Cocentaina is a town situated in the province of Alicante. South east of Spain.
The village is located between the “Serpis” river and the mountain range of “Sierra de Mariola ” national park.
Tourist and cycling fans like Cocentaina, there are very nice biking paths and roads who are very attractive.
For example a part of the “Vuelta de Espana” use this roads.
Some professional cycle teams take the route for training.
Some say for example the Astana pro team.
The economy of the town is based on the textile industry.
Climate
The province enjoys an excellent mild Mediterranean climate.
Like the rest of the Costa Blanca .
The average year temperature is around 20 C.
History
Cocentaina is now a town of 12 000 persons.
In the past, the 11th century it was the capital of a large Moorish region.
As you known, this Moorish region did cover a great part of the Alicante region.
Around the 13th century the Christians began their conquest in the region.
About the town Cocentaina
The town is a medieval treasure town.
So, it looks like you are catapulted into the Medieval Ages, especially in the time of their” Feria de todos los Santos” or “Fair of all Saints” . Read more below!
It is strange that in travel guides they do not write about the town. So it is really a hidden place, but very popular by Spanish people.
So now it is up to you to discover it.
The local people are very proud of their history of Moors and Christians
So when you walk around in the old part next to the “Comtat Palace ” you can see “medieval” flags and shields.
The castle of Cocentaina
In the past the castle was origin Gothic ( 13th century).
Then the count changed it to Renaissance style.
For instance, the ceilings and the columns are beautiful painted.
Some of the paintings represent the war between the Moorish and the Christians people.
Side by side is a large church. Nearly the size of a cathedral. The most striking point of the architecture is the enormous golden entrance door.
During your stay, is also worth ta take a walk to the ” Hermitage of Saint Barbara”. At this point there are some breathtaking panoramas..
From the Arab castle of “Penelles” is only the tower remaining
Cuisine of Cocentaina
The cuisine is Spanish mountain food. That is normal, the food is influence by the region.
But also by climate and geography. So, that is important for the cooking methods and the ingredients.
As Spain has a history of invasions, there are also influence of the way of cooking and the new ingredients.
For example for the region of Cocentaina stewed partridge or fresh lamb.
Or ” platos de cuchara “or one spoon dishes. See our page culinary specialty of the Costa Blanca
Good meals for a stay in the mountains.
Mean event in Cocentaina .
The Moors and Christians Festival and the Feria de Todos los Santos ( all Saints Fair).
The Moors and Christians festival is dated in 1586.
The fair of All Saint has been celebrated since almost 700 years.
No wonder that is a declared as ” Fiesta of National Interest”.
For these special days of the town , the tourist information has leaflets and maps at different information points.
Plan of the Fiesta
It is also interesting, to plan your visit back in time for the several activities.
For instance , there is a conventional market with fresh fruit and vegetables cheeses and cured meat from the region.
But there is also a zone for children with attraction and games.
Of course the old town is transformed into a town in the Medieval ages.
In the historic buildings are all sort of exhibition related to the medieval Ages : arts and crafts.
Arab and Moorish Souks
It is really a sort of magic and very nice to discover.
For example there are of course Arab souks , medieval market Valencian artisan, Jewish quarter and stalls.
In past , the town was also a real life mix of Moors and Christians and Jewish People.
Indeed , this mix was also found in the other city of South Spain.
To sum up: Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla.
Now in Cocentaina at the “Fiesta de Todos Santos” the stalls are filled with all sort of handcrafts and little treasures.
Medieval looking jewelry, spices and herbs. Of course also essential oils and incense. So it is a Fiesta for your senses.
In every street of the old town there are jugglers, singers, minstrels and knights.
Furthermore there are also stalls of serving everything to eat. Such as sausages potatoes, meat roasting on charcoals and preparation of fish.
So the fair is in Spain very popular with more than 800 stalls !
The young children love the time of the knights and the Medieval festival.
Map of the Fiesta
The map is interesting to take a look at.
So you can see the different sections.
It depends what you want to see.
In short, we give you a choice : traditional fair, from horses to car, shoes and toys, local wines, traditional crafts, metal work, lace making, embroidery, glass blowing, soap making, candle making, pottery making…
When ?
The fair and the festivities are taking place the bank holiday of the 1 the November. ( all saints )
The stalls will open from 9 till 22.00 hour
If you want to come to the fair , there are many temporary parking’s just outside the town center.
So it is is just a walk away , and preferable with all the Spanish visitors.
So, during you stay at the Costa Blanca why not enjoy a day back in time ?