It was pouring rain and I was in an old minivan with my real estate agent in Spain, headed to visit the town of Pego for the first time. Driving through the rain didn’t really allow me to see the charm of the little town on my first visit, but I was excited to see the home I was planning to purchase. 

A few days later I decided to drive to Pego on my own, this time without the rain. As I drove around a corner, Pego came into view. It nearly took my breath away. Surrounded by mountains, with a church steeple standing straight up out of the middle (like many other Spanish towns), I knew that I had been incredibly lucky to have found a home to buy in this beautiful town. 

Where is Pego, Spain? 

Pego is a small town located in the province of Alicante, Spain. It is situated in the Marina Alta region, about 60 kilometers from the city of Valencia. The town is surrounded by mountains and valleys, and it is home to a number of natural attractions, including the Parque Natural del Marjal de Pego-Oliva.

What is the history of Pego? 

Pego has a long and rich history. The area around Pego was first inhabited during the Bronze Age, and there is evidence of Iberian and Roman settlements in the region. The town itself was founded by the Moors in around 726 AD, and it became an important Arab enclave.

Pego was conquered by Christian forces in 1244 AD, and it was later repopulated with peasants from Catalonia. The town became part of the Kingdom of Valencia in 1258 AD, and it continued to grow and prosper in the following centuries.

Pego was a major center for the production of rice during the 19th and 20th centuries. The town also developed a thriving pottery industry, and its pottery is still famous today.

Pego was largely spared from the damage of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), and it continued to grow and develop in the following decades. Today, Pego is a thriving town with a population of around 10,000 people. It is a popular tourist destination, and it is known for its beautiful scenery, its rich history, and its friendly people.

Here are some of the key events in the history of Pego:

• 726 AD: The Moors conquer the area around Pego and establish a settlement.
• 1244 AD: Christian forces conquer Pego and repopulate it with peasants from Catalonia.
• 1258 AD: Pego becomes part of the Kingdom of Valencia.
• 18th century: Pego becomes a major center for the production of rice.
• 19th century: Pego develops a thriving pottery industry.
• 20th century: Pego is largely spared from the damage of the Spanish Civil War.
• 21st century: Pego continues to grow and develop as a popular tourist destination.

What are transportation options to and from Pego? 

I personally own a car in Spain and before that, I would always rent a car. I find it the easiest option. However, you’re not limited to just a car. Here are all the options available. 

• Bus: There are several bus companies that offer direct bus services to and from Pego, including Alsa, Jiménez Movilidad, and La Unión de Benisa. Buses depart from Pego’s bus station, which is located in the center of town. The bus station is well-connected to the rest of the town and is easy to walk to.
• Train: There is no direct train service to Pego, but there are trains that depart from the nearby city of Gandia. The train station in Gandia is about a 30-minute drive from Pego, and there are taxis and buses that can take you from the train station to Pego.
• Car: If you are driving to Pego, you will need to take the AP-7 motorway. The motorway connects Pego to the rest of Spain, and it is well-maintained and easy to drive on. There are also a number of parking garages and car parks in Pego, so you will be able to find somewhere to park your car easily.
• Plane: The nearest airport to Pego is the Valencia Airport, which is about an hour’s drive away. Alicante airport is about the same distance, but the drive is slightly longer and more difficult. 

Want to know something crazy cool? The AP-7 used to be a toll road, but once the road was paid for by the tolls, they no longer charged a toll for it. I don’t love everything about taxes and bureaucracy in Spain, but this definitely built my trust a bit more. 

Do you need a car to get around town?

No. As long as you are capable of walking, you can get just about anywhere without a car. The only need for a car is if you need to transport a large amount of groceries. For this, many people in Spain use a small grocery cart on wheels. When I’m in town, I walk everywhere. Within ten minutes you can get to most places on foot. 

What are the best restaurants in Pego? 

I love going out to eat or grabbing a coffee with friends in Pego. The town has many outdoor eating areas due to the beautiful weather for much of the year. Here is a list of some spots to try: 

• L’Om: Modern Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
• Restaurante Bar Zorrilla: Traditional Spanish restaurant with generous portions and reasonable prices.
• Buddhaeyes tandoori restaurant: Nepalese restaurant with a variety of tandoori dishes and more traditional Nepalese fare.
• Casino Bar: This is one of my favorite places to grab a coffee, or work for the afternoon from my computer. They also have delicious meals and often serve and English breakfast. 
• La Placeta Bistro Pizza: Ivan is the owner of this cute restaurant that recently went through a makeover. He has delicious pizzas and hamburgers. He is such a warm and generous person, and you feel that in the service. 

Where can you buy groceries in town? 

• Mercadona: Mercadona is one of the largest supermarket chains in Spain. They have a wide variety of products, including fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy, and packaged goods. Mercadona is a good option for those looking for a one-stop shop for all their grocery needs.
• SPAR: SPAR is another large supermarket chain with a good selection of groceries. They have a slightly smaller selection than Mercadona, but they are often cheaper. SPAR is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly supermarket.
• masymas: masymas is a regional supermarket chain with a focus on fresh, local produce. They have a wide selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and fish from local suppliers. masymas is a good option for those who want to support local businesses.
• Aldi: Aldi is a German discount supermarket chain with stores all over Europe. They are known for their low prices and limited selection of products. Aldi has one store in town, which is located on Avenida del Mar. Aldi is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly supermarket with a limited selection of products. 

In addition to these supermarkets, there are also a number of smaller grocery stores and convenience stores in Pego. These stores often have a more limited selection of products, but they can be a good option for those who are looking for a quick and easy grocery stop.

There is also a market (rastro) in the center of town every Thursday morning where you can buy fresh produce and other local products. These markets are a great place to find unique and seasonal items that you may not be able to find in the supermarkets.

Where should I stay for vacation? 

• If you are looking for a luxurious stay, Casa Veronica is a great option, but you may need to book far in advance as there are only five room/apartment options. 
• Hotel Reig is the only hotel that I’m aware of. It has a four star rating. 
• Airbnb will have several options, depending on what you are looking for.
• If you have a vehicle, you could also opt to stay in Monte Pego, the mountainside near pego with beautiful white houses. It’s a little bit of a drive, so you would definitely need a car. 

No matter what your budget or preferences, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay in Pego. The town has a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all travelers.

Here are some additional details about where to stay in Pego, Spain:

• The best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists.
• The center of of town is a great place to stay if you want to be close to all the shops and restaurants.
• If you are looking for a more relaxing stay, you may want to consider staying in a hotel or guesthouse in one of the nearby villages.

Final Thoughts 

I don’t know that I would generally think of Pego as a place to go on vacation. For me, Pego is a way of life. I enjoy living there very much. However, if you want to vacation, it is a great place to get away and experience the simple life, surrounded by beauty.