Hiking in Serra de Mariola

Welcome to Bocairent, one of those places that makes you wonder why you haven't heard of it before. The medieval town lies dramatically on a cliff by the Sierra de Mariola and is a maze of narrow, winding, and largely car-free alleys. Take a walk through the old town centre and look out for traces of the various cultures that have left their mark on the area through the centuries. There are also plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants where you can begin the week with the local cuisine.

Time to lace up your boots. From Bocairent you walk into the mountains of Sierra de Mariola, following the landscape towards the source of the Vinalopó river. Along the way you pass old fountains and historic farmsteads where families once worked the land, surrounded by impressive old holm oaks. At Toll Blau, small pools of clear mountain water await – a particularly tempting stop when the sun is warm. The walk continues to Font de la Coveta, a crystal-clear spring considered to be the source of the Vinalopó river. After these natural experiences you return to Bocairent for another evening in the medieval town.

You leave Bocairent and head deeper into the Sierra de Mariola nature park. Here the landscape is calm, green and quite hilly, with wide views over the mountains. The trail passes the Iberian settlement of Cabeçó de Mariola, where people lived long before the Romans arrived in the area. You then continue to the small village of Alfafara, a good place for a break and something to drink. Don't miss the old washing place with its ice-cold, clear spring water still used by the locals. A beautiful final stretch leads on to the mountain village of Agres, which becomes your home for the next three nights.

Agres clings to the mountainside with steep streets, bubbling fountains and a beautiful monastery that looks out over the village from above. Today's circular walk follows the botanical trail through Teixera d'Agres, an area known for its yew trees and rich flora. Sierra de Mariola is closely linked to Valencia's history and traditions, and today's walk truly lets you get close to the landscape. You move through a mountainous area filled with fragrant Mediterranean plants, forest and fine views before the trail eventually takes you back to Agres for an After Walk on the square.

Another circular walk from Agres, this time focusing on the Sierra de Mariola's remarkable cavas. The large stone structures are historic snow and ice houses from a time when winters were colder and snow became a trading commodity. From the 1500s until the 1800s, snow was collected here during the winter, packed and stored, then distributed throughout the rest of the year. The constructions are fascinating traces of how people made use of the Mediterranean mountains' resources long before the age of the refrigerator. The tradition also helps explain why parts of Alicante province in particular have such a strong ice cream culture.

The finale of the trip has an almost alpine character and becomes a true highlight. From Agres you follow a lush trail up towards the mountain hut in Mariola, with views towards the mighty Montcabrer at 1,390 metres. If you wish, you can make a detour to the summit – on truly clear days, according to the supplier, you can catch a glimpse of Ibiza far out in the Mediterranean. The walk then continues via Coll de Sabata with expansive views over the valleys. The finish is at least as dramatic: the trail descends through Barranc del Cinc, a deep ravine flanked by high rock walls, before you reach Alcoi. Here you can celebrate your journey of discovery through this rather unexplored area.

After breakfast, the hiking trip comes to an end. If you have time before your journey home, you can take the opportunity to stay a while longer in Alcoi before continuing on to Alicante or Valencia. After five days of hiking, you will have crossed a large part of Sierra de Mariola's varied landscape – from the medieval alleys of Bocairent and the springs of the Vinalopó river to the mountains of Agres, the historic snow houses, and the dramatic finale through Barranc del Cinc. All that remains is the journey home, or perhaps a few extra days in Spain. Maybe with a bit of swimming or city life as a reward?