Nature walks in the Serra Mariola Natural Park
Explore the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park on a 7-day tour combining hiking, culture and gastronomy.
Discover the magnificent Sierra de Mariola Natural Park on a 7-day tour combining hiking, culture and gastronomy. This enchanting itinerary takes you through varied landscapes, where pine and oak forests rub shoulders with vast olive groves, almond trees and vineyards, all enhanced by a rich aromatic flora. You’ll begin your adventure in the charming medieval town of Bocairent, famous for its historic streets and breathtaking views. Following well-marked trails, you’ll reach remarkable sites such as the Vinalopó spring on a 14 km hike, and explore the Iberian village of Cabeçó de Mariola. You’ll also discover the region’s rich cultural heritage, marked by vestiges of Arab civilization and ancient structures linked to the exploitation of snow between the 16th and 19th centuries. Each day’s hike has its own surprises in store, such as the botanical trail around Teixera d’Agres, or the climb up to Alcoi, offering spectacular views of Montcabrer and the surrounding area. Self-guided hiking tour – 7 days – 6 nights – Departure all year round (except from 24/06 to 02/09) according to your availability and possibilities.
Program
Day 1
Bocairent
Arriving in Bocairent, a charming medieval town in the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, you’ll be seduced by its breathtaking views and narrow streets. Don’t miss the old town, rich in stories of the various cultures that have influenced it. And enjoy the local gastronomy with typical dishes in its many bars and restaurants.
Day 2
Bocairent – loop around the Vinalopó river (14 km; +480m)
Leaving Bocairent, you walk towards the Sierra de Mariola. You’ll head towards the source of the Vinalopó River, passing fountains and historic farmhouses once inhabited by farming families. These are surrounded by impressive old cork oaks. When you reach the Toll Blau (blue pool), you can cool off by the crystal-clear pools. Next, you’ll pass the Font de la Coveta, a crystal-clear spring that is the origin of the important Vinalopó river.
Day 3
Bocairent – Agres (13 km; +645m)
Leaving Bocairent, you enter the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings. You’ll pass through the Iberian village of “Cabeçó de Mariola”, a mysterious site with spectacular panoramic views. Afterwards, you’ll reach Alfafara, a small village where you can refresh yourself and visit the old laundrette, still used by the locals. Finally, a pretty path leads to Agres, a village in the Nature Park.
Day 4
Agres – loop around Teixera d’Agres (12km; +780m)
Agres is a charming mountain village with steep streets, cool clear water fountains and a beautiful monastery overlooking the town from the highest point. The walk follows the botanical trail of the Teixera (an endemic tree) of Agres in the Sierra de Mariola. As we always say, Mariola leaves no one indifferent; it’s one of the mountain ranges most closely linked to Valencian tradition.
Day 5
Agres – loop around the caves (11km; +677m or 17km; +935m)
You leave Agres to return to the Nature Park and discover the impressive structures known as “Cavas”. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, during a period known as the “Little Ice Age”, the climate was colder and snow more abundant. This explains the construction of the “Cavas”, fascinating archaeological evidence of the economic exploitation of the Mediterranean mountains. Until the 19th century, these ice houses were used to preserve and store the snow harvested in winter, enabling it to be distributed throughout the year.
Day 6
Agres – Alcoi (15km; +632m)
The alpine character of the last stage of the hike will surprise you. The green path leads to the Mariola refuge. From here, you can contemplate the majesty of the Montcabrer summit (1,390 m). You can approach it and, if you wish, hike to the summit, from where you can see the island of Ibiza on a clear day. Follow the Coll de Sabata, from where there are magnificent views over the surrounding valleys. Finally, you enter the Barranc del Cinc, a deep mountain gorge with spectacular cliffs, which leads to the town of Alcoi.
Day 7
End of stay after breakfast in Alcoi.
Map
Practical information
Welcome: Beginning of stay on a Tuesday. Day 1, in the afternoon in Villena for transfer to Bocairent (or to Alicante or Valencia airport if you want an organized transfer).
End of stay: on the last day at the end of the hike. Possibility of an extra night and return to the airport in the morning after breakfast.
Participants : A minimum of 2 people is required to organize this trip.
Supervision : Unaccompanied hiking.
Accommodation: Comfortable, quality accommodation: 2*, 3* or 4* hotels, charming country houses and top-of-the-range B&Bs.
Luggage : Luggage transport is provided by our local partner.
Accessibility:
From Belgium,
- Direct flights every day from Brussels Charleroi airport with Ryanair to Alicante airport
- Direct flights every day (except Tuesdays) from Brussels Zaventem and Brussels Charleroi airports with Ryanair to Valencia airport.
From Alicante or Valencia airport, you can reach the first accommodation by private or rental car, private cab or public transport.
Dates
Hiking trips can be organized at your convenience, and departures are possible all year round except from June 24 to September 02.
Prices
Below is the price list per person for the year 2025. The price depends mainly on the number of nights required, the type of room and luggage transport.
Lodging with luggage transport | ||
Double room | Single room | |
6-night stay | 795,00 € | 995,00 € |
Please note that a minimum of 2 people is required to organize this trip.
Price includes :
- 6 nights’ half-board, including 6 buffet or à la carte breakfasts and 6 dinners.
- Detailed tour documentation: tour maps, route description, points of interest.
- Transfer from Villena station to Bocairent (by cab).
- A warm welcome.
- Local assistance on call.
- Luggage transfer service between your accommodations.
- GPS with files.
Price does not include :
- Lunches
- Extra nights
- All other transfers
From
795,00 €
Highlights
- A stay rich in nature and culture
- Discover a natural park
- Free hiking