Agost (Alacanti): a travellers' guide

(исп. Agost)

Comarque (district): Alacanti

Occupies area 66.64 км²

Population more than 4800 people

Height above sea level 331 м

Is in 18.40 км from Alicante

General information about the city

Agost is a small town and municipality in the province of Alicante in the comarca (district) of Alacanti. It has an area of 66.64 km² and approximately 4,800 inhabitants.

Agost is located at the foot of the Sierra del Ventós and Maigmó mountains. It borders the municipalities of Castalla, Tibi, Alicante, Monforte del Cid and Petrel.

The town is renowned for its large clay deposits, which is why pottery has been developed here. For a long time, local craftsmen have been making various earthenware items, including jugs, pots, cups and the traditional round botijos (water storage vessels).

Agosta's economy is based on pottery, brick and tile production, and agriculture (growing grapes and almond trees).

How to get to Agost?

Agost is located at a distance of 18 kilometres from Alicante. It can be reached by Vectalia - Grupo SuBús bus, which runs twice a day from Monday to Saturday. This journey takes approximately 1 hour.

You can also arrive in Agost by taxi or car using the CV-820 road.

Weather and climate of Agost

Agost has a typical continental Mediterranean climate. It receives a small amount of rainfall (about 345 mm) throughout the year. The average temperature is +17.2 °C.

Historical background

Many archaeological sites have been discovered in the municipality, indicating that Agost has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. These include La Murta, La Cueva de San Martín and Cerro de la Ermita. Bronze Age sites such as El Castellar, El Pinchillet, El Cerro de los Lobos, Cueva del Monfortero, Els Castellans and El Negret have also been found in the vicinity of the town.

Later, the Iberians and Romans came to these lands. The Iberian period includes popular exhibits such as the Sphinxes of Agosta, found in one of the necropolises (now in the National Archaeological Museum and the Louvre Museum).

During the period of Arab rule, Agost began to develop thanks to the clay deposits found, which eventually gave rise to an important pottery trade.

After the Christian conquest, the city became part of the Kingdom of Castile, and in 1296 Jaime II of Aragon finally annexed the city to the Kingdom of Valencia and the Crown of Aragon.

In 1681, the city came under the possession of the Knights of Vallebrera. At the end of the 18th century, Agost was separated from Alicante, to which it had belonged since 1252.

In the 1960s, due to the building boom in Spain, several construction-related businesses were established here.

In 2005, there were eleven active pottery factories in the town, but only three of them were still producing traditional pottery, while the rest had been converted into brick and tile factories.

Active holidays

Agost is a great place for those who like to spend time outdoors, walking or cycling. There are great hiking and cycling trails to enjoy nature. The Sierra De Los Castellanos and Cabezo Del Ventós mountain trails are great for exploring the surrounding area.

One of the most famous cycling routes here is the Vía Verde del Maigmó, the "Green Road", which follows abandoned railway tracks through tunnels, viaducts and beautiful landscapes that change from the dry lands of Agosta to the lush deciduous and pine forests of Sierra del Maigmó. This 22 kilometre route is now a protected recreational area.

Another easy hiking trail leads to a place called La Creueta De Agost (The Cross of Agost), from where it is good to watch the sunrise.

Agosta Gastronomy

The cuisine of Agosta is the typical cuisine of the Alicante region, with many hearty dishes made with fresh local produce. The municipality's gastronomy is defined by its proximity to the sea and mountainous terrain, and only the best ingredients are used to prepare its dishes.

Among the traditional specialities, particularly notable are:

• gazpacho (cold soups);
• rice with snails (arroz con caracoles);
• migas;
• cod borreta de bacalao;
• sardine and onion patties (cocas de sardina y de cebolla), etc.

Also in Agosta you should definitely try the excellent local grapes.

Agosta Holidays

Agosta, like all other towns in Alicante and throughout Spain, celebrates its traditional festivals, the most interesting among which are:

• Virgen de la Paz - festive celebrations in honour of the patron saint of Agosta, which take place from 15 to 24 January. During this time there are religious masses, parades with the participation of the town music orchestra, offerings of flowers and solemn processions that end with fireworks.
• El día de la Vella is a local holiday that is accompanied by a very old tradition of placing dolls made of rags, paper and old clothes on the doors of houses. They were put up to make people think that there was someone in the house. Nowadays, various puppets ("velles") are set up to depict scenes from everyday life and local customs. Nearby, posters are usually put up that comment satirically on the town's events.
• Moros y Cristianos ("Moors and Christians") is a popular festival in the region, celebrated in late June and early July. It is accompanied by theatrical parades and other festive events.
• San Roque is a feast in honour of Saint San Roque, celebrated on 16 August. On this day there are festive processions, open-air dances and other entertainment.
• Danzas del Rey Moro is one of the most interesting local festivals, held at the end of December and accompanied by dancing and playing local musical instruments. Young people who reach the age of majority (called danseros) take part in the festivities.

Agosta also celebrates the feasts in honour of the saints San Pedro, San Ramón, Santas Justa y Rufina and others, and in October there is an artisan and gastronomic fair where you can sample local treats.