Albalat dels Tarongers

Not to be confused with Albalat dels Sorells, this village of a mere 1,000 inhabitants also takes its name from the stone road, the Roman Via Augustus, that passed through here on its way to Sagunto, where Hannibal himself trashed the Romans after a six month siege.

The entrance to the village is fairly spectacular, crossing a long bridge across the usually dry River Palancia, you arrive at what is the oldest building, the imposing Casa del Castell or Casa de los Blanes, dating from the 14^th century.

Just before that you can see one of those old washing stations that so many villages still maintain from the good old days before washing machines and running water in the houses ruined social interaction.

Pretty quickly you arrive at the centre of attraction, the Plaza Baix, which has two bars, and is usually alive with loud children and adults, hushed only by a fountain and a single, slender tree.

Overlooking the square is the church, painted extravagantly as is the neighbouring one at Estivella.

There are signs all around the village, telling you about its history in four languages, one of which is an eccentric variation of English. The Plaza Baixa includes the wall of the old comb factory for instance, although surprisingly, this industry no longer enriches the local inhabitants.

The rolls from the two bars look appetising, and hidden away is another restaurant, El Portell, although for a really good meal, just out of town And well signposted is Les Panses, only open at weekends and with a spectacular terrace and views, run by Ximo, who takes quality seriously.