Sella: Mountain Landscapes, Waterways and History
Accommodation in Sella
If you’re planning a hotel stay in Sella, you can focus on the themes that shape the town: mountain landscapes, historic water management, architecture and recurring festivals. Whether you’re more interested in hiking, discovering local history or planning around an event can help you choose the right time to visit and what to focus on.
Sella between the Sierra Aitana and the valley
Sella lies on the southern slope of the Sierra Aitana, at the foot of the Penya de Sella. The valley was shaped by the Sella and Amadorio rivers. Terraced orchards line the slopes, fed by numerous springs and bounded by dry-stone walls. At the Salt weir, the Arc and Sella rivers meet. Water is therefore part of both the landscape and the town’s history: it shaped how the slopes were used and is the subject of a walking route through the historic irrigation system.
Hiking and outdoor activities
The Ruta de l’Aigua (SL-CV 112) is an easy, 6.3-kilometre circular route; the approximate walking time is two hours and 45 minutes. From the springs, the route passes through Sella’s historic irrigation system, with its canals and basins. It runs through terraced orchards to the historic centre and Plaça Major. This clearly defined route brings together water engineering, cultural landscape and the town centre.
Other hiking trails run along the l’Arc and Xarquer-Castellets ravines. If you’re interested in climbing, it’s possible year-round in the Barranc de l’Arc; check the current local conditions before taking part. Paragliding takes place at Alt de Sella in the Barranc de Tagarina. Check the current launch-site conditions and applicable rules in advance. These activity details refer to different locations and activities; they do not imply that a trail is connected to a launch site.
Pilota Valenciana is also part of the town’s sporting offer. The Les Saleres municipal sports centre has a covered 35 × 9-metre trinquet, where several disciplines can be played. Contact is required to use the facility. Sunday Pilota Valenciana competitions are cited as a recurring tradition; confirm before your visit whether a competition is scheduled for your travel dates.
Castle, architecture and local history
Sella Castle has Almohad origins. A section of its 12th-century rammed-earth wall remains. The complex comprising Sella Castle and the Ermita de Santa BĂ rbara is designated a BIC and catalogued as a BRL. The Torre i Palau de la BaronĂa tells a different architectural story: the Barons of Agres and Sella began its construction in 1507, and the tower was built between 1530 and 1563. It has a Gothic portal, and its ground floor was used as a prison.
The church of Santa Anna is also linked to a specific historical figure: Jaume Congost was its master builder and worked there in the first half of the 18th century. La Font, in turn, was the main access to the town centre until the road was built in 1920. As early as the beginning of the 17th century, the town’s only spring for the human water supply was located there. Rock paintings at the Font de l’Arc are said to be between 4,000 and 6,000 years old.
Les Voltes was part of the historic CamĂ del Peix trade route through Sella. It had stables and inns for travellers passing through at the time. The historic water-powered grain mills also illustrate how water was used: they were built to harness water power for processing grain and supplying the population. The local legend of El tresor del DivĂ has also been passed down. Rooted in oral tradition, it tells of the discovery of a treasure around 250 years ago.
Festivals and dates
The Festes Patronals in honour of the Divina Aurora take place in the first week of October. The programme includes a procession at dawn, accompanied by a rondalla. On 4 December, the Festa de Santa Bárbara is celebrated with fireworks and a pilgrimage to the Ermita de Santa Bárbara. If you’d like to plan your trip around a celebration, check the specific dates in advance.
At the start of summer, the Muestra de Productos y Cultura Mediterránea is held annually. This fair showcases handicrafts, gastronomy and folk culture. If you’re planning to attend, it’s a good idea to confirm the latest dates and programme. When choosing your stay in Sella, you can decide whether to focus mainly on exploring the landscape and historic sites or to combine your trip with a recurring festival.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Biar, La Vall De Laguar, San Isidro, Benferri, Cocentaina, Beniaia, La Romana, TĂ rbena.
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
