Discover Relleu: Hiking, history and festivals

Mountain landscapes, historic buildings, walking routes and recurring festivals offer a range of possible focuses for a trip to Relleu. The places and activities in the area can help you plan your stay around your interests in nature, history, traditions or regional cuisine.

Mountain landscapes, trails and reservoir

Relleu lies in a valley surrounded by mountains. These include Cabeçó d’Or, at 1,207 metres; Sierra de la Grana, at 1,112 metres; and Sierra del Aguilar, at 889 metres. The historic townscape is characterised by narrow streets, stone houses and steep slopes.

Two options are listed for the Ruta del Pantano de Relleu: a 10-kilometre circular route with an estimated duration of three hours, and a 3.6-kilometre linear route with an estimated duration of one hour. Part of the route follows the restored old mule track Camí de les Ripalmes, also known as del Fasamais. Along the way are a lime kiln, old irrigation ponds, weirs and irrigation channels.

The Pantano de Relleu lies on the southeastern edge of the municipal area, just before the area of Orxeta. The dam holds water from the Amadorio River. Built in the 18th century as an arch dam, it is 30 metres high and ten metres thick. As a prototype of the arch-gravity dam type, it also has particular significance in the history of engineering.

The Pasarela de la presa de Relleu is an approximately 850-metre out-and-back walk from the wooden hut where tickets are sold. Check visitor information and ticket sales before your visit. A second glass viewing point above the Amadorio River canyon was presented by Turisme Comunitat Valenciana in December 2024.

Castle, church and local history

Castillo de Relleu stands in ruins on the hill above the town. Parts of several towers and numerous sections of wall remain; the castle is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural. Iglesia Parroquial de San Jaime was built in the 17th century on the site of an earlier cemetery. Its features include a main nave and the chapel of Mare de Déu del Miracle. Its bells are considered the oldest in Alicante province.

The Museo Etnológico-Histórico de Relleu displays donated objects, archaeological remains, centuries-old documents and historic photographs. CM Museu de Relleu is housed in the former town hall, which dates from 1793. Ermita de Sant Albert is another historic destination in the town: it can be reached via the fully restored Via Crucis, or Stations of the Cross, and offers views across the municipal area.

Festivals throughout the year

The Rodà de les “Aixames” takes place every year on 24 December. Children walk through Relleu carrying esparto-grass torches, known as aixames, and singing Christmas carols. To finish, they roll the burning torches along Plaza Mayor. Sant Antoni del Porquet is celebrated on the weekend closest to the feast day of Sant Antoni. The festival is designated a festival of provincial tourist interest; its programme brings together tradition, culture, music and gastronomy.

On the first weekend of August, the youth festival includes a pilgrimage to Ermita de Sant Albert, as well as sardine meals, paella, piñatas, a fancy-dress parade, an orchestra and “la banyà”. La Mare de Déu d’Abril is celebrated annually around 11 April in honour of the Virgen del Milagro. The offering, Mass and procession are part of the festivities; the procession ends at the Virgin’s chapel. If you wish to travel for a festival, check the specific event dates before making plans.

Activities and regional cuisine

Relleu offers via ferratas, such as the Figueret via ferrata, as well as canyoning and organised mountain-bike routes. Check locally whether these activities are available. Swimming is possible in summer in the small pools at Los Tolls; water conditions and access should also be checked locally. For groups of 5 to 50 people, the municipality offers guided tours on the trails and also organises workshops for schoolchildren. Confirm availability before booking.

Traditional dishes include les fasseures, olleta, pericana, rice dishes and cocas. Traditional olive-oil production also continues in Relleu. The Oleo Tour Señorios de Relleu includes a visit to centuries-old olive groves, Masia El Teuladi and its 1918 oil mill, as well as an olive-oil tasting and food pairing. Confirm booking details and availability in advance.

Getting there

The main access route to Relleu is from Villajoyosa via the CV-770, which connects Sella and Orxeta. Tourist Info Relleu is located in Casa Consistorial at Plaza Constitución 1.

Discover other destinations: Guardamar Del Segura, Benimassot, Beniardá, La Vila Joiosa, Els Poblets, El Ràfol d'Almúnia, San Fulgencio, Beneixama.

View the broader travel overview: Alicante.