Natural Park of Serra de Mariola walking tour

Day 1:   Arrival in Bocairent
You arrive in Bocairent, a town in the Sierra de Mariola (the Mariola mountain range) Natural Park; an enchanting, mediaeval town perched on a rocky outcrop that will captivate you with its breathtaking views and its narrow, winding, traffic-free streets. You simply must 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?

Day 2:  Bocairent - circular of the River Vinalopó (14 km) 480m/480m up/down
Leaving Bocairent, you cycle towards the Sierra de Mariola. You head for the Vinalopo River’s source, passing fountains 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.

Day 3:  Bocairent – Agres (13 km 645m/581m up/down - 16 km 911m/756m up/down)
Today you leave Bocairent to enter 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 take some refreshment 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.

Day 4:  Agres - circular of Teixera d’Agres (12 km 780m up/down)
Agres is a charming mountain village with steep streets, clear and fresh water fountains and a beautiful monastery that watches over the whole town from the highest point. The 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 the collective Valencian tradition.

Day 5:  Agres - circular of the caves  (11 km 677m/677m up/down - 17 km 935m/935m up/down)
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 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.

Day 6:  Agres – Alcoi 15 km 632m/1.052m up/down
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 (1.390 ms.). 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.

Day 7: Alcoi
After a good breakfast, the trip will be formally over.

This includes

• 7 nights.
• 7 Breakfasts buffet style or substantial.
• Detailed tour documentation: maps of the tour, route description, points of interest (English and Spanish).
• Transfer from Villena Railway Station to Bocairent (by taxi).
• Welcome meeting.
• Local assistance on call.
• Luggage transfer service between your accommodations.
• GPS with the files.

PRICES (per person)       

These include 3***  and 4**** hotels, charming rural houses or farmsteads and  high-grade B&Bs.

DATES

The tour is available all year round (except from 30.06 till  02.09), with departures on Tuesday.

Discounts:

- Children under 5 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 80%.

- Children under 12 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 40%.

- Children under 15 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 25%.

How to fly into València or Alicante

• Countries and cities with flights to Alicante: Click here
• Countries and cities with flights to València: Click here

How to get to Bocairent

• If you fly to Alicante:

By train: from Alicante  Railway  Station to Villena  Railway Station (45mins. and 10 € per person), where a taxi will be waiting to drive you to Bocairent. You can check the timetables and prices in here.

• If you fly to València:

By train: from València Railway Station (Estació del Nord) to Villena Railway  Station (1hr. 15mins. and 15€ per person), where a taxi will be waiting to drive you to Bocairent. You can check the timetables and prices in here.