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Inland Spain is beautiful! In many places it's like stepping back in time.
We like the Ayora valley because it contrasts the typical Spanish villages with lush green valley.
It's a lovely place to be and yet it's not much more than an hour from the coast where you can choose from places like
Alicante, Valencia or the blue flag beaches of Gandia.
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Ayora Valley
Ayora Valley
Ayora
(a 10 minute drive) is the largest town in the valley with lots of shops, bars and restaurants.
Plus a Castle. A thriving market town where there is always something going on.
Cofrentes
Is the other end of the valley (about 20 minutes in the car).
Aside from the power station there are some wonderful views.
You can take a river boat trip through the picturesque scenery.
Or drive on through the hills to the fascinating Cortes de Pallas
There are also a number of smaller villages in the valley each with their own charm.
Nearest to Zarra is Teresa de Cofrentes,
Then closer to Cofrentes are Jarafuel and Jalance.
They are all worth seeing having such diverse attractions as a Castle, caves and even
a walking stick factory. One thing they all have in common is the amazing scenery.
REQUENA
The drive to Requena follows a panoramic scenic road through wine countryside. The town was formerly a Moorish fortress, occupying a strong position in the mountainous region of Las Cabrillas (1000 meter). It is dominated by the ancient citadel of the Moors, and still has traces of the original town walls.The main attraction of this town is the "La Villa" neighborhood, the old walled Arab quarter with its narrow streets, which dates from XI century and was declared an Historic-Artistic ensemble of national interest in 1966 due to its churches & buildings of cultural importance.
In this beautiful neighborhood you can see the Gothic church of Santa María, declared a national monument; the church of San Nicolas, which dates from the 13th century but was partly restored in 1727, and the ancient Carmen convent where "la Virgen de los Dolores" is venerated.
Under the streets of "La Villa" exits a labyrinth of passages and rooms excavated in the rocks several centuries ago by the Arabs, most of which were destined for warehousing grains. These caves can be accessed from the plaza. There is an interesting wine museum on Calle Somera documenting the history of wine production since the time of the Phoenicians.
Around Requena there are other places of interest, for example "La torre del homenaje"- the remains of an Arab fortress; "El arco del Ovejero", also of Arab origin; the Cid palace, rebuilt in the XV century; "La casa de Santa Teresa"; house of the "corregidor"; "La casa del Arte Mayor de la Seda"; The medieval arches of Paniagua alley, etc.
If you go on a Saturday you can combine the visit to the old town with the large weekly market in the main square.
At the end of August enjoy the wine festival, Fiesta de Vendimia, when over 3 days stalls are set up in the square with wine tasting of the local wines from the Teruel Valley, to celebrate the endof the harvest. The market is dedicated to the Patron Saint of the city- the Virgin of Sorrow and is held at the Avenida del Arrabal and features stalls and other such attractions. A highlight of the event is the popular “Noche de la Zurra” in which the people go round the streets asking for water, which is then thrown at them from buckets and hoses. Other important events include the “Noche de los Racimos”, the offering of fruits and flowers to the Patron Saint of the city, the wine market (FEREVIN), and the Harvest procession. The latter goes from the town hall to the harvest monument where the treading of the grapes and blessing of the first unfermented grape juice take place. Visitors and locals can then drink from the ‘wine fountains’, wood and cardboard monuments, until they are burned on the final day of the festival.
For programme information, go to:- www.fiestavendimiarequena
Requena has a tradition in winemaking dating from the Phoenicians, perfected by the Romans & later the Moors. Wineries here use the traditional methods of production with the latest technology & a modern touch to create award winning wines. Many of the wines are still fairly unknown outside Spain but the Domination is gaining stature, two Cava Bruts selected as "Best Cava in Spain"at the Madrid Enoforum in 2005 & 2006 to name but a few of the successes. Some wineries offer tours of their establishments.
Excursions
The area of Requena also offers several beautiful natural walks, for example, "La Fuente Podrida", situated about 32 Km. outside the city, near the Cabriel river. It is famous for its sulphorous springs that have mineral and medicinal properties.
From the village of Rebollar you can begin the ascent to the peak of Tejo, that is 1,250 meters high. From the top of this mountain you can enjoy a nice view of the Requena-Utiel region.
Another area of beautiful landscapes near Requena is "Casas del Río", at a distance of 26 Km, next to the River Cabriel where a large ancient waterwheel has been renovated. A visit to the water source of Canaleja, situated about 18 Km from the city and located next to the Magro river, is also worthwhile.
Almansa
Is a 15 minute drive from Ayora.
This is a larger town which has our nearest railway station, hospital and also lots of shops. There is also a Castle with many steps but lovely views.
Alcala del Jucar
This is about 45 minutes from the Casita. It is a 15th century village with Castle and Church Tower.
The houses are piled crazily one on top of the other up the steep bank of the river Jucar.
Lots of restaurants and a very pretty setting.
More information here
Villena
This is also around 45 minutes where there is another Castle which is well worth a visit.
Alcoi & Elche
Both a little under an hours drive and featuring the 'Red Fountain' National Park which is free
and the Botanical Gardens which export palm trees all over the world.
Busot Caves
A little over an hours drive (Not far from Alicante) and described as
'A Cathedral Underground' There are multi-lingual tours.
Cuevas del Canelobre
10.30am - 16.50
take exit 67 from the A7
tel. 965 699 250
679 669 852
Xativa Castle
Very good value! You can spend several hours here as the Castle remains cover a large area.
The Restaurant also does a very reasonable set lunch.
Guadalest (Beniardo)
A 2-3 hour drive but with lots to see when you get there
Gandia coastal town with blue flag beaches
The slow (pretty) route takes more than 2 hours. Follow N330 through Ayora, then turn left at 590 via Canals or Xàtiva
A faster route (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes) Follow the N330 via Ayora to the outskirts of Almansa, where you turn left onto the A31. After a short distance, the road divides and you must follow the A35 and then continue to the CV40 and then the C60 which takes you to the outskirts of Gandia.
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