San Antonio Chapel Trail

The Ermita neighborhood of Villajoyosa is one of the municipality’s most historically and culturally significant sites. Its origins are linked to the Hermitage of San Antonio Abad, a church built on the site of ancient settlements that has served for centuries as an important gathering place for local residents. This neighborhood preserves the atmosphere of the old Villajoyosa farmland and offers a glimpse into what traditional life was like outside the city’s walled center.

The route winds through quiet streets and historic paths, including a section of the Camí del Peix (Fish Trail), a trade route used since Iberian times to transport fresh fish from the port of Villajoyosa to the inland regions. Over time, this path was also used for trading other goods, such as fabrics and paper, and eventually became part of some of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela.

Throughout the tour, visitors learn about various aspects of the neighborhood’s history, such as the importance of the chapel in religious and popular celebrations, the presence of old farmhouses, and the neighborhood’s role as a hub for commercial exchange. Also noteworthy is the annual fair granted by Emperor Charles I in 1533, which spurred the area’s economic development and turned the neighborhood into an important gathering place for merchants and residents.

In addition to its historical interest, the route offers a pleasant stroll through a setting where architectural heritage, Mediterranean vegetation, and views of the traditional farmland come together. It is an easy route, suitable for all ages, that offers insight into the evolution of Villajoyosa from its origins to the present day, allowing visitors to discover a place where history, traditions, and the landscape come together to form a site of great cultural value.