subregion

introduction
Pego, Adsubia and les Valls, linked by their mountains and
valleys, and by historical and social bonds, form a subregion
within the Marina Alta that offers an alternative form
of tourism.
A number of villages are located in this area whose inhabitants
through the ages have made a living from traditional farming
adapted to the conditions of the land where the Moorish past
is evident in every corner.
Use your ive senses to enjoy this wonderful scenery that is a
relection of the unique character of our villages.
MARINA
ALTA

how to get there
From the north: Exit from the AP-7
motorway at junction number 61 “Oliva-
Pego”. Continue to Oliva on the N-332
main road. Drive through the town and
turn right at the junction signposted Pego
on the CV-700 road or continue on the
N-332 for a few kilometres and take the
second turning to Pego from which you
can enjoy the marvellous scenery of the
Pego-Oliva Marshlands Nature Park.
From the south: Exit from the AP-7
motorway at junction number 62 “Ondara-
Dénia-Jávea”. Continue towards Valencia
on the N-332 main road. Then take the CV-
700 to Pego (11 km).
If you are travelling from the inland regions
you turn off the N-340 in Muro de Alcoy
and take the CV-700 road “La Vall de
Gallinera – Pego”.
From Benidorm you can take the scenic
CV-715 inland route.

PEGO
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Population: 11043 inhabitants (Año 2008)
Area: 52,50 km²
Town Hall: Tel. 96 557 00 11
Fax 96 557 25 83
Web: www.pego.org
festivities
17th January: Rpilgrimage to hermitage
dedicated to Saint Anthony (in Spain patron
Saint of the animals).
The last Saturday but one before the beginning
of lent: In other words, the Saturday before the
Pego Carnival, the “Descenso del río Bullent”
(race down the river in homemade boats).
Saturday before Ash Wednesday: Gran Desile de
Disfraces” (fancy dress parade).
Saturday after Carnival: “Pinyata” or “Entierro de
la Sardina” (Sardine’s burial).
17th, 18th and 19th March: “Fallas” (huge
colourful monuments made of “papier mâché”)..
April: Holy Week.
At the end of June: The Moors and Christians, with
the feast of the Holy Ecce-Homo, patron of Pego.
monuments
THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH: (16th-17th century):
Inside the building you can see the
“Retablo de la Esperanza” altarpiece of International
Gothic style, the double Veronica
and the Christ of the Sacristy, all dating
from the 15th century. The Bell Tower was
built later, in 1700.
THE ECCE-HOMO CHAPEL: This is without
doubt Pego’s most emblematic monument.
It dates from the baroque period
(1776). In the interior of the chapel you can
see the 16th century Ecce-Homo, venerated
as the towns patron. Long ago this building
was used as a hospital and also gave
shelter to travellers and pilgrims.
THE CULTURE CENTRE: In past times the stately
home of the inluential Torres-Sala family.
This magniicent house was build in the 18th
century and its interior patio preserves a
piece of the ancient wall, declared “Bien
de Interés Cultural” or national heritage. In
this building you will ind the Public Library,
the Assembly Hall, the Historical Archives,
the Modern Art Exhibition Hall, the Ethnological
Museum (about the rice crop and
traditional trades), and the “Juan Torres
Sala” Entomological Collection.
THE “PORTAL DE SALA” GATE: This is the last
remaining of Pego’s three ancient gates. In
medieval times the “Portal de Sala” gave
access to the vegetable gardens.
THE FRANCISCAN CONVENT: This monastery
was built at the end of the 19th century.
THE SAINT ANTHONY HERMITAGE: Built during
the reign of Felipe II to attend the spiritual
needs of the Moors that converted
to the Catholic faith. Its architecture is
typical of the so called “hermitages of the
conquest”.
THE AMBRA CASTLE: The construction of this
fortress started in the second half of the
12th century.

gastronomy
Rice forms part of the staple diet. One of the
most typical meals is “la Crosta” (a rice dish
cooked in the oven with an egg crust) and
also “arroz caldoso” (rice stew), “arroz con
habichuelas y pencas” (rice with kidney beans
and Swiss chard) and paella.
Specially tasty are the “espencat” (a delicious
cold dish of baked peppers, aubergines and
tomatoes, seasoned with olive oil and a touch
of crushed garlic), the “igatells” (grilled lat
meatballs), “cocas escaldadas” and the
“cocas al horno”, the small pizza-like savoury
topped lat breads that every Thursday -market
day in Pego- are on sale in the local bread and
cake shops.
There is also a great variety of traditional buns
and pastries such as the “la mona” typical at
Easter and the sweet potato pastries and the
fritters that are eaten at Christmas.

PEGO-OLIVA MARSHLANDS
Area: 1 290 Ha.
Information Centre: 96 640 02 51
Email: parque_pegooliva@gva.es
Web: http://parquesnaturales.gva.es/espnaturales.htm
How to get there:
CV-715 Pego-Oliva, take the turning towards the Bullentó.
CV-678 Pego-Les Deveses, crosses through the nature park.
CV-700 Pego-El Verger, from the south.
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This marshland was declared “Parque Natural” (regional
nature reserve) in 1994.
The “Marjal de Pego-Oliva” is situated at the south of the
gulf of Valencia and is one of the most important biodiversity
areas of the Mediterranean coast. It is perhaps the most
important wet zone of the Spanish Mediterranean coast.
It is fed by the waters of the Bullent-Vedat rivers in the
north and the Racons-Molinell rivers in the south and by
the Mostalla and Segaria aquifers. A network of ancient
irrigation ditches and canals transport water from
underground sources through the marsh.
It is the habitat of numerous species of ish and aquatic birds,
many of them protected, such as the Valencia hispanica,
the tiny ish know locally as the “samaruc” or the purple
gallinule, an uncommon wader that prefers reed beds.
It is important to point out that the balance between the
traditional rice growing and respect for the environment
had allowed the survival of numerous species of lora and
fauna of top biological interest.
The increase of animal species has occurred at the same
time that local varieties of rice such as “bombón” and
“pegolí” have been recuperated.
In July and August boat rides take place in the Salinar area
allowing marvellous views of the marshland scenery and
sightings of interesting birds.

LA VALL D’EBO
Population: 299 inhabitants (Año 2008)
Area: 32,43 km²
Town Hall:
Tel. 96 557 14 13 ∙ Fax 96 557 26 72
Web: www.lavalldebo.org
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places of interest
“COVA DEL RULL”: stalactite and stalagmite cave. This
cave was discovered in 1919 by José Vicent Mengual,
nicknamed “tío Rull”.
THE ETHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM: there the visitor can discover
the past: clothes, ornaments, farming tools... and try to
recreate the life of the former inhabitants of the valley.
THE SAN MIGUEL CHURCH: from the baroque period, it was
built in 1623, and houses the wonderful “Mare de Déu dels
Desemparats” sculpting, from the Vergara school.
“TOLLS”: The Ebo river has sculptured the rock to form
natural pools.
“AVENCS”: funnel shaped abysses formed in the rock:
- The “Avenc ample” (wide), it reaches a depth of 56
metres and a width of 20 metres.
- The “Avenc d’enmig” (central), with a depth of 120
metres.
- The “Avenc ample” (narrow), it reaches a depth of 137
metres.
“BARRANC DE L’INFERN” (or Hell’s Ravine): it is a narrow
gorge with vertical walls which has a climber’s route
towards the middle and end part reserved exclusively for
experts mountaineers. The “Font del Xili” spring is located
in the entrance to the gorge.
THE “COVA DEL REINÓS”: cave also known as the “Cova
de les Torrudanes” can be found Levantine cave
paintings.

gastronomy
The best known dishes of this valley
are the “puchero” (stew) and rice
with beans.
festivities
Fiestas in honour of the “Mare de
Déu dels Desemparats”. in the irst
weekend of August.
The San Miguel iesta, it takes place
with the traditional pilgrimage to the
Cova del Rull. It is in the last week of
September..

LA VALL D’ALCALÀ
Population: 186 inhabitants (Año 2008)
Area: 23,70 km²
Town Hall Alcalà de la Jovada:
Tel. 96 551 43 00
Fax 96 551 41 07
Web: www.lavalldalcala.es
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monuments
“NEVERAS” (ice caves): The Baix or lower
cave can be found beside the CV-712
road between Alcalá and Ebo. They were
constructed in the17th century in order to
provide the port of Denia with a supply of ice.
RUINS OF THE MOORISH VILLAGES: L’Atzuvieta
is considered the largest and best preserved
Moorish village of the Valencian Community
and offers an almost unique example of the
evolution of the rural Moslem architecture. You
can also visit La Roca and La Caerola.
THE CHURCH OF ALCALÀ: 17th
century, built over the mosque.
Today a terrace of houses next to
the church stands on what used to
be the Palace-Fortress (in Arabic Alkaala)
of the rulers of Alcalà.
BENIAIA CHURCH: 18th century

gastronomy
Olive oil, wheat, maize, vegetable,
goats’ milk, farmyard foul,
lamb, pork and cured sausages
have been traditionally formed
part of the diet of the inhabitants
of this valley.
Typical dishes are “minxos”, latbead
freshly baked in a pan
that allow all sorts of illings; the
“blat picat” (a stew with grains
of ground wheat that resemble
couscous) and rice with lentils.
As far as sweets are concerned
try the fritters, baked pumpkin,
honey cake, “mostaxuts”,
“rosegons” and aniseed rings.
festivities
San Antonio Fiesta in Alcalà: the “Cremà del Pi”,
when the village youths plant a pine tree in the
main square and burn a big bonire around it.
The next day “butifarra” sausages are cooked
over the embers and served free to neighbours
and visitors.
Fiestas in honour of the Patron Saint of Alcalà: take
place at the beginning of August with numerous
activities such as the Moors and Christians parade
in honour of Al-Azraq and fancy dress night.
Fiestas in honour of the Patron Saint of Beniaia:
are celebrated in the third week of September
and include a street supper for all the neighbours
and visitors.

ADSUBIA
Population: 686 inhabitants (Año 2008)
Area: 14,73 km²
Town Hall: Tel. 96 557 13 58 ∙ Fax 96 557 25 87
Web: www.atzuvia-forna.com/es
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places of interest
THE SANT VICENT FERRER CHURCH: constructed in the 17th
century with one nave and lateral chapels in the buttress.
In the 19th century it takes the form of a basilica with an
arched vault.
CASTLE OF FORNA: This is a stately home built at the end of
the 12th century and beginning of the 13th century. Later the
castle was extended and reconverted into a feudal palace.
It belonged to the Moorish tyrant Al-Azraq until Jaume I took
possession. After having various owners, in 1969 the castle
fell into the hands of Town Hall that at last restores the towers
and walls of the building to their former splendour. It is due to
it’s good state of conservation that this castle is considered
one of the most important of the province.
“TOSSAL DEL LLOP”: a well equipped camp site and
recreation area. There you can also enjoy the Cueva de
Canalobre cave.

gastronomy
The most popular dishes are: arroz
con costra, paella, puchero
valenciano, “cocas escaldadas”,
olleta...
festivities
In Adsubia, as far as religious celebrations are
concerned, we should highlight the iestas in honour
of the Virgen de los Desamparados, la Virgen
del Rosario, San Francisco de Asis and el Santísimo
Cristo del Milagro in the irst half of September.
Forna celebrates its iestas in the second week of
August in honour of San Bernardo Abad.
Both iestas include Moors and Christians, processions,
parades, open air dances, activities for
children, etc.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
la vall de gallinera; cherry valley
La Vall de Gallinera comprised and group of tiny villages called
Benirrama, Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, La Carroja, Alpatró,
Llombai and Benissili.
The Foradà, the mountain summit with a natural circular
archway or window that dominates the valley. The main
economic activity is the cultivation of its famous cherries, which
occupy the Geographical protected territory.
Town Hall: 96 640 65 53
la vall de laguar; the capital of trekking
La Vall de Laguar is made up of four villages: Fontilles, Fleix, Benimaurell
and Campell. None of these villages has more than 400 inhabitants,
which shows just how quiet and peaceful this place is.
It is considered to be the capital of trekking because of the PRV-147 route
that crosses the Barranc de l’Infern, 6500 stone steps from the moorian times.
In Fontilles you will ind the San Francisco de Borja Sanatorium, for leprosy
sufferers.
Town Hall: 96 558 33 01
la vall de pop; 9 small villages, 1 big valley
The municipalities that have joined the valley (Alcalalí,
Benigembla, Benissa, Castell de Castells, Llíber, Murla,
Parcent, Senija y Xaló) form an area of great scenic
beauty and high ecological value. From the shoreline
coves of Benissa to the high peaks of Castell de
Castells one mountain and valley leads on to the
next, but it is actually the river, with its calm summer
waters and raging autumn loods, which acts as the
real spine connecting and sustaining La Vall.
Tourist Info: 96 648 10 17

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
dénia; 20 kilometres of coastline
Its patrimony gives a good account of the historical brilliance of
what it was once protagonist to, and its gradual conversion into a
modern city, in which leisure occupies an out-standing position.
The Castle is the par excellence local Heritage Monument.
Places to visit: the Montgó Natural Park and the port.
Tourist Info: 96 642 23 67
oliva; a privileged place to enjoy the mediterranean
The dunes of Oliva, with a local fauna and lora
of great beauty, delicately link the fertile orange
groves, the Mediterranean style houses and the
beaches of clean, golden sand.
Tourist Info: 96 285 55 28
gandia; dukedom since 1399
Un paseo por sus calles y plazas te permite vivir parte de la historia más
viva de Europa. Gandia te ofrece un magníico recorrido para disfrutar
de la cultura.
Si el arte y la arquitectura son lo tuyo, los ediicios más emblemáticos de
Gandia te descubrirán la riqueza histórica de una ciudad que mira al futuro.
Tourist Info: 96 287 77 88
theme parks
SAFARI PARK VERGEL (EL VERGER)
Tel. 96 643 98 08
Discover the delights of the Animal Kingdom in
a fun-packed environment: 35 hectares of land
that is home to 1400 animals and 145 different
species.
VITALPARCENTRE (PARCENT)
Tel. 625 408 403
An adventure park nestled among the trees,
with educational environmental games, a sports
circuit, zip-lines, bridges and lots of excitement
for all ages.