The protected landscape area of Paisaje Protegido del Serpis covers the stretch of river between Beniarrés and Villalonga. Together with its surroundings, it connects the mountain region with the coast. In Beniarrés, natural landscapes and cultural heritage appeal to different travel interests: the Cova de l’Or represents the archaeological history, while the Serpis, the Barranc de l’Encantà and the Pantano de Beniarrés shape the landscape. When planning your trip, you can consider whether to focus mainly on protected nature, cultural sites or the patron saint festivities.
The landscape around the Serpis
The Barranc de l’Encantà extends for more than eight kilometres and has significant landscape, wildlife and botanical value. The Microrreserva de flora de l’Alt de Senabre borders the ravine directly. This small protected area covers 5.61 hectares and is home to 252 catalogued species. Together, these two natural features give the landscape different scales: the longer ravine and the clearly defined area of the plant micro-reserve.
The Pantano de Beniarrés provides another specific measurement, with a water surface area of 260 hectares. Together with the protected landscape of the Serpis and the ravine, it adds a large body of water to the area's natural features. These details help you put the different landscape elements into context without combining them into a single route.
Cultural sites and history
The Cova de l’Or is an archaeological site designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural. Its significance lies in its contribution to our understanding of Neolithic societies on the Mediterranean side of the Iberian Peninsula. This makes it a distinctive cultural highlight for travellers interested in early history. Visiting arrangements may vary seasonally, so check in advance what is planned for your visit.
A visitor offer described by the provincial authority on 6 July 2026 combined a guided visit to the interpretation centre with onward travel by a bus included in the offer to the start of the hiking trail. This description refers to the offer available at that time. If you would like to visit the Cova de l’Or, check the current arrangements before your trip.
The parish church of San Pedro Apóstol is also one of Beniarrés's notable landmarks. The Ermita del Cristo del Amparo offers remarkable views. Alongside the archaeological site, there are therefore two other cultural points of interest, each with its own character: the church as a landmark and the ermita with its views.
Patron saint festivities in August
The patron saint festivities take place every year from 15 to 18 August. The programme combines religious tradition with Moros y Cristianos, concerts, fire shows and the Cordà. These fixed dates make the festivities a useful point of reference when choosing when to travel. If you would like to experience these traditions, you can plan your stay for 15 to 18 August; for the rest of your plans, consider which other cultural and natural attractions matter to you.
Local dishes and olive oil
At Beniarrés's bars and restaurants, you can try traditional dishes such as trigo picado, arroz al horno and pastelillos de verdura. These three names offer a specific introduction to the local food culture without limiting it to a single dish. As menus can change, ask locally which dishes are available if you are interested.
Another local speciality is olive oil made from olives grown in the municipality of Beniarrés. This oil can be purchased at the Virgen de la Cueva Santa oil mill. If you plan to buy it during your trip, check availability before travelling to the mill. This brings together two different culinary interests: traditional dishes at bars and restaurants, and locally produced olive oil available to buy.
Discover more destinations: Callosa De Segura, Rojales, L'Alguenya, Orxeta, Gaianes, Muro De Alcoy, El Fondó De Les Neus, El Campello.
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
