Villalonga: Moorish Traces, Serpis Greenway and Regional Cuisine

Villalonga reveals its history not only through individual buildings: the present-day urban structure developed on the former Muslim layout and includes narrow streets and traditional groups of houses such as Cais, La Font and La Alcúdia. It brings the historic townscape to life while also showcasing the connection between culture, nature and regional cuisine.

Other places: Salem, Monserrat, Piles, Sumacàrcer, Calles, Picassent, Rugat, Yátova

Culture

The remains of the Moorish castle are 1.5 kilometres from Villalonga and offer panoramic views as well as archaeological evidence.

The rural hermitage of Sant Antoni i Santa Bàrbara dates from the 17th century. It stands on a small hill near Villalonga’s historic centre and can be reached via a zigzag path from the side of the chapel square. The path passes the Stations of the Cross; the hermitage can also be reached by car from another part of the town and offers views over the village.

The Moros y Cristianos festival takes place on the weekend before the patron saint festivities in October and includes parades as well as central events.

The “A Walk through Villalonga” cultural route leads to the municipality’s most important cultural sights; the Church of the Holy Kings and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Spring are stops on this route.

Nature

The Circo de la Safor is a natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains.

Racó del Duc is a natural area on the route from Villalonga to l’Orxa along the former Alcoi–Gandia railway line; it is home to four “fábricas de luz”.

Routes and activities

The former Alcoy–Gandia railway line is now the Serpis Greenway and passes through Villalonga. It runs through tunnels, past old railway features and through natural areas; an approximately ten-kilometre route along this line passes through eight tunnels.

The line connected Alcoi and Gandia from the late 19th century, operated until 1969 and was colloquially known as the “trenet dels anglesos”.

The area is suitable for rafting and hiking; climbing, hiking and mountaineering can be practised in Villalonga. The cultural route, the approximately ten-kilometre path and the various types of activity can be compared side by side for your own planning.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Villalonga, you can check travel dates, apartment type and cancellation policies on the respective offer page. For thematic orientation when planning your own trip, the cultural route, natural areas, paths, activities and regional cuisine are presented as different areas of focus.

Cuisine

Blat Picat is traditionally considered a typical dish of Villalonga; the stew consists of meat and vegetables, with wheat used instead of rice.

Villalonga’s Coques escaldades 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 scheduled approximately for the first weekend in March.

For the broader travel overview: Valencia.