It's cherry season in the Vall de Gallinera

07 May 2026

If there’s one place where spring is synonymous with fruit, it’s the Vall de Gallinera. This valley, renowned for its scenic beauty and agricultural heritage, produces some of the finest cherries in the world, protected under the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) ‘Cerezas de la Montaña de Alicante’.

 

Where can you buy the best cherries?

In the Vall de Gallinera, trade is based on local sourcing and quality. There are several ways to buy them:

- Local cooperative: This is the surest way to buy freshly picked produce. The Alpatró Cooperative is a must-visit. There, you buy directly from the farmer, ensuring the fruit hasn’t spent ages in cold storage. +info: 966406702

- Casa Carmen shop: During the season (from May to early July) you can buy them at the shop in Alpatró. +info: 686292058

- Events such as the Cherry Festival: Saturday 13 June is the perfect time to buy local varieties such as Burlat or Stark Hardy.

 

Benefits of cherries

As well as their explosive flavour, cherries are considered a ‘superfood’ due to their many properties:

- Antioxidant power: They are rich in anthocyanins, which help combat cellular ageing and prevent cardiovascular disease.

- Natural anti-inflammatory: Highly recommended for people with joint pain or athletes, as they aid muscle recovery.

- Sleep aids: They are one of the few dietary sources of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep cycles. An ideal snack for a better night’s sleep.

- Low in calories: With a high water and fibre content, they are the perfect snack for those looking to manage their weight without giving up natural sweetness.

 

A tip

If you visit the Vall de Gallinera to buy them, make the most of it by tackling one of the hiking trails, such as the Route of the 8 Villages. There’s no better reward after a walk than a handful of fresh cherries whilst enjoying the views of Penya Foradà, Benirrama Castle or Benissili Castle.

And to round off the experience, don’t leave the valley without sitting down for a meal. The local cuisine is the perfect complement to its star fruit; try an authentic baked rice dish, the traditional blat picat or grilled meats flavoured with mountain herbs at any of the restaurants in the eight villages. Eating in the Vall de Gallinera isn’t just about filling your stomach, it’s about savouring the landscape and the tranquillity of our land. Let yourself be won over by its flavour!