Discover Sax: Castillo, Natural Area and Cultural History
Sax combines traces of history, viewpoints and paths with local culture. Its defining features include the Castillo de Sax, the historic centre shaped by Arab influences, the natural area around the castle, several paths and circular routes, as well as traditional dishes and festivities. Depending on your travel interests, you can therefore get to know the town from different perspectives, focusing on history, landscape, outdoor activities or local life.
Castillo de Sax and Historic Centre
The Castillo de Sax rises on a limestone ridge on the right bank of the Vinalopó River, 500 metres above sea level. It includes a single-storey Almohad tower dating from the 12th century. The Ayuntamiento de Sax organises guided and unguided visits to the Castillo de Sax. This means you can visit with a guide or explore it independently.
The historic centre of Sax has Arab origins; its streets cling to the rock and follow the contours of the hills. The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in the 1530s. Colonia Santa Eulalia is also part of the town’s history: it is an agricultural colony built in the last decade of the 19th century.
Viewpoints and Paths in the Landscape
The Paraje Natural Municipal Ladera del Castillo de Sax offers views over the Vinalopó Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. The area was designated a protected natural area of the Comunitat Valenciana by a resolution of the Consell dated 11 April 2008. In the El Plano recreational area, a short path leads up a small hill to a viewpoint with extensive panoramic views.
The PRV-144 hiking trail also begins at the El Plano recreational area and is signposted as far as l’Avaiol. The short PRV-25 Elda–Salinas–Elda hiking trail partly passes through the municipality of Sax. In addition, the Ruta de los Sentidos Infantil is a self-guided circular route through Sax. It includes interactive educational panels, each containing two QR codes. The various formats range from a short viewpoint walk to exploring a signposted hiking trail.
Culture, Events and Local Cuisine
The Centro de Estudios y Archivo Municipal Alberto Sols opened in September 2007 in the scientist Alberto Sols’s birthplace. It hosts gatherings, conferences, lectures, exhibitions and concerts. The Teatro Cervantes opened in 1888. Together with the church, colony and historic centre, it forms a cultural spectrum that showcases different periods and types of events in Sax.
Sax has good restaurants where you can try traditional dishes. The traditional Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos in honour of San Blas take place in Sax from 1 February to 5 February. Every year on 1 May, the local population goes on a pilgrimage to the Paraje de la Torre, where the Ermita de San Pancracio is located. Sax can be reached from Alicante via the A-31 motorway in less than half an hour. A visit to the castle, nature trails, cultural programme, cuisine and the two festival dates offer different focal points in Sax.
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If you would like to continue your research beyond Sax, here are more destinations: Ontilles, Beniardá, Relleu, AlmoradÃ, El Mojón, Pedreguer, El Fondó De Les Neus, Barbarroja.
For the broader travel overview: Alicante.
