Saturday 15th August
The Porrat de Polop is a typical Valencian village fair and the origins of these festivities date back more than 200 years, when a market or “porrat” was held around the San Roque hermitage, where residents bought supplies for their gardens and homes. Over the years, the market evolved into what are now the celebrations in honour of the town’s patron saint, Sant Roc.
The festival programme has not been published yet but normally on Saturday morning at 11.30 hrs there is the Royal Parade: The Festival Queen and King with their Courts of Honour parade through the streets (Photos from the Festes del Porrat 2025).
Discover Polop’s heritage
The town of Polop grew around its castle, Polop de la Marina Castle (Abenrromà Castle). Over the years, the materials of the fortress have been taken and used to construct other buildings and monuments. Most of the curtain walls are still standing as well as a cistern and several towers. Visit the historic Plaza de los Chorros or ‘Els Xorros’ – Polop has always been known as the “Oasis of the Costa Blanca” and much of this remains true today. In the square you can drink the crystal-clear spring water that flows from its more than 221 spouts that fill the whole square with noise.
The water originates from the Sirer and Terrer springs, whose waters are channeled from El Braçalet fountain. This fountain, which dates to the year 1885, initially only had 11 spouts, but has evolved over the years. In 1947, renovation gave it no fewer than 221 spouts, and the fountain has become a symbol of the municipality of Polop and a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering. The plaza is encircled by old and characterful buildings such as the town hall and the San Pedro Apostol Parish Church.
The old town, located on a steep slope, is charming with its narrow streets, well-kept houses and beautiful facades decorated with flowers and art.
It extends all the way up to the church where the ascent to the cemetery begins. The area at the top has been used for several purposes throughout the ages. In the beginning it was a Muslim castle. From the beginning of the 18th century until 1945 it was a cemetery for the village’s population. After the cemetery was moved in 1945, the cemetery fell into disrepair and was about to become a ruin.
In 2013 the municipality decided to restore the cemetery as it was described by the famous writer Gabriel Miró, and now it has become an iconic place for Polop.
The writer’s home is now a museum which, unfortunately, is only open on weekdays.
The Abenrromà Castle dates from the 12th century and is now entering a new chapter in its history following a major restoration and enhancement project completed in May 2026. On the mountainside, below the castle, is the cave where, according to tradition, El Cid spent the night in 1089.
Lunch for the group in Molí de Xirles Restaurant.
PROGRAMME
08.30 hrs: Departure from Golden Star Apartments, Calle Bruselas (next to the pétanque park), Javea Arenal.
08.45 hrs: Departure from Interiors (opposite side of the road), Javea Port.
09.10 hrs: Pickup at Mas y Mas on the N332 if required.
10.15 hrs: Arrival in Polop; free time.
13.50 hrs: Re-board our coach and travel a short distance to the restaurant.
14.00 hrs: Lunch in the Restaurante Molí de Xirles Restaurant (or similar).
16.30 hrs: Return to Javea.
17.30 hrs: Approximate time of arrival in Javea.
PRICE AND DATE FOR BOOKING WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON
Group leader, Angela Chantry
spanish.culture.cuisine@gmail.com