Historic Centre of Benissa

Historic Centre of Benissa

The first thing to be clear about before you come is that the town of Benissa is not on the coast. The historic centre stands at 284 metres above sea level, inland, and the municipality’s stretch of coastline — with its six beaches and coves — is some 8 kilometres away. They are two separate visits, and many guides run them together.

What you find up here is a core of narrow streets and stone houses you can walk in a single morning, with no traffic in the way.

What is here, under its correct name

• Minor Basilica of the Puríssima Xiqueta i Sant Pere Apòstol. The building that dominates the town, and its full name includes both dedications: the Puríssima Xiqueta, patron of Benissa, and Sant Pere Apòstol. It is popularly known as “the Cathedral of the Marina”. The present neo-Gothic church was completed in 1929.
• Sala del Consell. The old town hall, Gothic in design, at the heart of the historic centre. It is the oldest surviving civic building.
• Plaça de l’Església Vella. The square on the site of the old church that preceded the basilica.
• Casa-museu dels Abargues, also cited as Casa dels Cabrera-Abargues: a manor house turned museum that lets you see the inside of a well-to-do local home.
• Cases del Batlle.

Around these landmarks, the ensemble is cobbled streets, stone doorways and houses in the Valencian tradition, with coats of arms and old joinery.

Getting here

• By car: AP-7, exits 62 or 63. There is parking close to the historic centre.
• By TRAM: line 9 (Dénia–Benidorm) does stop at Benissa. The stop is on the edge of town, but the historic centre is about a 20-minute walk away. You need neither a taxi nor a bus.
• By bus: regular services connect Benissa with the rest of the comarca.

When to come

Because of its altitude, Benissa is cooler than the coast in summer and colder in winter. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking around the town. The Puríssima Xiqueta patronal festivities are in April, and the Moors and Christians of Sant Pere at the end of June.

What is nearby

• The Benissa coast: the municipality’s six beaches and coves, 8 km away
• The ecological walk, on the coastal stretch
• The full town guide: Benissa

Verified in September 2026 against the official Benissa tourism portal (benissa.es) and with the municipal Tourist Info. If any detail has changed, write to us and we will correct it.