Discover Beniaia: Rock Art, Trails and Village History

Beniaia can be discovered through several layers: sacred art, local history, rock art and paths through a dry landscape shaped by olive and cherry trees come together to create a diverse picture of the village. In Benialí stands the neo-Gothic Església de Sant Roc in the oldest part of the village. In 1961, it was elevated to the status of an independent parish; inside it is an anonymous medieval depiction of Cristo de la Providencia.

Culture and History

Benialí's square also bears traces of history. The church of Benialí stands on the square where the carta de población was signed in 1611. The former Casa de la Senyoria was also located on Benialí's square and served as the headquarters of the PCE during the Second Republic; it also housed a party radio station. El Molinet de Benialí already existed in the 16th century. Its aqueduct now serves as a bridge over the ravine.

The local history of everyday life includes the Font de la Concepció, a fountain within Benialí dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The complex includes a washhouse and a water system that leads via a livestock trough to a basin beside the Les Hortes path. The Almazara de San Roque was built with a traditional rotation system among the village heads of household; construction began before 1954. As part of the annual festivities, the Festes de Benialí take place on the second weekend of August in honour of Saint Michael and the Mare de Déu dels Desemparats, with Moros-i-Cristians celebrations.

Trails and Rock Art

For walks through the village, the Pels Carrers de la Memòria route is available. QR codes convey the stories of marked streets, squares and houses. The PRCV147 Benialí–Alpatró hiking trail is officially certified by the mountaineering and climbing federation of the Valencian Community. It follows a section of the Gallinera River and passes through an agricultural dry landscape in which olive and cherry trees define the scenery.

The Ruta d'Art Rupestre – Jaciment de Benialí route begins in Benialí and leads to a rock-art shelter. The Pinturas de Benialí site comprises five rock shelters with macro-schematic, schematic and Levantine rock art, as well as engravings. The accessible rock shelter IV also features all three forms of art. The Vall de la Gallinera Rock Art Interpretation Centre is located in Benialí Town Hall. From there, a route of approximately ten kilometres begins, connecting two rock-art complexes.

The various trail and sightseeing options make it possible to combine local history, landscape and prehistoric art according to your own daily plans. When staying in a holiday apartment in Beniaia, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation conditions directly alongside one another. Which of these details carries weight depends on your travel plan.

Nature

Between Benirrama, Benialí and Benitaia lies Les Llomes del Xap, a 4,456-hectare plant micro-reserve.

Further Places

You can also visit the pages for Alcoleja, Sanet Y Negrals, L'alfàs Del Pi, La Vila Joiosa, Benissili, Puerto Marino, El Verger and La Mandarina.

Practical Information

The Vall de Gallinera Tourist Office is located in Benialí at Carrer de la Font, 03787. In the municipality of Vall de Gallinera, the Vectalia bus operates on the Alcoi–Pego–Dénia route; there is no service on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.