Bocairent can be explored through several distinct themes: structures carved into the rock, collections on local history and culture, and trails through the landscape of the Sierra de Mariola. The cuisine also reflects the influence of the Sierra. When planning your visit, it is worth deciding in advance whether you want to focus mainly on historic sites, museums, an outdoor route or regional dishes.

Rock History and Collections

The Plaza de Toros de Bocairent is the oldest bullring in the Valencian Community and is largely carved into the natural rock. The Monasterio rupestre offers another glimpse of rock architecture: it includes an old underground monastery carved into the rock. The rock chamber was sealed in 1700; a second monastery was then built before the present-day monastery was constructed in 1902. The Iglesia Parroquial was built over the former Arab castle.

The museums focus on different subjects. With its ethnographic collections, the Museo de Oficios y Costumbres is devoted to textiles, agriculture, activities in the mountain region and Bocairent’s customs. The Museo Festero documents the Moors and Christians tradition through costumes, festival programs, sheet music and materials from nine groups. The Museo Paleontológico features displays on human evolution alongside life-size dinosaur reconstructions and fossils from numerous groups.

Other collections range from sacred art to archaeology. The Museo Parroquial de Bocairent houses one of the most important collections of sacred art in the Valencian Community; artists represented include Joan de Joanes, Joaquín Sorolla, Ribalta, Segrelles and Mariano Benlliure. The Museo Arqueológico Municipal displays finds dating from the Upper Paleolithic well into the Middle Ages. Most come from sites within the municipality of Bocairent. The collection at the Museo Antonio Ferri is divided into three thematic areas. Works by the painter that are on permanent display were donated to Bocairent because of his personal connection to the municipality.

Tradition and Landscape

Las Danzas, also known as Dansa, is considered Bocairent’s oldest and most vibrant folk tradition and has been documented since the early 17th century. It takes place from August 23 to 27; specific program details vary. If you want to plan your trip around this tradition, check the program for your intended dates.

Different types of routes offer options for outdoor activities. The Senda de la Font dels Teulars passes through fertile farmland, past springs and centuries-old holm oaks, before reaching the Sierra de Mariola. The Vía Verde del Xixarra is a 42-kilometer walkable railway track between Biar and Alcoi. Its ten-kilometer section between Bocairent and Agres is paved. The two distances differ considerably; surface conditions may change, so it is worth checking trail conditions before your visit. The La Font de Mariola recreation area near Bocairent is one of the recreational facilities in the Serra de Mariola Natural Park.

Cuisine and Practical Planning

Bocairent’s cuisine is strongly influenced by the Sierra de Mariola. Typical dishes include Mariola-style gazpacho, rice-stuffed peppers, puchero, olleta, borra and pericana, as well as various rice dishes and cured meats. There is also a traditional liqueur made from sweet and dry anise and flavored with various herbs from the Sierra.

Also take visiting conditions into account when planning. A guided tour of the Covetes dels Moros lasts one hour. Access is difficult and not suitable for people with claustrophobia or a fear of heights; check visitor information before your trip. Bocairent’s historic center is a pedestrian zone. Parking is available on C/ Batalla de Lepanto and at Joaquin Sorolla. Check local regulations in advance.

Discover more destinations: Miramar, Chera, Utiel, Piles, San Antonio, Vilamarxant, La Torre D'en Besora, Novelé

For the main travel overview: Valencia.