Agost: Vía Verde, Pottery Tradition and Landscape

Agost lies at the foot of the Sierra del Ventós and beside the Rambla del Rugló. The nearly desert-like salt marshes create a distinctive landscape: white salt hues, together with the ochre and reddish tones of the clays extracted for the local pottery industry. The Vía Verde begins in this setting; it is 22 kilometres long, restored and signposted, and features six tunnels and two viaducts. The route can be used on foot, by bicycle and even on horseback.

Paths through landscape and history

The Vía Verde del Maigmó begins at Agost railway station’s halt and follows a section of the former Alcoi–Alicante railway line. Several signposted hiking trails are suitable for different age groups and fitness levels. One route leads from Parque Rugló through the L’Arc Arab aqueduct and across erosion landscapes shaped by ravines and Rambla watercourses to the summit of Ventós.

A path through the Sierra de Castellans leads to La Creueta, a hill marked by a cross. From there, you can see Agost as well as the Cid, Maigmó and Ventós. The circular route on La Murta leads to a site that, according to archaeological studies, was inhabited by different population groups during the Bronze Age and the Arab period.

Ceramics as a defining part of the town’s history

Agost’s pottery tradition has been documented since 1277; some pottery families still active today trace their history back to the 18th century. The Museo de la Alfarería preserves the original Arab kilns, clay settling basins and the workshop area of the former factory. Visitors can also discover an extensive collection of everyday objects made in Agost over the past two centuries and learn about the ceramic-making process.

In the craft workshops, visitors can watch potters working at the wheel and touch the clay themselves. You can also visit factory facilities and take part in a pottery workshop. The Ermita de Santas Justa y Rufina has green and brown ceramic ornaments on its façade and is dedicated to the patron saints of potters, Santa Justa and Santa Rufina.

Water management, geology and local festivals

Water management and geology also shape the routes. L’Alcavó is an artificial tunnel created with dynamite that carries water for irrigating farmland. A circular route leads to L’Arc, a bridge that channels water from the El bull spring across the Rambla del Barranc Blanc to Agost. Retaining and diversion dams, as well as terraces, were built along the contours of the hillsides. Agost features geological landscapes and the K/T boundary, considered evidence of the extinction of the great dinosaurs.

The recurring tradition of Dia de l’Arc includes a picnic on the third day of Easter in the Les Tabaires area, with the traditional Mona, cooked or fresh broad beans and empanadillas. Les Danses del Rei Moro is a festival featuring traditional dance accompanied by the dulzaina. Every year around 29 June, Agost celebrates a festival in honour of its patron saint, the Apostle Peter, with music, elaborate costumes and the sound of arquebuses. Many pastry recipes from Agost come from the recipe book of María Arques, known as „María, la del forn“ and recognised as a craftswoman of Agost.

For your stay, Agost brings together signposted trails, the Vía Verde, ceramics and festivals. This allows you to prioritise hiking, cycling, horse riding, history or crafts according to your interests.

Other places to discover for yourself include Ontilles, San Juan De Alicante, Lliber, Benimassot, Abdet, Biar, La Florida and Algorfa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.