We offer tourists who come to Alcalá de Xivert - AlcossebreIn something different, something to complement their experience: we offer them several hiking routes through the Serra d'Irta, giving them the time and space to contemplate a carefully protected nature which still allows for those constructions that form part of the mountain landscape, infusing it with history.
Starting out on a main route connecting Alcalá de Xivert and Alcossebre, we can choose from any of the variations that allow us into the very heart of the Sierra de Irta. Walking along, we encounter its most emblematic places, accompanied by the smells of the land and the sea.
The routes proposed range in degree of difficulty, from routes made for families with small children to routes recommended only for experienced hikers. Over the course of the year, various walks are organized by Alcalà and Alcossebre, and there is even a nighttime walk, a chance to enjoy nature under the light of the moon.
HIKING ROUTES
CIRCUIT: MAS DEL SENYOR, CLOT DE MAIG, DUNAS DEL PEBRET AND TORRE BADUM
Description of the route:
In the town of PeñÍscola, following the signs for the natural park and before arriving at the Font Nova development, we find a Natural Park sign indicating the entrance to the Protected Natural Area.
It is recommended you leave your vehicle at this point and start the route, in the direction of Font Nova.
The first of the stops is at Mas del Señor. After a rest in this dark elm grove, we retrace our steps, until we come to the intersection that indicates the way to Badum tower; from here, the route runs along an old path that leads to the area called Clot de Maig.
We continue the descent until we reach the first coast line. Once there, we take the trail to the right in order to visit the dunes of Playa del Pebret, which are only 500 m away. Then, we go back until we reach the emblematic Badum tower. Continuing along the trail, we return to the beginning of the route.
ROUTE: FARO D'IRTA, CALA CUBANITA, FONT DE LA PARRA
Description of the route:
Taking the N-340 road, we arrive at the detour indicating Alcossebre. From there, we head in the direction of the Las Fuentes development, and we follow the signs for the Natural Park until we arrive at Cala Blanca, in the vicinity of the Irta lighthouse. The route begins at the lighthouse. We cross the Malentivet ravine that flows into the well-known Mundina cove (geographical boundary of the Serra d'Irta National Park). The path runs parallel to the sea at all times. One of the most representative enclaves is the Serradal beach, a spectacular place which features a tall mound of rounded stones, slowly eroded by the sea, and a collection of sand and shells that wash up and accumulate among the rocks. This part of the route is very gentle and suitable for walking with small children.
Once past the Prestige apartments, the path passes over a rocky area, drawing closer to the sea until arriving at Cala Cubanita. Setting out from the Cubanita cove, we come upon the forest trail and a sign that indicates Font de la Parra, which traces a path along the channel of the ravine. The route back also descends parallel to the ravine, until arriving at the intersection with the forest trail that leads us back to the starting point.
CIRCUIT: CASTILLO DE PULPIS - BARRANCO DEL BOIXAR
Description of the route:
From the town of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis, we head out towards the cemetery.
We cross the highway via the underpass, where we find the sign for the start of the path. We walk along dry farming land, until the path narrows and we enter the ravine. Along the route, we find remains of what were once lime kilns, now transformed into stone shelters.
The ascent in the shade here is quite pleasant. However, when we reach the last stretch, before arriving at the castle, the slope becomes more pronounced. From the castle, we pass between the walls of old corrals, as we head in the direction of the Boixar Ravine.
We continue along the stretch of trail in the direction of San Antoni until we reach the intersection with Vistahermosa. Following this path, we find the detour towards the Boixar ravine (left). The descent through this ravine is quite smooth and ends at the service road to the AP-7 motorway. We return via the service road until we reach the municipal cemetery.
CIRCUIT: CASTILLO DE XIVERT - ASSAGADOR DE LA SERRA
Description of the route:
On the N-340 road, direction Castellón-Vinaroz, and past the entrance to the town of Alcalà de Xivert, we see the Seat and Renault dealerships. There, we find the sign indicating Xivert Castle. We begin the walk along a paved road that leads to the passage under the highway. Once we have crossed it, we turn left, along the road that runs parallel to the motorway, until we find the sign that indicates the climb to the castle.
The route runs along the north face of the mountain, in a gentle, continuous ascent to the castle.
The descent passes through the old "Assagador de la Serra", a road once used to drive cattle, offering magnificent views of the town of Alcalà de Xivert before us and the Islamic fortress behind.
ROUTE: LA ERMITA DE SANTA LLÚCIA I SANT BENET
Description of the route:
Upon entering Alcossebre from the N-340 road, we encounter a roundabout, where we turn in the direction of the Las Fuentes development. After 5 km, we find a wooden sign on the left; this sign coincides with Oliveres street (Montemar development). At the end of this street, where the asphalt ends, we find the path that will take us to the hermitage of Santa Llúcia and Sant Benet.
This route rewards us with some splendid views. The coastline stretches from Oropesa to the d'Irta lighthouse in Alcossebre.
CIRCUIT: ALTO DE VISTAHERMOSA - ERMITA DE SANT ANTONI
Description of the route:
From the town of PeñÍscola we head along the coastal road in the direction of the Natural Park. We take the detour to enter the Nerea development. After leaving our vehicle at the end of the development, we take the path to the right, in the direction of the Baltasar corral.
We continue our ascent, along the "bassa groga", until we reach the intersection of Vistahermosa. At this point, we begin to make our descent in the direction of the hermitage of Sant Antoni. When we leave the hermitage, we head down the main trail until we return to the starting point.
ROUTE ALONG THE CRESTS OF THE SERRA D'IRTA
Description of the route:
Entering Alcossebre from the N-340 road, we get off at the roundabout, in the direction of the Las Fuentes development. From there, in the town of Alcossebre, we follow the signs for the Natural Park and for, finally, the hermitage of Santa Llúcia and Sant Benet. We can leave our vehicle in the vicinity of the hermitage. From the parking area, we see the first wooden sign that indicates the beginning of the route.
The route takes us past the Ebrí tower, until we arrive at the highest peak of the Sierra Campanilles (geodesic point). The wooden signs serve as a reference to follow the path. We can still enjoy the views from the highest points of the sierra until we reach the Coll de la Palma, and from here to the Mallada de la Rabosa, where the path becomes a trail.
Next, we again follow the signs indicating the path, until we arrive at the hermitage of Sant Antoni. It is not a very difficult route, although the distance to hike is considerable.
ROUTE: THE CARRERA - PICO CAMPANILLES
