Genovés: Valencian Pilota, History and Hiking Trails

Experience and understand Valencian pilota

Genovés is considered the birthplace of Valencian pilota. The Museo de la Pilota opened in 2003 and is dedicated to this sporting tradition. Its collection includes different types of balls, protective equipment, photographs, playing clothes and models of different types of playing courts. The objects show different aspects of the game, from the materials used to the different playing courts. This makes Valencian pilota a tangible cultural theme for your stay.

The museum also has a trinquet de pelota gorda, where this version of the game can be played. Check in advance whether public access is possible during your visit. Genovés also has sculptures dedicated to Valencian pilota. These include “El Saque”, a bronze figure by Ignacio Pinazo Camarlench depicting a player.

History, buildings and an annual festival

The town’s history dates back to an Arab alquería that belonged to Muslim Xàtiva. In 1762, Genovés became independent from Xàtiva. Historic buildings include the Font de Sant Pasqual, a fountain built in the Baroque style in 1777. Les Arcadetes del río Albaida, also known as Les Arcadetes de Alboi, is a hundred-metre-long aqueduct that formerly supplied water to Xàtiva. The municipality is working to restore or reclaim historic sites in the town centre, including the Ermita del Cristo del Calvari.

The annual Bajada del Santísimo Cristo del Monte Calvario is a lively part of local life. Participants include residents, people who live elsewhere but have ties to Genovés, and visitors from the comarca. The procession goes from the Ermita del Monte Calvario to the parish church of Virgen de los Dolores and through Calvario, Sant Didac and Rosario streets. In August 2026, the Bajada was recognised as Bien Inmaterial de Relevancia Local and added to the Inventario General del Patrimonio Cultural Valenciano. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the date in advance.

Trails between Genovés, Alboi and the Albaida

The routes have different starting points and connections. The Senda Andaluza begins at the Fuente de San Juan in Alboi, connects with the Senda Ancha and is part of the group of four officially approved hiking trails in Genovés. The Ruta de la Salud passes through Genovés along the route connecting the town, Alboi and the Cova Negra natural area. The old Senda Camí d’Alboi connects Genovés with Alboi and the banks of the Albaida River. It follows the river and is used to reach Cova Negra from there.

Another hiking trail starts by the river at 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, running along the boundary with Benigànim. Check the current trail conditions in advance. An alternative route over the highest part of the Serra de la Solana is the Senda de la Ombría-Carbonera: it begins on the Camino Manzano, which is also followed by the Senda Andaluza, and ends at the narrow Portet de Lucia path, which connects with the Senda de la Peña Blanca.

Another hiking trail starts in the town centre, climbs gently to a prominent peak in the municipality and passes through a small pine forest on the northern slope of the Serra Grossa. From a junction, a hiking trail also offers a view over the entire municipality and connects with the Senda Andaluza. The Xopà de Alboi adds a different landscape feature to these routes: it is a small poplar grove with a recreational area. Route directions are also clear: the Ruta del Agua de la Costera reaches Genovés via the CV-610; its first waypoint is at the entrance to the town.

This mix of culture and hiking offers practical guidance when searching for a holiday apartment. You can focus on the historic buildings and Valencian pilota, explore the trails or combine both.

Rice dishes from Genovés

Genovés is also associated with several rice dishes. These include “paella amb cigrons”, “arròs amb fessol y naps”, “arròs al forn amb faves i carxofes” and “al forn en tanda”. The different names give you a specific starting point if you are also interested in local cuisine while planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Zarra, Cofrentes, Estivella, Montroy, Catarroja, Moncada, La Presa, Siete Aguas.

See the overview of the wider region: Valencia.