Beniaia: Rock Art, Village History and Paths through the Landscape

Rock art, historic village scenes and paths through an agricultural landscape give Benialí a multifaceted character. If you would like to combine culture and activity on your trip, you will find concrete points of interest here: a neo-Gothic church in the oldest part of the village, traces of its earlier history, routes with stories conveyed via QR codes, and hiking trails leading to rock art. The natural surroundings, festivals and regional orientation can also be taken into account when planning your trip.

Church and History in the Village Scene

The Església de Sant Roc de Benialí is a neo-Gothic church in the oldest part of Benialí. Inside is an anonymous medieval image of Cristo de la Providencia. The church was elevated to an independent parish in 1961. Its square is also associated with an important historical date: the carta de población was signed there in 1611.

The former Casa de la Senyoria stood on the same square. During the Second Republic, it served as the headquarters of the PCE and housed a party radio station. Another historical trace leads to El Molinet de Benialí, which already existed in the 16th century. The aqueduct of El Molinet now serves as a bridge over the ravine and shows how an older structure has been integrated into a present-day route.

Fountains, Water and Rural Tradition

The Font de la Concepció is located within Benialí and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It includes a washhouse and a water system that leads via a livestock trough to a basin beside the Les Hortes path. This provides a concrete insight into the former use of water in the village. The Almazara de San Roque also points to communal structures: it was built using a traditional rotation system among the village heads of household; construction began before 1954.

Discover Rock Art along the Trails

The Pels Carrers de la Memòria route uses QR codes to convey the stories of marked streets, squares and houses. In this way, it combines a walk through the village with individual historical narratives. For hikers, the approved PRCV147 Benialí–Alpatró trail offers a different way of exploring the surroundings. The trail follows a section of the Gallinera River and passes through an agricultural dry landscape dominated by olive and cherry trees.

The Ruta d'Art Rupestre – Jaciment de Benialí begins in Benialí and leads to a rock-art shelter. The Pinturas de Benialí site consists of five rock shelters containing macroschematic, schematic and Levantine rock art, as well as engravings. Rock shelter IV is accessible and also features macroschematic, schematic and Levantine rock art. The Vall de la Gallinera Rock Art Interpretation Centre is also located in Benialí Town Hall. A route of approximately ten kilometres begins there and links two rock-art groups.

Nature, Festivals and Practical Information

For those interested in nature, the Les Llomes del Xap plant micro-reserve lies between Benirrama, Benialí and Benitaia. It covers 4,456 hectares. The Festes de Benialí provide a seasonal cultural connection: they take place on the second weekend of August in honour of Saint Michael and the Mare de Déu dels Desemparats, with Moros i Cristians celebrations.

The Vall de Gallinera Tourist Office is located in Benialí at Carrer de la Font, 03787. In the municipality of Vall de Gallinera, the Vectalia bus operates on the Alcoi–Pego–Dénia route; there is no service on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays. This information is just as relevant to travel planning as deciding whether to focus on village history, rock art, hiking or nature observation.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

For more ideas for places to visit, you can also explore Parcent, Formentera Del Segura, San Felipe Neri, Los Montesinos, Penàguila, La Torre de les Maçanes, Banyeres De Mariola and Elche.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.