The best road cycling routes around Petrer

The Church (Hermitage) of Santa Eulalia, located in the Santa Eulalia Colony, between Sax and Villena (Alicante, Alto Vinalopó). It forms part of an agricultural colony built in the late 19th century, declared a Site of Cultural Interest (ethnological) in 2016. It is situated in an area between Sax and Villena, near the Acequia del Rey irrigation canal and the Vinalopó River. The hermitage is located in one of the colony's two main squares, surrounded by houses, factories (flour and alcohol), a theater, a casino, and a train station. The current hermitage was built in 1891, on the site of an earlier medieval one, commissioned by the Count of Alcudia (Antonio de Padúa Saavedra). It is a simple rectangular building with a double-arched bell gable built around 1900; each arch housed bells on its lower level.

The Ermita de San Blas in Sax is a small, historic chapel located in the heart of the old town, directly below the castle. It was probably built in the 13th or 14th century and is one of the typical "Ermitas de Reconquista" (reconquest hermitages) built after the Christian reconquest. The building has a simple rectangular floor plan with a later addition of a semicircular chancel and a baroque bell tower above the entrance. The statue of Saint Blas, the patron saint of the town, is venerated inside. The chapel continues to play a central role in the religious and cultural life of Sax. Of particular importance is the annual "Cabildo de San Blas" on December 26th, a traditional gathering that marks the beginning of the patron saint's festivities. In addition, masses are regularly held in honor of the saint. With its historic architecture and picturesque location below the castle, the Ermita de San Blas is an important symbol of Sax's identity and a worthwhile destination for visitors interested in culture.

As a curiosity, it should be said that this is where the Valencian public television series "L'Alqueria Blanca" was recorded. https://www.elmundo.es/comunidad-valenciana/alicante/2019/02/25/5c70046a21efa0b72a8b4613.html

Imposing hilltop castle from the 12th century on a steep cliff. The oldest part of the castle is the eastern tower, built on the steep slope of the cliff, made of tapia masonry. It dates from the Almohad period, i.e. the end of the 12th to the beginning of the 13th century. The second tower of the complex probably dates from the first decades of the 14th century. Originally a Moorish foundation, after the Reconquista the castle was located in the border area between the Kingdom of Murcia, claimed by Castile, and the Kingdom of Valencia, conquered by Aragon. A chain of castles was built in this area, mainly along the Vinalopó river. Around 1240 the castle was taken from the Muslims under Aragonese leadership and with the help of the Templars and the Order of St. John. Under the name "El Cid", Spain's knight Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar became the symbol of the Reconquista. The Castilian nobleman fought against Moorish rulers and Christian competitors in the 11th century. He never lost a single battle, the Moors respectfully called him Alsayyed (Lord of the Leaders), which later became “EL Cid”. The Spaniards, however, always spoke of “El Compeador”. CidCT: Camino del Cid Ciclotourista - Route of the castles in the historically contested border region between the Moors and the kingdoms of Castile, Valencia and Aragon.

The oldest part of the castle is the eastern tower, built of tapia masonry on the steep slope of the cliff. It dates from the Almohad period, i.e., the late 12th to early 13th century. The second tower of the complex probably dates from the first decades of the 14th century. Originally a Moorish foundation, after the Reconquista the castle was located in the border area between the Kingdom of Murcia, claimed by Castile, and the Kingdom of Valencia, conquered by Aragon. A chain of castles was built in this area, mainly along the Vinalopó River. Around 1240, the castle was wrested from the Muslims under Aragonese leadership and with the help of the Templars and the Order of St. John. Located on the CidCT route: Camino del Cid Cyclotourista - Route of Castles in the Historically Contested Border Region between the Moors and the Kingdoms of Castile, Valencia, and Aragon. Camino del Cid - Under the name "El Cid," Spain's knight Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar became a symbol of the Reconquista. The Castilian nobleman fought against Moorish rulers and Christian rivals in the 11th century. He never lost a single battle; the Moors respectfully called him Alsayyed (Lord of the Leaders), which later became "El Cid." The Spanish, however, always referred to him as "El Compeador" (The Warrior).

Petrer Castle is a fortification of Muslim origin built in the 12th century on top of the old part of the city. Its silhouette, visible from afar, is very picturesque due to its large square crenellated tower.

Monóvar (or in Valencian, Monòver), is a city in Medio Vinalopó, in Alicante. It has more than 12,000 inhabitants and its economy is based mainly on the production of wine. The artisan shoe and leather goods shops also stand out. It is worth visiting the hermitage of Santa Bárbara, located on a hill in the highest part of Monóvar. From here there is a perfect view of all the mountains that surround Medio Vinalopó.

Sax Castle dates from the 12th century and is a construction of Arab origin. It stands on the top of a large rock, dominating the town of Sax and the Vinalopó valley.