Costa Blanca – Serra de Mariola Natural Park

You arrive in Bocairent, which is a town in the Sierra de Mariola (the Mariola mountain range) Natural Park. You shall straight away get a feeling that it’s an enchanting, medieval town perched on a rocky outcrop that will captivate you with its breath-taking views. Enjoy a walk exploring the narrow winding traffic-free streets or visit the quaint, old town where you can see plentiful evidence of the different cultures that once shaped this place. In addition, Bocairent offers a wide range of gastronomic experiences for you to try. Why not sample some typical local dishes at one of its numerous bars, cafes and restaurants.

Leaving Bocairent, you walk into the Sierra de Mariola. You head for the Vinalopo River’s source, passing many waterfalls and historic farmhouses that were once inhabited by families who farmed the land. These are surrounded by impressive, old holm oaks. When you reach Toll Blau (the Blue Pool), you can cool off beside pools of crystal-clear water. Next, you pass the Font de la Coveta, a spring of crystalline water which is the source of the important Vinalopó River.

Today you leave Bocairent to enter again the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, where you can enjoy impressive views and the tranquillity with which this idyllic place surrounds you. You will pass the Iberian village of “Cabeçó de Mariola”, a mysterious place with spectacular views, once inhabited by our ancestors. Continuing, you come to Alfafara, a small village where you can stop for some refreshments and visit the old wash place, whose clear but freezing water is still used by locals. Finally, a beautiful path will lead you into Agres, a village situated in the Natural Park.

You will find that Agres is a charming mountain village, typical of the region with steep streets, and clear and fresh water fountains. Agres has a beautiful monastery that watches over the whole town from the highest point. Today’s walk follows the botanical path of the Teixera (endemic tree) d’ Agres in the Sierra de Mariola. As we always say, Mariola never leaves anyone indifferent, it is one of the mountain ranges most closely linked to Valencian traditions.

You leave Agres and go back into the Natural Park to see the enormous, impressive structures known as “Cavas”. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, a period is known as “the Little Ice Age”, the weather was colder with much more snow than at present. This explains the reason for the construction of the so-called, “Cavas”. They provide the most fascinating archaeological evidence of past, economic exploitation of the Mediterranean mountains. Until the 19th century, “Cavas” were functional constructions, ice houses, built to preserve and store the snow collected during the winter and used as centres from which to distribute it, as necessary, all year round. The presence of ice houses also helps to explain the tradition of ice cream production in certain areas of Alicante Province.

The alpine character of the last stage of the tour will surprise you. You set out on a lush path that takes you to Mariola’s shelter. From there you can contemplate the majesty of Montcabrer’s peak at 1.390 m. You approach it, with the option to walk to the summit if you wish. From there you can see the island of Ibiza on a clear day. You follow the Coll de Sabata, from where you get magnificent views of the surrounding valleys. Finally, you enter the Barranc del Cinc, a deep mountain pass with spectacular cliff sides, that will lead you to the city of Alcoi.

Depart after breakfast.