It has a wealth of history, with its castle on the hill top being of strategic relevance over the centuries and throughout the varied war and conquests. It was a fortress and yet also used to control the entrance route of the Mediterranean coastline. At one time the region was central to all the surrounding areas. Its natural surroundings home more than 600 plant species and the mountains leave you speechless by their natural beauty and proportions.
It's mountain Puig Campana has an altitude of more than 1000 metres, the top is very rarely seen because of the clouds which surround it at the summit. Aitana its fellow mountain, is even higher and is crowned with snow every winter. Together with Serrella and Bernia they form an awe inspiring and inmense mountainous massif divided by small valleys that water numerous terraces and vegetable gardens, orchards of orange and lemon trees, and in its midst 3 legendary villages, La Nucia, Polop and Callosa de Ensarria, all worthy of Gabriel Miro’s fountain pen (well known Spanish author who was born in Alicante)
For those who enjoy walking, mountaineering and/or mountain biking, there are various rural roads and tracks that start out in the village and lead up the different mountains, these are marked into varied categories by grade of difficulty.
There are also interesting car routes, taking you to places such as Petracos (which has cave paintings) in Castell de Castells, Cape de la Nao and all the other villages in surrounding areas.
Places for the Children to have fun are only 15min. away, Sea world (Mundomar),
Aqualand, Fuentes de Algar (Callosa)
Polop has an old part of town that is very interesting.
Pedania de Xirles (In Polop) is a small village located in valley of Guadalest, surrounded by pine trees, and much vegetation. From there you have access to the mountains and valleys of Alicante, those of the Sierra Aitana and Xorta.
The villages in the valley: Guadalest, Beniarda, Confrides and the Mediterranean village of Altea a beautiful maritime village with the Palau de Altea for theatre and music productions. Not far is Benidorm, Benissa with their coasts and beaches. (and many other activities and tourist attractions).
It is worth a visit just for the flora and awesome mountainous regions, the rocky surfaces and images that are such an ingrain part of the views.
The gastronomy is richly rooted in its arab and Mediterranean origins, making it unique and extremely enjoyable.
Other places of interest:
Guadales
Polop de la Marina
Sierras de Bernia
El Puig Campagna
La Nucía
Monte Ponoch, conocido como El León Dormido
El santuario de la Divina Aurora
Vía Crucis con cerámicas del siglo XVIII
El Museo del Alambre
La Fuente de la Provincia
La Font d´El Garrofet
Las Fuentes de los Chorros
El Molí de Xirles
La Cueva del Cid Campeador
Appeals to:
The nature lovers: diversity of plants, flora, mountains and ingrain rock.
The hiker: with its rural walking paths and mountain slopes, walk the entire
mountaneous regions through different villages full of new and hidden treasure
troves, try the honey cellar with as many varieties of honey as you thought
possible.
The family: In safe and rural surroundings yet 15min. from civilization as we
know it.
The writer: a place of true inspiration, awe inspiring, beauty and history.
The mountain biker: with daily challenges to better yourself.