Busot: Caves, History and Nature

For a stay in Busot, caves, nature, history and culture offer a range of things to explore. The Cuevas del Canelobre and Cabeçó d’Or are highlights of the landscape and outdoor activities; the old town adds walking routes and historic sites. Museums and recurring events round out the picture of the town.

Cuevas del Canelobre and Trails on Cabeçó d’Or

The Cuevas del Canelobre are a karst cave at an altitude of 700 metres on the northern slope of the Sierra Cabeçó d’Or. Their interior covers more than 80,000 square metres and is reached through a 45-metre-long tunnel. Caving is possible in some areas of the cave. As access arrangements may change, it is best to check in advance which visiting options are currently available.

Another way to explore the area on foot is the PR-CV 2 Cabeçó d’Or route. It starts at Pla de la Gralla, near the Cuevas del Canelobre, and is listed as an officially approved route. The circular route has sections where the outward and return legs partly overlap. When planning, therefore, take the actual trail conditions and access at the site into account; both should be checked before setting out.

The PR-CV 2 is also associated with two protected areas: the Cabeçó d’Or y la Grana Special Protection Area for birds and the Racó de Seva y Cova del Canelobre Flora Micro-Reserve. The area around Busot also offers opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, as well as a via ferrata suitable for less experienced people. Alongside the circular route, there are other ways to experience the landscape actively.

Old Town, Views and History

Castillo de Busot has been partly consolidated and reconstructed. Visitors can learn about its history and enjoy the views from there. As conditions at the site may change, it is a good idea to check its status before visiting.

Monte Calvario lies in the heart of Busot’s old town. Paths alongside the traditional houses offer a chance to go for a walk. Torre de Cabrafich, also called Torre de Busot, is a surviving remnant of the defensive system built by the local population during the Berber raids. The two sites add different aspects to the story of Busot’s past: a route through the old town and a testament to its former defences.

Museum and Exploring Busot

The Museo de Música Étnica displays more than 4,000 instruments from different periods, cultures and parts of the world. The size and range of the collection make the museum a cultural point of interest distinct from the natural and historic sites. Visitor arrangements may change, so check the current visiting options before your trip.

El Tesoro de Busot combines exploring the town with local legends about Cabeçó d’Or and the Cuevas del Canelobre. The town-wide treasure hunt includes tests, challenges and tasks. It is divided into three difficulty levels: Historiador and Explorador take place in the centre of Busot, while Aventurero is a nature route that climbs to the summit of Cabeçó d’Or. The first two levels therefore differ from the third, which includes the climb, by taking place in the town centre. Participation arrangements may change, so check in advance how the activity is currently run.

Events and Local Culture

In the second half of July, the public lighting in the old town is switched off during the full moon for a special evening event. More than 10,000 candles in the streets, windows and on balconies create an atmospheric setting, with musical and cultural performances also part of the programme. The exact date may vary, so it is worth checking the event dates before your trip.

The festivities in Busot have been celebrated since 1963 and take place one week after Easter. The dates and programme may vary from year to year. Cooking workshops and tastings of traditional Busot dishes are also part of the cultural and festive week in honour of San Lorenzo. Here too, dates and programme may change. Together, these events offer a glimpse of different aspects of local cultural life, from music and performances to traditional food.

Discover more destinations: Alcoy, Margarida, Callosa De Segura, Albatera, Beneixama, Granja De Rocamora, Tàrbena, Benejúzar.

For the overview of the wider area: Alicante.