Fontanars Dels Alforins: Wine, Trails and Rural Valencia

Fontanars dels Alforins showcases Valencia’s agricultural side. The Alforins plateau is bordered by the Serra Grossa and the Serra de Beneixama and forms a mosaic of vineyards, grain fields and olive groves. Wine, trails, local festivals and rural history come together here to create a diverse setting for planning your trip.

Wine and Local Impressions

Fontanars dels Alforins produces red and white wines at major local wineries, which are classified under the D.O. Valencia designation. Vinya Alforí offers a guided tour of the vineyards with a wine tasting as a 90-minute experience in the vineyard and winery. Casa Los Frailes also offers winery tours; advance reservation is required. The Mercat dels Diumenges provides another insight into local life: every Sunday, the market takes place in the main square of Fontanars dels Alforins and offers fresh produce as well as local handicrafts.

Mediterranean Landscape and Local Recreation

Fontanars dels Alforins has hiking and cycling routes through Mediterranean landscapes in the area around the Paratge Natural de la Duquessa. Les Piles and Barranc de Peres are recreational areas in Fontanars dels Alforins. The now-disused Casa Forestal de l’Alt del Moro is a viewpoint overlooking the municipality of Fontanars dels Alforins. The landscape experiences therefore range from trails through the surrounding countryside to places where the character of the plateau can be viewed from a different perspective.

Routes Through History

The Tarahumara Trail from Fontanars dels Alforins runs through vineyards, Mediterranean forests and mountain paths and is suitable for both hikers and trail runners. The Ruta de la Calç comprises five hiking or cycling routes exploring the cultural, industrial and architectural heritage of lime production in Fontanars dels Alforins. These five routes are associated with 22 restored lime kilns. The Sendera de la Via Augusta includes the Moixent–La Zafra section as well as an additional connecting branch. Route 1 of the lime routes is 6.1 kilometres long and begins at Carrer d’Alfons XIII.

Hamlets, Buildings and Festivals

Ca Vidal is an old hamlet that developed around the lands of the Marqués de Vellisca and was connected to the agricultural way of life. From Fontanars dels Alforins, you can reach Ca Vidal via a footpath and a cycle path. A walk through the hamlet offers the opportunity to learn about the history of one of the oldest settlements in Fontanars dels Alforins and rural Valencian life. The church in Fontanars dels Alforins was built in the Neoclassical style and houses several interesting religious artworks. The bell tower dates from 1916 and features Neo-Mudéjar elements. The Moros i Cristians festivals take place on the first weekend of September in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary.

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can first decide whether wine tastings and winery tours, the Sunday market, cultural and historical walks, or hiking and cycling routes should shape your stay. These priorities give your trip planning a clear direction and make Fontanars dels Alforins an interesting destination for different daily rhythms.

You can find more ideas for places to visit at Jarafuel, Villargordo Del Cabriel, Torres Torres, Moncada, Paterna, Alboraya, Santa María de Bonaire and Palma de Gandía.

For the higher-level travel overview: Valencia.