12th of March
Let’s explore the Southern part of Sierra Mariola and visit one of the most impressive snow wells of the natural park – Cava de Don Miguel.
The PR-CV 370 trail, which begins and ends in the town of Alfafara, provides us with one of the most complete routes of the Serra Mariola, a journey through history, which runs between the Cova Bolumini, whose first settlers date from the Copper Age (more than 5,000 years ago); the Iberian site located in Cabeçó de Mariola (1st century BC); and the Little Ice Age (15th century to the mid-19th century), which gave rise to an extensive network of snow-caves (cellars), extensively structured, some of which are preserved and are a magnificent example of popular architecture; of old and hard mountain trades, now disappeared, that have shaped our landscape.
Specifically, during the route, two snow wells are visited: the Cava del Portín, in a state of ruin; and the imposing Cava de Don Miguel (18th century), located at the confluence of the municipalities of Bocairent, Alfafara and Agres.
Cava de Don Miguel
The Don Miguel snow well is located on the northern crest of the Sierra de Mariola at an altitude of 1,050 metres. Its external appearance is characterized by the buttresses used to raise the altitude of the deposit.
The interior of the plan is circular, covered with large masonry and mortar. In the lower areas you can see the carved rock with signs of drilling holes. It has a diameter of 14.50 meters and a height of 10.20 meters. The cellar has three access openings located at different levels. Two of the doors have a depressed convex arch and the one on the middle level has a flat lintel made of a single piece. The ceiling is vaulted.
Cava de Don Miguel | Serra Mariola Turismo
Difficulty: medium (14.2km with 500m 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: 32 euros (28 euros signing up before 09.03 17:00) / 12 euros coming to Alfafara.
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.