Valencia Region

Hanging Bridges Route

Distance: 16km with 400m ascent

Duration: 5 hours 20 mins

Difficulty: Medium (undulating with some exposed areas - sun protection needed)

Desirability: There might not be any mountain summits but you do get to experience going though, round and over a canyon!  Very cool. 

Description: The hike follows the course of the Turia River, leading you through a deep, rugged canyon surrounded by towering cliffs that attract rock climbers from all over the world. Along the way, we crossed two impressive suspension bridges that sway gently above the turquoise waters of the river, providing breath taking views of the gorge below. The route also takes you past lush riverbanks, shaded sections with Mediterranean vegetation, and several panoramic viewpoints.

Pena Cortada Aqueduct

Distance: 13km with 300m ascent

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Desirability: Unique opportunity to hike along, through and over a Roman aqueduct - yes please!

Description: The hike takes you through a mix of forested paths, rocky trails, and dramatic tunnels hewn from limestone cliffs. Along the way, we walked through a series of man-made tunnels before reaching the breath taking Peña Cortada, where the rock has been spectacularly cut away to form a narrow passageway suspended high above the valley. This ancient aqueduct, with its impressive arches and rugged surroundings, stands as a testament to Roman ingenuity and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and gorges.

Cork Oak Trail

Distance: 12km with 450m ascent

Duration: 5 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Desirability: Incredible views of the vast mountains surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna plus so many lovely scents! One of our favourites of the trip. 

Description: Starting from the picturesque village of Almedíjar, the trail climbs gently through cork oak forests and Mediterranean scrub, gradually revealing sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The route follows well-marked tracks and paths, making its way past old terraced fields and shaded ravines typical of the Espadán landscape. Along the way, the scents of pine and aromatic herbs fill the air, adding to the immersive experience of hiking through one of Castellón’s most scenic natural parks.

El Bartolo

Distance: 9km with 300m ascent

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Desirability: One of those hikes where the journey is better than the destination.  The peak itself is pretty ugly (covered in satellite dishes and communication towers) but the route is enjoyable, and pretty challenging in points with a small degree of  very low-key climbing required

Description: the hike starts in the Desierto de las Palmas Natural Park, a stunning protected area in the province of Castellón. Despite its name, this region is not an actual desert but rather a rugged, mountainous landscape covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation, including palm hearts, cork oaks, and aromatic shrubs. The park is also home to the ruins of a historic Carmelite monastery, which adds to the spiritual and cultural significance of the area. Our hike will took us to the summit of El Bartolo (729m), the highest peak in the natural park. The trail offers a mix of forest paths, rocky ridges, and panoramic viewpoints, making it one of the most scenic routes in the region.

Penyagolosa Summit

Distance: 14km with 600m ascent

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Medium / hard

Desirability: Pretty remote hike giving that feeling of being far away from civilisation. The route we took was relatively gentle with a zig zag path up to the summit.  Only at the top do you really appreciate the expanse of Penyagolosa.   

Description: At over 1,800m high, Penyagolosa if often referred to as the "roof of Castellon".  Our hike will took us through pristine pine forests, rocky trails, and panoramic ridgelines, gradually gaining elevation as we approached the highest peak in Castellón. Along the way, we  walked through the Barranco de la Pegunta, a stunning ravine known for its rich biodiversity.

Senda de la Bojera

Distance: 11km with 500m ascent

Duration: 4 hours

Difficulty: Medium

Desirability: Another canyon hike giving epic views, finishing at a local swimming spot.  Meant to be thermal waters but it was a little chilly.  Worth it though to swim in a canyon. Perfect way to end the week.  

Description: This scenic circular hike took us along the stunning Mijares River Canyon, where we were be treated to breathtaking views of towering cliffs, deep gorges, and dramatic rock formations. The trail gradually ascends through a diverse landscape of pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, and rocky outcrops, leading to several panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the river valley below.  Our route finished at the Fuente de los Banos, a natural thermal spring.