A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy

Discovering Bocairent: A Hidden Treasure in Valencia, Spain

Located in the region of Vall d'Albaida, in the province of Valencia, Bocairent is a charming municipality known for its rich history and impressive natural landscape. This picturesque village, with its narrow and steep streets, stone houses, and stunning views, is a tourist destination that should not be overlooked.

The Old Town of Bocairent

The old town of Bocairent, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is a labyrinth of narrow and steep streets that seem to transport you to another era. Here you can find the Church of the Assumption, an impressive Valencian Gothic-style building, and the Bullring, the oldest in the Valencian Community and one of the oldest in Spain.

The Caves of Bocairent

One of the main attractions of Bocairent are its caves. The Caves of the Moors, a set of 53 artificial cavities excavated in the rock, are an impressive testament to the Arab presence in the area. You can also visit the Sarsa Cave, where archaeological remains dating back to the Paleolithic have been found.

The Sierra de Mariola Natural Park

Bocairent is located in the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, an impressive natural space that boasts a great diversity of flora and fauna. Here you can enjoy numerous hiking and cycling routes, as well as stunning panoramic views.

The Gastronomy of Bocairent

The gastronomy of Bocairent is another of its great attractions. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as olleta, a stew of beans and vegetables, or arnadí, a typical dessert made with pumpkin. In addition, Bocairent is known for its production of sausages, especially longaniza and blood sausage.

Festivals and Events in Bocairent

Bocairent is also famous for its festivals and events. The Festival of Moors and Christians, celebrated in February and declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, stands out. The Festival of Sant Blai is also interesting, in which a procession is held and breads are blessed.

Gastronomic Products of Bocairent

• Homemade Sausages

  Bocairent is famous for its homemade sausages, especially the longaniza and the black pudding. These sausages are made following traditional recipes and are cured in the local cellars, which gives them a unique and unmistakable flavor.

• Rices

  Bocairent's gastronomy also stands out for its rices. Among them, the most popular is the baked rice, a typical dish of the region that is made with pork ribs, black pudding, tomato, potatoes and chickpeas. Another highly appreciated rice is the rice with rabbit and snails, a delight for lovers of traditional cuisine.

• Traditional Desserts

  In Bocairent, traditional sweets and desserts are a must. The "pastissets de moniato", small cakes filled with sweet potato, and the "arnadí", a dessert made with pumpkin, almonds and sugar, stand out. The "rosegons", very crispy almond cookies, are also very popular.

• Local Wines

  Bocairent has a long winemaking tradition and produces wines of excellent quality. The wines from the area are known for their intense flavor and fruity aroma, and are the perfect accompaniment to the typical dishes of the locality.

Sports Activities in Bocairent

Hiking

Bocairent offers a large number of hiking routes for all levels. You can explore the Sierra de Mariola, a natural park with rich biodiversity and stunning panoramic views.

Mountain Biking

Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Bocairent is a popular destination for mountain biking. There are numerous routes available, both for beginners and experienced cyclists.

Climbing

For adrenaline lovers, Bocairent offers opportunities for climbing. The mountains in the area are known for their unique rock formations, ideal for this sport.

Speleology

Explore the caves of Bocairent for an underground adventure. The Sarsa Cave and the Malladeta Cave are two of the most popular among tourists.

Places near Bocairent

If you are in Bocairent and wish to explore a bit more, here we present you with some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:

Alcoy, a hidden gem in the province of Alicante, Spain, is famous for its stunning Moors and Christians festivals, its modernist architecture and its exquisite cuisine, which includes delights such as pericana, blanquet and sweet potato pastissets.

Xativa, a historical gem in Valencia, Spain, fascinates visitors with its majestic castle and charming streets. Its rich cuisine includes the "arròs al forn", a delicious baked rice dish, and the traditional "arnadí", an almond and pumpkin dessert.

Ontinyent, a hidden gem in Valencia, Spain, is famous for its rich history, vibrant festivals and exquisite cuisine. Visitors can enjoy local dishes such as "Olleta", explore local wine cellars and marvel at its impressive medieval architecture.