El Puig Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of El Puig, Spain with our comprehensive travel guide featuring the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to El Puig

El Puig is a charming little town located in the eastern part of Spain, in the province of Valencia, in the Valencian Community. The town, surrounded by the breathtaking Sierra Calderona mountain range and the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. El Puig is a popular tourist destination that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. From its Moorish castle to its beautiful beaches, El Puig has a lot to offer for every type of traveler.

List of Places to Visit in El Puig

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • El Puig Monastery: The Monastery of Santa Maria de El Puig is a must-visit attraction in El Puig. The monastery is known for its Gothic-style architecture, large cloister, and beautiful altarpieces. It also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the town.
  • El Puig Castle: The Moorish castle of El Puig is another must-visit attraction. The castle dates back to the 9th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
  • El Puig Archaeological Museum: The museum features exhibits on the town’s prehistoric, Roman, and Islamic past. It’s a great place to learn about the rich history of El Puig.

Natural Attractions of El Puig: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sierra Calderona National Park: The park is a nature lover’s paradise and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. It is home to diverse flora and fauna and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • El Puig Beaches: El Puig is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Puig, Playa de Puebla de Farnals, and Playa de Massamagrell. The beaches offer crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and a variety of beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Hiking/Biking Routes of El Puig

  • PR-CV 423 Route: The hiking route takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the Sierra Calderona mountain range and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a moderate-level hiking trail that takes around 3 hours to complete.
  • Via Verda Ojos Negros: The biking route starts from Ojos Negros and takes you through the beautiful countryside of El Puig. The trail runs along the old railway line and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea. It’s a beginner-level biking trail that takes around 2-3 hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in El Puig: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tour: El Puig is known for its vineyards and wineries. Take a wine tour and indulge in wine tasting sessions.
  • Water Sports: El Puig is known for its water sports activities. Go snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, jet-skiing, and more.
  • Cultural Tours: Take a guided cultural tour of El Puig and learn about its rich history and heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for El Puig

Day Activity
1 Visit El Puig Monastery and Castle
2 Go hiking in Sierra Calderona National Park
3 Take a wine tour of El Puig
4 Visit El Puig Archaeological Museum
5 Visit El Puig beaches and enjoy water sports activities
6 Go biking on Via Verda Ojos Negros
7 Take a guided cultural tour of El Puig

Food and Drink Scene of El Puig

Must-Try Dishes

  • Paella: A traditional Valencian dish made with rice, saffron, veggies, and meat/seafood. It’s a must-try dish when in El Puig.
  • Fideuà: Similar to paella, fideuà is made with noodles instead of rice and is a local favorite.
  • Horchata: A refreshing local drink made with tiger nuts and sugar. It’s a perfect drink to beat the heat.

Local Beverages

  • Wine: El Puig is known for its vineyards and wineries. Try the local wines such as Bobal and Monastrell.
  • Agua de Valencia: A popular cocktail made with orange juice, gin, vodka, and cava.

Where to Stay in El Puig: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Casbah: A boutique hotel located in the center of town. It offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the town.
  • Hostal Teide: A budget-friendly option located near the beach. The hostel offers basic amenities and easy access to the beach and water sports activities.
  • Guesthouse La Barraca: A charming guesthouse located in the countryside. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of town and is a great option for nature lovers.

What to Buy in El Puig: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wine: Bring back a bottle of local Bobal or Monastrell wine.
  • Horchata: Bring back a bottle of the refreshing local drink.
  • Handmade Crafts: El Puig is known for its handmade crafts such as pottery, ceramics, and textiles. Bring back a unique piece as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of El Puig

  • Siestas: Like most of Spain, El Puig has a tradition of afternoon siestas. Most shops and businesses close during the afternoon for a nap.
  • Festivals: El Puig is known for its colorful festivals and celebrations. The Fira i Festes de Sant Pere is a popular festival that takes place in June and features a variety of cultural events and activities.
  • Local Cuisine: The local cuisine is a blend of Valencian and Mediterranean flavors. Try the traditional dishes such as paella, fideuà, and horchata.

Best Time to Visit El Puig

The best time to visit El Puig is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it can get crowded during peak season. If you prefer a quieter time, visit during off-season (November to February) when the weather is cooler but still pleasant.

Do’s and Don’ts of El Puig

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Take care of the natural surroundings while hiking or biking.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash in the natural surroundings or on the beach.
  • Touch or remove any artifacts or items from historical sites/museums.

Safety and Health

Safety in El Puig

El Puig is a safe town for travelers. However, like any other tourist destination, you should always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.

Health in El Puig

El Puig has a good healthcare system. There are pharmacies and medical centers in the town. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to El Puig: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near El Puig

  • Valencia Airport: The nearest airport to El Puig is Valencia Airport, located around 25 km away. It offers domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near El Puig

  • El Puig Bus Station: The bus station is located in the center of town and offers regular bus services to Valencia and other nearby towns.

Other Options

  • Train: The nearest train station is in Valencia, which offers both domestic and international train services.

How to Get Around in El Puig

El Puig is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. Biking is also a great option to explore the town and its surrounding area. Taxis and rental cars are available for longer journeys and to nearby towns.

Where to Go Next from El Puig: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Valencia: The vibrant city of Valencia is located just 15 km away from El Puig. It offers a variety of attractions such as the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the Central Market, and the historic old town.
  • Sagunto: The historic town of Sagunto is located around 10 km away from El Puig. It’s known for its Roman and Moorish ruins and is a perfect day trip destination.
  • Peñíscola: The beautiful coastal town of Peñíscola is located around 90 km away from El Puig. It’s known for its medieval castle and beautiful beaches.

Conclusion

El Puig is a hidden gem that offers something for every type of traveler. From its rich history and culture to its stunning natural beauty, El Puig is a perfect destination to experience the best of Spain. Whether you want to explore its museums and archaeological sites or indulge in outdoor adventures and water sports activities, El Puig has it all. Come and experience the charm of this beautiful town for yourself.

Real Monasterio de El Puig de Santa María Real Monasterio de El Puig de Santa María Cartoixa d'Ara Christi Cartoixa d'Ara Christi Civil war trench on the Muntanyeta de la Patà Civil war trench on the Muntanyeta de la Patà Platja dels Plans Platja dels Plans