The Pop Valley is made up of Benigembla, Murla, Alcalalí, Xaló, Llíber and Parcent. The valley takes its name from the Cavall Verd mountain, also known as the Pop mountain. The course of the Xaló-Gorgos river geographically unites this picturesque territory, with its typical Mediterranean dry and irrigated crops, nestled between the Penyal and Carrascal mountain ranges.

A LITTLE HISTORY. We know where we come from to decide where we go.

There are places you visit… and others you live, feel. The Pop Valley is one of those spaces where the landscape, the light and tradition combine to offer an experience that goes beyond a journey. A territory to be discovered at a leisurely pace, one that stays with you in some way. June is an especially favourable time to explore it. Temperatures are mild, the light lengthens the days, and the countryside is at its most vibrant. It is the perfect time to let yourself be carried away by a valley made up of eight villages that have preserved their essence intact: quiet streets, vineyards that shape the landscape and mountains that frame the horizon. This suggested itinerary, designed for a weekend, combines nature, culture and gastronomy for a leisurely yet meaningful experience.

Tips for the routes

• Bring comfortable footwear and water.
• Respect nature and the architectural remains.
• For more information, please consult the tourist information offices.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES. Step by step, we make our way.

Xaló - Llíber - Alcalalí - Parcent

Stage 1: villages, wine and landscape

The route begins in Xaló, an ideal starting point for understanding the character of the Valley. Its old town invites aimless wandering, while the River Gorgos offers an easy and pleasant walk, perfect for starting the day in nature.

Xaló is also synonymous with wine culture. The local wineries keep the Moscatel tradition alive, and a tasting tour is one of the most highly recommended experiences. If the visit falls on a Saturday, the flea market adds a unique atmosphere, with antiques, curious items and artisanal products.

The ideal place to buy local products such as wine, cured meats or honey.

A few minutes' drive away, the road leads to Llíber, one of the quietest villages in the Valley. Its surroundings, full of vineyards, create a harmonious landscape that invites you to pause. A walk among the terraces allows you to connect with the slow pace of rural life and to better understand the relationship between the land and its most iconic crop.

The next stop is Alcalalí, where the historical element takes centre stage. The 14th-century medieval tower is its most emblematic feature, but the village's value also lies in the details: the dry-stone constructions, the traditional houses and the remnants of the ramparts that speak of its past.

To delve deeper into this heritage, the ethnographic museum offers an interesting insight into olive oil production and the making of raisins, activities that have shaped the region's identity for centuries. Lunchtime arrives in Parcent, an essential stop to enjoy the local cuisine. Before sitting down at the table, it is advisable to take a short stroll around the village to discover the Arabic-origin wash-house, the old oil mill and some riuraus, typical structures linked to grape-drying.

At the table, the cuisine is simple but full of flavour: traditional flatbreads, spencat or spoon dishes that connect with classic cooking.

The day continues towards Coll de Rates, one of the most spectacular spots in the Valley. The ascent, attractive in itself, culminates in a viewpoint with sweeping views over the entire landscape. At sunset, the light transforms the scenery and makes the stop one of the day's most memorable moments.

Staying overnight in any of the villages in the Valley allows you to complete the experience in peace, surrounded by silence and a pace of life far removed from the day-to-day.

Benigembla - Murla - Senija

Stage 2: Nature, Art and Mediterranean Essence

The second day is dedicated to discovering the most natural and cultural side of the Valley, with a route that combines landscape, heritage and contemporary art.

The morning begins in Benigembla, one of the quietest villages in the Valley, ideal for starting the day at a leisurely pace. Early on, when the air is still fresh and the light is soft, the Ribàs Botanical Park becomes an especially pleasant place.

El Ribàs, built as a retaining wall on the banks of the Xaló-Gorgos river, is part of a landscape restoration project that has resulted in a unique botanical park. Deciduous woodland and riparian species predominate, creating a cool, green environment that contrasts with the drier surrounding landscape. A small orchard invites you to take a leisurely stroll.

A detail that makes it even more special is the presence of BIMAU, an international urban art exhibition that integrates itself into the walls and corners of the village. The artistic interventions appear unexpectedly, turning the stroll into an experience that combines nature and creativity.

The route continues to Murla, where one of the most unique heritage sites in the Valley is found: the Parish Church-Castle of Saint Michael the Archangel, also known in some sources as the lost Castle of Pop.

This building, declared a Cultural Asset of Interest, combines religious and defensive functions, a rare characteristic that gives it a unique character. It still retains the original wash-house at the foot of the tower, a detail that reinforces its connection to the daily life of bygone eras.

From here, the route leads to Senija, where art once again takes centre stage through the MOS Open-Air Museum Senija.

This project has turned the village into an open-air museum, with murals depicting the history, customs and life of its people. Strolling through its streets is discovering, little by little, scenes that connect past and present. Since 2017, artists selected through a competition have been filling this space with colour and meaning, creating a cultural offering that fits perfectly with the village's tranquillity.

The end of the route arrives in Benissa, coinciding with lunchtime. But before sitting down to eat, it's worth taking a little time to explore its historic centre.

Its streets retain a marked medieval essence, with corners that seem to defy the passage of time. There is a certain atmosphere of mystery and beauty in its stones, in its doorways, in the way the light filters through between the buildings.

One of the highlights is the Church of the Puríssima Xiqueta, known as the cathedral of the Marina Alta. With its imposing dimensions and neo-Gothic style, it is one of the most emblematic buildings in the region. Its façade, with two bell towers and a large central rose window, is notable for its elegance and can be seen from various points in the town.

It is, without a doubt, a visit that is sure to impress.

Then it's time to pause and savour the local cuisine. Benissa offers various options for sampling locally sourced produce, with cooking that preserves the traditional essence of the region, yet with carefully crafted, high-quality dishes. A good tip is to opt for the lunch menu, common in many restaurants, which allows you to discover different dishes at a good price. With this final leg, the route comes full circle, combining nature, art, history and gastronomy.

Because the Vall de Pop is not just a place to visit.

It is a place to be experienced with all the senses.

*This experience is designed to be done in two stages, corresponding to two different days. We suggest some routes, but each person can adapt the experience to their abilities, physical stamina and interests. If you would like more information or places to visit in each town, you can visit the Descobrim la Marina Alta website and adapt the experience to your own tastes with your rucksack.

AND MORE. At the table and in bed at the first cry.

Where to buy	where to eat
where to sleep	Activities and others

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