Discover Benilloba: the town with a spectacular waterfall an hour from Valencia
A small, almost unknown village that holds a natural treasure you wouldn’t expect so close to Valencia. Benilloba, with fewer than 800 inhabitants, seems to have stayed frozen in time. But, oh, it hides a secret that precisely makes it irresistible, especially for lovers of hiking and nature in its purest form.
Located in the province of Alicante, within the Valencian Community, and just an hour and twenty minutes from Valencia, this place combines mountain landscapes and historical heritage in a way few villages can boast. Its fame? A waterfall that leaves even the most demanding tourist speechless.
Benilloba, the village that defies size with its nature
The Salt Waterfall and the Mill of the Rocks
Benilloba is best known for the Route to the Salt Mill, which leads directly to the Mill of the Rocks of Salt, an old mill from 1852 that ended up becoming a hydroelectric plant (Factory of Light) that still retains the charm of another era. But the absolute star is the Benilloba Waterfall, a spectacular waterfall born from the Penàguila River that attracts visitors from all over the Valencian Community and beyond.
To get there you must pass by the Teulería Fountain, and don’t worry if the descent scares you: a stone staircase makes access easier, making it accessible to almost everyone, even those not trained for mountain hiking.
If you want to prepare a good route from Benilloba village to this mill, passing by fountains and spectacular spots, we recommend this Wikiloc route, posted by user Mike K Six, but plan the route well and prepare properly while observing the weather.
A natural environment to explore
Around Benilloba, the Aitana Mountain Range stands out strongly and offers a landscape that looks like it came from a postcard. Here you can take hiking routes that connect with other well-known mountain ranges like Puig Campana and the Sierra de Mariola.
Also, it’s not just mountains: less than 100 km away, there is a coastline with more than 200 km of beaches and coves with crystal-clear waters that become a summer temptation for visitors, combining the best of mountain and coast in a getaway that requires no long travel.
How to get to Benilloba from Valencia
A direct and easy route by road
From Tarragona, it’s about a 4-hour drive, taking the AP-7 down until you reach Valencia. Taking the A-7 route is the most comfortable and fastest way to travel from Valencia to Benilloba. In a little over an hour and twenty minutes, you will cover approximately 98 km from the center of Valencia to the village, passing through well-signposted roads with landscapes that already prepare the traveler for the experience ahead.
The route goes along C. de les Filipines and Av. d'Ausiàs March to the V-3 and then joins the A-7. Once at exit 442, just follow Carrer Tapia, where the Benilloba adventure begins.
Public transport and alternatives
Although there are some bus connections, public transport is not exactly the best option to get there. The recommendation is to go by car, so you can enjoy the journey and stop at points of interest you find along the way.
For those seeking more adventure, the cycling routes surrounding the area are an added attraction. But beware, the climbs are relentless.
What to do, eat, and where to stay in Benilloba and surroundings
Enjoy local dishes and the gastronomic culture
Benilloba, like the entire Alicante territory, does not fall short in gastronomy. The bean stew with turnips and meat is a classic you can’t miss. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, their traditional sweet potato cake is a delight that will make you come back for more.
For meals, the village has some family-run restaurants where homemade cooking reigns, such as Bar Nou, a simple place with authentic flavor, highly valued by locals and visitors seeking authenticity.
Charming accommodation to complete the visit
The village offers lodging in rural houses and small inns that maintain the place’s peaceful and welcoming character. For example, Casa Rural El Portalet is a highly recommended option for those who want to rest after a day of hiking and discover the village at a relaxed pace.
If you want a fuller experience, you can combine the visit with a stay in the city of Alcoy, just 20 km away, which has more hotel options and a pleasant urban atmosphere.
Other places to visit nearby
If you crave more, the Mariola Mountain Range, with its small villages and routes, is very close. You can also visit Alcoy, with its modernist and industrial heritage, or make a getaway to the beaches of the Costa Blanca, less than an hour away by road.
This contrast between mountain and sea makes Benilloba ideal for weekend getaways or a few days of total relaxation.
The reality is that Benilloba is not just any village; it is a place where nature, history, and daily life blend with a charm that makes you come back, even if just to see the Benilloba Waterfall again.
