Discover Genovés: pilota valenciana, history and hiking trails

A distinctive introduction to Genovés is through pilota valenciana. The Museo de la Pilota opened in the town in 2003. It displays balls, protective equipment, photographs, playing clothes and models of playing courts. The attached Trinquet de pelota gorda allows visitors to practise this form of pilota valenciana. Several other forms of pilota valenciana are also played at the Trinquet in Genovés.

Culture and history

Genovés was an Arab alquería that belonged to Muslim Xàtiva and became independent from Xàtiva in 1762. Genovés is regarded as the birthplace of pilota valenciana. This tradition is also present in public spaces: Genovés is home to “El Saque”, a bronze sculpture by Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench depicting a pilota valenciana player.

The historic areas in the town centre include the Ermita del Cristo del Calvari; it is one of the areas that have been restored. The Font de Sant Pasqual is a fountain built in 1777 in the Baroque style. Les Arcadetes del río Albaida, also known as Les Arcadetes de Alboi, are a Gothic aqueduct. In the past, Les Arcadetes del río Albaida, or Les Arcadetes de Alboi, supplied Xàtiva with water.

Festivals and local life

The Bajada del Santísimo Cristo del Monte Calvario is a procession held annually in Genovés. Residents, people living outside the town who have a connection with it, and visitors from the comarca take part. In August 2026, the Bajada del Santísimo Cristo del Monte Calvario was recognised as an Intangible Asset of Local Relevance and included in the General Inventory of Valencian Cultural Heritage.

The procession runs from the Ermita del Monte Calvario to the parish church of Virgen de los Dolores, passing along Calvario, Sant Didac and Rosario streets.

Trails and nature

The trails around Genovés have different points of focus in terms of their starting points, routes and relationship to the landscape. The Senda Andaluza begins at the Fuente de San Juan in Alboi, joins the Senda Ancha and forms part of the group of four officially approved hiking trails in Genovés.

The Ruta de la Salud passes through Genovés; it connects Genovés, Alboi and the Cova Negra natural area. The Senda Camí d’Alboi is a riverside trail that connects Genovés with Alboi and, from there, provides access to the Cova Negra natural area.

Another trail starts on the banks of the Albaida River near the Xopà d’Alboi and the Casa de la Luz, reaches Peña Blanca and joins the Senda Andaluza. One hiking trail starts in the centre of Genovés, climbs with little change in elevation to a prominent summit in the municipality and passes through a small pine forest on the northern side of the Serra Grossa.

Other places

Other destination pages include Montroy, Oliva, Llanera de Ranes, Cofrentes, Sagunto, Alpuente, Masalavés and Villargordo Del Cabriel.

Geographical setting

Genovés forms part of an excursion route connecting Xàtiva, Novetlè, Genovés and Barxeta. The Ruta del Agua de la Costera reaches Genovés via the CV-610; the route’s first sign is located at the entrance to the town.

For the main travel overview: Valencia.