Sagunto (in Valencian and co-officially Sagunt) is the capital of the Camp de Morvedre region, located north of Valencia, under the shelter of the Sierra Calderona. It is an ancient city. With approximately 70,000 inhabitants, it is one of the most important cities in the Valencian Community. Sagunto is especially known for its exceptional historical centre and the number of archaeological sites to be found there. The municipality is very well connected and has Valencia’s international airport just 35 km away.
The municipality has two main centres: the old Sagunto, located 5 km from the sea, at the foot of an ancient castle and the Roman theatre, and Puerto de Sagunto, which is located on the coast. The citizens are spread over these 6 km that separate the beach from the old Roman castle, with a large number of them (40,436) living in the centre of Puerto de Sagunto. Interestingly, some Spanish sources, including real estate websites, erroneously present the two areas as separate cities. The use of Valencian is common in the historic centre of Sagunto, while in Puerto de Sagunto, where most of the population lives, Spanish is the predominant language.
Quick information about Sagunto
- Country: Spain.
- Autonomous Community: Valencian Community.
- Province: Valencia.
- Region: Campo de Murviedro.
- Altitude: 49 metres above sea level.
- Area: 132 km².
- Population: 66 140 inhabitants (2019).
- Density: 494.53 inhabitants/km².
- Demonym: saguntino, -a.
- Patron Saint: Santos Mártires Abdón y Senén.
- Website: sagunt.es
The weather in Sagunto
Its privileged Mediterranean climate is worth noting. The weather in Sagunto is really good and, although it doesn’t usually rain, in October the phenomenon known as “gota fría” can occur (a few days of great rainfall). The maximum temperature is reached in August when the thermometer can reach 40°C, and the minimum temperature in January.
History of Sagunto
The first traces of Sagunto’s historical past appear in the sites of Pic dels Corbs, Aixeve, Picaio and l’Albardeta, which belong to the Bronze Age. In the 5th century BC, during the Iberian period, the settlers built walls to protect themselves from threats, absorbing the ancient settlements and renaming them Arse. At this time there was a tremendous cultural and economic development supported by the minting of coins and trade relations with Greeks and Phoenicians.
This remarkable growth was cut short by the violent action of the Carthaginian army under the command of Aníbal, which in 219 BC razed the city to the ground after an eight-month siege and heroic resistance by the Saguntine people against the invader. This event triggered the second Punic War and, after the Roman victory, a new process of expansion and enormous development began, and the city was renamed Saguntum. However, in the 5th, 6th and 7th centuries, it suffered a major recession due to the constant and successive invasions by Barbarians, Alans, Vandals, Goths and Byzantines.
In the 8th century, it fell under Arab rule. From this time onwards, the name Saguntum changed to Morbiter; later it was called Murviedro in Spanish and Morvedre or Molvedre in Valencian, names derived from muri veteres (old walls) from the Middle Ages. Under Muslim rule, it reached a new splendour and, as a result, baths, palaces, a mosque and schools were built.
In 1098, the Cid Campeador reconquered the city, but the final reconquest and return to Christianity took place in 1238 with Jaime I, beginning a period in which Jews, Moors and Christians lived together in the same town.
Centuries later, the city suffered relentless attacks during the Revolt of the Brotherhoods, the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714), the Spanish War of Independence (1808-1814) and the Carlist Wars (1833).
At the beginning of the 20th century, the iron and steel industry developed until the 1980s, when it was declared an area of preferential industrial location, which led to the diversification of its productive system, making Sagunto one of the most important economic centres in the Valencian Community.
Gastronomy and restaurants in Sagunto
The typical dish of Sagunto par excellence is the paella and the different and extensive range of rice dishes in the rich and traditional Valencian cuisine, such as “arròs negre” or “arròs a banda”, very popular throughout the region.
Similarly, tourists can discover other local dishes made with products from the garden and dry land of Sagunto, such as the pot of “fesols i naps” (beans and turnips) and chickpea stew, etc. There are also other typical dishes such as “coca amb tomata”, “pastissets farcits de verdures”, “ou dur en tonyina” or “mandonguilles de carn”.
In the section of sweets and desserts, the seasonal fruits stand out, especially the orange in its different varieties and whose cultivation characterises the landscape of Sagunto. The “Pastissets de moniato”, the “Rosquilles d’Anis” and the Coca caldosa.
A trip to Sagunto would not be complete without trying these dishes in some of the port’s restaurants, such as El Sarao, La Chispa, Mar Blau, Almeriz or La Lonja. These are restaurants that serve the best rice dishes cooked in high heat. Moreover, the prices in the restaurants, bars and cafeterias of Sagunto will pleasantly surprise you. Finally, don’t leave without trying cazalla, a typical Valencian drink derived from aniseed distillation. It is a dry and very strong liquor, very popular in the region.
Sagunto: infrastructure and transport
Means of transport
Sagunto is 28 km from Valencia, 375 km from Madrid and 329 km from Barcelona. In addition, the city has a train station that connects it with Valencia, Castellón, Teruel (Zaragoza), the north and south of Spain and Barcelona. It also has a bus service that connects Sagunto with Valencia. Likewise, Valencia’s airport, located in Manises, is only 30 km away from Sagunto.
Schools in Sagunto
In Sagunto, there are several state and charter schools. You should also bear in mind that Sagunto is close to Valencia, where you can find a wide variety of public schools.
State schools in Sagunto:
- Colegio Ausiàs March (pre-school and primary school).
- Colegio Cronista Chabret (pre-school and primary school).
- Colegio José Romeu (pre-school and primary school).
Charter schools in Sagunto:
- Centro San Vicente Ferrer (pre-school and primary school, Secondary school and A levels); sagunto.fesd.es
- Centro Adventista (pre-school and primary school, Secondary school and A levels); campusadventista.es
Sagunto’s health system
Sagunto has a hospital, two private clinics (in Sagunto and Puerto de Sagunto), and numerous pharmacies.
Shops, supermarkets and shopping centres in Sagunto
In Sagunto, you will find all the big supermarkets of the best chains, as well as numerous shops and markets where you can do your shopping. Also, there are two large shopping centres:
- VidaNova Parc; vidanovaparc.com
- Centre Comercial L’Epicentre; lepicentre.es
What to visit and do in Sagunto
First of all, you have to take into account that if you want to know what to see in Sagunto, you cannot leave without visiting the Castle of Sagunto, a 5th century BC fortress located on top of a hill. This fortress stretches over a kilometre and was declared a National Monument in 1931. In fact, the castle is linked to the origin of the city, as it is as old as it is, and in it, you can see traces of the passage of the Arab, Iberian or Roman culture through the city.
Secondly, we must highlight the Templo de Diana, another must-see if you visit Sagunto. According to some experts, these remains could be of Ibero-Roman origin.
Equally important is the Jewish quarter of Sagunto, located next to the Roman Theatre. At the time, it was very important because, as no Jews were allowed in Valencia, an important relationship was established between the converts who remained in the capital and the Jews who were in Sagunto.
This area’s importance lies in the fact that it is one of the best heritages in Spain of the Jewish community, which became the most important in the country. You can access the place through the Portal de la Sang, and a short walk takes you immediately back centuries, as it is very well preserved.
After visiting the ruins of Sagunto, (a guided tour of Sagunto is available from approximately 19 € per person) one of the best things you can do is go and try the traditional dishes and drinks of the Valencian Community. For example, suppose you want to enjoy a delicious Valencian paella, in the Boulevard restaurant or in any other of those located in the historical centre. In that case, they will serve you good rice, but the most important thing is that you do not leave without having a shot of cazalla (cassalla in Valencian).
Beaches of Sagunto
The municipality of Sagunto has 13 kilometres of coast to sunbathe and enjoy the beaches. These are sandy beaches scored by dune banks fixed by vegetation, such as those of the Malvarrosa de Corinto, Almardà and the Puerto de Sagunto, considered to be among the best in the Valencian Community. All of them have a promenade, hotel and leisure services, as well as official recognition, such as the three European Blue Flags, the ten ISO certifications for environmental suitability, accessibility and quality, together with the two Q flags for Tourism Quality and two Q flags for Qualitur, which confirm their great prestige and environmental and tourism excellence. They also have a rescue and first aid service, health posts, beach police, accessible points, civil protection, bibliomar and cleaning services. Also, they have beach umbrellas, hammocks and beach bars.
Relax on Almardá Beach
A semi-urban beach made up of sand and stone. Its dune range separates the residential area from the beach and has important native flora and fauna of great ecological value. Almardá Beach is famous for its tranquillity and its long strip of sand of 1650 metres in length. It has all the essential services and infrastructure for people with reduced mobility. It is an ideal place to disconnect and enjoy the sea, as well as to practice water sports.
Have fun on the beach of Puerto de Sagunto
A beach with fine sand and crystalline waters, with an area of dunes and a small quay that gives it a very characteristic image. Its promenade has many restaurants and ice-cream parlours. It has a recreational area for games, sports and infrastructures for people with reduced mobility. It is located in the northern part of the Port of Sagunto and is about 1.5 km long. It is a sandy urban beach with an excellent tourist infrastructure. Along it, there is a promenade of about 1300 meters long. Nearby there is a very convenient parking area.
Nudism and camping on Corinto-Malvarrosa beach
At the northernmost end of the municipality of Sagunto are the quiet beaches of Corinto and Malvarrosa, with a stretch reserved for nudism. In this area, there is a campsite with direct access to the beach to enjoy outdoor holidays. It is the wildest of Sagunto’s beaches. It is partly covered with coarse sand and partly with pebbles. It has a length of 3200 metres, framed by natural sand dunes. It has all the necessary infrastructure. Undoubtedly, a great place to relax with family or friends.
Nature and natural environment of Sagunto
If what you are looking for is to enjoy nature and the tranquillity that it ensures, the municipality of Sagunto offers various camping and leisure areas among its natural sites. Les Escales, el Povijol, Bonilles, La Cuesta del Volante and Ponera, are areas that have been prepared to welcome visitors and hikers who wish to spend their holidays in the middle of the mountains.
We want to highlight the following places of interest in the natural surroundings of Sagunto:
Marjal dels Moros
It is a wetland located in the south of the municipality of Sagunto that is characterised by the exceptional state of conservation that presents its fauna and flora. It is a must-visit for bird watching, due to its location within one of the migratory routes that cross the peninsula, making it the passing season (autumn and spring), and it is a real spectacle. You can find everything from red ducks, mallards and coots to a multitude of waders of all sizes, not to mention such striking species as flamingos. In fact, many species have found their refuge here, some of them in danger of extinction, such as the teal or the calamon.
Estanys de Almenara
They are three lakes separated by the vegetation of bulrush and reeds. These are freshwater ponds that come from the aquifers of the Sierra de Espadán, which emerge naturally through the ullals (eyes). In these lakes we can find a lot of fauna and, although they do not belong to the Camp de Morvedre, they are worth a visit due to their proximity and their peculiarity.
Sierra Calderona Natural Park
Trekking and nature lovers will be able to do several routes through the Sierra Calderona Natural Park, a natural area of great environmental richness with vast forests and many species of animals such as foxes, wild boars or wild cats. With colourful names such as the Ruta Amarilla (Yellow Route), Ruta Roja (Red Route), Ruta Verde (Green Route) and Ruta Azul (Blue Route), excursions are organised in this mountain range, which has a great hiking tradition. Another curiosity of the city is that it is home to part of the path of the first phase of the Via Augusta that goes, between mountains, towards the south of the peninsula.
The following places are worth mentioning: El Picayo, Santo Espíritu and El Garbí.
Vía Verde de Ojos Negros
Along the 70 km of the Ojos Negros Vía Verde, in a perpendicular direction to the Mediterranean and in search of Aragonese land, while climbing in altitude, you can observe the changes that the natural and rural environment surrounding the route shows. The route runs through open areas, trenches, tunnels and viaducts, together with this mosaic of cultivated land, wooded fields, forest masses and wastelands, in addition to the adaptation of the road surface and drainage, the lighting of the tunnels, protection of the most dangerous areas with handrails, the closure of vehicle access, rest areas every 6 km, reforestation of the route and complete information and safety signs make the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros through the Alto Palancia and Camp de Morvedre regions. A route too beautiful to be missed.
Enter the Cuevas de San Josep and Río Subterráneo
Only 20 km from Sagunto, the Vall d’Uixó is located where we find some wonderful underground caves. Sailing along one of the longest underground rivers in Europe is an unforgettable experience. The caves of San Josep were formed 250,000 years ago and extend over 1.5 km. Guided tours last approximately 45 minutes. During this time, you will cross a section of the underground river by boat and walk through the caves on foot.
Festivals in Sagunto
Among the multitude of festivals held in Sagunto and Puerto de Sagunto, we would like to highlight the following
Sant Antoni (In mid-January)
The municipality’s associations organise activities and shows. In Sagunto, in the Plaza Mayor with the traditional Plantà del Pi and the bonfire, musical performances, horse parade, fireworks, the traditional “bureo”, and animals’ blessing. In Puerto de Sagunto, next to the Alameda del Consell, there is also a popular bonfire with musical performances.
Las Fallas (From 15th to 19th March)
These are artistic monuments made of wood and cardboard, whose characters or “Ninots” ironically represent satirical scenes of current affairs. Highlights include the humor fallero parade, the “Plantà”, the Flower Offering to the Virgen de Los Desamparados, the awards ceremony, the music of the parades and the noise of the “tracas” and “mascletás”, “la Nit de Foc” and “la Cremà” at midnight on the feast of San José.
Holy Week (March-April)
Festival declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest whose origin dates back to the end of the 15th century. Good Friday is the big day of Holy Week in Sagunto, with the Via Crucis from the Ermita de la Sangre to Calvary, in which the Passion of Jesus is represented through the stations that weaken the steep path. In the afternoon, the great and multitudinous manifestation of worship is celebrated with the Holy Burial procession. During the course of the procession, the “Vera Creu” is carried by the Mayorales without touching the ground, the Clavario being in charge of entering and leaving with it in the chapel and the different temples of the city.
The voices of the “plegaors” are characteristic, brothers who, at the cry of “Puríssima Sang de Jesucrist”, collect a donation for the Brotherhood; the cornets and drums, as well as the requests of the children asking for the typical “caramelet” from the brothers who participate in the procession. Other outstanding acts are the concerts of sacred music, the living representation of the Passion of Christ, the auction of Pasos y Sayones, the Silencio procession, the Descendimiento Sermon and the Mass of Resurrection.
San Juan (from 23rd to 24th June)
In the evening, a multitude of events are organised in the vicinity of the promenade, including a musical setting with drums, touring theatre, the correfuegos, fireworks displays and musical performances.
Patron Saint Festivities (July-August)
Sagunto celebrates them in the second half of July -Santos Mártires Abdón y Senén- and the first ten days of September, around the festivity of the Virgen del Buen Suceso. Puerto de Sagunto celebrates them in August’s first fortnight, honouring the Virgen de Begoña and in mid-July the Virgen del Carmen. Sports competitions, musical performances, bullfights of heifers and bulls, artistic exhibitions, the entrance of “peñas”, the traditional “chopà” and fireworks castles fill the events with colour and showiness.
Cuñacas marítimas (August)
Every 15th August and for more than seven decades, a festive morning is celebrated in the fishing dock of the harbour with swimming crossings, the traditional catch of the flag on the greased pole and the release of balls with prizes. The latter is a tradition that has evolved and replaced the throwing of ducks into the sea with the throwing of balls with prizes and children’s water games.
Moors and Christians (first weekend in October)
In this festival, the groups of the Moors and Christians commemorate the battles that took place between them for the conquest and defence of the city, with the captains and standard-bearers marching to the front in their best clothes. The day of “La Entrà” stands out, in which the squads of the different comparsas parade showing their beautiful and sophisticated clothes to the rhythm of rhythmic Moorish and Christian music. On the first Sunday of October, with the ascent to the Castle of all the Comparsas and in front of the Puerta de Almenara, the Moorish and Christian Embassies take place, with emotional speeches by the respective Ambassadors, followed by a battle with sword fights and the firing of arquebuses, ending with the reconquest of the city by the Christian troops.
Day of the Valencian Community (9th October)
On the occasion of the day of the Valencian Community, the city council programmes institutional events through the Culture Delegation. In addition, various associations in the municipality organise cultural and festive events in the streets.
New Year’s Eve (December)
Sagunto Town Council organises the massive New Year’s Eve party in the Plaza Mayor with bells and a musical show to welcome the New Year. On the other hand, in Puerto de Sagunto, a cultural association in collaboration with the City Council offers a musical performance next to the Juan Carlos I park.
Others
In addition to the official holiday calendar, other festive activities organised by non-profit-making organisations in the municipality are held throughout the year. These include: the festival of San Blas at the beginning of February; San Jorge in April; the festival of Mare de Déu dels Desemparats; Virgen del Carmen in July; Bon Succés in September; El Pilar and Virgen del Remedio in October and the 28 cultural weeks of the Fallas associations from October to December. Likewise, the festivals of each neighbourhood are celebrated throughout the year.
Properties in Sagunto and Puerto de Sagunto
The historical part of the city of Sagunto is characterised by its low real estate prices. Obviously, these are mostly old buildings. The newest properties are in the modern part of the city, in Puerto de Sagunto; however, this area’s prices are higher.
Thus, in Sagunto, you can buy a handyman apartment for 25,000 to 30,000 euros. Newly built apartments here cost from 70,000 euros. An apartment located in a luxury residential complex will cost about 123,000 euros. The average price of real estate is 766 euros per square metre.
The cheapest area of the city is Antigua Moreria, 601 euros per square meter. Followed by the Centro-El Castillo area (667 euros per square metre) and Doctor Palos-Alto Palancia (880). On the other hand, Los Monasterios-El Picayo-Urbanizaciones is the most expensive area in Sagunto (1359 euros per square metre). The real estate is represented mainly by low-rise buildings: houses, villas, bungalows and rural houses.
However, the average housing price in Puerto de Sagunto is much higher than in Sagunto – 1307 euros per square metre. However, even here, you can find homes for 35,000 euros. The market is mainly represented by multi-storey buildings: Puerto de Sagunto has a large selection of apartments, studios, and penthouses, both second-hand and new-build homes.
A new-build apartment in Puerto de Sagunto can be purchased from 100,000 euros (1656 euros/m2 on average). A newly built townhouse – from 237,000 euros (1539 euros/m2 on average) The most expensive area in Puerto de Sagunto, Padre Jaime-Los Cabos (1646 euros/m2 on average). The following areas in descending order of price are: Las Islas (1379); San José-Los Metales (1298); Playa Puerto de Sagunto (1119); Centro Puerto (911); Avda. de Abril-9 de Octubre (888); Nuevo Centro (807).
Also, if you are interested in new construction housing near the sea, consider Canet de Berenguer, a municipality located on the border with Puerto de Sagunto. Here there is a large selection of new build homes located in modern residential complexes with swimming pools and an excellent internal infrastructure (for example, the exclusive Gran Canet residential complex). A residential complex of 288 homes with more than 7,600 m2 of exclusive common areas and 800 m2 of swimming pools in an extraordinary location, where the Costa de Valencia and Costa de Azahar meet, bringing together the best of both destinations, with beautiful beaches, and a multitude of cafes, bars and restaurants.
It is a municipality that offers a perfect opportunity to invest in real estate, due to its popularity with tourists and its high cost of living. The cost of second-hand apartments here – from 60 000 euros; new-build apartments – from 155 000 euros.
Advantages of Sagunto
Finally, and to sum up, what are the advantages of Sagunto?
- Location near Valencia, only 28 km away (less than half an hour by car), and convenient means of transport (bus, train).
- Affordable housing prices.
- Wide range of properties and availability of new housing developments where properties are much cheaper than in Valencia, with similar characteristics.
- A mild Mediterranean climate.
- The proximity of its beautiful beaches.
- An advanced infrastructure (it has all the services and means of transport).
- A beautiful old town, rich in history and with an extraordinary historical, architectural and cultural heritage.
- Its excellent gastronomy.
- Its wonderful natural environment, green areas and clean air.
Do you like Sagunto and would you like to buy a home here? IF the answer is “yes”, welcome to our catalogue! Alegria’s specialists will respond quickly and clarify all your doubts about buying or renting a property in Spain, in Sagunto, as well as doubts about living and spending your holidays here.
