Xaló: History, Wine and Routes through the Vall de Pop

Xaló brings history, routes and regional products to life at specific sites. In the historic quarter, there are ceramic wayside shrines from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Ruta del Xaló històric leads through the oldest part of Xaló, the Ràfol de Xaló, and along narrow, winding streets dating back to the Mudéjar period.

Historic Sites and Local History

The Iglesia Parroquial de Santa María was built between the 18th and 19th centuries in the Neoclassical style. Its floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross, with three naves and an octagonal bell tower. The main altar features the image known as the “Virgen Pobre”, the patron saint of Xaló.

The routes through the town also explore historical themes. The Ruta dels Martorells includes the Plaça de Xaló, La Senyoria, the Alqueria de Benibrai, the Pas Estret and the Muntanya del Benibrai, now known as the Devesa. The Museu Etnològic i Arqueològic de Xaló comprises three rooms devoted to prehistory, archaeological heritage and local ethnology. Its exhibits illustrate local traditions and ways of life throughout history.

Water, Fountains and Routes through the Landscape

The Bassa de Sapena o dels Arcs is an 18th-century water reservoir. Arches and columns cross the reservoir; they formerly supported the roof. At the Bassa, direction and information signs point to two access routes and allow visitors to explore the site freely. The site is close to the town centre and can be reached on foot. The Ruta dels Pous leads to four historic fountains that supplied Xaló with water before the introduction of the drinking-water system.

At Parque Botánico El Tossalet, you can discover the native flora of the Vall de Pop and use hiking trails. The park also serves as a traditional Stations of the Cross. The route passes a lime kiln and numerous fountains; these structures are considered culturally valuable. Xaló lists the Serra de Bèrnia, with the Font de Cabanyes and the ruins of the fort, as a landscape destination.

Wine, Markets and Regional Traditions

The Museu del vi Masserof is an active wine museum in an 11th-century finca. Organic wine produced using traditional methods is made there, and visitors can tour the museum. Xaló is also one of the participating municipalities in the Ruta dels Riuraus. In the Marina Alta, this route showcases the historical heritage of the Muscat grape and the riuraus along hiking and cycling routes.

Xaló has a market focusing on organic farming and traditional products from the region. These include tomatoes, lettuce, eggs, organic wine and Mistela. The Festa en honor a la Mare de Déu Pobra is celebrated on the third Monday in October. It includes traditional dances from Xaló, the “les danses”, as well as the distribution of “pambenet”, a local pastry speciality.

Festivals Throughout the Year

The Festa del Romer takes place every year on the last Saturday in April. The festival includes a pilgrimage to Hondo de la Solana to collect rosemary and the eating of traditional “bollos”, filled pastries with peas.

Xalónia has taken place every year since 2012 on the first weekend of the year and showcases local crafts. It brings together the Fira del vi i de l’embotit tradicional, the Fira del comerç i artesanal, the Festival de música i Cultura popular and the Fira solidària. Xalónia presents local products and local cuisine; it also features a crafts exhibition and performances in the historic centre. The Fiestas en Honor a Sant Doménec take place at the Ermita de Sant Doménec and in the Plaza Mayor.

The Ermita de Santo Domingo can be visited on Saturday mornings or by appointment. The Tourist Info Vall de Pop is located on Paseo de la Alameda in Xaló.

More destinations for planning your trip: Monforte Del Cid, Portichol, Beniarbeig, Guardamar Del Segura, La Vila Joiosa, Tabarca, La Vall D'alcalà, Gaianes.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Alicante.