Serra Mariola, fall in love with unique landscapes

Serra de Mariola is a beautiful natural park that engulfs the municipalities of Agres, Alcoy, Alfafara, Banyeres de Mariola, Bocairent, Cocentaina and Muro de Alcoy, which have plenty to offer visitors. The mountainscape is one of the most spectacular in the Region of Valencia. 

The scenery is dotted with historic ice houses, springs, old farmhouses and plenty of trails. With walks suitable for different levels and abilities, the park is ideal for both a family getaway or a challenging few days of sports tourism. Keep reading to discover more.

Serra Mariola’s naturescape

If you’re interested in plants, you’re going to love Serra Mariola. As you explore, you will find yourself immersed in large varieties of aromatic herbs, kermes oak groves, Mediterranean woodland and even thickets of yews at Teixera d’Agres.

The area’s wildlife comprises invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and birds - like eagle owls, tawny owls and peregrine falcons - that you can spot on birding expeditions. You might even be lucky enough to see mammals like foxes, badgers, wild boars and weasels. 

What to see in Serra Mariola: walks for everyone

Serra de Mariola Natural Park has created four trails that give you the opportunity to see the many wonders – both natural and human-made – in a short space of time. We’d highly recommend walking them all so you can discover the many treasures located in this excellent area of natural beauty.

Ruta Verde, the Green Trail, which is 7.5km long, takes you on an exploration of the beautiful ice houses located in Serra de Mariola, specifically those in Agres, as well as an old Muslim fortress. With the trailhead in the recreational area surrounding La Mare de Déu d'Agres Shrine, the walk gets off to a steep start, continuing through the Teixera d'Agres woodland and passing by Refugio Montcabrer, 18th century Cava de la Habitación and the majestic Cava Gran, which is also known as Cava d'Agres and Cava Arquetjà, which dates from the 17th to the 18th centuries. You’ll find yourself reaching for your camera at every turn. 

Ruta Azul, the Blue Trail, which is also known as “Camino de aguas” (the “Water Walk”) is a 6.5km walk that starts at the Serra de Mariola Natural Park Information Centre in Banyeres de Mariola. The trail flanks the river Vinalopó where you find a number of old flour mills which, over the centuries, were also used in the textile and paper industries. Once you’ve walked among the kermes oak and willow woodland, you will find yourself at La Coveta spring, a water source swept up in biodiversity.

Ruta Roja, the Red Trail, will take you back in history. This 4.5km walk starts at the Condal Palace and La Virgen del Milagro Monastery, a Gothic-Renaissance style building built atop an older 12th century Muslim construction in Cocentaina. 

From here, you will follow a pathway immersed in vegetation to the old mosque and then Cocentaina Castle. 13th century Santa Bárbara Chapel is your next stop, followed by the rock shelters and the remains of Penyeta Blanca town walls, which you will reach by walking through woodland.

Last but by no means least, Ruta Amarilla, the Yellow Trail, in Alcoy, will take you on an exploration of La Solana Viewing Points, leading you up peaks where you might just be lucky enough to spot griffon vultures. Here you will breathe in incredible vistas over Serra de Mariola and El Cinc Gorge from an area that was voluntarily created by the locals. You won’t want to miss it.