Discover San Juan De Alicante

San Juan De Alicante brings together routes through the town and along traditional paths, historic buildings, festival traditions and a cuisine in which rice plays a central role. The town’s history is reflected in its chapels and towers; routes vary in length and mode of travel. This gives you specific route information for planning, along with cultural and culinary topics.

Walking and cycling on routes of varying lengths

Route 2, “Camino de Lloixa and Colada de Coix,” is about three kilometres long, follows traditional paths and is suitable for walking. On some sections, roads are shared with vehicles. The ten-kilometre Route 4, “Pasea por Sant Joan,” runs through the town and is also suitable for walking. Route 3, “Caminos de Sant Joan,” offers a different focus: it links traditional paths around Sant Joan d’Alacant, is twelve kilometres long and can be covered on foot or by bicycle. While Route 4 runs through the town, Route 3 links paths around the town.

Route 5, “Pasea por Sant Joan desde Muchavista,” is a 14-kilometre circular route that you can cover on foot or by bicycle. Here, too, some sections run along roads shared with vehicles. At about 24.5 kilometres, Route 1, “Torres de la Huerta,” is the longest of the routes described. It is suitable for cycling, for walking over six to eight hours, or for a multi-stage trip. Road and path conditions on Route 1 may change; conditions along Route 3 may also vary. Check conditions before setting out on these routes.

Chapels, towers and local history

The Ermita del Calvari is an 18th-century chapel and was the endpoint of a Way of the Cross. On Route 1, the “Torres de la Huerta” lead to towers built in the Huerta alicantina between the 16th and 17th centuries. Torre Bonanza is a three-storey prismatic tower; its construction is thought to date to the 16th century. The band of Sant Joan d’Alacant has also been part of the town’s history since its founding in 1871.

The Torre Ansaldo complex includes a chapel with allegorical murals. Its cellar was used to produce numerous wines. Visits are offered Monday to Thursday from 17:00 to 21:30, with advance booking. Check the opening times and booking arrangements again before your visit.

Festivals and cuisine

Festivals are held in Sant Joan d’Alacant every month except November; many folk performances have medieval origins. The pilgrimage to Santa Faz has been held annually between Alicante and the hamlet since the 16th century. If you want to plan your trip around a festival or the pilgrimage, check the specific dates in advance.

Produce from the Huerta alicantina forms the basis of the typical cuisine of Sant Joan d’Alacant. Rice plays a central role; traditional dishes include arroz a la alicantina, arroz con cebolla and olleta. Putxero amb tarongetes is also associated with major celebrations. Each of these dishes and the occasions they are served for gives the culinary tradition its own distinctive character.

Landscape at Monte Calvari

Monte Calvari is equipped as a recreational area and offers picnic spots and views. Shrubland characterises the terrain; a pine forest lies at its southern end. As access conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Santa Pola, Sella, Benimarfull, Albatera, Teulada, Finestrat, Novelda, La Florida.

For the main travel overview: Alicante.