Biar: Castle, Festivals and Trails Through Historic Landscapes

Biar combines historic buildings, local traditions and trails through predominantly forested mountain areas.

Castle, Churches and Regional Craft Culture

The Castillo de Biar dates from the 12th century and preserves an Almohad vault from the same period. The musealisation opened in 2024 established four thematic areas, information panels, explanatory models and a viewing walkway. The Castillo is also part of the Ruta de los Castillos del Vinalopó.

The Museo Etnográfico Municipal Miguel Maestre Castelló is dedicated to the cultural heritage, traditions and crafts of Biar. A particular focus is placed on the pottery tradition and the production of glazed ceramics. The museum comprises more than 1,000 objects on display and items held in storage.

The religious buildings also reveal various historical and artistic layers. The Iglesia Parroquial de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción combines an original Renaissance construction phase from the 15th and 16th centuries with Baroque extensions from the end of the 17th century. The Santuario de Biar has three naves; the central nave features rib vaults with stucco and frescoes.

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Gracia has predominantly neoclassical furnishings and a Rococo façade. Its transept contains four pendentives with frescoes by Tomas Belando dating from 1757. Another historical landmark is the Acueducto Medieval, dating from 1490. It has three arches: two pointed arches and a flattened semicircular arch.

Hiking Trails and Landscapes Around Biar

The mountain areas around Biar offer opportunities for outdoor sports, landscape observation and hikes in a predominantly forested environment, accessible from the town. Fontanella, Reconco and Penya Tallà are considered popular areas among day-trippers and are easily accessible from the town centre. Reconco de Biar is designated as a micro-reserve and is home to numerous plant species of the Mediterranean landscape.

Several signposted trails have different focuses. The Ruta de los Arcos includes the Arco de Jesús, a stone arch from the 13th century. The urban section of the Ruta de las Ermitas is signposted as a 40-minute walk and leads to the hermitages of San Ramón, San Roque and Loreto. The full Ruta de las Ermitas is signposted as a 2.5-hour hike.

The Ruta de las Fuentes is an urban route that visits 15 fountains. It runs for approximately 4 to 5 kilometres through Biar’s old town and its surroundings. If you spend around five minutes at each fountain, the route is scheduled to take a total of two hours.

For a longer tour, the PRV-155 Sierra del Frare is designated as a 13.8-kilometre circular hiking trail in Biar. The stated duration is 3 hours and 40 minutes, and the difficulty level is moderate. Most hiking trails in Biar begin at the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Gracia, a well-equipped recreational area near the town. The Acueducto Medieval can be visited on a hiking route through the natural landscape around Biar.

The Vía Verde del Xixarra can be used on foot, by bicycle and in a wheelchair.

Festivals and Living Traditions

The Moros y Cristianos festival takes place every year in May. The programme includes music, arquebus shots, as well as parades of marching bands and Comparsas. On the first weekend of November, the Medio Año Festero follows, with communal dinners and social activities.

In January, the dances known as Balls de Jesús or Volteta de la Reina take place. Since their revival in 2017, they have been a public, participatory event.

Guided Cultural Walks

On Sundays, Biar offers guided cultural walks through the old town, visiting small hermitages and an ice well. Reservations are required for these walks; they are free of charge.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to compare more destinations when planning your trip, you can also view Benferri, Trencall, Orba, Lliber, Alfafara, Santa Pola, Pedreguer and Muntanya de la Sella.

To the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.