Discover Relleu: Mountains, Reservoir and Living Traditions

Relleu lies in a valley surrounded by mountains. These include the Cabeçó d’Or at 1,207 metres, the Sierra de la Grana at 1,112 metres and the Sierra del Aguilar at 889 metres. The historic townscape features narrow streets, stone houses and steep slopes. The result is a place that combines a distinctive mountain landscape with a dense, tradition-rich settlement structure.

Castle Ruins, Church and Museums

The Castillo de Relleu stands above the municipality as a ruin on a hill. Parts of several towers and numerous sections of wall have been preserved; the castle is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural. In the town, the Iglesia Parroquial de San Jaime recalls Relleu’s older history. It was built in the 17th century on a former cemetery and has a main nave as well as the chapel of the Mare de Déu del Miracle. Its bells are considered the oldest in the entire province of Alicante.

The Museo Etnológico-Histórico de Relleu displays donated objects, archaeological remains, centuries-old documents and historic photographs. The CM Museu de Relleu is housed in Relleu’s former town hall, whose construction dates back to 1793. The two sites have different focuses: one centres on everyday history and archaeological finds, while the other is a historic building with its own chronological context.

Reservoir, Trails and Viewpoints

The Pantano de Relleu lies at the southeastern edge of the municipal area, directly before the territory of Orxeta. The reservoir collects the waters of the Amadorio River. Its arched dam, built in the 18th century, is 30 metres high and has a wall thickness of 10 metres. It was also a prototype of the arch dam design.

The Ruta del Pantano de Relleu offers a 10-kilometre circular route option and a 3.6-kilometre linear option. The estimated duration is three hours and one hour respectively. In places, the route follows the restored old mule track known as Camí de les Ripalmes or del Fasamais. Along the way, the trails pass a lime kiln, old irrigation basins, weirs and irrigation channels. The Pasarela de la presa de Relleu is an approximately 850-metre out-and-back route starting at the wooden hut where admission tickets are sold. There is also a second glass viewpoint above the canyon of the Amadorio River.

Los Tolls are another specific natural attraction in the area: the small pools can be used for swimming in summer. The Ermita de Sant Albert can be reached via the fully restored Via Crucis and offers views across the municipal area. Relleu also has via ferratas such as the Figueret via ferrata, as well as canyoning and organised mountain biking routes.

Festivals with a Distinctive Character

On 24 December, children walk through Relleu during the Rodà de les “Aixames” carrying esparto torches, known as “aixames”, singing Christmas carols and finally rolling the burning torches across the Plaza Mayor. Sant Antoni del Porquet is a festival of provincial tourist interest. It is held on the weekend closest to Sant Antoni’s name day and combines tradition, culture, music and gastronomy.

On the first weekend in August, the pilgrimage to the Ermita de Sant Albert takes place, along with a sardine meal, paella, piñatas, a fancy-dress parade, orchestras and “la banyà”. La Mare de Deu d’Abril is celebrated every year around 11 April with an offering, a mass and a procession in honour of the Virgen del Milagro. The procession ends at the chapel of the Virgin.

Regional Cuisine and Olive Oil

Traditional dishes from Relleu include les fasseures, olleta, pericana, rice dishes and cocas. Traditional olive oil production also continues in Relleu. The Oleo Tour Señorios de Relleu includes a visit to centuries-old olive groves, the Masia El Teuladi and its oil mill dating from 1918, as well as an olive oil tasting and food pairing.

Getting Your Bearings Locally

The main access route to Relleu leads from Villajoyosa via the CV-770, which connects Sella and Orxeta. For groups of 5 to 50 people, the municipality offers guided tours along these routes and also organises workshops for schoolchildren. The Tourist Info Relleu is located in the Casa Consistorial at Plaza Constitución 1. This makes it possible to combine cultural sites, mountain trails, festivals and regional cuisine in line with your own travel plans.

Further places for regional orientation: Montesol, Daya Vieja, Novelda, San Bartolomé, Benidorm, La Vall De Gallinera, Pego, Orito.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.