All About Alcoy (Alcoi)
Alcoy is a large Spanish city located Located in the Valencian Community, inland from the coastal resorts on the Northern Costa Blanca and is also known as and referred to as Alcoi, Alcoy is the biggest industrial town in the area but still has lots of history and things to see.
Located just over 1 hours drive from Benidorm, situated at the foot of the Sierra Moriola and the Font Roja Natural park. There is a lot of mediaeval and Modernist heritage and is well worth a visit
Alcoy means “city of bridges” because of the many bridges built in the area as Alcoy is surrounded by the Molinar, Serpis and Barxell rivers. Some of the most important bridges of Alcoy include: the Bridge of the Seven Moons, the Pechina Bridge, the Bridge of St. George ,the Bridge of Maria Cristina and the Bridge of Fernando Reig.
FESTIVALS
The Cavalcade of Magi is one among the major festivities in the city. On 31st January, the city celebrates the Jesuset del Miracle. In the month of April, there is celebration of the festival of Moros i Cristians which is said to be one of the best in the area.
All about Alcoy, Alcoi, things to see
IGLESIA ARCIPRESTAL DE SANTA MARÍA ALCOY
It is the Archiprestal Church of Saint Mary. It was started in 1725. The stone of the church bears the name of Mary and is the real Jade. It acts as a shield of the town. The church is known for its fine structures.
YACIMIENTO ARQUEOLÓGICO DE LA SERRETA
It is the La Serreta Archaeological Site that was founded in 1917. It is as old as the Iberian times and the Roman times. There is a village as well as a shrine at this site. In the year 1931, it was declared a heritage and an artistic site. The Iberian and terracotta potteries are worth seeing. It offers wonderful views of the surrounding.
IGLESIA DE SAN JORGE
It is the Saint George’s Church. It was built in the honour of St George. The Neo-Byzantine style of the church attracts many visitors.
MUBOMA MUSEO DE BOMBEROS
It is also called as the Firemen Museum. It exhibits and honours incredibly important work of the fire fighters. You may find some stunning old fire trucks at this museum. The Museum is located in a two-height building with neoclassical elements, which is part of the industrial complex that was developed in the mid-19th century in Alcoy.
CASA DEL PAVO
It is also known as the House of the Turkey, because of the iron-forged sculptures of peacocks with the unfolded tails that flank the entrance doors that serve as brackets to support the balconies of the first floor and is one of the best examples of modernist architecture in Alcoy. It was built amid 1908 and 1909. It was designed by the architect named Vicente Pascual Pasto.
All about Alcoy, Alcoi
Famous Fiestas
Alcoy Moors and Christians Fiesta 22nd 23rd and 24th April - By many this, is classed as one of the most authentic Moors and Christians fiestas on the Costa Blanca.
This fiesta is the most important event of the year in Alcoy and is dedicated to San Jorge, it has been celebrated since the 16th century, the festival commemorates a battle that took place in 1276 when the city lay at the frontier of the territory under Moorish rule on the peninsula. There were frequent skirmishes between the two factions until, on 23 April 1276, the Arab troops of Al-Azraq attempted to storm the town. According to legend, San Jorge appeared during the battle and, thanks to his intervention, the Christian army won the day, forcing the Muslims to retreat and never to return. In thanks, the citizens of Alcoy made him their patron saint, promising to celebrate a festival in his honour each year.
La Font Roja, Red fountain natural park.
la font Roja is one of the best Mediterranean woods in the area and covers 2,450 hectars and is located just 10km outside Alcoy, the park also has some interesting exhibits of local architecture such as the ice holes that were built in the 18th century
Visit the El Salt de Alcoy
In the surrounding area there are several pools of crystal clear waters The Barxell River provides a wonderful waterfall more than 70 meters high, making it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the province of Alicante. These waterfalls are particularly spectacular after a heavy rainfall.
To get there drive/walk from the Alcoyan neighbourhood of Batoi (at the exit of Alcoi towards Banyeres de Mariola), a virtually flat walk of 1.5 kilometers away (each way). Park next to the Montduber Street Park, and from there walk to the beginning of the Alcoi Greenway, where you will find a rest area with tables.
From the rest area, continue on the greenway, until you cross the first of the tunnels, which takes you to the beginning of the Viaduct del Barxell, the first of the impressive bridges or viaducts of the greenway. Cross the viaduct, and you will get a beautiful view towards the impressive Salt de Alcoi. We can also take the path that goes right, next to a fountain, before crossing the viaduct, which will lead us to the lower part of El Salt.
How to get to Alcoy from Benidorm
Drive - Via Villa Joyosa, El campella, Jijona - 94.4km about 67 minutes or take the scenic route across the mountains via Polop, Guadalest Confrides, Benilloba the scenery in this area is stunning so its worth the extra drive. 58.7km 74 minutes, or another cross crountry mountain route wold be via Orxeta, Rellau, Torremanzanas, Benifallim 66.4km 72 minutes.
By Bus - Alsa Bus Benidorm to Alicante, Alicante to Alcoy, journey time just over 3 hours price between 6 and 15€
Taxi - about 1 hour, price approx 95€ - 120€ one way
