Discover La Vall De Gallinera: Landscapes, Hiking Trails and History

If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to La Vall de Gallinera, the hiking trails, striking rocky landscape and historic sites may draw your attention to the valley. La Foradada, a 737 m-high rock arch, defines the Vall de Gallinera. A special play of light also connects the landscape with its history: on October 4, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, and March 9, the feast day of Saint Frances of Rome, light shines through the opening of the Foradada shortly before sunset each year, illuminating the remains of the former Franciscan convent of Benitaia.

Landscapes and viewpoints

Between Benirrama, Benialí and Benitaia lies the area of Les Llomes del Xap, with rocky cliffs and outcrops. Because of its rich flora, the Generalitat Valenciana designated it a Flora Micro-Reserve on November 6, 2000. Access is difficult. The protected area covers 4.456 hectares; its protected landscape should therefore not be confused with a freely accessible viewpoint.

For a view across the valley, the Mirador del Xap is a useful landmark. It lies between Benialí and Benissivà and can be reached via a signposted, paved forest track. The viewpoint has safety railings and an information board. From there, you can see the Vall de Gallinera, the mountain ranges of Sierra Foradada, Sierra de L'Albureca, Sierra de L'Almirant and La Safor, as well as villages, cultivated land and wild vegetation.

The topography shaped by agriculture also tells the story of how the valley has been used: dry-stone walling transformed the difficult terrain into a countless succession of terraces and cultivated plots. The Bassa de la Llacuna reveals another kind of landscape. This small pond, formed by clay deposits, lies in a depression, collects rainwater and retains it throughout the year; its water level fluctuates.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The Ruta dels 8 pobles connects the two Font de la Mata springs, which lie at opposite ends of the Vall de Gallinera. It is described as an easy, one-way route of about 14.2 km. The classic Ruta de la Foradada is different: it starts in Benitaia, passes the Sant Andreu Franciscan convent and climbs via the Cova d'en Moragues to the summit. This hike is listed as 9.8 km and of moderate difficulty. The distance, route format and difficulty rating give you concrete points of comparison for planning.

The 300 markers in the Vall de Gallinera help hikers find their way along their route; the signage may be maintained or renewed over time. The Passet de Benirrama is the natural route connecting Benirrama in the valley with the Vall d'Ebo. Plant enthusiasts will find QR codes on the signs along the botanical trail, linking to information about each plant’s characteristics, flowering season and habitats.

Other routes focus on different things. The Corrals de la Carroja circular trail showcases examples of the shepherds’ way of life in these mountains, which they used until about half a century ago. On the route to Castell de Benissili, the trail starts in the village of Benissili, passes through centuries-old olive groves to the regional road, then continues to the castle.

Convent, castle and rock art

The Convento de Benitaia was founded on June 11, 1611, after the expulsion of the Moriscos, for the Discalced Franciscans; it was under the patronage of the Duke of Gandia. The parts of the former convent that are visible today as ruins are also among the places illuminated by the play of light at the Foradada. Thus, on a specific date, a natural phenomenon and the history of the convent come together.

Castell de Benissili preserves the ruins of the residence of the leader Al-Azraq and is considered the last stronghold to surrender to King Jaume I. The route to the castle adds details of the trail to this historical context: it leads from Benissili through old olive groves to the road, then continues from there to its destination.

Rock art is also part of the valley’s cultural heritage. Les Basses del Racó is considered the most important ravine in the Vall de Gallinera in terms of its rock art shelters. One shelter opens to the southeast and lies at the foot of the Sierra de l'Almirant, a few metres from the Gallinera River.

The places and routes described offer different starting points for planning your trip: from the brief light display at the Foradada to viewpoints and terraced landscapes, as well as longer hikes and historic destinations. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Patró, Callosa D'en Sarrià, Biar, Alcoy, Bahía de Jávea, Dolores, San Felipe Neri, Daya Vieja.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.