Benasau is more than a generic inland stop. The municipality has two small settlements, Benasau and Ares del Bosc, at the foot of La Serrella. In the first, Carrer Major connects the tower-palace of the Barons of Finestrat with Sant Pere Church; in the second, a church, former palace and washhouse form a separate heritage group. A useful visit treats the two places individually, then adds only the landscape outing that matches the available time and walkers’ experience.
What to see in Benasau village
Tower-palace of the Barons of Finestrat
The tower of the former seigneurial palace, dated to the 16th century by the regional tourism portal, is the village’s clearest civil landmark. Its scale helps explain both the historical role of the Barons of Finestrat and the layout of Carrer Major. The reliable option is to view it from outside: do not assume that the interior is open or enter private areas without explicit local permission.
Sant Pere Apòstol Church and Carrer Major
Sant Pere Apòstol Church stands towards the other end of the street. The short walk between church and tower reveals the compact street pattern, traditional façades and the village’s close visual relationship with the mountain. It is more rewarding to examine this single axis carefully than to turn unnamed streets into a long checklist.
The settlement charter
The council publishes Benasau’s Carta Pobla, or settlement charter. It concerns the repopulation ordered by the Duke of Medinaceli after the expulsion of the Moriscos. The municipal page provides context, images and a transcription, adding documentary history that cannot be read from the buildings alone.
Ares del Bosc: the municipality’s second settlement
Ares del Bosc requires a separate journey. The official regional tourism page identifies the 16th-century Santa Maria dels Àngels Church and Palace of the Marqueses del Bosch, together with a traditional washhouse connected to a basin and spring. These named places make the visit specific, although their interiors may have limited or private access. Respect signs and confirm any announced opening arrangements locally.
The Ares ravine shapes the surrounding landscape. The official portal also lists a bridge over the River Ares which it describes as Roman. That wording reflects the institutional tourism source; it is not a reason to leave marked access or approach unsafe structures.
A sensible first itinerary
- Start in Benasau: walk along Carrer Major between the tower-palace and Sant Pere without relying on interior access.
- Continue to Ares del Bosc: identify the church, former palace and washhouse from permitted public areas.
- Choose one outdoor extension: a marked walk or viewpoint is more realistic than trying to collect every site in the municipality.
The two settlements suit an unhurried half day. Hiking, a meal or more remote sites can extend the plan to a full day. Check the actual state of roads, tracks and paths before setting out, especially after rain, during extreme heat or when wildfire restrictions apply.
La Serrella, Camí de la Marina and outdoor sites
Benasau lies within the landscape of La Serrella. Official visitor information mentions the Camí de la Marina and its protected plant micro-reserves, as well as Fonteta Picó, Coveta de les Tres Creus at El Molló and the remains of Ares Castle. These are not equivalent to an urban stroll: gradient, navigation, terrain and mobile coverage may vary. Use current mapping, suitable footwear, water and a weather forecast.
The same source lists Salt del Toll, a small waterfall. Its flow and appearance depend on recent conditions, so it should not be promoted as a permanent water feature or bathing spot. Avoid ravines during rain or storms and observe any current closure.
Local food
The council’s food page highlights pericana, stew and paella, while the regional portal also names minxos. These are more meaningful local references than a generic list of inland produce. Availability varies by venue and occasion, so ask when booking rather than assuming that every dish is served daily.
Practical and responsible visiting
- The Benasau village walk is compact, but Ares del Bosc and natural sites need separate travel planning.
- Do not assume daily interior admission to palaces, churches or washhouses; check with the council.
- For mountain outings, carry water, sun protection and an offline route, and check weather, wildfire risk and restrictions.
- Keep to permitted routes, stay out of private land and unstable ruins, and take all litter away.
Nearby places
A wider trip can include Beniarrés, Benilloba or Benillup. Check real driving times and avoid compressing several villages into a superficial tour.
Related guide and official sources
The editing date records changes to the text, not a new check of opening hours, telephone numbers or accessibility. Specific verification dates, where recorded, appear beside the relevant information.