Gorga

Where is Gorga?

The town of Gorga is a small agricultural village consisting of less than 300 residents. It is town under the Comtat region and a part of the Alicante Province in Spain. This picturesque town is located between two valleys: Travadell and Seta. It is bordered on its right by the River Seta. Surrounded by the Serra Alfaro and Serrella, it is a popular tourist destination for hikers interested in some challenging terrain.

The nearest airport to the town of Gorga is the Alicante Airport, situated approximately 77 kilometers from the center. The second airport that you can come in from is the Valencia Airport with a distance of 122 kilometers from the town’s center. Tourists who intend to visit the town should book a flight which arrives in either of the two previously mentioned. To access the town, travelers should take the N-340 exit found near Venta Sant Jordi. Afterwards, tourists should drive along the road which leads to the towns of Benifallim and Benilloba. Surrounding the village of Gorga are the larger towns of Cocentaina and Benilloba.

Gorga accommodation

As a town which borders the region of Hoya de Alcoy, Gorga is surrounded by numerous small villages found between the two regions. These include the towns of Balls, Quatretondeta, Millena and Benasau under the region of Comtat and the town of Penàguila in the region of Hoya de Alcoy. This group of small towns offers a great deal of privacy for tourists looking for a place to relax and move away from the hustle and bustle of the city. However within the town of Gorga, accommodation options are few. The nearest houses available are in the town of Benimantell, some 13.5 kilometers from Gorga. For more luxurious accommodations for tourists exploring the town of Gorga, hotels are located a short distance away. The nearest is only 7.9 kilometers from Gorga. Hotel Rural Gay Els Banys is situated in the town of Benimarfull which has rooms with a view of a stunning garden and its own private pool.

Rent a car in Gorga

There are a number of roads which go by the area of the town of Gorga. Although the province of Alicante prides itself in having a good line of public transportation, there is no mention of station near Gorga. Considering the distance between the town and the airport, it is not advisable to walk or to take any bus to the town. Buses are limited, with strict schedules. Riding a bus or any form of public transportation would restrict what a tourist would be able to see and explore during their trip. When taking a trip to Gorga, car hire services are a much better option. It may cost the traveler more but the experience of being able to explore more ground is priceless. A train or bus ride is not enough in seeing and experiencing the local sights and sounds. Travelers will get to choose which areas to see first and when, more than a bus ride or walking can offer.

About Gorga

History

There is little said about the history of the town of Gorga. It is assumed that its origins are much like the rest of the province. The first inhabitants of the town were the Moors. Although the town was invaded and conquered by the troops of King Jaime I, the Muslim families remained. Ownership of the town was passed from several members of nobility. Unlike other towns in the province, the Moorish families were not cast out and instead may have played a major role in influencing the local culture in the town of Gorga.

Architecture

There are several architectural sites that are worth seeing. One is within the town plaza itself. Here stands the palace of the Marquis of Ariza, easily distinguishable by a stone gate with an emblem of a shield. This marked the entry point into the village. Currently, it is being used as a rural house which is open for reservations.

Another site worth seeing is the parish church built for Our Lady of the Assumption. This religious structure was built in the mid 18th century in the neoclassical style. Within its walls lie images of the town’s patron saint Marc de Deu de Garcia. Other relics worth mentioning are the wood carvings as well as the pipe organ dedicated to Juan de Juanes’ act of calling souls.

Tourist Attraction

In addition to the architectural relics, tourists will enjoy the serene nature of the town. The residents still rely mainly on agriculture and raising livestock as a means of living. These lands produce a variety of items including almonds, fruits such as peaches and plums as well as olives.

Beyond the walls of the town lie vast areas for exploration. The town of Gorga is known for its great hiking trails which allow the tourist to see the surrounding areas. There is vast range of terrain from plains to rugged terrains and ravines, perfect for hikers of all levels. A popular destination is the Serella Peak with rocky peaks locally referred to as Els Frares.

What to Do

A trip to this remote area is not complete without a taste of the local culture. There is no better way of doing so than by coming to the village during one of its festivities. A vast majority of the local towns in Spain allocate specific days to their saints and other important religious figures. In the town of Gorga, residents pay tribute to the Virgin of Grace as well as the Saints Abdon and Senen. This is celebrated on a weekend during the first week of September. Another event is held during February. During the first Sunday of the month, festivals are organized as a tribute to Saint Blas. On this particular celebration, Blessed Bread or Pa Beneit is baked and given to the residents.

Sport

The Spanish are known to be active in sports. Even within the smaller towns, it is not surprising to see several facilities which are dedicated to numerous types of sports. Within the town of Gorga there is a sporting space which has several areas, each area allocated for a specific sport. These include a court for handball, another for indoor tennis and even an indoor swimming pool.

Gorga Golfing

Within the region which includes Gorga, golfing is one of the major pastimes for tourists. The province has been renowned all over the world for its varied greens and large golf courses. Its perfect climate and nearby accommodations make it a favorite spot for golfers. Adding to the area’s appeal are the scenic views of the surrounding areas and other conveniences that are located nearby. There is nothing more that a golfer could ask for.

 

Where to eat in Gorga

The sights and sounds of Gorga are enough to keep a tourist busy for days. Yet a trip is never complete without tasting the town’s local cuisine. The region of Valencia is known for a wide variety of dishes that would make tourists come back for more. There is something to fit almost any type of craving. As a region which traditionally relies on farming and raising livestock, some of the more common ingredients include rice, peppers, olive oil, almonds, red meat and game meat. One of the local culinary delights is the Pericana, a dish which consists of cod, olive oil, garlic and peppers. Borra is another local favorite which includes rice with rabbit. For a taste of local cuisine, tourists should try dining at The Sester. Located in the town of Torremanzanas, 14 kilometers from Gorga, the restaurant specializes in both local dishes as well as some international cuisines.

The weather in Gorga

Tourists would say that the weather is the town of Gorga is perfect all year round. Its consistent Mediterranean climate makes the area a good place to go to any time of the year. Tourists can go explore the countryside, hike the mountainous trails, go swimming at the beach or play a few holes at the nearby golf courses. The skies are almost always sunny, perfect for any outdoor activity. Winters are not as cold as one would expect. Tourists from the colder, northern regions come to this area during the winter. With clear skies to be expected, tourists should bring sun protection to avoid getting exposed to too much sunlight.