ALCOi

Alcoi, also known as Alcoy in Spanish, or Alcoi in Valencian, is a city and municipality in the province of Alicante, within the Valencian Community, Spain. It is the capital of the comarca of l'Alcoià, located inland in the northern part of the province. The city lies near the Font Roja and Serra de Mariola natural areas, and at the confluence of the Barxell and Serpis rivers. As of 2023, its population is around 60,000 residents.

Historically, Alcoy developed around textile and paper manufacturing, becoming one of Spain's leading industrial centers in the 19th century, aided by hydroelectric power and railway connections. The economy today is diversified, with manufacturing, services and education playing major roles, while cultural and tourist activity related to its industrial heritage and surrounding natural parks remains important.

Alcoy is noted for its architectural heritage, particularly a large collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century modernist buildings created by local architects amid rapid urban growth. The city preserves a distinctive identity through its traditions and its famous Moros y Cristianos festival, one of Spain's most celebrated re-enactments of Moorish and Christian history. The festival and other cultural events are central to Alcoy's cultural calendar.

Nearby natural areas, especially Font Roja Natural Park, offer hiking and biodiversity opportunities, complementing the urban landscape. Alcoy is accessible by road and rail from Alicante and Valencia, and serves as a gateway to the inland comarca of l'Alcoià and the Sierra de Mariola.