Benissa is one of the southernmost municipalities in the Marina Alta and also one of its largest, stretching from the coastline to the inland mountains.

The town enjoys a mild sunny climate for much of the year and is within 30 minutes of the Costa Blanca's best beaches.

• What to do in Benissa
  • Fiestas
    • Saint Anthony
    • La Puríssima Xiqueta
    • Moors and Christians
  • Centre d'Art Taller Ivars
  • Espai d'Art Contemporani Salvador Soria
  • The Casa Museu dels Abargues
  • Weekly Market
  • Mercat dels Porxes
  • Sala del Consell
  • Hiking
    • Molí del Quisi, SL-CV 136
• Where to Eat in Benissa
• The Surrounding Area
  • Llíber
  • Teulada
  • Xaló

What to do in Benissa

Fiestas

Saint Anthony

The celebrations of Saint Anthony take place on the second weekend of January. Events typically include a medieval market, the blessing of animals, and sporting activities for both adults and children.

La Puríssima Xiqueta

Benissa honours its patron saint, La Puríssima Xiqueta, with almost a full month of festivities, In 2025, celebrations run from the 11th of April until the 4th of May.

The programme includes traditional days such as el dia dels riberer and el dia dels fadrins.

Throughout the festival period there are parades, live music, fireworks, and bull-running events, alongside religious ceremonies and community gatherings.

Moors and Christians

The Moors and Christians festival is one of the most important celebrations in the Valencian Community and takes place in Benissa during the second half of June.

The event is known for its elaborate comparsas, with detailed costumes, large parades, musical performances, and historical reenactments that recreate battles between Moorish and Christian forces.

Centre d'Art Taller Ivars

Centre d'Art Taller Ivars hosts temporary exhibitions and organises cultural activities such as workshops, talks, and presentations throughout the year.

Espai d'Art Contemporani Salvador Soria

The Espai d'Art Contemporani Salvador Soria is a modern exhibition space showcasing prize-winning works from the Salvador Soria competition, as well as pieces by the artist himself.

The Casa Museu dels Abargues

The Casa Museu dels Abargues is a former palatial residence that offers insight into the domestic and social life of Benissa’s nobility during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visitors can explore historic living and dining areas, a private chapel, and rooms furnished with original pieces and artefacts that reflect the town’s cultural heritage.

Weekly Market

Every Saturday from 08:00 to 13:30 Benissa hosts its weekly market. In Calle San José you can find fresh local produce, while in Calle San Nicolás and Calle Hort de Bordes they sell clothing and general goods.

Mercat dels Porxes

Held on the second Saturday of each month (excluding July and August), the Mercat dels Porxes focuses on local, seasonal produce grown in and around Benissa.

Sala del Consell

The Sala del Consell was built in the sixteenth century, originally as a warehouse, and currently serves as Benissa's interpration centre.

The space provides visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and cultural development of Benissa and includes a variety of Archaealogical finds from the surrounding area.

Hiking

Molí del Quisi, SL-CV 136

The Molí del Quisi (SL-CV 136) is a circular hiking route of just under 9 kilometres. Starting from Benissa, it leads to the 15th-century Quisi Mill and back again, offering views over local forests and mountain landscapes.

Where to Eat in Benissa

Benissa has a variety of great restaurants whether you want to eat in the old town or on the coast.

• Casa Bernardi is a Michelin starred Italian Restaurant with views of Benissa's beautiful natural landscape.
• Cuina de Dos is a popular restaurant with an elegant take on traditional Valencian dishes.
• Xiringuito Olalá is a bar and restaurant close to the beach with views of the Mediterranean.

The Surrounding Area

Llíber

Llíber is a small wine-producing village in the Vall de Pop, known for its traditional agriculture and bodegas.

Find out more about Llíber

Teulada

Teulada forms part of the Teulada-Moraira municipality and offers a more traditional inland setting, with easy access to the coast, vineyards, and surrounding countryside.

Find out more about Teulada

Xaló

Xaló, also known as Jalón, is a lively town in the Vall de Pop, well known for its wineries and weekly rastro market.

Find out more about Xaló