Ontinyent
Ontinyent is a lively inland town in southern Valencia province. It is the capital of the Vall d’Albaida, and around 35,000 people live here. Most visitors rush past on the way to the coast. That is a shame, because this town has plenty to offer. You can wander a medieval quarter, learn about its famous blankets and swim in wild natural pools. In August, the town also hosts one of Spain’s biggest Moors and Christians festivals. Better still, Ontinyent sits just 82 kilometres from Valencia. In this guide, you will find the best sights, local festivals, places to stay and ways to get there.
What to see and do
Start in La Vila, the medieval old town. It is a declared Property of Cultural Interest, and its sloping streets are lovely to explore. Look out for grated windows, balconies and decorative ceramics. Then step inside the Iglesia de Santa MarÃa. Its 71-metre bell tower is the tallest in the Valencian Community. Inside, you will find Gothic domes and the Chapel of La PurÃsima, which holds works by Ribalta and Mariano Benlliure.
Next, visit the Palau de la Vila on Plaça de Sant Roc. This Gothic palace houses the tourist office, so pick up a map here. It also holds the Museu dels Gegants i Cabets. There, you can admire the huge figures that parade through town during festivals.
From there, walk down to the Pont Vell. This stone bridge dates from around 1500 and crosses the Clariano river. For centuries, it was the only way in and out of La Vila. Today, it is one of the town’s most photographed corners.
Ontinyent built its fortune on textiles, so do not skip the Museu del Tèxtil de la Comunitat Valenciana. It fills the old Revert spinning factory beside the river and opened in 2022. Inside, you can see huge looms and learn how workers made the town’s famous blankets. Entry is free, and it usually opens Tuesday to Saturday mornings. However, check the hours before you go.
Afterwards, stroll through the Parc de les Mamà s Belgues, a flood park along the Clariano. Then dig into local history at the Museu Fester, which celebrates the Moors and Christians festival. The Museu Arqueològic MAOVA is another good stop. You can also join a guided visit to the town’s Civil War air-raid shelters.
For a break from history, head to Pou Clar. These natural pools and waterfalls lie about 2.6 kilometres from the centre. Paths lead down into a rocky gorge, where you can swim, picnic and sunbathe. It is a lifesaver on hot summer days. The nearby Serra de Mariola natural park also has great walking trails.
If you have a car, consider day trips too. Alcoy, Bocairent and XÃ tiva all sit within easy reach.
Local festivals and traditions
Ontinyent’s biggest party is the Moors and Christians festival. It honours the SantÃssim Crist de l’Agonia, and locals have celebrated it since 1860. It also holds International Tourist Interest status. The fiesta runs for about a week towards the end of August. It begins with the Desayuno de la Lágrima, or “breakfast of the tear”, and the opening speech.
Then the days fill with marching bands and night parades called Alardos. Later, the Entrada Cristiana y Mora sends the rival armies through the streets. On the final day, the Ambaixades bring a loud arquebus battle and a staged duel for control of the town. The Monday is a local holiday, so expect big crowds.
Giants and big-heads also play a part in local life. These Gegants i Cabets parade through the streets, and the Palau de la Vila displays them all year. Meanwhile, the town’s wool blankets remain a proud tradition. Food matters here too. Try the cassola d’arròs al forn, a baked rice dish, plus local cocas and cured sausages.
Where to stay
Ontinyent is compact, so you can stay almost anywhere. However, each area suits a different kind of trip. For history lovers, La Vila makes the best base. You will sit steps from the Palau de la Vila, the Pont Vell and the church. The streets are steep and quiet at night, so pack comfortable shoes.
If you prefer a livelier spot, choose the central streets around Plaça de Baix and Plaça Major. Cafés, tapas bars and shops line these squares. Everything sits within a short walk, which makes evenings easy. For a quieter, local feel, try the riverside districts around La Cantereria. The textile museum and the Clariano flood park lie nearby, so families enjoy the green space.
Finally, nature lovers should look outside town. Country houses and fincas near Pou Clar, such as Finca La Mixtura, put you close to the pools and the Serra de Mariola. You will want a car here. Remember, Moors and Christians week fills rooms fast, so book well ahead. Search properties with Free Cancellation on Booking.com.
How to get to Ontinyent
Most visitors fly into Valencia Airport, which sits about an hour from Ontinyent by road. Alicante-Elche Airport is another option, although it lies further away. From either airport, you can continue by rail or road. Check flights and Buy Tickets with Booking.com.
The train is simple and scenic. CercanÃas line C-2 runs from València Nord through Xà tiva to Ontinyent. The whole journey takes roughly an hour and a half. Trains from Xà tiva take around 45 minutes. Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
Buses also work well. ALSA runs services from Valencia’s bus station to Ontinyent. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from XÃ tiva. Check Bus Schedules and secure your seat on Omio.
A car gives you the most freedom, especially for Pou Clar and the Serra de Mariola. You can hire a car at the airport. Hire a car with Discovercars. The drive from Valencia takes about an hour. Park near the Pont Vell, then explore the old town on foot. Already in Spain? Get directions.