Discover Petrer

A stay in Petrer can appeal to a range of interests: Roman history, medieval military architecture, a historic form of housing, geology and festive culture. You can choose the themes you want to shape your trip.

Roman traces and Villa Petraria

The Roman mosaic of Villa Petraria was discovered in 1975. The find showed that Petrer’s origins date back well before the Muslim period. The mosaic thus offers an early point of reference in the history of the town. The oldest phase of the Roman remains includes private baths dating from between the 1st century and the beginning of the 4th century AD. This dating refers to the baths from this phase; it illustrates the long time span covered by the Roman remains.

Castillo de Petrer and Casas Cueva

Castillo de Petrer was built at the end of the 12th century by the Muslim inhabitants of Bitrir. The complex is divided into an upper citadel, the Alcazaba, and a lower esplanade enclosed by a defensive wall. This layout makes the structure of the fortress easy to understand: the citadel and the walled esplanade form two distinct areas. Together with the Roman remains, the castle can be viewed as another historical layer.

The Casas Cueva de Petrer represent a much more recent form of housing. They were created in the early 20th century as homes on the land around the castle. The restored cave houses beside the castle walls can be visited as an ethnological experience. They preserve household items as well as tools and equipment used in traditional crafts. The focus is therefore not only on architectural forms, but also on objects from domestic life and traditional work. Check the current access arrangements before visiting.

Arenal del Almorxó

Arenal del Almorxó is an inland dune of sedimentological and geomorphological interest. It also features ecosystems with specific flora and fauna. This natural area offers a different focus from architectural and cultural history: here, the emphasis is on landforms and habitats.

Access is via the A-31 towards Madrid, taking exit 201 (Elda Hospital) and continuing through the Les Pedreres industrial estate. Check road conditions before setting out. This specific route helps you factor a visit to this natural attraction into your travel plans.

Festive culture and history after dark

The Moros y Cristianos festivities in Petrer date back to the 18th century. A 2018 municipal travel guide gives Thursday to Monday in mid-May as the dates for the celebrations in honour of Saint Boniface. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the current dates before making plans.

“Petrer se Viste de Luna” is a night-time journey through Petrer’s history. The experience adds a nocturnal perspective to the historical themes. Dates and booking arrangements may change, so check them before including the activity in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Torrevieja, Benitachell, Granja De Rocamora, Catral, Castalla, Beniarrés, Busot, Crevillente.

For the main travel overview: Alicante.