Major city · Spain
Cocentaina
Go for one night in the first week of November (Fira de Tots Sants) or the second weekend of August (Moros i Cristians); otherwise it is a half-day stop from Alcoy.
Cocentaina is a small inland town of about 11,500 people in Alicante province, known for its textile past and for two medieval-rooted festivals: the Moors and Christians parades in August and the Fira de Tots Sants trade fair around 1 November. The old centre is walkable in an afternoon; the Serra Mariola mountains above it are the reason to stay longer if you hike. Most travellers base in Alcoy, 5 minutes away by train, and visit Cocentaina as a half-day.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot; festival crowds), the week of 1 Nov if you dislike crowds
- Airports
- ALC · VLC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cocentaina112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cocentaina, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Spain-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckEU and EEA plans roam at home prices; UK and other plans may charge — check before you land.Spain-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe across the mainland; it tastes of chlorine in some coastal areas.Spain-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or 5–10% for good service; service is not usually added.Spain-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Spain-wide
- SafetyA quiet inland town; the real risks are summer heat on the trails, locked castle gates and festival-week traffic.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFew public toilets; use bars and cafés (buy a coffee).Spain-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 091 National police · 062 Guardia Civil (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysSmall shops close about 14:00–17:00 and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Small shops close about 2:00 PM–5:00 PM and on Sundays; big chains and department stores open all day.Spain-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández (About 1 h 15 min by car via the A-7; bus and train connections to Alcoy…
- Getting aroundThe centre is small and flat enough to cross on foot in 15–20 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerbar / can at a shop€2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5)€0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus Alcoy–Cocentaina€1.50–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€8–15 (≈ US$10–18)
- Budget bedHoliday apartment (2–4 people), a night, per room€70 (≈ US$85)
- Mid-range bedSmall hotel double room, a night, per room€60 (≈ US$70)
- High-end bedSmall hotel double room, a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ALC Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández (About 1 h 15 min by car via the A-7; bus and train connections to Alcoy, then a local bus or train to Cocentaina.) · VLC Valencia (About 1 h 30 min by car; Renfe trains from Valencia to Alcoy stop in Cocentaina, about 2 h (service halted for track works as of January 2026: check).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Apr (6 rain days), driest Jul (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cocentaina: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
5 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is small and flat enough to cross on foot in 15–20 minutes. Renfe trains link Cocentaina with Alcoy (about 5 min) and Valencia (about 2 h), but service is halted for track upgrading as of January 2026: check before you plan. Subus and Travicoi buses run between Alcoy and Cocentaina several times a day and stop on Av del País Valencià. A car helps for the Serra Mariola trailheads and Penella castle.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20–30 min
Renfe train (about 5 min) or Subus bus from Av del País Valencià
Bigger town with more hotels, the Modernista centre and the festival museum; use it as your base if Cocentaina beds are full.
Serra Mariola Natural Park and Montcabrer
goDoor to door: About 30 min to the trailhead
Car or taxi to a trailhead, then on foot; the park lists nine signposted trails
Montcabrer is the range's highest peak at 1,390 m; the climb is a half or full day and the trail descriptions are in Spanish.
Castell de Penella
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min
Car about 7 km (4.3 mi) south, then a short walkCar about 4.3 mi (7 km) south, then a short walk
Ruined 13th-century fortress with wide views; normally locked, keys from the town hall on request.
Cava Gran (snow cellar)
cautionDoor to door: About 40 min
Car towards the park, then a marked trail
A 15th-century ice store used until 1906; check the trail map before setting out.
Biar
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Car via the A-7 and CV-799
Small castle town with a preserved old quarter; pairs well with a Cocentaina morning.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old centre (around Plaça del Pla and Palau Comtal)
Walk to the palace, museums and Thursday market; a handful of holiday apartments, few hotels.
Av del País Valencià / Avinguda de Xàtiva
The two small hotels sit here, near the bus stop and a short walk from the centre; free parking at both.
Alcoy (base instead)
More hotels, restaurants and train and bus links; 5 minutes by train or about 15 minutes by car from Cocentaina.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Small hotel double room1 × 1 night × €60 | €60 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €80 | €160 |
| Subus bus Alcoy–Cocentaina, both ways2 × €4 | €8 |
| Renfe train Alcoy–Cocentaina, both ways2 × €4 · service halted for track works as of January 2026 | €8 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €26 |
| Trip total≈ €141 per person per day, bed included | €282≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in euros; travel to Cocentaina excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €1.20–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Menu del día at lunch | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Beer, bar / can at a shop | €2–3.50 (≈ US$3–5) / €0.80–1.50 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Café licor, small glass | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Local bus Alcoy–Cocentaina | €1.50–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €8–15 (≈ US$10–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Train service on the Valencia–Alcoy line is halted for track works as of January 2026: check the Renfe site before relying on it.
- Cocentaina Castle and Penella Castle are normally locked; the town hall lends keys on request with ID, and opening depends on staff being there.
- The Fira de Tots Sants draws up to 500,000 people in a week: park in the lots outside the centre and arrive and leave early.
- Summer afternoons in July and August are hot and the hiking trails above town have little shade: start early and carry water.
- Few hotels in town; in festival weeks and the fair, book weeks ahead or sleep in Alcoy.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- National police
- 091
- Guardia Civil
- 062
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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CocentainaCocentaina
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- National police091
- Guardia Civil062
Embassy
No embassies in Cocentaina; the US has a consulate in Valencia, the UK and most others have consulates in Alicante or Valencia and embassies in Madrid.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Alcoy → Cocentaina: about €2 (≈ US$3), 5 min (service halted for track works as of January 2026)
- Train Valencia → Cocentaina: about €9 (≈ US$11), 2 h (service halted for track works as of January 2026)
- Bus Alcoy → Cocentaina, Subus: €1.50–2 (≈ US$2–3), several times daily
Say or show
- Hola — Hello (OH-lah)
- Gracias — Thank you (GRAH-syahs)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (lah KWEN-tah por fah-VOR)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-toh KWES-tah)
- ¿Dónde está el castillo? — Where is the castle? (DON-deh es-TAH el kas-TEE-yoh)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWEH-doh pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-tah)
Tourist Info is in the Capella de Sant Antoni by the Palau Comtal, Plaça del Pla; hours are Tue–Fri 10:00–13:00 and 17:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–13:00.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cocentaina. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot; festival crowds), the week of 1 Nov if you dislike crowds · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ALC and VLC: last bus and train times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Palau Comtal and Plaça del Pla, Carrer Major museums, the castle footpath, the train station and Ermita de Santa Bàrbara.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Palau Comtal, Museu Arqueològic i Etnològic del Comtat, Casal i Museu Fester, Cocentaina Castle) and eat pages with last orders.
- Festival fixtures for Moros i Cristians and the Fira de Tots Sants so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCocentaina town council
- officialCocentaina tourist office
- officialFira de Tots Sants
- officialSerra Mariola Natural Park (Valencian government)
- officialRenfe
- secondaryWikivoyage: Cocentaina, revision 5329689 (CC BY-SA 4.0)