Els Poblets: Roman Times, Watchtower and Patron Saint Festivities

Els Poblets offers several clearly distinct points of interest for planning a trip: Roman traces, defensive architecture, ecclesiastical building history, patron saint festivities and the landscape along the Girona River. If you choose hotels based on the character of your destination, these topics can help you weigh up history, travel dates and local activities.

Roman Traces and Historic Buildings

The coastal strip of Els Poblets lies along the route of the Roman Via Augusta. Another Roman highlight is the archaeological site of l'Almadrava, which operated as a maritime villa from the 1st to the 5th century AD. The excavated area of the site is part of a Roman country estate, specifically a pottery workshop. The visible area includes workers' quarters, large drying sheds, water wells and kilns. While the Via Augusta refers to a Roman transport route, l'Almadrava is notable for its villa and pottery workshop.

The Torre de Mira-rosa was built during the architectural transition between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. It is 11 metres high and has three interior levels. As a watchtower, it was used to monitor access to the settlement from the Girona River. The Girona is also the main watercourse that shapes the landscape of Els Poblets. The river is therefore both a landscape feature and part of the tower's historical function.

In Els Poblets, the Route dels Tres Pobles passes the Church of Sant Josep, the Salvador Church, manor houses from the period of agricultural prosperity, and the Molí or Mira-rosa Tower. The Església del Diví Salvador is the oldest church and currently the municipality's only parish church. Alongside the Roman remains, the churches, manor houses and tower offer different points of reference for the area's history and architecture.

Festivities, Sports and Local Cuisine

The patron saint festivities of Els Poblets in honour of the Diví Salvador begin every year on 28 July and last until 6 August. A parade by the filaes de Moros i Cristians is part of the festivities on 5 August. Check the dates again before your trip; programme details may change. You can factor both the date range and the specific parade date into your travel plans.

Pilota Valenciana is still played in Els Poblets; the sport is native to Valencia. The municipal sports complex has a gym, three tennis courts, a frontenis court, a swimming pool and a futsal court that is also used for basketball and handball. The facilities have generous opening hours. If you would like to include them in your plans, check availability and reservation requirements again before your trip.

One of the typical dishes of Els Poblets is Guisado de bull con cebolla. If local cuisine is also a factor in choosing your destination, this dish is a specific point of reference.

Coast, Landscape and Getting There

Near l'Almadrava, in the surroundings of Els Poblets, there are small natural dunes and a small park. The Pedra dels Salvador, a stone with a Roman posthole opening that has a strong local tradition in Els Poblets, is preserved in the park. Also nearby is l'Almadrava, a 2.9-kilometre-long pebble beach directly in front of the municipal area. Administratively, the beach belongs to the northern part of Dénia.

When travelling via the A-7, you can reach Els Poblets either by taking exit 61 near Oliva or exit 62 near Ondara.

Discover more destinations: Orxeta, Polop, Muro De Alcoy, Biar, Benimarfull, Casas del Señor, Pilar De La Horadada, Beniarrés.

See the wider travel overview: Alicante.