Trekking in Nature and Christmas Traditions in Jijona and Alcoi

There is a large car park next to the information centre of the Sierra de Mariola natural park where you can leave your car and start the trekking. It is free of charge.

The centre has specialised guides who will inform you about the possible trekking routes within the national park. If you are travelling with children, it is ideal to ask about trekking with them.
There is also signage about the flora and fauna that can be found in the area, as well as the origin of the Mariola mountain ranges. It is small, so it takes very little time to walk through it.
Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 - 14:30. Saturday: 9:00 - 14:00.

This attractive trekking route is of low physical difficulty and can be perfectly done with children. The trail is marked with blue arrows and runs along the edge of the Vinalopó river until it reaches the coveta, the source of the crystal-clear watercourse.
The walk takes about 3.5 kilometres and takes less than an hour. During the trekking you will pass wooden stairs and some bridges, always with the river next to you. There is a small stop in the middle of the path, an old abandoned mill.

The descent is the same as the ascent, arriving back at the car park. You only have to go back a few kilometres to reach the village of Bañeres and have lunch.

Specialising in meats, sausages and grilled vegetables, this is a small village restaurant. There is no problem if you take longer to do one of the treks in the Sierra Mariola, as the kitchen has extended opening hours.
Two of the best dishes to try are the parillada and the grilled octopus. For those with children, there is a small ballpark and an inflatable bouncy castle inside the restaurant.
Open Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 5:30 – 17:00. Thursday and Friday: 5:30 – 0:00. Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 - 0:00.

This natural park, together with the sanctuary, is one of the most visited in the interior of the province of Alicante. It is easily reached by car from the sanctuary car park, which is small, and then it is only a few steps to the Pla de la Mina viewpoint.
Surrounded by pine trees and tall trees, the viewpoint offers fabulous panoramic views of the mountains and the city of Alcoy below.
If you have more time, there are several trekking circuits to do in the natural park with different levels of difficulty. More information on the official website of the Font Roja Natural Park.

It is the closest free car park to the historic centre of Alcoy with plenty of parking spaces, so you are sure to always find a parking space available.
From here it is only a five-minute walk to the sights.

The Plaza de España is the central point of Alcoy, surrounded by buildings from past centuries such as the church of Santa Maria, the main theatre and the town hall.
Also of note is the San Jorge market, designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, an underground building that houses exhibitions and whose highest part overlooks the floor of the square.
If you visit Alcoy during the Moors and Christians Festival at the end of April or on Christmas Eve during December and early January, the square looks very colourful with special decorations for the occasion.

The small town of Jijona has a long tradition in the production of sweets and nougat that began during the 20th century and extends to the present. There are several companies that produce handmade sweets, so the city is considered the cradle of nougat.
The visit to the museum is guided and includes an explanatory video about the origins of the elaboration, exhibition of machinery used years ago for the production of nougat and tasting of nougat brands El Lobo and 1880.
If you feel like tasting more sweets and nougat, there is a store at the end of the tour.
Open Hours: From 1 January to 15 July, Monday to Saturday at 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 13:00, 16:00, 16:45, 17:30. From 16 July to 31 December, every day at 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15, 13:00, 15:30, 16:15, 17:00, 17:45, 18:30.

Parking in the centre of town to start the short walk-up to the castle of Jijona.

Mostly in ruins, the Torre Grossa castle watches over the city from above. The climb can be done by stairs or ramp and is a short walk from the historic centre of the city.
The best thing about the place are the views of the city and the surrounding mountain ranges.

What better than to return to Alicante with a full belly and if it is with seafood even better.
This seafood restaurant has been completely renovated but retains its essence in the kitchen. Variety of tapas with sea flavour, rice, and paellas are their main dishes. You must try the clams, scallops and octopus, a real delight. The portions are abundant.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 7:00 - 23:00. Friday: 7:00 - 0:00. Saturday: 8:00 - 0:00. Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00.