On a limestone ridge on the right bank of the Vinalopó River, Castillo de Sax rises 500 metres above sea level. The castle and its landscape are among the town’s defining features: Paraje Natural Municipal Ladera del Castillo de Sax offers views over the Vinalopó Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. On 11 April 2008, a resolution of the Consell designated it a protected natural area of the Valencian Community. The views and the castle’s history offer different ways to discover Sax.
Castillo de Sax and trails in the countryside
The castle includes a single-storey Almohad tower dating from the 12th century. The Sax Town Council organises both guided and unguided visits. If you plan a particular type of visit, check the booking details before you travel.
In the El Plano recreation area, a short path leads up a small hill to a viewpoint with sweeping panoramic views. The PRV-144 hiking trail also starts at the recreation area and is signposted as far as l’Avaiol. The short PRV-25 Elda–Salinas–Elda hiking trail passes partly through the area of Sax. These routes have different points of reference: a short path to the viewpoint, a trail signposted as far as l’Avaiol, and a trail that passes partly through Sax. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.
Another option is the Ruta de los Sentidos Infantil: a self-guided walk through Sax with interactive educational signs, each containing two QR codes. Alongside the trails in the recreation area, visitors can therefore choose to explore the town and its information signs as another way to discover the area.
Old Town, architectural history and culture
The historic centre of Sax has Arab origins. Its streets cling to the rock and follow the contours of the terrain. Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in the 1530s. Colonia Santa Eulalia offers a glimpse into a different historical period: it is an agricultural colony built in the last decade of the 19th century. Teatro Cervantes opened in 1888.
The story of the scientist Alberto Sols is also connected to a cultural venue in Sax: Centro de Estudios y Archivo Municipal Alberto Sols opened in his birthplace in September 2007. It serves as a venue for gatherings, meetings, conferences, exhibitions and concerts; the specific programme varies. Sax’s cultural attractions thus range from the development of its historic centre and individual buildings to a venue with a changing programme.
Festivals, cuisine and getting there
The traditional Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos in honour of San Blas take place in Sax from 1 to 5 February. If you plan your trip for these dates, check the current festival calendar. Every year on 1 May, the local community makes a pilgrimage to Paraje de la Torre, where Ermita de San Pancracio is located. It is also advisable to check the current arrangements for this date.
Sax has good restaurants where you can sample traditional dishes. From Alicante, Sax is less than half an hour away via the A-31 motorway; actual journey time depends on traffic. Cultural events, the landscape and local cuisine therefore offer different reasons to stay, without any one of them needing to define the trip.
Discover more destinations: Teulada, Xinorlet, Cocentaina, Benigembla, Bolulla, Muntanya de la Sella, Margarida, L'alfàs Del Pi
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
