Villalonga amid Cultural Routes, Nature and Regional Cuisine
Accommodation in Villalonga
Villalonga combines a historically shaped townscape with cultural routes, distinctive landscapes and a cuisine of its own. The present-day townscape developed on the former Muslim layout. Narrow streets and traditional groups of houses such as Cais, La Font and La AlcĂşdia give the town its distinctive architectural character.
Local History and Routes through the Municipality
The “A Walk through Villalonga” cultural route leads to the municipality’s most important cultural sights. The Church of the Holy Kings is one stop on this route, as is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Fountain. Another historic sight is the Sant Antoni i Santa Bà rbara hermitage: the rural hermitage dates from the 17th century and stands on a small hill near Villalonga’s historic centre.
A zigzag path to the hermitage starts from the chapel-square side and passes by the Calvary. Sant Antoni i Santa BĂ rbara can also be reached by car from another part of the municipality. From there, views over the village open up. In this way, the site combines historic architecture with a clear orientation between the centre, the mountain and the outlying districts.
Serpis Greenway and Landscapes
The former Alcoy–Gandia railway line is now the Serpis Greenway. It passes through Villalonga, crosses tunnels, runs alongside old railway features and reaches areas close to nature. A route of approximately ten kilometres follows this former railway line. The railway operated until 1969, was colloquially known as the “trenet dels anglesos” and had connected Alcoi and Gandia since the late 19th century. The route passes through eight tunnels.
Racó del Duc is a natural area on the route from Villalonga to l’Orxa along the former Alcoi–Gandia railway line. Four “fábricas de luz” are located there. The Circo de la Safor offers a different landscape impression: a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains. The remains of the Moorish castle lie 1.5 kilometres from Villalonga and offer panoramic views as well as archaeological evidence.
The area is suitable for rafting and hiking. In Villalonga, you can also go climbing, hiking and mountaineering. The combination of historic route sections, tunnels, mountain landscapes and natural areas therefore appeals both to those interested in observing the landscape and to travellers who want to fill their days with a range of outdoor activities.
Regional Cuisine and Festivals
Blat Picat is part of Villalonga’s culinary identity and is traditionally regarded as a typical local dish. The stew is prepared with meat and vegetables; wheat is used instead of rice. Another speciality is Villalonga’s Coques escaldades. They are made from wheat flour. Varieties include open flatbreads with sardines and pastries filled with wild herbs.
The Fira Gastronòmica i Concurs del Blat Picat is associated with a period around the first weekend of March. The Moros y Cristianos festival also shapes the events calendar: it takes place on the weekend before the patron-saint festivities in October and includes parades as well as central events. Those who assess Villalonga by its townscape, landscape and cuisine will therefore find several different ways to understand the character of the municipality.
Discover More Places
For further regional orientation, you can find Otos, Utiel, Llosa De Ranes, Puig, Riba-Roja De TĂşria, Vilamarxant, Faura and Segart here.
For the overarching travel overview: Valencia.
