Day Out Hondon and Novelda
This day is all about the scenery of the mountains of Crevillente and the valley of the Hondons, as well as the bizarre and unusual sanctuary of Saint Mary Magdalene overlooking the Vinalope valley. It can be a very leisurely full day, an action packed half day or combined with a stop at the El Hondo Nature Park, a protected area for birds and a registered wetland habitat.
Past Albatera you travel through the fertile plains of the Vega Baja, to the start of the ascent over the Sierra de Crevillente which stand at a height of 838m. Slowly wind your way up and over the pass, admiring the stunning views. After driving through Hondon de los Frailes, the first stop is at Hondon de las Nieves. The name has nothing to do with snow but everything to do with the village's loyalty to their patron saint, the 'Virgen de las nieves' (Virgin of the Snow). This is a quintessential Spanish mountain village. There are lots of little tapas bars and restaurants for you to enjoy as well as the local Bodega to explore with its little museum and shop dedicated to everything to do with wine!
Onwards to Novelda, and the Sanctuary of Saint Mary Magdalene and castle of La Mola. This religious building was built by local Novelda based engineer Jose Sala Sala, with work beginning in 1918 and finishing in 1946. The outside is 100% more impressive than the inside. Next door to the sanctuary is the castle of La Mola, built in the late 12th century. You can climb the 11m high tower (take a torch as there are no lights!) for a true feel of the castle.
Places to stop during a day out Hondon and Novelda
- Albatera: typical Spanish inland town.
- Hondon de las Nieves: small inland town with famous local Bodega.
- Novelda Sanctuary & Castle: impressive church and remains of a castle with great views along the Vinalope valley.
Places of Interest
1 Albatera
N38°11.088 W0°52.327Parking: this isn't an actual stop, but you can park and explore if you wish.
From here: this isn't an actual stop, but a drive through so that you approach the Sierras de Crevillent along the correct road - the CV873.
Places of interest and things to do in Albatera
- Town Centre: relatively large sprawling town with good selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
2 Hondon de las Nieves
N38°18.526 W0°51.285Parking: is on the road and is free.
From here: for the village centre walk straight on past the traffic lights and pharmacy, for the Bodega Cerda walk in the opposite direction along the road that you've just driven on.
Places of interest and things to do in Hondon de las Nieves
- Village Centre: small village with a beautiful church and a selection of bars and restaurants.
- Bodega Cerda: local bodega with small museum shop and wine tasting bar.
3 Novelda Sanctuary & Castle
N38°24.519 W0°47.647Parking: is in the car park and is free, there are toilets here which are unlocked during opening hours.
From here: walk around the road up to the sanctuary and remains of the castle then enjoy exploring and the peace and quiet and the views along the Vinalope Valley.
Top tip: If you want to climb up the inside of the castle (at your own risk) then remember to bring a torch!
Places of interest and things to do at the Novelda Sanctuary & Castle
- Sanctuary & Castle: the inside of the church and the castle can only be visited during opening hours, outside of these you can wander around the outside, admire the architecture and views and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. They are open from 10.00-14.00 and 17.00-20.00 during the summer and from 10.00-14.00 and 16.00-19.00 during the winter.
