The first traces of human presence in the area date to c. 60,000 years ago, when Neanderthal hunters settled here. A site with rock paintings, dating to c. 10,000/6,500 years ago, has been discovered near la Sarga. From around the mid-3rd millennium BC people started to move from the caves to the plain where cereals grown, while mountain fortifications were erected. After the Roman conquest of the Iberians rural villas were built in the area, as well as a necropolis. The town was established in 1256 by James 1 of Aragon with the construction of a castle on a strategic position over the Serpis River, to secure the southern frontier of the Kingdom of Valencia.

Alcoy is a Mediterranean city in an attractive natural setting flanked by two nature reserves, the Serra de Mariola and Font Roja. It is located only 54 kilometres from Alicante and 105 from Valencia. It has an outstanding mediaeval and Modernist heritage, and its emblematic bridges. Plaza de Espana square is the heart of the city. Places to visit in the mediaeval quarter include the old town hall, the Archaeology Museum, and the Museum of the Moors and Christians festival. Going up along Calle San Nicolas in the opposite direction brings you to the Modernist city. The town’s appearance today directly recalls the pioneering city of the Spanish Industrial Revolution whose artistic heritage has been included on the European Modernist Route. The area around Alcoy offers the opportunity for excursions along the cycling route known as the Via Verde (green route), the Barranc Del Cint, El Salt, Els Canalons and Racó Sant Bonaventura, all ideal for adventure sports. Tradition dictates that based on the historical facts of 1276, on 22, 23 and 24 April Alcoy celebrates its Moors and Christian’s festival in honour of its patron saint San Jorge. Music and wild flights of imagination transport us back to the 13th century to relive the Battle of Alcoy.