If you’re looking for an authentic Spanish village experience away from the tourist crowds, Jesús Pobre might just be the perfect place to visit. This quaint inland village sits just 8 kilometres from the popular resort town of Denia, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Spanish life that hasn’t been touched by mass tourism.
I’ve put together this guide to help you discover what makes Jesús Pobre so special, whether you’re planning a day trip or considering making it your new home on the Costa Blanca.
Where is Jesús Pobre?
Jesús Pobre is a small village located in the province of Alicante, located in the mountains behind Denia, with around a population of 800 in total. You’ll find it about 9.5 kilometres inland from Denia’s centre, making it an easy 15-minute drive through roads winding around the Montgo mountain. The village sits at about 200 metres above sea level, giving you incredible views of the surrounding valleys and, on clear days, glimpses of the Mediterranean in the distance.
The easiest way to reach Jesús Pobre is by car. From Denia, follow the CV-725 road inland towards Pedreguer, and you’ll see signs for Jesús Pobre along the way. The drive is quite scenic, winding through orange groves and traditional Spanish countryside.
Getting to Jesús Pobre
The easiest way to reach Jesús Pobre is by car. From Denia, follow the CV-725 road inland towards Pedreguer, and you’ll see signs for Jesús Pobre along the way. The drive is quite scenic, winding through orange groves and traditional Spanish countryside.
From Alicante Airport, it’s about a 50-minute drive via the AP-7 motorway. Valencia Airport is roughly the same distance in the opposite direction.
If you don’t have a car, there are limited bus services from Denia, though I’d recommend checking the current timetables as they can be infrequent.
What to do in Jesús Pobre
Wander the village streets
The real charm of Jesús Pobre lies in simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere – best experienced in the morning or the evening. Life in Jesús Pobre moves at a different pace. You’ll find that locals often stop for a chat in the street, and there’s a real sense of community that’s harder to find in larger towns.
You’ll notice that most of the houses have beautiful wooden doors and wrought-iron balconies filled with colourful flowers, or even a balcony dog if you spot carefully!
Browse the Sunday Riurau market
Every Sunday, Jesús Pobre hosts the Market Del Riurau – one of the most authentic markets on the Costa Blanca. During summer months (June-September), it runs from 6pm to 11pm, making it perfect for a relaxed evening stroll. In winter, you’ll find it running from 9am to 2pm.
The market takes place in a historic riurau – a traditional building once used for drying raisins. You’ll find fresh local produce from nearby farms, homemade olive oil, freshly baked goods, handmade crafts, and local wines.
You’ll find fresh local produce from nearby farms including fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the surrounding vineyards, homemade olive oil, freshly baked goods, as well as some handmade crafts, leather, and so much more.
The summer evening timing makes it perfect for a relaxed stroll after the heat of the day has passed, and it’s a great way to pick up some authentic Spanish products to enjoy at the market or later at home! I recommend arriving with an appetite and trying some of the local specialities while enjoying the brilliant atmosphere with friends and family!
Traditional raisin drying in Jesús Pobre
If you’re visiting Jesús Pobre in late August or early September, you might spot something quite special – rows of wooden frames covered in grapes drying in the sun which you can see below. It’s worth stopping by to see the process!
This is the traditional method of making muscatel raisins that’s been used here for centuries. The sweet Moscatel de Alejandría grapes are laid out on wooden frames called “cañizos” and left to dry naturally for about 15-20 days in the Mediterranean sunshine.
Jesús Pobre is one of the few places where you can still see this traditional process in action, and the resulting raisins are incredibly sweet.
Dining in Jesús Pobre
For such a small village, Jesús Pobre has some exquisite restaurants in the centre that are worth visiting for.
Casa Rosita is a real local favourite – both a bar and restaurant where you’ll often find Spanish families enjoying long lunches on weekends. It’s located directly in the village centre with outdoor seating that gets particularly busy during summer evenings. They have a large terrace at the back that’s perfect for meals, and you’ll find them cooking up homemade paella, pizza, and traditional Spanish tapas. The atmosphere buzzes with life – you’ll get a real taste of Spanish village life here.
La Tasca is a small restaurant located near the village church that’s become something of a hidden gem. This family-run spot serves a brilliant fusion of Spanish quality ingredients with Italian recipes. Their homemade ravioli is absolutely phenomenal and worth the visit alone, while the Iberian pork is another standout dish that locals rave about. The restaurant has a lovely courtyard where you can enjoy your meal, though I’d recommend booking ahead at weekends if you want to secure a table there.
Bar Pedro serves hearty, homemade meals with generous portions rather than light bites. You can expect dishes like lamb chops, oven-roasted lamb, and steaks grilled on the barbecue. They also have a large outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your meal al fresco – perfect for long lunches.
Restaurante El Sequer is a family-run place where you can taste typical food from the area. They specialise in grilled meats, fresh fish, and rice dishes, and like the other restaurants, they have a large terrace at the back for dining outdoors.
Experience local festivals and events
Jesús Pobre occasionally hosts traditional Spanish festivals throughout the year, which are brilliant fun if you happen to be visiting during one. Jesus Pobre celebrations bring the whole community together and offer visitors a genuine taste of local Spanish traditions and hospitality.
- Festa de Jesús Pobre (May) – The village’s main celebration with live music, paella competitions, traditional dress parades, and street parties.
- Night Artisan Market (summer) – Local art, craft beer, live jazz, and street food create a magical atmosphere under the riurau arches.
- Grape scalding demonstration (late August) – Watch the traditional process of transforming grapes into sultanas, a skill that’s been declared a Valencian Intangible Asset.
- These events offer visitors and new residents alike a genuine taste of local Spanish traditions and community spirit.
Wine tasting at Les Freses Vineyard
If sampling local muscatels and muscats with a sensational close-up view of the mighty Montgó mountain sounds like your kind of thing, you’re going to love Les Freses.
Located just near the entrance of Jesús Pobre as you drive in from the Montgo side, Les Freses is a family-owned winery built on old strawberry fields – which inspired its name. The vineyard is locally revered for its boutique wines made from Muscat grapes.
You can book a wine tour experience at Les Freses. They offer guided tours in both English and Spanish where you can see the winemaking process, learn about the vineyard’s history, and discover plenty of interesting details about local wine production.
Hiking and nature
The village sits near the foot of Montgó Natural Park, making it a fantastic base for hiking enthusiasts. There are trails suitable for all levels, from gentle walks through orange groves to challenging hikes up to the Montgó summit.
Village architecture and history
While wandering the village streets, make sure to visit the Església i convent de Jesús Pobre (Church and Convent of Jesús Pobre). You’ll find it in a very pretty, quiet square with trees and lovely views of the Montgó mountain – it’s a perfect spot to pause and soak up some history.
The church was built between 1660 and 1668, and the hospice was converted into a convent for Franciscan friars.
The origin of this church, convent, and indeed the town’s name, dates back to when Father Pere (known locally as Pare Pere) found an image of The Dead Christ in the 17th century. He initially took it to the hermitage of El Montgó, where he celebrated his first mass in 1649. After receiving what he believed to be divine inspiration, he founded a hermitage and hospice in the old town of Benissadeví, bringing his Christ statue which he called Jesús Pobre (Poor Jesus).
Practical amenities
Despite its small size, Jesús Pobre is surprisingly well-equipped. You’ll find a pharmacy, vet, bakery, convenience shops, ATM, tobacconist, bars, restaurants and school right in the village.
For wider shopping and services, Denia and Gata de Gorgos is just 10 minutes away by car, giving you access to larger supermarkets, banks, and administrative services.
Property in Jesús Pobre
The property market here offers everything from traditional village townhouses to modern villas on the outskirts. You’ll find restored fincas with land, contemporary apartments, and country homes with mountain views.
Prices tend to be more reasonable than in the coastal areas, while still offering nearby access to beaches and amenities.
Best time to visit Jesús Pobre
Jesús Pobre is lovely year-round, but I’d particularly recommend spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is perfect for walking around and the surrounding countryside is at its most beautiful.
Summer can get quite hot during the day, though the evenings are always pleasant and perfect for enjoying the Sunday evening market.
Winter is mild and sunny – many expat residents find it the perfect escape from the colder northern European weather.
Where to stay in or near Jesús Pobre
For short stays, there are several charming options:
Hostal Tres Molins
If you’re looking to stay within the village of Jesús Pobre itself, Hostal Tres Molins is a charming and highly rated option especially among locals. All rooms are private only (not shared as the name implies!)
Each of the eight spacious rooms features:
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Either a terrace or balcony with views of Montgó Natural Park or the tiled rooftops of Jesús Pobre
- Rustic decor
La Sella Golf Resort & Spa
Located just outside the village, La Sella Golf Resort & Spa is an upscale, 5 star resort, which is close to both Denia and Jesus Pobre.
Set against the backdrop of the Montgó mountains, this resort offers:
- A 27-hole championship golf course
- Full-service spa and wellness centre
- Swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness facilities
- Fine dining restaurants with local and Mediterranean cuisine
- Rooms with private terraces and mountain or garden views
While Jesús Pobre has a few small guesthouses and rural hotels, most visitors stay in nearby Denia and make day trips from Denia to the village. This gives you access to a wider range of accommodation options and restaurants while still being able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Jesús Pobre.
If you’re looking for luxury holiday accommodation with exceptional service, White Coast Property in Javea offers beautiful villas and apartments perfect for families, couples, or large groups. They specialise in properties close to the beach with sea views, and pride themselves on going above and beyond to make your stay memorable.
If you’re moving here
The property market offers good variety, from village apartments starting around €150,000 to restored fincas and luxury villas that can range into the millions.
Rental properties are available but limited, so it’s worth contacting local estate agents well in advance if you’re planning a long-term rental.
It’s the perfect base for anyone who wants the best of both worlds – peaceful rural living with easy access to beaches, airports, and modern amenities. The strong sense of community, beautiful natural surroundings, and reasonable property prices make it particularly appealing for anyone seeking a different pace of life on the Costa Blanca.
For more information about the village, you can visit the official Jesús Pobre website.
Can I speak English in Jesús Pobre?
Like most small Spanish villages, English isn’t widely spoken in Jesús Pobre. However, the locals are generally friendly with visitors trying to communicate in basic Spanish. A few key phrases will go a long way!
