How To Spend A Wonderful Day In Bocairent, Spain

Things To Do In Bocairent

Covetes Dels Moros

One of the most interesting places in Bocairent is the mysterious Covetes dels Moros caves. As you approach, you’ll see dozens of small openings carved into the steep rock, resembling windows. It almost looks like a honeycomb built into the mountain.

Climbing into the caves feels like a small adventure. The steps are narrow, and at times you’ll need to bend down or carefully step over stone gaps – but that’s part of the charm.

Inside, the caves are connected by small tunnels. As you move through them, you’ll feel like an explorer discovering a hidden underground world. It is said that these caves were once used for storage or even as hiding places.

Good To Know: Covetes dels Moros is generally open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., and on Saturday also from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. The site is closed on Mondays.

And don’t forget your shoes – the steps can be steep and a bit slippery in places, so comfortable, non-slip footwear will make your visit a lot easier.

San Blas Cave

If you have a bit more time in Bocairent and want to experience a deeper sense of history, it’s worth considering a visit to San Blas Cave. This man-made underground ice chamber was carved into the rock and used to store snow and ice, which were essential for food preservation and medicinal use in earlier centuries.

The cylindrical structure is about 7.7 meters wide and 11 meters deep, with a dome-shaped roof and a drainage system to manage meltwater. Even today, the cool air and solid stone walls preserve the authentic atmosphere of this 18th-century construction.

Museums In Bocairent

Although I didn’t visit any museums during my stay in Bocairent, it’s clear that they offer valuable insight into the town’s history and traditions.

One of the more interesting ones is the Silk Museum. It tells the story of silk production and its importance to Bocairent’s past.

The Parish Museum displays religious art and artifacts. Meanwhile, the Museum of Festival Costumes offers a closer look at one of the town’s most iconic celebrations.

If you have more time and want to get to know the town’s culture even more deeply, these museums can be a great addition to your day in Bocairent.

Good To Know: Opening hours for these museums may vary depending on the season. It’s best to check in advance at the local tourist information centre or on the town’s official website.

The Cave Monastery

One of the places in the town of Bocairent that you must visit is the cave monastery carved into the rocks.

The monastery dates back to 1556, when a priest named Melchor Ferrer founded a convent for women in Bocairent. With no funds available, the nuns carved their living quarters directly into the rock using only their hands and hammers. Even after more than 450 years, you can still see the original ceiling carvings, rock-hewn altars, small chapels, and a hidden ventilation shaft that once carried smoke from the kitchen.

The place is not only historic – it is still alive today. In 2023, ten young Carmelite sisters from Castile returned to live here, choosing a cloistered life of silence and prayer. They avoid interaction with visitors and aim to follow the same way of life as their predecessors.

Best Views Of Bocairent

The beauty of Bocairent reveals itself not only while wandering its streets but also when observing the town from different viewpoints. If you want to see that classic view where the stone houses seem to climb on top of each other and the church tower rises above it all, it’s worth taking time for these spots.

The entrance near the cemetery – for me personally, this was the spot where the view impressed me the most. Right at the entrance to the town, next to the Bocairent cemetery, there is a small parking lot. Just a few steps from this spot, the full beauty of the town unfolds. From here, Bocairent looks as if it were perched on the edge of a cliff, and the rooftops of the old houses blend into one cozy, living picture. When you stop here, you just want to stand still and enjoy the moment.

Covetes dels Moros – if you want a different angle, it’s worth climbing up to these caves. From here, Bocairent is revealed from the side, and the church tower becomes a striking highlight among the stone walls and surrounding greenery.

Ermita del Santo Cristo – from the top of the chapel, you get yet another view. This is the highest point from which you can photograph the panorama of Bocairent. It’s especially beautiful early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light becomes rich.

How To Get To Bocairent

Bocairent is not a large town, which makes the journey there part of the charm – like a small adventure leading to a quiet corner of Spain untouched by time.

The most convenient way to reach Bocairent is by car – it gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and stop wherever you like. The town is located about 95 km south of Valencia and around 115 km north of Alicante. The drive from either city takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The main road to Bocairent is the A-7 highway, from which you turn onto the CV-81 at the town of Ontinyent. The rest is a scenic, winding route through the mountains, becoming even more impressive as you approach Bocairent.

If you’re planning to travel to Bocairent by public transport, you’ll first need to get to Ontinyent. It’s easily accessible by a direct Renfe train from Valencia’s Nord Station – the journey takes about 1.5 hours. From Ontinyent, you can reach Bocairent by local bus (they run infrequently, especially on weekends) or simply take a taxi – the ride takes just 10 minutes.

Alternatively, book a guided day trip to Bocairent from Valencia through platforms like GetYourGuide for a stress-free experience. These tours usually include transport, a local guide, and free time to explore highlights like the Covetes dels Moros caves. It’s a great if you want to enjoy the visit without planning every detail.

Where To Eat In Bocairent

After a long day of wandering through Bocairent’s narrow streets, nothing is more satisfying than a delicious meal. Out of the many cozy places in the town, I’d highlight two that are truly worth your attention.

I personally visited Mesón Gandía – a family-run place with a warm, homey atmosphere, where the dishes remind you what real local cuisine tastes like. The food is simple but made with care: juicy meat dishes, flavorful stews, and desserts that pleasantly surprised me.

You can also stop by Restaurante El Cancell, where you’ll find Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fresh ingredients, and a good selection of local wines.

Tip: Both restaurants are usually open for lunch and dinner, but weekends tend to be busy, so I recommend booking a table in advance.

Where To Stay In Bocairent

In Bocairent, you’ll find a variety of cozy places to stay – from small hotels in the heart of the old town to peaceful country houses with mountain views. Since the town isn’t large, most accommodations are within easy walking distance of the main sights.

If you want to stay near the old town, places like L’Àgora Hotel or ABBI Suites Casa Rural will let you experience the true atmosphere of Bocairent. Step outside, and you’ll immediately find yourself among stone-paved streets and charming squares.

For those looking for more peace and nature, Hotel L’Estació, located in a former train station, might be just right. It offers more space, greenery, a swimming pool, and convenient access to the town.

Another interesting option is to stay somewhere a bit different – like Cova L’Aljub, a small house built into the rock. It offers a unique experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary.

Tip: Bocairent is especially popular on weekends and holidays, so I recommend booking your stay in advance. If you’re planning to explore the old town, choose a hotel as close to the center as possible. That way, you’ll avoid parking hassles and be able to enjoy the town on foot.