Chiva can be explored through the Torico ritual in the town centre, its defensive and religious buildings, and the Sierra de Chiva. Its attractions range from a walking tour of the ritual’s locations to medieval buildings, wine production and the landscape. When choosing a destination, it is worth considering whether you are most interested in local history, the Torico or the Sierra.

The Torico in the town centre

“La cuerda que nos une” is a walking tour through the town centre. It begins in the museum area, follows the streets and reaches the ritual’s main locations. This makes it possible to explore the Torico theme along a route through the town.

Visits to the Centro de Interpretación del Torico are arranged by appointment, for groups of up to ten people and in compliance with the applicable regulations. Arrange a time before visiting. The centre presents a festival with ancient, possibly pre-Christian origins, which has been recognised as being of regional tourist interest.

Castle, towers and religious buildings

Castillo de Chiva is a medieval fortress on a hill. The panoramic views from it even extend to the sea. The first part of the journey can be made on foot or by car, but the final section must be covered on foot. So when planning your visit, consider not only how you will travel the first part: you will also need to walk the final stretch. Next to the castle stands the 19th-century Santuario de la Virgen del Castillo.

Other buildings offer different historical perspectives. Torreta de Chiva was probably built for defensive purposes in the 11th or 12th century. Torre de Telegrafía Óptica de Chiva belonged to the Madrid–València optical telegraph line, whose installation began in 1848. Their dates and functions highlight the difference between defensive architecture and communications history, without placing both towers in the same period.

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista houses José Vergara’s largest collection of paintings. Its Baroque retable façade is based on a design inspired by Il Gesù in Rome. The street layout of Barrio de Bechinos is another distinctive feature: it bears Arab influences. Together, these details illustrate different aspects of Chiva’s architectural and local history, from the layout of a neighbourhood to the relationship between architecture and painting.

Mountain scenery and routes

The Sierra de Chiva is designated as a municipal natural area and is the largest area of its kind in the Comunitat Valenciana. Its landscape is shaped by ravines and mountain ridges. This makes the Sierra quite different from the town’s art and architectural attractions.

The railway and pilgrimage route also offer different points of reference. Chiva station is served by Cercanías line C3; check the timetable before setting off. The Ruta de la Lana, a branch of the Way of St James, crosses Chiva’s agricultural land, reaches the town centre and crosses the Puente Viejo. It offers a different travel experience from the Torico walking tour: here the focus is on the named Way of St James route, while the tour follows a series of locations associated with the ritual.

Wine and karting

Local wine production includes numerous wineries where a wide variety of wines and the well-known Mistela are made. This offers a distinct way to experience Chiva, alongside its landscape and architectural history.

Another attraction is the Kartódromo Lucas Guerrero. This racetrack, designed specifically for karting, features a technically challenging series of bends.

Discover more destinations: Bolbaite, Monserrat, Massalfassar, Algar, Yátova, La Yesa, Benisanó, Cullera

For the broader travel overview: Valencia.