In Benitatxell, the shade of a carob tree, the silence of rural paths, or the stillness of a bench with views of Montgó can become the perfect setting to dive into a good book.
The Municipal Library, warm and well-stocked, offers a wide selection of titles for all tastes and ages. But it also represents a cultural refuge — an open door to other worlds that perfectly complements the peaceful experience of visiting the town. This library has received the María Moliner Award for seven consecutive years.
Below, we present a selection of books —all available at the library— written mainly by authors from El Poble Nou de Benitatxell and the Marina Alta region, ideal for enjoying in the shade of a Mediterranean carob tree.
Words born in our town
Josep Colomer is one of the most well-known authors from the municipality. Les espines del peix (“The Fish’s Thorns”), which won the prestigious Octubre Prize for fiction, was Colomer’s first published novel. It was followed by Històries de la lluna vella (“Stories of the Old Moon”). Both works are set in a fictional village called Benià, which is, in fact, El Poble Nou de Benitatxell in the literary universe of the author.
Soldats de lleva (“Conscripted Soldiers”), his most recent book, offers a human and moving portrayal of a generation that grew up between wars, forced to leave their homeland behind.
Empar Ferrer is the author of several children’s stories inspired by local themes:
El Gegant Mitjafava (“Mitjafava the Giant”), El secret de les panses (“The Secret of the Raisins”), and Bragat, el gat influencer del Puig Llorença (“Bragat, the Influencer Cat of Puig Llorença”).
These books are perfect for families traveling with kids, as they entertain the little ones with characters and stories closely tied to Benitatxell.
Ferrer is also the author of the novel Lo que perdí entre las nubes (“What I Lost in the Clouds”), and of the short story collection Giboulée de fraise.
In poetry, she published El roig humit de les cireres (“The Moist Red of Cherries”), a collection that earned her the Cavall de Laguar Prize.
“Nit de tinta” (“Ink Night”), a book by photographer Jake Abbott, tells —through stunning images— the story of the men from the village who used to descend to the pesqueres: nearly inaccessible fishing spots located on the cliffs, where these brave souls tried to earn a few extra coins to supplement the meager income of farming life.
Narrative with a Taste of the Region
– “La memòria de les ones” – Pepa Guardiola (Xàbia)
A novel about memories, women, and identity, rooted in the landscapes of the Marina.
– “L’últim roder” – Josep Franco (Sueca/Marina)
A Bromera classic about the figure of the Valencian roder; a historical adventure dusted with legend.
– “Dénia a la postguerra: Vivències i documents” – Vicent Balaguer (Dénia)
A memoir-style chronicle of a difficult post-war era that helps readers understand the region’s recent past.
Books for Walking and Breathing
– “Diània, terra nostra” – Just I. Sellés (Marina Alta)
A photo book and heartfelt tribute to the land; ideal for reading and heading out on a walk.
– “La Marina. Una mar d’històries” – Just I. Sellés
A literary journey through coastal towns and landscapes; the perfect companion for relaxed trails.
– “Contes de riurau” – Pepa Guardiola
Folk tales and oral memory centered around the traditional world of raisins and the iconic riuraus.
Reading to Breathe
Choosing a good book is also a form of mindful tourism.
It’s a gift of time, silence, and words.
In El Poble Nou de Benitatxell, the Municipal Library is part of that peaceful ecosystem that invites you to live at a different pace.
Stop by the library, ask for a recommendation, and find your favorite spot: perhaps under a carob tree, perhaps facing the sea, perhaps next to a riurau.
Opening a book in this setting is more than reading.
It’s breathing the Mediterranean.