Planes is located in the north of the province of Alicante, (Spain). It is accessed via Muro de Alcoy and Benimarfull on the CV-700, 15 km from Cocentaina and 75 km from Alicante.
The village is located in the valley formed by the Almudaina, Xarpolar, Cantacuc and Albureca mountain ranges. It stands out for its rugged demarcation with deep ravines that drain the topographical complexity of its relief, such as the Sofre and l'Encantà ravines that flow into the river Serpis.
It also includes the districts of Benialfaquí, Catamarruch and Margarida.
Planes de la Baronía is a pretty village with a noble title, located at the foot of a Muslim castle with strong walls from the 12th and 13th centuries, whose dominion and control belonged to the warlord Al Azraq until the reconquest undertaken by King Jaime I. It has an urban structure with steep streets, staircases and fresh water fountains.
Planes Castle is the most characteristic structure in the town. It stands on the hill overlooking the town. Two phases of construction can be seen in it, one of Muslim origin and the other of feudal structure after the Reconquest. Its function was to control the passes of the river Serpis. It has a surface area of 2,887.5 m², with eight rectangular towers and a large cistern attached to the east wall. It was built between the end of the 12th century and the first third of the 13th century, over Bronze Age settlements, forming part of King James I's list of castles in 1245.
It is currently undergoing rehabilitation and consolidation.
The Town Hall, which still houses the old prison, is also outstanding, and the entrance gate to the walled enclosure of the town can be seen.
Another notable building is the Parish Church. It is built over the old mosque that was never demolished, and it is believed to have been used as a crypt for the church.
The town of Planes has many stately homes and some are offered as holiday accommodation.
On the outskirts we find the Aqueduct. It is believed to have been built by the Muslims. It is still in operation. It brings the water from a spring through an irrigation channel to the fountain at one end of the aqueduct, from which it passes to a washing place that is still in use today.
The Lavadero de la Fuente Nueva is located next to the aqueduct, it is in perfect condition, and is still in operation, its waters are not drinkable as they have not passed through any purification system, but it was the source that supplied the most water to this town, at least since the 13th century.
The town has a municipal swimming pool that operates in summer and paddle tennis courts.
Behind the town is the San Cristóbal mountain range, with the particularity that it has a Way of the Cross that leads to the Ermita del Santo Cristo, very well kept and of sturdy construction.
Its economy is traditionally based on agriculture
Planes is known as the "Cherry Capital"which has been granted Denomination of Origin by the Generalitat Valenciana. Ninety percent of the cherry production is exported to countries such as Germany, France and Holland.
The production of olive oil The olive oil production is very high and due to the fact that the olive trees are still cultivated in the old way, the quality of the oil is excellent, which facilitates its sale to other areas of Spain and other countries.
The production of almonds is also important. Although they are not exported abroad, they are highly appreciated among the nougat companies.
Its traditional gastronomy ......