Sierra de Mariola Natural Park near Alcoy & Bocairent

1. Discover, get to know Sierra de Mariola

A unique landscape of water and herbs

What makes Sierra de Mariola truly unique is its abundance of water. Countless springs and babbling brooks feed important rivers such as the Vinalopó and the Serpis. This creates, especially in autumn and spring, (on the Costa Blanca) a surprisingly green and lively landscape.

In addition, the park is known as the region’s pharmacy. The slopes are covered with an incredible wealth of aromatic and medicinal herbs, such as rosemary, lavender and chamomile. These herbs have been used for centuries to make traditional liqueurs, the famous herberos. The fauna is equally rich, with foxes, wild boars and impressive birds of prey such as the griffon vulture.

A landscape full of history

Sierra de Mariola has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Everywhere in the park you will find traces of this long history. The most extraordinary structures are the cavas or neveres, impressive stone ice cellars built between the 17th and 19th centuries. In winter, snow was stored here and compressed into ice, which was transported by pack animals to the towns and villages in summer.

In addition to the ice cellars, old farmhouses (masías), Moorish castles and archaeological sites bear witness to the area’s rich past.

2. Experience, the climb step by step to the top

The best way to experience the Sierra de Mariola is on foot or by bicycle. The park has a network of official, well-marked hiking trails.

The official hiking trails

The park has four main trails, each with its own theme and color coding, so you can choose a route that suits you.

• Green route: this route, “in the shadow of the ice cellars,” takes you past the most iconic cavas, including the impressive Cava Gran;

• Blue route: This “water route” follows the course of rivers and springs, a perfect choice on a hot day;

• Red Route: “a date with history” leads you past archaeological sites and historic structures;

• Yellow Route: This route takes you to the “sunny viewpoints” for the most spectacular panoramas over the park.

A popular and challenging hike is the climb to the highest peak, the Montcabrer (1,390 meters).. From here, on a clear day, you have breathtaking views that reach far into the province of Alicante. The route is tough, but the reward is well worth it.

Cycling along old railroad lines: the Vías Verdes

For cycling enthusiasts, the Vías Verdes are an absolute must. These are car-free paths built on former railroad lines, ideal for a safe and relaxing bike ride through nature. Across the park runs the Vía Verde del Xixarra, which takes you along the most beautiful landscapes of the region.

3. Visiting, practical info for your visit

The villages surrounding Sierra de Mariola

The natural park is surrounded by a wreath of beautiful, historic villages that provide the perfect base for your visit.

• Bocairent: a breathtaking medieval village literally carved out of the rocks; miss the Moorish caves, the Covetes dels Moros, don’t;

• Alcoy: the largest town and the southern gateway to the park, famous for its modernist bridges and the colorful Moros y Cristianos fiestas;

• Cocentaina: the historical capital of the region, with an impressive palace (Palacio Condal) and a medieval castle that watches over the city;

• Banyeres de Mariola: Here rises the Vinalopó River; the Almohaden Castle offers spectacular views of the surroundings;

• Agres and Alfafara: two smaller, rural villages that exude tranquility and authenticity, perfect for relaxing and as a starting point for various walks.

How to get there.

The park is easiest to reach by car. The villages surrounding the park are well connected to main roads. For official information, maps and starting points of routes, you can visit the visitor center of the park:

• Location: Mas d’Ull de Canals, on the road CV-795 (Alcoy – Banyeres de Mariola), kilometer point 17.5;
• Phone: +34 96 593 79 61 / 679 19 52 15;
• Email: serra_mariola@gva.es.

Always check in advance for current business hours, especially on weekends or holidays.

A day trip to the mountains from your seaside resort

The natural park is centrally located in the interior of Alicante province, making it a perfect day trip from most of the popular coastal towns on the Costa Blanca North.

The tranquility and green mountains are a wonderful contrast to the beach life. A visit can be particularly well combined with a stay in:

• Alicante: From the provincial capital, you can drive to the park’s gateway, Alcoy, in less than an hour;

• Benidorm, Altea and Albir: escape the bustle of the coast and be in the middle of unspoiled nature within 45 to 60 minutes;

• Calpe, Moraira and Benissa: also from these places the Serra Mariola is easily accessible for a day of hiking fun;

• Dénia and Jávea: plan a full day and discover the beauty of the southern interior from the northernmost coastal towns.

Taste the Sierra

A visit is not complete without sampling the local gastronomy. Enjoy authentic mountain dishes such as mountain gazpachos, pericana (a tapenade of dried peppers and salted fish) and the famous herbal liqueur herbero.

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