☰Busot
(исп. Busot)
This charming little town attracts travellers with its history and cultural heritage, and lovers of active tourism with its excellent hiking trails. Busot's location between the sea and the mountains makes it ideal for lovers of nature and picturesque scenery.
General information about the city
usot is a small town and municipality in the province of Alicante within the district (comarca) of Alacanti. It has an area of only 33.84 km² and a population of just over 3,000.
The town centre is located on a hill on the southern slopes of the Cabezón de Oro mountain range, the summit of which is one of the highest in Spain (1209 m above sea level). Busot is also 7 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast and the resort town of Campello.
How to get to Busot?
Busot is located 19 kilometres north of the provincial capital of Alicante. The best way to get here is by taxi or rented car, as there is no direct bus service to Alicante.
Weather and climate
The climate in this town is mild, winters are warm and summers are moderately hot. Busot is surrounded by mountains, so it is protected from strong winds, and precipitation is rare here.
The hottest month here is August, and in winter the temperature does not fall below +15 degrees, so it is always quite comfortable outside.
Historical background
The origin of the city is connected with the Muslim era, and it owes its name to the surrounding pine forests, because originally the city was called "Bisant" or "place among the forest".
The town's history began with the construction of a castle and the subsequent development of glass production (there are some remnants of Arab glassware).
In the XIII century the city was conquered by Christians and annexed to the Kingdom of Castile by King Alfonso X the Wise. From 1252, Busot was linked to Alicante. In 1298 it became part of the Kingdom of Valencia.
According to historical sources, the church in Busot appeared in the 16th century. The city became independent from Alicante only in 1773.
Busot sights
Busot is a small town surrounded by mountains, and the main attraction here is nature. However, other interesting landmarks and architectural monuments can also be found here.
The main tourist attraction of the town for which tourists come here is the Kanelobre Caves.
Cuevas del Canelobre Caves.
This is one of the most interesting places not only in Busota, but in the whole province of Alicante.
The Canelobre Caves are a unique natural museum of stalactites and stalagmites with an area of over 80 thousand square metres, which is located on the slope of the Cabezón de Oro mountain range at an altitude of 700 metres. You can get here through a 45 metre long tunnel. For the convenience of moving visitors in the caves made steps and wooden platforms, and to create a unique atmosphere here designed illuminated walls and ceiling.
These caves were formed in the Jurassic period and were first discovered by Muslims in the 10th century. Canelobre Caves were only opened to the general public in the middle of the 20th century.
Among the spaces of the caves, the hall known as "La Sagrada Familia" stands out. It is one of the most impressive underground halls in Spain with a ceiling height of 70 metres
This is also one of the most impressive underground halls in Spain with a ceiling height of 70 m, in the centre of which you can see the unique stalagmite "El Canelobre" over 100,000 years old and over 25 m high.
The caves have areas for speleological activities, and due to their excellent acoustic characteristics, they have become an excellent venue for musical events.
Museum of Ethnic Music.
This is a unique museum that is located in the centre of Busot near the Canelobre Caves. Here you can see one of the world's largest collections of musical instruments from different eras and cultures. It was assembled by musicologist Carlos Blanco Fadol, and the exhibits come from all over the world.
It is worth noting that you can buy a combined ticket to the Museum of Ethnic Music and the Canelobre Caves.
Busot Castle.
This is a dilapidated castle of Moorish origin, which was built around the 12th century. It is located on the northern edge of the city on a hill. It is currently under restoration.
San José Chapel (Ermita de San José).
The chapel, built in the late 16th century, is located at the entrance to the city. It is one of the main venues for the Moors and Christians festival.
San Vicent Chapel (Ermita de San Vicent).
This is a chapel that is located in the historic centre of the city at the top of El Monte Calvario mountain. On the way up to it you can explore the local traditional architecture, and on the mountain itself you can admire the magnificent views.
The Calvario hill itself is considered the local Calvary. On Easter holidays, traditional processions take place here, depicting Christ's Way of the Cross.
San Lorenzo Mártir Church (Parroquia de San Lorenzo Mártir).
This is one of the oldest and best preserved churches in the province of Alicante. It was built as early as the 16th century (around 1596). In 1816 the building was damaged by fire, but was rebuilt.
Torre de Cabrafich Tower.
This is a watchtower that was part of a defence complex designed to protect against pirate Berbers.
Town Hall.
The City Hall, located in José Picó Square, is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the historic centre of Busot. It was built in 1927.
City Parks.
In the historic centre of the city there is an excellent park with a children's play area called Parque del Lavadero. This is a great recreational area for the whole family.
Parque infantil Lucas Koch is another interesting children's park in Busota, located near the sports town.
Active tourism and entertainment in Busot
Busot is located on one of the highest and most beautiful mountain ranges in Alicante, the Cabezón de Oro. There are many trails of varying degrees of difficulty, so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, mountaineering, caving and other activities. Many routes pass through micro-reserves with local flora, old mines, picturesque gorges, etc. Simpler routes that are suitable for beginners will lead to the Cabrafich Tower or Busot Castle.
The Cabezón de Oro Peak is one of the highest peaks in Alicante and is reached by several hiking trails. Along the way you can see various towns in the region, including the popular Benidorm.
Busot is 7 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast. Beach lovers can go to the nearby beaches of Campello and San Juan.
For sports lovers, Busot has a sports complex where you can play tennis, football, swim in the pool, go to the gym, as well as attend aerobics and yoga classes. There is an excellent 18-hole golf course, Campo de Golf Bonalba, 9 kilometres from Busot. It is suitable for both amateurs and professionals.
Among the local entertainment is the exciting family quest game "Treasures of Busot", which has several levels of difficulty. During the game, guides take you on routes through the city and the surrounding area, accompanying your walk with interesting stories and tales based on local legends. To take part in the game, you must use the Busot Tourist App or request a special player passport at the Canelobre Caves ticket office or at the Museum of Ethnic Music.
For connoisseurs of wine and winemaking, Busot offers visits to local vineyards, learning about local winemaking traditions and taking part in tastings. Casa Rural La Xaquera is organised by the Casa Rural La Xaquera.
Gastronomy in Busot
Lovers of delicious food will appreciate the excellent local gastronomy. While strolling in the town centre, you should try the gachamigas and typical sweets, as well as one of the restaurants serving delicious Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine. Excellent fish dishes can be enjoyed at La Casa restaurant, while Luca's bar offers not only a tasty and hearty meal, but also the chance to watch football or hockey matches on the big screen.
Holidays in Busota
Busota, like any other Spanish city, hosts various festivals and holidays throughout the year, the most popular of which are:
- "Moors and Christians", a traditional festival that has been held here since 1963. It is held after Easter and is accompanied by various celebrations and solemn processions.
- Festivals in honour of the patron saints of the town, San Vicente Ferrera and San José.
- Celebrations in honour of the patron saint of Busot San Lorenzo (10 August).
- Procession of the Three Kings - held on 5 January and accompanied by the distribution of sweets to children.
- Sant Antoni Abad - a feast in honour of the patron saint of animals, which takes place on 17 January. On this day, residents eat buns with hot chocolate, consecrated in the church.
- La Nit dels ciris y música (The Night of Candles and Music) is a festival that takes place at the end of June and fills Busot with a special light.
CONCLUSION
Busot is a cosy little town surrounded by beautiful mountains, ideal for those who are interested in the cultural heritage of the region and also enjoy active tourism. It has a good ecology, beautiful nature and developed infrastructure, so travellers are happy to come here to relax away from the bustling tourist centres of the Costa Blanca.