8 VILLAGES


La Vall de Gallinera
Distance: 13,5 km
Difficulty grade: easy
This walking route opens up a small window on La Vall de Gallinera for the visitor to discover the charm of the eight villages that make up the valley and the authenticity of the local people, as well as the incomparable beauty and enchantment of one of the most magical places you could ever visit.
Although the designated route shows the start of the ‘8 Village Walk’ at the Font de la Mata spring in Benirrama and its end at the identically named Font de la Mata in Benissili, it can also be done in reverse. Another advantage of this walk is that it can be taken in stages - for example, from one village to the next and back – or done entirely in one stretch, with any other possibilities in between. It is an easy route and there are several stretches that can be covered by bicycle.
In each of the eight villages we will find a large sign explaining the town’s origins, toponymy, history, key information and places of interest. Along the route we can sample the typical local cuisine in any of the bars and restaurants found in each village and also purchase local produce in the different cooperatives and shops. We can also spend the night in one of the numerous casas rurales (rural hostals) in the area.
The route starts at the Font de la Mata in Benirrama and heads towards the village via the remains of the ancient Moorish settlement of Benimarsoc. In Benirrama we turn right past Sant Cristòfol church and after a short walk through the streets, where we can admire the Via Crucis (‘Stations of the cross’), we will leave the village and after about 50 metres take a left turn along the country lane towards l’Alcúdia, which will take us on to Benialí. Along the way we will pass the abandoned Moorish settlement of l’Alcúdia and, a little further on, the spring. We will continue along this track until reaching the main CV-700 road, which we have to cross – very carefully – to take the path into Benialí.
After traversing the streets of the Benialí we arrive at the Town Hall, and 40 metres further along we will take the street by the school (Carrer de les Escoles) with the fountain and washhouse on our right and Sant Roc church a little further on. Further down we will take the Camí de Baix which will take us to Benissivà.
Upon entering Benissivà we will pass in front of Sant Miquel church and walk around it along Carrer del Raval street before turning left onto the main street, Carrer Olmos Canalda, which will take us to a small square next to the main road. After crossing the road, we will climb the steps up to the village of Benitaia.
Traversing Benitaia through the Carrer d’Enmig and Carrer de Baix, we will walk by the orange groves and arrive once again at the main road, which we will cross to take the path towards the Benissivà washhouse. We then return to the main road and follow it for 60 metres before taking a path to the right leading back to the CV-700 main road. Another 200 metres further on we will take the path towards the swimming pool and follow it until we arrive in La Carroja.