Things to do in and around Bocairent

Bocairent is a little undiscovered gem that is nestled in the Sierra Mariola Mountains just an hour away from several award winning beaches such as Gandia and Valencia. It is a small town of around 5000 inhabitants that is packed with history. If you really want to see what the ‘Real Spain’ is all about then Bocairent is the town for you. 

Bocairent is a much laid back town where the locals take siestas in the afternoon. The shops in the village close Saturday evening and all day Sunday so remember to get you’re shopping Saturday evening. On the weekends Bocairent is a pretty lively place with the locals eating out in the main square and then partying hard till the early hours of the morning. 

There are around 20 bars in total in Bocairent that offer something different for everyone. Several of these bars also offer “Menu del Dia at lunchtime where you can have a taste of real Spain with a three course meal including wine for about 15 euros! Absolute bargain!!! Some bars that stand out for me are –

Bar Sifor - Serves a great selection of Tapas

Bar Solbes - Another great bar that serves fantastic tapas.

Ravelet Bar - Fantastic bar owned by a young lady called Julia - Excellent for tapas and a menu del dia.

There are also several excellent restaurants in and around Bocairent -

Meson Gandia – A beautiful restaurant that offers some of the finest cooked meats over an open fire in the whole of Bocairent - Tony and his staff are absolutely wonderful.

Estacion Hotel - This charming hotel which used to be the old train station serves some wonderful food. Great for a “Menu del Dia” which is a three course lunch including wine for about €15.

In the evening one of my favourite’s dishes is the steak which is served to your table on 3 hot bricks. Eat it rare or give it a little bit more cooking yourself. Really nice touch!!

Kiki the general manager is a great guy and speaks good English.

Things to do

If you love the countryside, Bocairent has got it all here for you - many fantastic walks, cycling (road and mountain biking) and rock climbing can be found in abundance here. Horse riding enthusiasts are well catered for as are the tranquility-seekers. For those a bit more adventurous you can enjoy hot air ballooning and microlighting both of which are fantastic ways to see the beautiful countryside.

If you enjoy a swim, Bocairent has its own pool (open June-September), or you can swim at Pou Clar, a local beauty spot with natural rock pools only 10 minutes away.

Fiestas -

There are celebrations almost every month in Bocairent but the main fiestas are -
* January 'The Coming of the Three Kings', 
* February the 'Moors and Christians' (renowned for being one of the best in the region) 
* August is the 'Dances'.

Bocairents History -

Bocairents famous Bullring - The unique bullring carved into the rock is the oldest in Valencia, dating back to 1843.

Museums - There are two museums, the Archaeological Museum which has pieces from the Sarsa Cave, one of the most important Neolithic sites in the Mediterranean and the Moors and Christians Museum which gives you an insight into their history.

Covetes Dels Moros - is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. This is a group of caves made up of around 50 rooms with holes like windows. It is thought these caves would have been formed around the 10th or 11th century. The original use of the caves is uncertain though there are various interpretations from granary stores to funeral chambers.

Thrill seeking -

Hot air Ballooning – A fantastic way to see the beautiful Spanish countryside.

Microlighting – There is an airfield around 30 minutes drive away where you can experience the thrill of Microlighting.

Visit Valencia -

For those wanting a bit of pizzazz, fear not! Bocairent is only 60 minutes away from Valencia the third largest city in Spain. The Fallas celebrations in March, with their large paper mache floats and fireworks shows, are among the most spectacular in Spain, while the City of Arts and Science offers museums and architecture by Santiago Calatrava.

Valencia is famous for it’s paella so if you take a trip there make sure you sample the local food.

Valencia City was the first European host of the Americas Cup.