Alcoy (Alcoi)
Alicante, Spain
Look in almost any direction from Alcoy, a small city north of Alicante, and you’ll see the rugged hills of one of the region’s many surrounding nature parks. Landscape views aren’t the only things on offer in Alcoy, as the city has a fondness for grand bridges and modernist architecture, even within its 19th-century Old Quarter.
The basics
Plaça d'Espanya is a common starting point for Alcoy walking tours and day trips from the coast. From here, you’ll find some of the city’s impressive modernist buildings, including the Circulo Industrial de Alcoy and Ajuntament d'Alcoi. Many surrounding streets feature small iron figures that celebrate the city’s industrial past. Fill out your day sightseeing at Alcoy’s many museums, such as the Archaeological Museum Camil Visedo and Shelter of Cervantes.
Things to know before you go
When taking the bus, try to get off at the Avenida Alameda 56 bus stop; you'll save yourself the long walk from the Alcoy Bus Station into the city center.
Visitors can get free Wi-Fi and mobile charging at the Alcoy Tourist Info office on Plaça d'Espanya.
Hiking trails into the Serra de Mariola nature preserve start on the city’s northeastern outskirts.
How to get there
The nearest big cities to Alcoy are Alicante and Valencia, which—unlike Benidorm—are accessible by motorway. Intercity buses regularly travel the 2-hour route between Alicante and Alcoy; to come from Benidorm, you’ll need to transfer through Alicante. Buses and trains run from Valencia to Alcoy, but there are only a few each day. Otherwise, you’ll want to rent a car, which grants you the freedom to explore outside Alcoy.
When to get there
Similar to nearby Alicante, Alcoy enjoys decent weather year-round, although the hot, dry summer weather in July and August lures many tourists. However, if you’re after a cultural experience in Alcoy, April is the time to go. It's when the city hosts its famous Moors and Christians festival. The festival celebrates the defeat of Moorish invaders in the 13th century and brings parades, costumes, and reenactments.
What to eat in Alcoy
While in Alcoy, why not take the opportunity to try some of the dishes from the province of Alicante? Pericana Alcoyana is a well-known local variation on pericana—a dip made from salted cod and red peppers—and there is a restaurant named after the dish: Restaurante La Pericana. Other regional specialties include olleta—a soupy rice dish—and borreta—a stew of cod, spinach, and potato.
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