Those wishing to explore Sella on foot will find a clearly described circular route in the Ruta de l’Aigua (SL-CV 112): it is easy, 6.3 kilometres long, and takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Along the way, the route leads from springs through Sella’s historic irrigation system, with its canals and basins, past terraced orchards, and on to the historic centre and Plaça Major.
Waterways, the valley and outdoor trails
Sella lies on the southern slope of the Sierra Aitana, at the foot of Penya de Sella. The valley was shaped by the Sella and Amadorio rivers. Terraced orchards fed by numerous springs lie on the slopes; their boundaries are marked by dry-stone walls. At the Salt weir, the Arc and Sella rivers meet.
The Ruta de l’Aigua illustrates the connection between water and agriculture on a single circular walk: canals and basins are part of the historic irrigation system, while the route also passes the terraced orchards and ends in the town centre. Anyone looking for a walk with specific details on distance and walking time can easily include this route in their plans.
Other hiking trails run along the l’Arc and Xarquer-Castellets ravines. Climbing is possible in the Barranc de l’Arc year-round; check local conditions before taking part. Paragliding takes place at Alt de Sella in the Barranc de Tagarina. Before taking part, check the current conditions at the launch site and the applicable regulations.
Buildings and stories from Sella
Castell de Sella has Almohad origins. A section of its 12th-century rammed-earth wall remains. The castle and Ermita de Santa BĂ rbara complex is classified as a BIC and catalogued as a BRL. Torre i Palau de la BaronĂa also tells the story of Sella’s architecture: the Barons of Agres and Sella had the complex built from 1507 onwards. The tower was built between 1530 and 1563, has a Gothic portal, and was used as a prison on the ground floor.
At the church of Santa Anna, the story leads to Jaume Congost: he was its master builder and worked in the first half of the 18th century. Until the road was built in 1920, La Font was the main access route to the town centre. As early as the beginning of the 17th century, it was home to the town’s only spring for the human water supply.
Les Voltes was part of the historic CamĂ del Peix trade route through Sella. Stables and inns were available there for passing travellers. The historic hydraulic grain mills also show how water was used: water power was harnessed to process grain and supply the population.
Rock paintings can be found at Font de l’Arc, dating from between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. Local storytelling preserves a different kind of past: El tresor del Divà is a legend rooted in oral tradition that tells of the discovery of a treasure around 250 years ago.
Festivals and Pilota Valenciana
The Festes Patronals en honor a la Divina Aurora take place in the first week of October. They include a procession at dawn, accompanied by a rondalla. The Festa de Santa Bárbara is celebrated on 4 December and includes rockets and a pilgrimage to the Ermita de Santa Bárbara.
The Muestra de Productos y Cultura Mediterránea, a fair for crafts, gastronomy and folk culture, takes place every year at the beginning of summer. Check the specific dates and programme for your travel year. Pilota Valenciana competitions are part of Sella’s Sunday tradition; confirm in advance whether they will take place on the Sunday you visit.
The municipal Les Saleres sports centre has a covered 35 Ă— 9-metre trinquet where several disciplines of Pilota Valenciana can be played. Contact is required to use it.
Discover more destinations: Benidorm, Benissili, TĂ rbena, Tibi, La Florida, El Campello, Albatera, Daya Nueva
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
