Recently, we were fortunate enough to discover this magical corner of the Valencian Community.
Bolbaite is a charming village, just 84 kilometres from the city of Valencia, and well worth a day visit. It’s a less touristy spot, perfect for combining with a holiday on the Valencian coast.
With just over 1,300 residents, it’s a peaceful place, ideal for disconnecting. Join us as we uncover everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Bolbaite!
How to get to Bolbaite:
From Alicante (1h 30 min approx)
- On the A-31: Drive until exit 42, then take the CV-585 and CV-580 towards Bolbaite.
- From the A-7: Drive to the A-35, take exit 42 and follow the CV-585 and CV-580 to Bolbaite.
From Valencia (1h approx)
- Take the A-7, follow the CV-590 and then the CV-580 towards Bolbaite.
There is a car park just at the entrance of Bolbaite. You can leave your car there without any problems.
A place with history
Bolbaite is home to the imposing castle-palace of the Cabanyelles, of Muslim origin, at the foot of which an Islamic community was established, taking advantage of the strategic position of a rocky hill. Over time, the town said goodbye to the Moors and was repopulated by settlers of Aragonese origin. The Castle-Palace represents a precious vestige of what was the Valencian Golden Age, when the Cabanyelles, lords of Bolbaite, ruled the kingdom of Valencia.
The castle is located in the upper part of the village, it is built on the old Muslim fortress that gave rise to the village and all the surrounding streets, known as the Rabalet, which date from the same period. The castle has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
Next to the fortress is the washhouse and fountain of San Pancracio. From the charming Plaza de la Iglesia, presided over by a beautiful fountain and decorated with elegant stately buildings. Highlights include the slender Town Hall and the Church of San Francisco de Paula (18th century), built in 1521 in Renaissance style and rebuilt in 1780 due to a collapse caused by an earthquake, with its imposing bell tower.
Next to it is the Town Hall, the date of construction is unknown, although it is known that it was previously a school and was renovated in 1953 for use as municipal buildings.
Outside the town centre, at the top of Mount Bolantin, is the Ermita de Santa Bárbara, a 17th century building. It is the highest part of the village, where there is a picnic area and a barbecue area, as well as a restaurant. It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting attractions in this town.
Bolbaite still preserves today the traditional craftsmanship of wicker and esparto grass, as well as the production of “caliqueños” (small cigars).
Opposite the Castle-Palace of Bolbaite, next to the river cliff, there are six factory-style buildings with gabled roofs. This complex corresponds to six tobacco drying sheds, which experienced their heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. Once dried, the tobacco leaves were transferred to workshops with abundant female labour, where they were rolled and cigars were manufactured.
The municipality of Bolbaite has natural sites of great scenic and ecological wealth, such as the Ermita de Santa Bárbara, the river Sellent, the Puente Piedra and the “Gorgo Cadena”.
Gastronomy and festivals
In this municipality there is a rich gastronomy, where the ingredients are the products of the area. You can taste a wide variety of dishes such as gazpachos, baked rice, paellas, sausages and meats.
The bakeries and bakeries produce exquisite traditional pastries where the “mantecaos de almendra” or “pastissos de moniato” stand out.
In January, Bolbaite celebrates the festivities of San Antón, where bread and animals are blessed in the church square. The Fallas are celebrated the weekend before the official start of the Fallas of Valencia. The Fiestas Patronales take place in spring, in honour of its patron saint “San Francisco de Paula”, with a Moors and Christians parade. In summer, the Semana Cultural (Cultural Week) is celebrated with many cultural and sporting activities. On 16th August, the festivity in honour of San Roque is celebrated, and on 4th December, Santa Bárbara, patron saint of Bolbaite, is celebrated, with pilgrimages going up and down to the hermitage with the image of the saint.
Bolbaite river recreation area
This beautiful recreational area with natural pools is perfect for having a bite to eat or just hanging out with friends or family near the river Sellent. It is an elongated area that follows the shape of the river and has several tables, toilets and is even equipped with showers. It also has fountains and parking for bicycles.
From June until September you have to pay a fee to access the recreational area of Bolbaite. The entrance to the Bolbaite river can be booked online. The capacity is 400 people. 250 with online ticket and 150 with ticket at the ticket office.
Natural Swimming Pools of Bolbaite
They are very easy to get to, just walk down Calle del Rio from the town hall square for a minute or less. They are so close to the village that it is impossible to miss them. If you go by car, simply park in the car park by the natural pools and walk down. It’s a really easy walk.
In Bolbaite, the town hall is less than 10 minutes walk from the river Sellent, offering a special charm to the village. One of the best initiatives has been the creation of a large natural pool in the river, allowing visitors to enjoy a refreshing swim. This natural pool has become one of the best options to escape the summer heat and enjoy a unique and natural environment.
The only restriction that exists is for pets, as it is an area where they are not allowed to bathe or walk freely.
As it passes through Bolbaite, the river Sellent flows through a rocky bed forming natural pools and small waterfalls, creating a landscape of great beauty and environmental value.
A little further down is the Gorgo de la Cadena, the largest pool, characterised by its metal bridge. Here, the water is artificially dammed to create a large natural pool, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Bolbaite and its surroundings is a beautiful and highly recommended area to visit and enjoy. So if you are staying nearby this summer, don’t hesitate to visit it.
