Looking for a weekend escape with a breath of fresh air? A short trip to a small town can be exactly what is needed. Benillup, one of the four municipalities in the region, sits along a scenic route that connects Benillup to nearby villages. This destination sits in the heart of the El Comtat region and offers a glimpse into local history and culture, with heritage sites and a peek into traditional life. Travelers can reach it via the CV-170, which links Benillup with Planes, or the CV-704 path from Muro de Alcoy to Benimarfull.
What to Do in Benillup
Benillup makes for a peaceful weekend retreat. This guide highlights the town’s main attractions and practical tips to make the most of a visit. The aim is to help travelers unwind while soaking in the local atmosphere and centuries of history that shape this area.
The village church stands as a centerpiece of the town. Built and dedicated in the 16th century, it is accompanied by a tall bell tower that dominates the town skyline and is visible from several points within the municipality. Located at the town center, the church is a significant visit for those exploring Benillup. [Citation: Local historical records]
Nearby, one of the municipality’s foremost attractions awaits: the ethnological museum housed in the cultural center. Here, visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the community’s traditional crafts, tools, and practices used in oil and wine production—a cornerstone of the local economy that has helped shape daily life for generations.
From this vantage point, visitors can also enjoy remarkable views of the landscape. The Travadell perspective offers a unique panorama of Benillup, including the Travadell Valley, the Almudaina mountains, and neighboring towns such as Beniarrés and Gaianes. These vistas provide a perfect backdrop for photos and quiet reflection while exploring rural Spain. [Citation: regional tourism promotions]
Local cuisine in Benillup features a few standout dishes. Fried figs and other regional specialties tempt the palate, complemented by hearty soups. A traditional soup blends chicken with chickpeas, chorizo, potatoes, and pumpkin, offering a comforting meal for cooler days. For dessert, a classic option is a pudding inspired by leftover ingredients from festive mona de pascua preparations.
Community life in Benillup is marked by annual festivities at the start of August in honor of San Lorenzo and Santa Águeda. These celebrations typically feature dance, sports competitions such as Pilota Valenciana, and a range of games and cultural activities. The calendar showcases a rich program of events each year, though the week of the festival had been interrupted since 2019 due to the pandemic.
Route 99
Route 99 began as a regional project by the Generalitat Valenciana to highlight small towns with fewer than 100 residents. Among Alicante province’s four Route 99 municipalities are Famorca, Tollos, Benillup, and Benimassot. Each stop offers a chance to explore distinctive local gastronomy, crafts, and stories that reveal the character of these secluded places on the Valencia map. Visitors can stamp an identity document in each town along the route, similar to other pilgrimage paths, adding a personal keepsake to the experience. [Citation: Generalitat Valenciana publication]
Exploring these towns makes for an ideal weekend getaway. Travelers can weave in short walks and gentle excursions, discovering hidden gems across the province. The route invites travelers to slow down, savor the scenery, and meet residents who carry forward centuries of regional traditions.