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Alcoy is located in the mountains to
the north of Alicante in an area known
as the 'Comtat' characterised by its
mountain ranges, some with almost vertical
sides and interlocking valleys. Alcoy
is situated in one of these valleys
in a fertile agricultural area in contrast
with other drier areas in the province,
providing a refreshing change in scenery
from the villages and towns on the Levante
coast.
Alcoy is in the middle of the Mariola,
Biscoi, Marrascal, els Plans, la Serreta
and la Font Roja mountain ranges (very
popular with day trippers who flock
there to have picnics and barbecues
at weekends).
The town might have remained a small
agricultural mountain village if it
hadn't been for the industrial revolution.
The growth of its textile industry converted
Alcoy into the most important town in
the area. Fabric is still produced in
Alcoy today, as well as paper, furniture,
ceramics and shoes. The growth of rural
tourism is also important to the town
and it remains an important agricultural
area as well.
Monuments and interesting
places in Alcoy
- Iglesia de Santa María
18th century church
- Iglesia de San Jorge 20th
century church
- Santo Sepulcro Monastery
- Plaza de España
- Plaza Mayor
- Camilo Visedo Archeological Museum
- Interesting exhibition of Iberian,
Roman and Moorish pieces
- Fiestas del Casal Sant Jordí
Museum, San Miguel, 62 - this
is a curious museum with displays
of costumes, programmes, weapons and
other unusual articles from the famous
'Moros and Cristianos' fiestas in
Alcoy.
- El Puente de María Cristina,
an impressive bridge built in 1837
over the Barchell river.
- The Canalejas Viaduct, built
in 1907, 54 metres high
- La Font Roja - Natural park
and one of the last examples of the
original Mediterranean forest. It's
better to visit during the week or
in low season as it gets too busy
at weekends.
- Safari de Aitana - A safari
park covering a large area just a
few kilometres from Alcoy. Friendly
helpful staff happy to offer interesting
information about all kind of wild
animals roaming around this large
and very attractive safari park.
Fiestas in Alcoy:
Alcoy is famous for its impressive
'Moors y Christians' fiestas which are
among the oldest and most spectacular
in Spain (Victor has written to tell
us that while the first Moors and Christian
fiestas in Alcoy were held in 1668,
others were organized in the previous
century in Orihuela (1579), Valencia
(1586) and Caudete (1588). Thanks Victor!).
The Moros and Cristianos in Alcoy attract
thousands of visitors every year. They
take place during the last week of April
to commemorate the reconquest and every
year Sant Jordi appears in a 'castle'
which is set up in the Plaza de España.
Each day during the fiestas, long processions
of different peñas of Moors and
Christians stroll proudly along the
main streets of Alcoy in an impressive
show of colour, pomp and music. People
from Alcoy spend thousands of euros
on the costumes.
 Alcoy's
local gastronomy: Among some
of Alcoy's most traditional dishes,
we recommend trying la
olleta, a mountain stew, coquetes
frexides, pastry bases, and
la ensalada
pericana,
a delicious mixture of dried peppers,
dried cod and olive oil. Visitors are
also advised to try herbero,
a delicious liquer made with mountain
herbs from this area.
Restaurants in Alcoy:
Restaurante Lolo: This restaurant
is in a former farmhouse. It offers
traditional cuisine based on good quality
ingredients. Reservations necessary.
Restaurante Bambú: A popular
restaurant, good value for money, especially
the set menu (midday). El Laurel:
A charming restaurant in a mansion near
Concentaina. Traditional local cuisine
in a rustic but elegant atmosphere.
Accommodation in
Altea: Hotel Hotel AC
Ciutat D'Alcoi****: This hotel is
in an industrial building constructed
at the beginning of the 20th century.
It has been totally renovated. 85 rooms,
5 minutes from the centre of Alcoy,
in a commercial area. It has 4 business
meeting rooms and a reception room and
a good restaurant.
See
photos and book this hotel online.
For more reviews of hotels near Alcoy
see Hotels
in Alicante
Related links:
Beautiful
places in Spain near Alcoy:
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