloixa and Colada de Coix,” is about three kilometres long, follows traditional paths and is suitable for walking. The ten-kilometre Route 4, “Pasea por Sant Joan,” runs through the town and is also suitable for walking. Route 3, “Caminos de Sant Joan,” connects traditional paths around Sant Joan d’Alacant. It is twelve kilometres long and can be completed on foot or by bicycle.
Route 5, “Pasea por Sant Joan desde Muchavista,” is a 14-kilometre circular route for walking or cycling. At about 24.5 kilometres, Route 1, “Torres de la Huerta,” is the longest of the routes mentioned. It is suitable for cycling, walking in six to eight hours, or a multi-stage tour. This provides a choice of shorter and longer routes. On Routes 2 and 5, some sections share roads with vehicles. Road and trail conditions on Route 1 may change; conditions on Route 3 may also change.
Chapels and towers of the Huerta
The Ermita del Calvari is an 18th-century chapel and was the endpoint of a Way of the Cross. The “Torres de la Huerta” route leads to towers built in the Huerta alicantina between the 16th and 17th centuries. A tour thus offers a glimpse of both religious architectural history and the wider Huerta’s heritage.
The Torre Ansaldo complex includes a chapel with allegorical murals. Its cellar was used to produce many wines. Visits are offered Monday to Thursday from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. by prior reservation. Please confirm the opening times and reservation arrangements before your visit. Torre Bonanza is a three-storey, prismatic tower; it is thought to date from the 16th century.
Regional cuisine and festive traditions
The typical cuisine of Sant Joan d’Alacant is based on produce from the Huerta alicantina. Rice plays a central role; dishes include arroz a la alicantina, arroz con cebolla and olleta. Putxero amb tarongetes is still a dish associated with major celebrations.
Festivals take place in every month except November; many folk performances have medieval origins. The pilgrimage to Santa Faz, between Alicante and the hamlet, is also held annually and dates back to the 16th century. You should check the exact dates of festivals and the pilgrimage before your trip. A band has been part of the town’s history since its founding in 1871.
Relaxation at Monte Calvari
Monte Calvari is equipped as a recreational area and offers picnic spots and views, shrubland, and a pine forest at its southern end. Accessibility conditions may change, so check them before your visit. Together with the routes and cultural sites, this offers a range of themes to guide your travel planning.
Discover more destinations: La Nucia, El Chaparral, Crevillente, Forna, Benidorm, Alcalalí, Sella, Salinas.
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
