Benidoleig: Cave, Local History and Hiking Trails

Benidoleig between Cave, Local History and Hiking Trails

Exploring Benidoleig reveals very different facets of the same place side by side: the Cova de les Calaveres, with its prehistoric use; the PR-CV 445 Sender del Seguili, with a viewpoint; and the historic buildings in the town centre. This creates a selection of specific destinations for a stay in which nature, exercise and local history can be given different degrees of emphasis.

The Cova de les Calaveres

The Cova de les Calaveres was used as a refuge by Palaeolithic people more than 100,000 years ago. Today, the dry section of the cave is more than 400 metres long and open to the public. The tourist route through the Cova de les Calaveres measures more than 300 metres; its final section leads to Lake Toll Blau. The two length figures refer to different areas and make the cave a particularly specific destination when planning your visit to the town.

The entrance to the Cueva de las Calaveres is on the paved road from Benidoleig to Pedreguer, before the town centre of Benidoleig. There is a car park for passenger vehicles there. This location connects the cave visit geographically with getting oriented around the town, without requiring any particular itinerary.

Hiking with Views of the Valley, Sea and Dénia

The PR-CV 445 Sender del Seguili is listed as measuring 11,693 metres, with an estimated duration of 4 hours and 5 minutes and a low difficulty level. Its starting point is at Benidoleig Town Hall. The route includes the Lloma de la Cova viewpoint, with views of the valley of the neighbouring towns, Dénia Castle and the Mediterranean Sea. The hiking trail also passes close to the Fonteta del Marqués and then continues towards the Senda de Les Voltes.

Historic Stops in the Town Centre

The Ruta del Centre urbà leads in Benidoleig to the Església de la Santíssima Sang and the Escoles Velles. The Església de la Santíssima Sang is a 19th-century neoclassical church built on the site of a former 17th-century chapel. During a walk through the town centre, the Casa Señorial del Barón de Finestrat is also recommended as a noteworthy stop.

The Escoles Velles are currently used for various events and have a large auditorium. At the same time, they are a well-preserved historic school building following several renovations, with a large rear courtyard. Their former use included separate classrooms for boys and girls. Another historic site is Ca'l Durà (Casa de Durà): the traditional 19th-century stone building is in ruins and still contains remnants of a wine press, stone tables and a lime kiln.

Festivals and Getting There

The festivals in honour of Sant Vicent Ferrer take place on the Monday after Easter Monday and include the traditional Fireta i Porrat de Sant Vicent. Benidoleig can be reached via Pedreguer, with access to the AP-7 E-15 motorway. Further connections lead via Ondara, with access to the N-332, as well as via Orba and the road between Pego and Callosa de Ensarriá.

Discover More Destinations

Other places to include in your travel planning are Tabarca, Santa Pola, Alcoleja, La Vila Joiosa, Salinas, Beniarrés, Lorcha and Sax.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.