10th of March
Let’s hike up to the highest peak of Sierra Mariola – el Montcabrer! The views from the top are well worth the ascent, plus we will get to visit Cava Gran on our way up.
Montcabrer (1390 m) is the highest peak of the Serra de Mariola, an emblematic mountainous formation that has the protection status of a Natural Park. Montcabrer is usually considered the third highest peak in the province of Alicante, only surpassed by Sierra de Aitana (1,557 m) and Puig Campana (1,408 m).
It stands out because of the abundant fountains, the numerous country houses and a great network of paths, which show the intense activity of the use of the natural resources carried out by its old inhabitants: nevateros, shepherds, woodcutters, etc. One of the most important signs of identity of the park are the cavas, which were exploited between the 16th and 20th centuries: constructions for the storage of snow.
Cava Gran de Agres
This snow well or “nevero” is the emblem of the Sierra Mariola Natural Park, sometimes wrongfully called Cava Arquejada. It is located in the heart of the natural park within the municipality of Agres and dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the largest wells and is in the best state of conservation. Moreover, it is the first open-air museum in the province and the entrance is free. It is 14.90 m. in diameter, 12 m. deep, and has a capacity of 1960 m3. The well has been used until 1906.
The Natural Park | Serra Mariola Turismo
Difficulty: high (12km with 800m elevation gain)
Technical level: medium (single track trails and gravel roads)
Meeting point: Mestalla, entrance on av. Aragón, 9:30 (return to Valencia ~18:00)
Price: 39 euros (35 euros signing up before Friday 08.03) / 15 euros coming to Agres.
The price includes professional guide, transportation, accident and public liability insurances.
Bring at least 1l of water, lunch, long-sleeve clothes and hiking shoes.
Become a member and get a 6-euros discount for every hike.