Free walking tours in Carcaixent and what to see

Must-sees

Carcaixent is in the Ribera Alta, on the banks of the Júcar and surrounded by orange groves. It is known as the cradle of the orange, because commercial cultivation started here before spreading across the whole Valencia region, and that past shows in its streets. The Magatzem de Ribera, an early 20th-century Modernista orange warehouse, is the best example of the wealth the citrus trade brought. In the centre, the church of La Asunción, the church of San Francisco, the 19th-century town hall and several Modernista houses stand out.

On the outskirts is the hermitage of Sant Roc de Ternils, the oldest building in the municipality, built in the 13th century among orange orchards. The large historic orchards show how the orange-growing families lived, and the Reial Sèquia irrigation channel recalls the importance of water. Towards the hills is the monastery of Aguas Vivas, in a pine forest setting with springs such as the Font de la Falzia.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Carcaixent. What you will find is a visit to an orange orchard, with an explanation of the growing and the history of the orange trade, a walk around the estate and a tasting of local produce. It is the best way to understand why the town has so many Modernista buildings. Otherwise, you can follow the orchards route or the orange route suggested by the area on your own.

How long to spend

A morning is enough for the centre, the Magatzem de Ribera and the churches. If you add an orange orchard visit and the hermitage of Sant Roc de Ternils, allow a full day. With a second day you can head up to the Aguas Vivas area or visit Alzira, right next to Carcaixent. Spring, with the orange blossom out, is the loveliest time to come.

Where to stay

Carcaixent has little hotel accommodation, with some apartments and houses in the town and rural stays among the orchards on the outskirts. Alzira, across the Júcar, has more hotels and is a few minutes away. If you prefer to base yourself in a big city, Valencia is less than an hour away by commuter train, so you can visit on a day trip.