La Vall de Gallinera is a municipality made up of 8 villages: Benirrama, Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, la Carroja, Alpatró, Llombai and Benissili. It covers an area of 53.63 km² in which we find beautiful landscapes and rich vegetation. Among others, the cultivation of olive and cherry trees stands out.

Its history dates back to the Middle Palaeolithic period (100,000 - 50,000 BC) where the first human settlements are recorded, as can be seen in the various materials found in the Cueva d'en Pardo. From the prehistoric period, it is worth mentioning the different examples of cave art that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The Iberians also left their mark in the Valley; you can visit the remains of the "Xarpolar" settlement in particular.

From the Islamic culture we must highlight the two castles that crown the two entrances to the valley, the castle of Benissili or Alcalà on the inside, and the castle of Benirrama or Gallinera on the coast. The origin of these castles dates back to the 11th century. In the 13th century they were the residence of Al-Azraq, a famous Muslim prince considered the standard-bearer of the resistance against the Christians of King Jaime I.

Festivities in La Vall de Gallinera

The 8 population centres that make up La Vall de Gallinera celebrate their patron saint festivals between July and August:

– Benirrama: Last weekend of July.
– Benissivà and Benitaia: First weekend in August, in honour of San Roque.
– Benialí: Second weekend of August, in honour of San Miguel and the Virgen de los Desamparados.
–  Alpatró: From 14th to 16th August.
– La Carroja: Third weekend of August, in honour of San Francisco de Borja.
– Benissili: Last weekend of August, in honour of San Pascual Bailón.