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Holidays in Oliva
Evidence of human habitation in the area goes back to Paleolithic times: finds in places like Cova Foradada; also later Bronze Age, Iberian-era villages such as Almuixich and Pic dels Corbs.
Under Roman rule there were settlements (and remains, inscriptions) in the area.
In the Muslim period before the Christian Reconquista, Oliva was part of Muslim territories, related to the Taifa of Dénia.
It was conquered by King Jaime I (of Aragon) mid-13th century. Under Christian rule it was granted as a fief to the Carròs family. Later the Centelles family bought it. In 1449 it became a “Condado” (County).
Over time there was fortification: Oliva was walled, there was a palace (Palacio Condal) tied to the Counts of Oliva; Santa Ana Castle is a landmark from 16th century.
After the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 the area suffered, but not as badly as some others. Over the 18th-19th centuries and into modern times it recovered, both economically and culturally.
Oliva is located in the La Safor comarca (province of Valencia), on the Mediterranean coast. It has around 10 km of coastline and beaches.
The town is divided between the old Christian quarter (“old town”) and the Moorish suburb (“arrabal”) with narrow streets, etc.
Key landmarks include churches (Sant Roc, Santa Maria la Major), tower(s), and the Santa Ana Castle at the top of the old town. Also stately homes from the 17-19th centuries (e.g. Calle Tamarit) and the Palace of the Counts (Palacio Condal), though largely in ruins.
The climate is Mediterranean: mild winters, hot dry summers; generally pleasant, many sunny days per year.
Typical Foods & Cuisine
Oliva’s cuisine is strongly Mediterranean and local, combining seafood, agriculture, and tradition.
Some typical dishes:
Pebreres farcides (stuffed peppers)
Coques a la Clafó (maize tarts baked in ovens, etc.)
Arroces (rice dishes) are important: there are events like “Week of Rice” etc., and various local rice recipes.
Seafood: shrimps, local fish; vegetable stews; use of locally grown produce (fruit, citrus, vegetables)
Desserts: things like Rosegons, Pacencies, Mantecados (shortbreads)
Also there are gastronomy events such as the Muestra Gastronómica which include competitions like Pebrera Farcida, and “Semana del Arroz” (rice week), where restaurants offer special rice-based menus.
Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park: a wetland (formerly an albufera) that is now a protected area (˜ 1255 hectares). Rich in biodiversity: aquatic plants, birds, underwater vegetation, etc.
Font Salada: a natural spring/manantial with thermal waters, with reputed beneficial properties for skin. The water is constant-temperature year-round (~21-24°C).
Beaches: large sandy beaches, dunes separating orange groves from sea; the beach area is a major attraction.
Hiking / walking: through orange groves, along coastline, exploring the old town and Moorish quarter.
Golf: there is the Oliva Nova Golf Resort, with an 18-hole golf course.
Weekly Friday Market (Paseo Luís Vives) where locals and visitors buy fruits & vegetables, flowers, spices, clothing, accessories etc.
Mercado Municipal (covered market) operating Monday to Saturday mornings. Good for fresh seafood, meats, produce.
In the town there are many small shops: bakeries, wine bars, cafés; also many shops catering to everyday needs.
Festival / Event Approx Time Description / Highlights
Moros y Cristianos July Large festival recalling the historical conflict during the Reconquista: processions, costumes, bands, parades, fireworks.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) Lent, culminating in Easter Religious processions with sculptures, brotherhoods, local participation.
Fiesta of Cristo de San Roque Early May (1-3 May) Religious & popular celebrations: parades, events, children’s activities.
Fallas de Oliva March Traditional Valencian Fallas: large sculptures, fire, fireworks etc.
Porrats (Medieval Markets) January / February etc. Markets in old town, with local handicrafts, food stalls, historical atmosphere. E.g. Porrat of Sant Antoni, San Blas.
Gastronomy Muestras / Semana del Arroz September (and other times) Competitions, restaurants offering special rice dishes.
Walking tours through the old town: cobbled streets, Moorish quarter, old walls, churches, stately homes.
Explore Marjal de Pego-Oliva for birdwatching, nature walks, cycling, observing wetlands, underwater vegetation.
Under Roman rule there were settlements (and remains, inscriptions) in the area.
In the Muslim period before the Christian Reconquista, Oliva was part of Muslim territories, related to the Taifa of Dénia.
It was conquered by King Jaime I (of Aragon) mid-13th century. Under Christian rule it was granted as a fief to the Carròs family. Later the Centelles family bought it. In 1449 it became a “Condado” (County).
Over time there was fortification: Oliva was walled, there was a palace (Palacio Condal) tied to the Counts of Oliva; Santa Ana Castle is a landmark from 16th century.
After the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 the area suffered, but not as badly as some others. Over the 18th-19th centuries and into modern times it recovered, both economically and culturally.
Oliva is located in the La Safor comarca (province of Valencia), on the Mediterranean coast. It has around 10 km of coastline and beaches.
The town is divided between the old Christian quarter (“old town”) and the Moorish suburb (“arrabal”) with narrow streets, etc.
Key landmarks include churches (Sant Roc, Santa Maria la Major), tower(s), and the Santa Ana Castle at the top of the old town. Also stately homes from the 17-19th centuries (e.g. Calle Tamarit) and the Palace of the Counts (Palacio Condal), though largely in ruins.
The climate is Mediterranean: mild winters, hot dry summers; generally pleasant, many sunny days per year.
Typical Foods & Cuisine
Oliva’s cuisine is strongly Mediterranean and local, combining seafood, agriculture, and tradition.
Some typical dishes:
Pebreres farcides (stuffed peppers)
Coques a la Clafó (maize tarts baked in ovens, etc.)
Arroces (rice dishes) are important: there are events like “Week of Rice” etc., and various local rice recipes.
Seafood: shrimps, local fish; vegetable stews; use of locally grown produce (fruit, citrus, vegetables)
Desserts: things like Rosegons, Pacencies, Mantecados (shortbreads)
Also there are gastronomy events such as the Muestra Gastronómica which include competitions like Pebrera Farcida, and “Semana del Arroz” (rice week), where restaurants offer special rice-based menus.
Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park: a wetland (formerly an albufera) that is now a protected area (˜ 1255 hectares). Rich in biodiversity: aquatic plants, birds, underwater vegetation, etc.
Font Salada: a natural spring/manantial with thermal waters, with reputed beneficial properties for skin. The water is constant-temperature year-round (~21-24°C).
Beaches: large sandy beaches, dunes separating orange groves from sea; the beach area is a major attraction.
Hiking / walking: through orange groves, along coastline, exploring the old town and Moorish quarter.
Golf: there is the Oliva Nova Golf Resort, with an 18-hole golf course.
Weekly Friday Market (Paseo Luís Vives) where locals and visitors buy fruits & vegetables, flowers, spices, clothing, accessories etc.
Mercado Municipal (covered market) operating Monday to Saturday mornings. Good for fresh seafood, meats, produce.
In the town there are many small shops: bakeries, wine bars, cafés; also many shops catering to everyday needs.
Festival / Event Approx Time Description / Highlights
Moros y Cristianos July Large festival recalling the historical conflict during the Reconquista: processions, costumes, bands, parades, fireworks.
Holy Week (Semana Santa) Lent, culminating in Easter Religious processions with sculptures, brotherhoods, local participation.
Fiesta of Cristo de San Roque Early May (1-3 May) Religious & popular celebrations: parades, events, children’s activities.
Fallas de Oliva March Traditional Valencian Fallas: large sculptures, fire, fireworks etc.
Porrats (Medieval Markets) January / February etc. Markets in old town, with local handicrafts, food stalls, historical atmosphere. E.g. Porrat of Sant Antoni, San Blas.
Gastronomy Muestras / Semana del Arroz September (and other times) Competitions, restaurants offering special rice dishes.
Walking tours through the old town: cobbled streets, Moorish quarter, old walls, churches, stately homes.
Explore Marjal de Pego-Oliva for birdwatching, nature walks, cycling, observing wetlands, underwater vegetation.
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