Discover Genovés: Pilota Valenciana, history and trails

Pilota Valenciana: Museum and Playing Tradition

The Museo de la Pilota opened in Genovés in 2003 and is dedicated to pilota valenciana. Genovés is regarded as the birthplace of this playing tradition. The collection includes different types of balls, protective equipment, photographs, playing clothes and models of different courts. The exhibits offer insights into various aspects of the game: from the ball and equipment to the courts where it is played.

The museum includes a Trinquet de pelota gorda, where this form of the game can be played. If you wish to visit or use the trinquet, check in advance whether it is open to the public. Genovés also has sculptures dedicated to pilota valenciana. These include the bronze figure “El Saque” by Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench, depicting a player.

Local History and Historic Buildings

Genovés was an Arab alquería that belonged to Muslim Xàtiva. In 1762, the town became independent from Xàtiva. The Font de Sant Pasqual offers another tangible connection to the town’s history: the fountain was built in the Baroque style in 1777.

Les Arcadetes del río Albaida, also known as Les Arcadetes de Alboi, is another historic structure. The aqueduct used to supply Xàtiva with water. The two names refer to the same structure and recall its historic connection to the city’s water supply.

The Bajada del Santísimo Cristo del Monte Calvario

The Bajada del Santísimo Cristo del Monte Calvario is celebrated annually in Genovés. Residents, people with ties to Genovés who live elsewhere, and visitors from the comarca take part. The procession goes from the Ermita del Monte Calvario to the Virgen de los Dolores parish church, passing through Calvario, Sant Didac and Rosario streets.

In August 2026, the Bajada was recognized as a Bien Inmaterial de Relevancia Local and added to the Inventario General del Patrimonio Cultural Valenciano. If you are planning your trip around the procession, check the event dates in advance.

Hiking Trails Between Genovés, Alboi and Cova Negra

The Ruta de la Salud passes through Genovés along the route connecting Genovés, Alboi and the Cova Negra natural area. The old Camí d’Alboi connects Genovés with Alboi and the banks of the Albaida River; it runs alongside the river and is used by residents and visitors to reach Cova Negra from there. The two routes offer different ways to connect the settlements with the natural area.

The Senda Andaluza starts at the Fuente de San Juan in Alboi and connects to the Senda Ancha. It is part of the group of four officially approved hiking trails in Genovés. Another hiking trail starts on the banks of the Albaida near the Xopà d’Alboi and the Casa de la Luz. It leads to Peña Blanca, follows the ridge of the Serra de la Solana and continues to the Senda Andaluza; its route follows the boundary with Benigànim. Check current trail conditions before setting out on this hike.

The Senda de la Ombría-Carbonera offers an alternative hiking route across the highest part of the Serra de la Solana. It starts on the Camino Manzano, which is also followed by the Senda Andaluza, and ends at the narrow Portet de Lucia path, which connects to the Senda de la Peña Blanca. From a crossroads, there are views across the entire municipality; the hiking trail there also connects to the Senda Andaluza. The Ruta del Agua de la Costera reaches Genovés via the CV-610; its first waypoint is at the town entrance.

Landscape and Local Cuisine

The Xopà de Alboi is a small poplar grove with a recreation area. If you plan to include this area in your itinerary, check the current condition of the recreation area before visiting. Rice dishes such as “paella amb cigrons,” “arròs amb fessol y naps,” “arròs al forn amb faves i carxofes” and “al forn en tanda” are also mentioned in Genovés.

The different connections offered by the trails can help you choose between them: the Camí d’Alboi runs alongside the river and is used on the way to Cova Negra; the route via Peña Blanca crosses the ridge of the Serra de la Solana, while the Senda de la Ombría-Carbonera runs across the highest part of the mountain ridge. This lets you plan your route around the riverbank, Cova Negra or the highland trails.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Benissoda, Mareny de Barraquetes, Loriguilla, Casas de Cuadra, Segart, Torrent, Villar Del Arzobispo, Quart de Poblet

For the broader travel overview: Valencia.