All About Relleu – 🌄A Hidden Mountain Gem on the Costa Blanca : Situated just 25 minutes from Benidorm, Relleu is a picturesque mountain village in the Relleu Costa Blanca region. Its name means “relief” in Valencian, reflecting its location among stunning mountains. From here, you can admire Cabeçó d’Or (1,209 m) 🏔️, Sierra de la Grana (1,095 m) ⛰️, El Aguilar (895 m) ⛰️, and the iconic Puig Campana 🏞️.
The village itself is a charming maze of narrow streets 🏘️, stone houses, and steep hills, known for its olive oil 🫒 and rich cultural heritage.
🏛️ History of Relleu
Relleu has a long and fascinating history:
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Evidence of Iberian settlements outside the current village.
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Roman times: likely part of Villajoyosa’s administration; includes Roman remains like the burial stone of Marcus Paccius ⚔️, a gladiator who reportedly fled to Relleu.
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Overlooked by 11th-century Moorish castle ruins 🏰.
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Surrounded by rolling hills of almond 🌰 and olive trees 🫒.
🚗 How to Get to Relleu
Relleu’s mountain location makes driving the easiest option:
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From Villajoyosa: CV-770 to Sella, then CV-775.
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From Benidorm: About 30 minutes by car.
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Bus: Line 20 🚌 from Carrefour in Finestrat (runs once daily).
Parking 🅿️:
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Town Hall (Route A)
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Carrer Evarist Manero Molla (Route A)
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Polideportivo Sports Centre (Route A)
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Near Relleu reservoir dam (Route B, limited 5–10 cars)
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Motorhome overnight parking at Calle del Molí, near the Municipal swimming pool
Must-Visit Attractions in Relleu
Pasarela de Relleu – The Skywalk Adventure & Scenic Walks
For walkers and hikers 🚶♂️🚶♀️, the Pasarela de Relleu is a must-visit highlight. This spectacular footbridge is 370 meters long and cantilevered along the canyon wall, with a glass-floored viewing platform 60 meters above the canyon (not for the faint-hearted!).
There are two walking options to reach the footbridge:
Route A – From the Town Hall 🏛️
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Distance: 4.8 km (one way)
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Walking time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
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Follows green and white waymarks along the Camino del Pantano de Relleu
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Highlights: 17th-century reservoir 💧, old lime kiln 🏺, irrigation ponds, dams, and historic bridle paths (Camí de les Ripalmes / Camí del Fasamais 🐎)
Route B – From Vinyes, Margelets, Ripalmes 🚗
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Distance: 1.5 km (one way)
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Walking time: ~25 minutes
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Start at the tourist information board near the road
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Follow coloured stones to the footbridge entrance
Tickets 🎟️:
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Adults: €2.50
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Children up to 11 & seniors 65+: €1.50
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Free for registered Relleu residents
Important rules ⚠️:
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Suitable footwear 👟 required
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Children must be supervised 👶
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No bicycles 🚲, scooters, or high heels 👠
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Follow all footbridge etiquette; no running, shouting, or eating/drinking on the walkway
🏛️ Cultural & Historic Attractions
Relleu is rich in heritage. Highlights include:
Plaza of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
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Central meeting point for locals, ideal for soaking up village life
San Jaime Apóstol Church
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Built on a Moorish cemetery, rebuilt in 1931.
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Features the oldest bells in the province 🔔 (1790–1873).
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Connected to Mare de Déu del Miracle Chapel 🌺, celebrating the patron saint.
Museo de Relleu
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Housed in the old town hall (built 1793).
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Exhibits: skeletons, ancient tools, arrowheads, musical instruments, and traditional customs.
Sant Albert chapel
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Hilltop chapel accessible via Calvari Street
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Stations of the Cross lead to panoramic views of Relleu
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Thought to have been built ~1710; annual pilgrimage around August 7th
La Vallonga & Casa Balde
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Pre-17th-century defensive tower
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Protected locals from Barbary pirate raids
- Historic defensive towers showcasing village architecture
La Garrofera Hacienda
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Agricultural heritage site highlighting traditional rural life
🎉 Local Fiestas and Traditions
Relleu’s festivals are lively and unique:
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January – La Matança 🐖: Traditional pig slaughter with public tasting and town band music
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April – Mare de Déu del Miracle 🌸: Commemorates 1710 drought miracle with flowers, dancing, and processions
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August – Saint Albert Festival 🎊: Five-day pilgrimage with parades, competitions, and games
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September – Virgin of Miracles & Saints Casme and Damian ⛪: Five-day celebration honoring local saints
Relleu is a must-visit destination near Benidorm, combining history, culture, scenic walks, adventure, and authentic village charm
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Have you visited Relleu? 🏞️ Tell us all about your experience and share your photos 📸 in the comments section below — your tips could help other travelers explore this hidden gem!
