Natural Park of Serra de Mariola walking tour

Day 1: Arrival in Bocairent
Your walking holiday begins in Bocairent, a picturesque medieval town perched on a rocky outcrop on the edge of the Serra de Mariola Natural Park.

With its narrow, winding streets, traditional stone houses and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, Bocairent is a wonderful place to begin your journey.

Take your time exploring its beautifully preserved historic quarter, where centuries of history and the influence of different cultures can still be seen in its architecture and traditions.

In the evening, discover the town's welcoming bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional Valencian cuisine and sample some of the region's local specialities.

Day 2: Bocairent – Vinalopó River Circular Walk | 14 km
Elevation: +480 m / −480 m

Today's circular walk takes you into the beautiful landscapes of the Serra de Mariola, following peaceful mountain paths towards the source of the River Vinalopó.

Along the way, you'll discover natural springs, historic farmhouses and magnificent old holm oaks, reminders of the area's long agricultural and rural heritage.

One of the highlights is Toll Blau, a picturesque natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation and clear water, offering a peaceful place to stop and appreciate the surroundings.

Continue towards Font de la Coveta, a beautiful spring traditionally recognised as the source of the River Vinalopó, one of the most important waterways in the province of Alicante.

The combination of woodland, flowing water and mountain scenery makes this an excellent introduction to the natural beauty of the Serra de Mariola.

Return to Bocairent for your overnight stay.

Day 3: Bocairent – Agres | 13 / 16 km
Shorter route: +645 m / −581 m

Longer route: +911 m / −756 m

Leaving Bocairent behind, head deeper into the Serra de Mariola Natural Park, a protected mountain landscape renowned for its rich biodiversity, Mediterranean vegetation and spectacular panoramic views.

The route takes you past Cabeçó de Mariola, an ancient Iberian settlement whose archaeological remains offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's early inhabitants.

Continue towards Alfafara, a charming traditional village where you can stop for refreshments and discover its historic communal washhouse, once an important part of everyday village life.

From here, follow scenic mountain paths through the peaceful countryside towards Agres, a picturesque village nestled on the northern slopes of the Serra de Mariola.

Surrounded by mountains, woodland and natural springs, Agres provides a tranquil setting for the next stage of your walking adventure.

Day 4: Agres – Teixera d'Agres Circular Walk | 12 km
Elevation: +780 m / −780 m

Today you'll explore one of the most distinctive natural areas of the Serra de Mariola, following a circular route through the beautiful Teixera d'Agres.

Agres itself is a charming mountain village, known for its steep streets, refreshing natural springs and the impressive Sanctuary of the Mare de Déu d'Agres, overlooking the village from the mountainside.

Your walk follows mountain trails through woodland and rugged Mediterranean landscapes, leading towards an area known for its remarkable population of yew trees (teixos in Valencian).

These ancient trees are particularly significant because of their rarity in the Mediterranean mountains, where they survive in cooler, sheltered environments.

Along the way, enjoy the tranquillity of the forest, the changing mountain scenery and the impressive natural heritage that makes the Serra de Mariola such a special part of the Valencian landscape.

Return to Agres for another peaceful evening in the mountains.

Day 5: Agres – Ice Caves Circular Walk | 11 / 17 km
Shorter route: +677 m / −677 m

Longer route: +935 m / −935 m

Today's circular walk takes you back into the heart of the Serra de Mariola to discover one of its most fascinating historical features: the impressive caves or snow wells, known locally as caves de neu.

These remarkable stone structures were built to collect and preserve snow during the colder months, long before modern refrigeration existed.

Between the 16th and 19th centuries, during the period commonly known as the Little Ice Age, colder winters and more frequent snowfall made the collection and storage of snow an important economic activity in the region.

The snow was compacted and stored in deep stone chambers, where it could remain frozen for extended periods before being transported to nearby towns and cities.

This historic trade played an important role in preserving food, cooling drinks and developing the region's traditional ice cream industry.

As you explore these impressive structures, you'll also enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, peaceful trails and panoramic views across the surrounding valleys.

Two walking distances are available, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your preferences and fitness level.

Return to Agres for your overnight stay.

Day 6: Agres – Alcoi | 15 km
Elevation: +632 m / −1,052 m

Your final walking stage offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery of the entire tour.

Leaving Agres, follow beautiful mountain paths through woodland and rugged terrain as you make your way towards the impressive Montcabrer, the highest peak of the Serra de Mariola, rising to approximately 1,390 metres above sea level.

As you approach the mountain, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Depending on your chosen route and conditions, you may also have the opportunity to make an additional ascent to the summit.

On exceptionally clear days, the views can extend far beyond the surrounding mountains, sometimes reaching as far as the island of Ibiza.

Continue towards Coll de Sabata, a scenic mountain pass offering further panoramic views of the region.

The route then descends through the spectacular Barranc del Cint, a dramatic gorge framed by towering limestone cliffs and one of the most recognisable natural landmarks near Alcoi.

Following this impressive final descent, you'll arrive in Alcoi, a historic city known for its bridges, industrial heritage and lively cultural traditions.

Celebrate the completion of your walking adventure with a well-deserved meal and an evening exploring the city.

Day 7: Alcoi — Departure
After breakfast, your walking holiday comes to an end.

Depending on your travel arrangements, you may have some free time to explore Alcoi before your departure.

We hope you've enjoyed discovering the remarkable landscapes, historic villages, mountain trails and cultural heritage of the Serra de Mariola.

Thank you for travelling with Lazypedals, and have a safe journey home!

The package includes:

• 7 nights accommodation.
• 5 dinners.
• 7 Buffet-style or substantial breakfasts.
• Detailed tour documentation: maps of the tour, route description, and 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 accommodations.
• GPS with the route files.

PRICES (per person)

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

DATES

Available all year round (except from 22.06 till 06.09), with departures on Tuesdays.

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.