Discovering the “Sierra Mariola”: Recommendations, routes, and lodging

14 Jul Discovering the “Sierra Mariola”: Recommendations, routes, and lodging

Posted at 12:20h in Bocairent by
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Many people who visit us have the same aim in mind about exploring the beautiful scenery of the “Sierra Mariola” natural park. And it is totally understandable why you should want to do so. This lovely protected area covers over sixteen thousand hectares, and is an ideal location for nature lovers and people who enjoy outdoor activities. You can go walking, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and do ornithology. The following activities represent our highest recommendations (the same ones we give to all our guests) so that you get the most out of this wonderful area.

WALKING IN THE “SIERRA MARIOLA”

The natural park has numerous hiking trails and paths that allow you to explore its beautiful scenery. There is a lot of information to be found if you look online for routes, but in summary here is a list of the best-known ones.

The Mills’ Route in Banyeres de Mariola

“Walker, there is no trail, you create it as you walk.” True or not? The Mills’ Route connects the three most emblematic paper mills of the nine which were once active between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries along the Vinalopó River in Banyeres de Mariola. The abundant vegetation found along the river banks provides a very welcome cool and relaxing atmosphere. The Route of the Mills is an excellent option for those wanting to explore the history and culture in the area.

Type: Circular.
Distance: 12 Km.
Difficulty: Low.

Route from Agres to the Cava Gran

This route begins at the Convent of Our Lady of Agres, and follows a footpath up to the Cava Gran, the most important and iconic ice cave in the Sierra Mariola. The inside of the building can be visited. As you climb higher the views become more spectacular. Once you’ve reached the top, you can continue the route and climb the peak of the Montcabrer, which at 1,394 m is the highest summit in the Sierra Mariola. The return journey can be made along the forestry track which leads to the convent.

Type: Circular.
Distance: 7.5 Km.
Duration: 3 h.
Difficulty: Medium.
Climb: 455 m.

Source of the Vinalopó River

The itinerary follows the upper reaches of the Vinalopó River to its source. Along the route you will discover the characteristic riverbank ecosystems and crops of the Sierra Mariola, as well as other manmade elements related to the use of water, such as irrigation systems, innumerable cisterns and water deposits, channels, dams, and mills that once formed part of the old factories in the area. The route starts from the natural park’s Information Centre.

Type: Circular.
Distance: 6 Km.
Duration: 2 h.
Difficulty: Low.

The Cint ravine

This circular route will take you to four main points of interest: the Cint ravine (Alcoy), the Heights of Pedreres, the vulture area (Canyet project), and the chapel of Saint Christopher. The route is ideal for those who want to enjoy contrasting scenery because you will go through a narrow ravine and out into lush vegetation.

Type: Circular.
Distance: 2 Km.
Duration: 1 h.
Difficulty: Low.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES

The following routes are not precisely in the Sierra Mariola, but even so we highly recommend them due to their proximity and their great beauty.

Route to the chapel of the Holy Christ

Whilst the route to the chapel of the Holy Christ isn’t located in the Sierra Mariola itself it does lie on the outskirts of Bocairent, and provides an excellent short walk without too much difficulty. The circular walk takes you to the chapel constructed in the sixteenth century and made up of three buildings comprising the old hostel, the chaplain’s house and a church built in the gothic style.

Type: Circular.
Distance: 9.5 Km.
Duration: 3 h.
Difficulty: Medium.

The Fos ravine route

This is an old trail that once served to connect Bocairent and Ontinyent. The route
starts in the Town Hall Square in Bocairent and ends at the Pou Clar natural pools
(Ontinyent). Part of the route follows the Clariano River and offers very picturesque
scenery along the way. Whilst the route is quite long it doesn’t require a major effort
as there isn’t much of a difference in the gradient between the lowest and highest
parts of the trail.

Type: Circular.
Duration: 3 h 30 mins.
Distance: 11 Km.
Difficulty: Low.

ROCK CLIMBING

If you like rock climbing the Sierra Mariola is an ideal destination. You can find different places to practice the sport in the park, for example the Cint and Fos ravines, which offer a wide range of climbing routes (adequate for all levels).

MOUNTAIN BIKING

The cycle routes in the Sierra Mariola allow you to explore the area from a different vantage point. There are a wide variety of options but the most outstanding have a special characteristic – their difficulty. In Komoot you can find a selection of the top twenty.

Top 20 Bike Rides and Cycling Routes in Sierra Mariola |

ORNITHOLOGY

The Sierra Mariola is the perfect place to go bird watching due to the extensive variety of species that can be observed in their natural habitat. These include, the golden eagle, the peregrine falcon, the sparrowhawk, and the eagle owl, amongst others.

TASTING LOCAL PRODUCTS

Everywhere you go in the Valencian region you will find delicious local products, such as olive oil and honey. When visiting the charming village of Bocairent, you must try out some of the local specialities, in particular the pericana side dish and the herbero liqueur. In order to sample some of the best dishes and local products we also recommend that you take the chance to explore the surrounding area of the Sierra Mariola natural park, where you will discover many other delightful towns and villages, as well as a variety of options for lodging.

If you would like to know more about our suggestions for eating out in Bocairent (and the area around the Sierra Mariola), you can read so here:

GASTRONOMY AND LODGING IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF THE SIERRA MARIOLA

This lovely natural park is bordered by charming towns and villages, rich both in history and in delicious traditional cuisine. Amongst the typical dishes in the area, you will find oven-cooked rice, mountain “gazpacho”, and “borreta” hotpot made with cod and potatoes. Moreover, there are numerous vineyards in the surrounding countryside, which offer guided tours and wine-tasting. If you would like to spend the night so you can enjoy the magic of the nearby villages, you might consider lodging in Agres, Alcoy, Banyeres de Mariola, and of course in Bocairent, where you will find our rural hotel ABBI SUITES.

WHAT IS THE BEST PLAN TO VISIT THE SIERRA MARIOLA?

Nature, pathways, cycling or just enjoying the scenery. The Sierra Mariola natural park offers a wide range of possibilities to enjoy a variety of activities in its wonderful countryside, as well as its man-made constructions both inside and outside the park, and in the towns and villages that surround it. Our suggestion is that you go and visit the area and let the magic of the place take hold of you regardless of the activity you choose to do. It is an experience that will definitely renew your spirit, and one that you will remember for a long time afterwards.

IMPORTANT

If you would like to find out more about the pathways and trails in the Sierra Mariola, we suggest you use the Wikiloc specialised site where you can access a lot more information. You can enter by clicking on the following link: Wikiloc | Trails of the World

To find out more about activities in Bocairent and the Sierra Mariola, you can visit their respective websites: Turismo Bocairent | Un pueblo excavado en la roca, en el parque natural de la Sierra Mariola

Routes and Travel Ideas in the Serra Mariola | Serra Mariola Tourism

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