Discover La Xara

La Xara offers several distinct ways to explore the area: archaeological traces from the Iberian period, architectural history, a route through the town and patron saint festivities. You can plan your stay around history, landscape or the festivities programme.

Archaeological traces on Montgó

The L'Alt de Benimaquia archaeological site lies on the northwestern edge of Montgó and dates to the Archaic and fully developed Iberian periods. The settlement was fortified by a 100-metre-long wall with six attached towers. The site also contains an identified wine-production facility and locally made amphorae that imitate contemporary Phoenician types.

The wall and towers offer a tangible impression of the settlement’s fortifications. The production facility and amphorae add evidence of wine production and vessel types to this architectural perspective. Together, these features help place different aspects of La Xara’s archaeological history in context.

Buildings and local history

The Església de Sant Mateu is considered La Xara’s first public building. Construction began in 1877 and was completed in 1881. Its described features include a rectangular floor plan, three naves and semicircular arches made of tosca stone ashlar. The construction dates and architecture offer two concrete points of reference: the building’s origins and its spatial design.

Another municipal building is El rentador. It has a single nave, crossed lengthwise by an irrigation channel, and is now integrated into a residential complex with pedestrian streets. La Escuela is also part of local architectural history: it was built in 1963 on land purchased by local residents.

Route and landscape

The Ruta dels Riuraus I passes through La Xara. It is a three-kilometre circular route with a low difficulty level and 13 metres of elevation gain. Along the route, you can see the Riurau de Pinella, with its carved pillars. The distance, elevation gain and difficulty level offer practical points of reference for planning; check the route conditions in advance.

Other landscape features offer different points of interest. The Barranco del Regatxo, also known as Morxama, crosses the La Xara area. J. B. Basset Park is notable for its garden design and native flora. On Plaça del Garrofer stands a carob tree that is 8.5 metres tall and estimated to be 300 to 400 years old.

Festivities and local cuisine

The patron saint festivities in honour of San Roque and San Mateo begin on the first weekend of September. They last ten days; the programme includes street bull events, the use of gunpowder, communal dinners and musical performances. If you’d like to plan your trip around this period, check the annual festivities programme in advance.

One local culinary speciality is Cruet de peix. This dish is prepared in an earthenware baking dish with potatoes, onions, tomatoes, fish and clams.

TRAM connections

La Xara has a railway station between the town and the mountain, now served by the TRAM. Check the current timetable before travelling so you can include the connection in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Mutxamel, La Vila Joiosa, Cocentaina, Alicante, La Vall D'alcalà, L'Alguenya, Benigembla, Muntanya de la Sella

Return to the main travel overview: Alicante.