Alicante’s four towns on Route 99 are ideal for a weekend visit
Route 99 invites travelers to explore a network of small Valencian towns that make up the heart of Valencia’s geography. This route highlights twenty-four towns with fewer than one hundred residents each, offering a glimpse into intimate cultural scenes and rich gastronomic traditions. The experience can be stamped across each municipality in a manner similar to the Camino de Santiago, adding a personal identity to every stop. Travelers can pursue Route 99 by family, on a motorbike, by bicycle, or on foot, making it a versatile choice for different itineraries and levels of adventure. The essence of this journey lies in discovering the country heart of the community through its tiny towns and the stories they preserve.
Alicante’s four towns on Route 99 are ideal for a weekend visit
One notable stop on this remarkable route is Famorca, a small municipality with only about 45 registered inhabitants. Nestled in the valley of the Gorgos River, Famorca sits in a landscape that blends the rugged charm of the mountains with quiet agricultural rhythms. The town is linked to neighboring communities such as Tollos, Confrides, and Beniardá, and reaching it generally requires a vehicle since the primary access runs along the CV-720 road that threads between the Hoya de Alcoy and Marina Alta regions. This location suits explorers who appreciate a blend of scenic drives and compact village life, where time feels unhurried and the local ambiance remains authentic.
A photographic journey through the towns of Route 99
Festivals and local events mark the calendar in many of the towns along Route 99. The first week of August often features patron saint celebrations, with San Cayetano among the focal points of community gatherings. The local economy traditionally leans on olive and almond cultivation, complemented by orchards of cherry, apple, and pear trees. The seasonal rhythms influence markets, seasonal produce, and the quiet energy that characterizes life in these small towns. Visitors can photograph the interplay of agricultural practice and historic streets, capturing the sense of place that defines this region and its people.
A trip to publicize the value of the smallest towns in Alicante
The Route 99 experience is more than sightseeing; it is a deliberate narrative about the value of tiny communities. Each stop offers a chance to understand how local traditions, crafts, and landscapes shape regional identity. The effort to document and share these stories helps preserve the unique character of Famorca and its neighbors, showcasing how small towns contribute to the broader cultural tapestry of Alicante and the Valencian Community. The journey also serves as a reminder that meaningful travel can emerge from deliberate, slow-paced exploration of places often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
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What to do in Famorca?
Famorca offers a concise set of attractions that reflect its historical and natural backdrop. The main points of interest include ancient rock art and religious architecture, all set within a landscape that invites quiet exploration.
- Cave paintings of Morro del Asdarbalet: Located in the La Fita valley, these engravings and schematic rock drawings have endured through time. The works are recognized as cultural assets, preserving a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric and early historic expressions.
- Church of St. Cajetan: Placed at the town’s entrance, this church stands out for its main altar dedicated to San Cayetano and a clock that crowns the bell tower. The mechanism is accessible for visitors who wish to observe its intricate workings up close.
A distinctive feature in the town is the font fridge—a circular refrigeration structure with a well, tucked within the shade of La Serrella. This site has local significance and is regarded as a point of interest for visitors seeking a connection to traditional daily life.
- Various hiking trails invite outdoor enthusiasts to explore the surrounding terrain, including routes such as the ascent toward L’anouer and the paths around Font dels Olbis or the Pla de la Cova. Each trail offers its own scenery and moments of quiet reflection amid the landscape.