L’Atzúbia among caves, history and mountain trails

L’Atzúbia combines a historically shaped townscape with cave experiences, paths through the mountains, and Valencian cultural and culinary traditions. Visitors who want to combine different interests during their trip can therefore focus on clearly distinct highlights: historic architecture in the town, nature experiences around the caves, hiking trails with views, as well as festivals and regional specialities.

Historic townscape and Moorish traces

The historic centre of L’Atzúbia is characterised by traditional, low-rise houses with ceramic roof tiles. Its street layout has not changed since the Arab period. The Font de la Plaça is one of the most important emblematic sites in the old town, which developed from a Muslim settlement; its design recalls Moorish architectural styles. The town’s history also spans several periods: L’Atzúbia was an Andalusian alquería, a Mudéjar settlement and a Morisco village. After the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609, the town was resettled by people from the island of Mallorca.

Caves with different sightseeing formats

The Cueva de Adsubia has an 80-metre-long circuit with an elevation difference of around 15 metres. The cave also includes a 600-square-metre chamber, as well as numerous and varied stalagmites and stalactites. A visit takes 30 minutes and is suitable for all visitor groups. This makes it possible to include this natural experience as a compact part of an itinerary.

The Cova del Canelobre has a different focus. Its vault is 70 metres high and is considered one of the highest in all of Spain. Guided visits are available at the Cova del Canelobre. The two caves therefore represent different ways of exploring: while the Cueva de Adsubia centres on an 80-metre-long circuit through a cave chamber with varied formations, the experience at the Cova del Canelobre is defined by the exceptional height of its vault.

Routes, starting points and views

The paths around L’Atzúbia also offer various starting points for planning your trip. The PR-CV 58 Variant III passes through the mountains of La Vall de Gallinera and L’Atzúbia before returning to L’Atzúbia. The Pla d’Almiserà – Castell de Gallinera route starts in L’Atzúbia at the end of Carrer de la Font. Near Castell de Gallinera, it offers a view across the entire Vall de Gallinera.

The Forna – Vilallonga route starts in the village square of Forna. From its starting point in Forna, it offers a panoramic view of the former Castell de Vilallonga and part of La Safor. The different starting points and viewpoints help you distinguish between a route connected with L’Atzúbia, a view across the Vall de Gallinera and a perspective of the former Castell de Vilallonga.

Churches, castles and historic everyday places

The Church of Sant Vicent Ferrer in L’Atzúbia was built in the 18th century in the classical style of the period of Philip III and Philip IV. Its nave has a barrel vault; the side chapels are structured by Corinthian pilasters and Tuscan orders. In Forna, a district of the municipality of Adsubia, the Church of Sant Bernat Abat dates approximately from the 16th century. The year 1886 on its portal indicates a renovation. Parts of the original decorative wall paintings, masonry and bell gable have been preserved.

Also located in Forna is Castell de Forna, a fortified noble palace from the 15th century in the style of Valencian civil Gothic. The Llavador de Forna washhouse lies below the level of the village square and can be reached via steps from a passage at the rear. In the main town, the Llavador de l’Atzúbia washhouse had already been built at the beginning of the 20th century. It served as a place of work, meeting and social exchange for local women.

Festivals and regional cuisine

In Adsubia, patron saint celebrations are held on the first weekend of September in honour of Sant Vicent Ferrer, together with a Moros i Cristians festival. In Forna, festivities in honour of Saint Bernard take place in the second half of August. L’Atzúbia’s culinary traditions include arròs amb crosta, a baked rice dish with ribs and botifarra, covered with beaten eggs, which the town shares with the neighbouring village.

When choosing your hotel, you can tailor the focus of your trip to these themes: the historic townscape, churches and castles, cave visits, trails with different viewpoints, or the festival dates and regional cuisine.

Discover more places

Find more places to compare and discover here: Bolulla, Lliber, Formentera Del Segura, Alfafara, Javea, Algorfa, Alcoy, Quatretondeta

To the main travel overview: Alicante.