La Vall De Gallinera – Rock Arch, Hiking Trails and Cultural Heritage

La Vall De Gallinera combines striking natural formations, historical traces and varied trails. On 4 October, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, and on 9 March, the feast day of Saint Frances of Rome, shortly before sunset sunlight passes through the opening of La Foradada and illuminates the remains of the former Franciscan convent of Benitaia.

Further town pages can be opened via Patró, Els Poblets, Castalla, Altea, La Vall De Laguar, Alfafara, San Miguel De Salinas and Parcent.

Nature and Views

La Foradada is a large rock arch 737 m high that characterises the Vall de Gallinera. The Les Llomes del Xap protected area covers 4.456 hectares. It consists of an area with rocky cliffs and outcrops between Benirrama, Benialí and Benitaia. Because of its floristic richness, it was designated a flora micro-reserve by the Generalitat Valenciana on 6 November 2000; access is difficult.

The difficult topography of the Vall de Gallinera was transformed, using dry-stone walling techniques, into a countless series of terraces or cultivated areas. The Bassa de la Llacuna is a small pond formed by clay deposits in a depression. It collects rainwater and retains it throughout the year, with its water level fluctuating.

The Mirador del Xap is located between Benialí and Benissivà. It can be reached via a signposted paved forest track and has protective railings and an information board. From there, you can overlook the Vall de Gallinera, the surrounding mountain ranges of Sierra Foradada, Sierra de L'Albureca, Sierra de L'Almirant and La Safor, as well as the villages, cultivated areas and naturally growing vegetation.

On the botanical nature trail, each sign uses a QR code to provide information about the characteristics of the respective plant, its flowering period and its habitats.

Hiking and Trails

The Ruta dels 8 pobles connects the two Font de la Mata springs, each located at one end of the Vall de Gallinera. It is an easy route of approximately 14.2 km in one direction only. The classic Ruta de la Foradada starts in Benitaia, passes the Sant Andreu Franciscan convent and climbs via the Cova d'en Moragues to the summit. This Ruta de la Foradada is a moderately difficult hiking trail measuring 9.8 km.

The Passet de Benirrama is the natural route connecting Benirrama in the Gallinera valley with the Vall d'Ebo. Fourteen hiking trails are recorded for the Vall de Gallinera. In addition, 300 markers help hikers avoid losing their bearings along their route.

The different lengths, difficulty levels and route types make it possible to compare the hiking options directly.

When staying in a holiday apartment in La Vall De Gallinera, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation conditions side by side on the respective offer pages. This allows you to assess the details of different options according to your own schedule and organisational requirements before choosing accommodation.

Culture and History

The Convento de Benitaia was founded on 11 June 1611 for the Discalced Franciscans, under the patronage of the Duke of Gandia, following the expulsion of the Moriscos.

Castell de Benissili preserves the ruins of the residence of the leader Al-Azraq and is regarded as the last stronghold to surrender to King Jaume I. The path to Castell de Benissili begins in Benissili, leads between centuries-old olive trees to the regional road and continues from there to the castle.

The Corrals de la Carroja circular route showcases good examples of the lives of the shepherds who used these mountains until around half a century ago. Les Basses del Racó is considered the most significant gorge in the Vall de Gallinera in terms of its rock-art shelters.

The rock-art shelter opens towards the southeast and lies at the foot of the Sierra de l'Almirant, a few metres from the Gallinera River.

Local Produce

Seasonal produce from the Vall de Gallinera includes cherries, vegetables, almonds, walnuts, saffron milk caps, game and olives. The olives are used to produce its own oil at the olive oil mill in Benialí.

To the overarching travel overview: Alicante.