Benigembla – Trails, Culture and Flavour in the Vall de Pop
Accommodation in Benigembla
The PR-CV 427 route begins in Benigembla and leads to the summit of Cocoll, where a geodetic point is located at the summit.
Hiking and Trails
A 2.99-kilometre, moderately difficult route to Cova de la Cistella starts at Plaça de Baldomero Vega. At the end of the route, access is via ropes. The 2.52-kilometre, moderately difficult linear Camí dels Moros a la carena del Penyó also begins at Plaça de Baldomero Vega. The different distances and trail types can be compared directly for personal daily planning.
The Camí dels Moros was used by the Moriscos to reach Cavall Verd during the resistance against the king, when the expulsion of all Moriscos from the Kingdom of Valencia had been ordered. The trail reaches El Penyó at an altitude of 720 metres. From there, there are views of Coll de Rates, Montgó, the Sierras de Seguili and Segària, as well as the road between the Vall de Guadalest via Tàrbena and the Vall de Pop.
The Va de sentits route in Benigembla uses QR codes and turns the Vall de Pop into an interactive open-air museum. For cycling, the Vall de Laguar BTT route passes through Benigembla on a circular course around Cavall Verd; the approximately 30-kilometre route has significant changes in elevation. The PR-465 Senda del Badall i les Fonts circular hiking route runs along the south-western slope of Benigembla.
The Camí de Pedra i Aigua connects Benigembla with Benissa, Senija, Llíber, Xaló, Alcalalí, Parcent and Murla in the Vall de Pop. Along the riverbed, the route reaches Benigembla and passes through an area of nature and fauna.
Landscape and Water
The Río Gorgos is a defining feature of Benigembla and is connected with the hydraulic heritage preserved there, including aqueducts, water basins and springs. In October 1957, severe flooding led to the construction of a containment and protective wall along the riverbank near Benigembla.
Culture and History
The Església de Sant Josep in Benigembla was built in three phases: the bell tower was completed in 1833, the church in 1895 and the interior in 1913. The church has a neoclassical design, while the Baroque bell tower has a square floor plan, three sections and a double-pointed finish. A sundial is located on the main façade.
El Sindicat is the sociocultural centre in the building of Benigembla’s former agricultural cooperative. It has a neoclassical design and contains Rococo and French Baroque elements. Various events and festivals take place at the sociocultural centre, including the Sant Antoni festival in January.
At El Safareig in Benigembla, women gathered to wash bedsheets, blankets, towels and clothes.
Festivals and Flavour
The local festivals in Benigembla are celebrated from 12 to 17 August in honour of Sant Josep, Sant Agustí, Sant Francesc and the Mare de Déu de l'Assumpció. The Sant Honorat and Sant Antoni festivals take place on 16 and 17 January.
In Benigembla, visitors can try various types of coca: fried coca with tomato and anchovies, oven-baked coca, as well as coca escaldada prepared on a griddle, also known as minxos, with different fillings. Olive oil from Benigembla is traditionally tasted with a piece of bread or with tomato.
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