Aitana Fair of Confrides

Tucked away in the heart of the Marina Baixa mountains, Confrides is one of those hidden villages that rewards those willing to venture inland from the Costa Blanca coast. Sitting at the foot of the mighty Serra d’Aitana — the highest peak in the province of Alicante — this small community comes alive every September for the Fira de l’Aitana, a celebration of mountain culture, local gastronomy and traditional craftsmanship.

A fair rooted in the mountain landscape

The Fira de l’Aitana de Confrides takes its name and inspiration from the imposing mountain that dominates the horizon. At 1,558 metres, Aitana shapes the climate, the agriculture and the very soul of the villages that live in its shadow. The fair is a tribute to this relationship between people and mountain, celebrating the products, traditions and crafts that have evolved in this unique environment for centuries.

Unlike the beach fairs that dominate the Costa Blanca calendar, the Fira de l’Aitana offers something genuinely different: the cooler air of the interior, spectacular mountain panoramas, and the intimate atmosphere of a small village that opens its doors wide to visitors.

What to expect at the Fira de l’Aitana

Local gastronomy

The food offer is the undisputed highlight. Confrides and the surrounding villages are known for their traditional mountain cuisine, based on local produce and time-honoured recipes. Expect dishes featuring local honey, almonds, wild mushrooms, lamb and cured meats. Several stalls offer tastings and the opportunity to buy products directly from the producers.

Craft stalls

Artisans from across the Marina Baixa and Marina Alta present their work: handmade ceramics, woven goods, woodwork, jewellery and natural cosmetics. The setting — the village streets and main square — gives the market a warm, authentic character that larger events can rarely match.

Activities and demonstrations

The fair typically includes demonstrations of traditional crafts and agricultural techniques, giving visitors a window into the skills and knowledge that sustained mountain communities for generations. Guided walks to viewpoints around the village may also be organised, offering views across the Aitana massif and towards the coast.

Gastronomy highlights

The mountain pantry of Confrides includes some very special ingredients:

• Local honey: the bees of the Aitana foothills produce an aromatic honey unlike any coastal variety.
• Almonds: a staple of the local economy, used in everything from traditional sweets to savoury dishes.
• Wild mushrooms: the autumn season brings an abundance of edible fungi to the mountain forests.
• Lamb: raised on the mountain pastures and prepared according to age-old recipes.

Getting to Confrides

Confrides requires a scenic drive into the mountains. There is no public transport directly to the village:

• By car: from Benidorm or Altea, follow signs inland towards Guadalest, then continue along the CV-70 towards Confrides. The mountain road is well surfaced but winding. Journey time from the coast is approximately 45 minutes.
• From Alicante: take the AP-7 to Benidorm, then follow the inland route as above.

Note: the mountain roads can be busy during fair weekends. Consider arriving early to find parking near the village.

Where to stay

Confrides itself is tiny, but accommodation is available in the surrounding area:

• Guadalest: just 15 minutes away, with rural guesthouses and apartments. The nearby reservoir and castle make it a popular base.
• Benidorm: a 45-minute drive but with every type of hotel imaginable.
• Rural guesthouses in the Marina Baixa interior: scattered throughout the mountain valleys, ideal for a true rural escape.

Practical information

• Dates: 5-6 September 2026
• Entry: free
• Accessibility: the village centre has some steep and uneven streets; limited accessibility for wheelchair users
• Weather: September in the mountains can be warm in the day but pleasantly cool in the evenings. Bring a light jacket.
• Parking: limited in the village — arrive early or use indicated parking areas on the outskirts.

Visitor tips

• Combine the visit with a walk or drive to the Serra d’Aitana summit — the views from the top are extraordinary.
• Try the local honey — it is genuinely exceptional and makes a wonderful gift.
• Explore the village: Confrides has preserved its traditional architecture and the streets are a joy to wander.

The mountains are calling

The Fira de l’Aitana de Confrides is an invitation to slow down, breathe the mountain air and connect with a way of life that the coast has largely left behind. Whether you come for the food, the crafts or simply the pleasure of being in one of the most beautiful inland spots on the Costa Blanca, you will leave with something that cannot be bought at any stall: the quiet satisfaction of discovering a place that feels like it was made for you.