Inland Valencian city in the Vall d'Albaida, known for its Moros i Cristians festival.
Ontinyent is a small city of about 36,000 people in the Valencia region, tucked into the hills of the Vall d'Albaida — a wide inland valley an hour's drive from the coast. It has a compact old quarter rising to a Moorish-era castle with views over the surrounding hills, and a pleasant central square that comes alive in the evenings.
The highlight of the year is the Moros i Cristians festival in late August, when the town re-enacts the medieval battles between Moorish and Christian forces with elaborate costumes, competing bands, and nocturnal parades. It is one of the most elaborate celebrations of this tradition in the Valencia region and well worth timing a visit around. Outside the festival season, the natural pools at Pou Clar — cold, clear rock pools on the river just outside town — are the main draw.
Guide
Getting There
Ontinyent is about 70 km south of Valencia and 90 km north-west of Alicante. There is no direct rail link; the nearest train station is at Xàtiva, 25 km north, on the Valencia–Alicante main line. From Xàtiva, buses run to Ontinyent several times daily.
By car from Valencia, the A-7 motorway runs south to Xàtiva and then the CV-81 heads west into the Vall d'Albaida; the drive takes about an hour. From Alicante, the route via Alcoi on the CV-81 takes around 90 minutes. Several buses also connect Ontinyent directly to Valencia (about 90 minutes).
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When to Go
The Moros i Cristians festival at the end of August is the primary reason to time a visit to Ontinyent. The four days of the festival see the town transform and accommodation is booked well in advance. August is also hot — temperatures in the Vall d'Albaida can reach 35°C — but the evenings are lively.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the best times for a general visit: comfortable temperatures, the natural pools at Pou Clar at their clearest, and the town in its everyday rhythm rather than festival mode. Winter is mild but quiet; many restaurants reduce hours.
