March is the perfect month to enjoy La Vall de Gallinera
In the Department of Tourism of La Vall de Gallinera the phone doesn't stop ringing. "They don't stop calling me to ask about the flowering!", tells us, in a hurry, his manager. The 'blame' lies with the latest issue of our magazine, in which we declared the municipality, made up of eight tiny villages , What the best cherry blossom show in the country.
Single 570 inhabitants they live in this fertile land occupied by the Arabs for six centuries, which during these days is filled with foreigners eager to immerse themselves in the pink bloom. The space, of course he is not prepared for so many visitors , and not even the few viewpoints that there are have enough parking for more than a few cars.
The solution, therefore, is to enjoy the journey. "As it is an elongated valley, any point is good to admire the fields simply driving down the road ", they explain from the council.
Of course, the peak moment to do so will be March 15 to 22 , when it is calculated that the landscape will explode with petals and color. Now there are already some cherry trees in bloom, and there will also be later, but it is in this area that the City Council considers that the opportunities to take the perfect photo are greater.
**WHAT TO DO IN VALL DE GALLINERA? **
Walking through the eight quiet and picturesque urban centers that make up the municipality is the most recommended. The call Route of the eight towns it runs through Benirrama (where it begins), Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, Alpatró, La Carroja, Llombai (currently abandoned) and Benissili. Its 16 kilometres, to which we must add the return, are suitable for all audiences, and end with views of Imar de Dénia.
La Carroja, Vall de Gallinera
Walking this path it is easy to admire the fields in flower, although you can also stop at the many fountains and sinks that mark the way, a clear exponent of its Arab past. Also from this period are Castle of Benissili, Forna and Benirrama.
For more experienced walkers there is another option: the ascent to the Penya Foradà , the particular mountain that guards the valley. And we say particular because the rock has a hole at the top, in which twice a year the sun aligns . The first of 2020 will be just this weekend, on Sunday March 8, and the next one will take place in October.
To witness the event, the whole town will go up at 17:00 to the old convent of Benitaia , a celebration to which tourists are also invited. Before, in the morning, there will be a market in Benissivà, with a theater for children.
On March 15 at 10:00, when flowering will already be in full swing, Benialí will hold a excursion to its cave paintings , to which you must register. On the 22nd, for its part, there will be a poetic excursion to the Foradà, which also requires registration (the deadline to do so is March 13).
The magic of the Forada