Busot is a small town in the north of the Costa Blanca, located 19 km from Alicante city. The city centre of Busot is located on a hill located at the southern end of the Cabezón de Oro mountain range (one of the highest in Spain, 1205 m above sea level and 7 km from the coast).
History of Busot
Busot is a town of Muslim origin, which was originally called “Bisant”, which means “a place among the forest.” Busot owes its name to the lush pine forests that surround it. It all started with the construction of the castle. Later, glass production was developed here, which has now disappeared. Busot originally belonged to the city of Alicante and separated completely from it in 1773. They began to build houses at the foot of the castle and then at the foot of a nearby hill, which became the Calvario Hill, where the traditional Easter processions take place.
According to historical sources, the first church of Busot appeared before the year 1596. It was built in 2 or 3 phases. In 1816, the church suffered a fire, but it was restored. The council building, actually located in the Plaza José Picó, was built in 1927.
At the beginning of the 20th century (in 1900), the population of Busot was 1275 inhabitants, but in 1981 it gradually decreased to 652 inhabitants. However, since the early 1990s, the population began to grow again, reaching 1717 in 1996, and 2643 inhabitants in 2006. Currently, about 3000 people live here, and 34.7% of them are foreigners. In turn, 91% of Busot’s foreign population are EU citizens.
Busot at the present time
Busot’s privileged location, between the sea and the mountains, makes Busot an ideal place for nature and mountain landscapes fans.
Busot prides itself on its natural and cultural heritage: the magnificent Canelobre caves (Cuevas del Canelobre); the ruins of an old castle; the Hermitage of San José; the Parish Church of San Lorenzo Mártir; the Ethnic Music Museum of Busot; and much more. In addition, many festivals are held in Busot, such as the Moors and Christians festival. Besides, gastronomy lovers will find unique dishes in this municipality.
Busot: Canelobre Caves
The Canelobre Caves is one of the main attractions, not only of Busot, but also of the entire province of Alicante. This place is unique and is located at an altitude of 700 m on the slope of the Cabeçó D’Or mountain range. We are talking about caves that cover an area of more than 80,000 square meters, where it is possible to cross a tunnel 45 meters long. Water and rocks, over time, have created a true natural museum of stalactites, stalagmites and columns. The caves formed in rocks of the Jurassic period (about 145 million years ago). Muslims were the first to discover them in the 10th century. The entrance to the Canelobre Caves was closed to the public until the middle of the 20th century.
This is one of the highest underground vaults of Spain, with a ceiling height of 70 m and an impressive mineral formation, which has a height of more than 25 m called ‘La Sagrada Familia’. ‘El Canelobre’ is a stalagmite of more than 100 000 years, located in the centre of the cave. Besides, there are areas for the practice of potholing. Thanks to its remarkable acoustic characteristics, the Canelobre caves have become an excellent place for various music festivals.
Opening hours
Winter season from September 1 to June 30:
- Closed Mondays.
- From Tuesday to Friday: from 10.30 a.m. to 4.50 p.m.
- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 10.30am to 17.50h.
- During Holy Week open until 18.30.
- Saturdays and Sundays after Easter – open until 3pm.
- Closed on San Vicente (after Easter Monday Monday), December 25 and January 1.
Summer season from July 1 to August 31:
- Every day of the week from 10:30h. 19:30h.
Prices:
Combined ticket for the Canelobre Caves and the Busot Ethnic Music Museum:
- Adults: € 7.
- Groups (minimum 20 people), retirees and other privileged groups: € 4.5.
- Children from 5 to 14 years old: € 3.5
- Children under 5 years: free.
Canelobre Caves on the map
Busot ethnic music museum
This unique museum is located in the centre of Busot, just 5 minutes’ drive from the Canelobre caves. There are many models of musical instruments from different eras and cultures from diverse parts of the world. This rich collection (one of the largest of the world), was compiled by the famous musicologist Carlos Blanco Fadol.
Prices:
- Adults: € 2.5.
- Retired and other categories, organized groups (minimum 20 people) and children from 5 to 13 years old: € 1.5
- Combined entrance to Canelobre Caves + Museum of Ethnic Music (see above).
Schedule:
Winter season from September 1 to June 30:
- Closed Mondays.
- On local holidays: closed
- Tuesday to Friday: from 11.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Saturdays, Sundays and Christmas days: from 11.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
- Holy Week: from 11.00 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 1.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Summer season from July 1 to August 31:
- Opened whole week from 11:00 to 14:30 and from 15:30 to 20:00.
Busot Ethnic Music Museum on the map
Busot’s Treasure
“The Treasure of Busot” is a fascinating game, a gymkhana, during which you will know the city. The game is based on local tales and it is suitable for the whole family. It has several levels of difficulty: the first two levels take place in the city and the third in its surroundings, including the Cabeçó d’Or mountain area.
You can participate in the game using the mobile application “Busot Tourist App”, or by requesting the player card at the Ethnic Music Museum of Busot or at the ticket office of the Canelobre Caves.
Busot: Hiking through the Cabeçó d’Or mountain range
It is one of the most beautiful and highest mountain ranges of Alicante, which offers many routes of all degrees of difficulty. This is a true paradise for lovers of hiking, trail running, mountain biking, mountaineering and potholing.
Busot: wine tourism
Busot offers all wine lovers and those interested in vinification and viticulture, visiting local wineries and vineyards, as well as participating in the wine tastings. The visits are organized by the Casa Rural La Xaquera (location here).
Golf in Busot
Just 9 km from Busot, you will find the beautiful 18-hole Bonalba Golf Resort. Professional players and golf lovers may enjoy not only the game, but also the magnificent views: the course is very beautiful.
Bonalba Golf Resort on the map
Busot Castle
Busot Castle is of Arab origin and it was an important strategic point in ancient times. The castle is located on a hill in the north of the city. Visitors can explore the castle from the inside and become familiar with its history. Currently, the castle is being restored.
Busot Castle on the map
Stroll through the streets of the old city of Busot
A stroll through the narrow and charming streets of Busot is a real pleasure. You will find many unique corners in the historic centre; beautiful buildings (for example, the City Hall building); squares (for example, the Plaza de la Generalitat); as well as many wonderful recreational areas for the whole family. For example, el Parque de Lavadero, located in the historic centre, is an excellent park with playgrounds. Near the sport centre of Busot there is another very interesting playground: the Lucas Koch Park.
What else to see in Busot?
Chapel of San José. Located at the entrance of the city, it is one of the main places where the festival of “Moors and Christians” is held. Location here.
Mount Calvary. Located in the historic centre of Busot. A great place to walk and explore the traditional architecture of the area. The chapel of San Vicent is on the top of the mountain. Location here.
Church of San Lorenzo Mártir. The beautiful 16th century church is one of the oldest of Alicante, as well as one of the best preserved. Location here.
Cabrafich Tower. The watchtower was part of a defence system against Berber pirates.
Busot festivities
Festival of Moors and Christians. The traditional festival of Moors and Christians has been held in Busot since 1963 and is dedicated in honour of the patron saints of Busot: San Vicente Ferrer and San José.
Procession of the Three Wise Men. On the nights of January 5, three magical kings meet in Busot. Their arrival is accompanied by a magnificent traditional procession, which begins at 7:00 p.m. from the chapel of San José and ends near the church of San Lorenzo Mártir. During the procession, the Three Wise Men throw sweets that local children pick up with joy.
Festival of San Antonio Abad. The festival in honour of Sant Antonio Abad, patron saint of animals, takes place on January 17. According to ancient tradition, Busot women bake sweet buns, which are consecrated in the church and eaten then with hot chocolate.
Celebrations in honour of San Lorenzo. Activities are held on August 10 in honour of the patron saint of Busot: San Lorenzo.
La Nit dels Ciris i Música (Busot Candle Night). At the end of June, a festival dedicated to light and music is celebrated in Busot.
Housing in Busot
Busot’s real estate market is mainly represented by low-rise housing: houses, villas, townhouses and rural houses. Apartments here are scarce, however, there is some supply. The price of houses in Busot starts from € 64,000; and the apartments, from € 45,000. The average cost, per square meter, of housing in Busot, according to data from the Idealista website, of November 2019, is € 1378 per m2.
Busot’s real estate market is an excellent option for those looking for accommodation in a quiet and peaceful place, surrounded by nature and away from the noisy tourist cities. At the same time, the sea and the magnificent beaches of El Campello are only 8 km away; and the capital of the province, Alicante, is 19 km away. In addition, Busot has all the necessary infrastructure, including an excellent school for children between 3 and 12 years old, with free tuition. Busot is being actively developed: new modern residential complexes are being built. Busot’s infrastructure is also under development, making it an excellent place to live with the whole family.
You can find all our real estate offer in Busot, in our catalogue.
