Saturday, 8th of March
Let’s go hiking in one of the most beautiful areas of Valencian Community – la Vall de la Gallinera. This time we will also be able to obeserve a rare phenomenon of the sun aligning with the Penya Foradada cave after the hike.
Guide: Melchor
Difficulty: medium/high (14.3km with 550m elevation gain)
Technical level: medium/high (some rocky trails at the top of the ridge)
Meeting point: Mestalla, parking lot on av. Aragón, 9:30 (return to Valencia ~19:00)
Price: 39 euros (35 euros signing up before Friday, 07.03) / 15 euros coming to Alpatró.
The price includes professional guide, transportation, accident and public liability insurances.
Bring at least 1.5l of water, lunch, cap and hiking shoes.
Become a member and get a 6-euros discount for every hike.
Free cancellation available for up to 48 hours prior to the hike.
Please be punctual, we wait for 10 minutes maximum before we leave Valencia.
Vall de la Gallinera is a picturesque valley in the province of Alicante, known for its rugged mountains, charming villages, and rich agricultural heritage. This valley, stretching between the Serrella and Almirall mountain ranges, is famous for its cherry orchards, particularly celebrated during the cherry blossom season. The valley consists of eight small villages—Benirrama, Benialí, Benissivà, Benitaia, Carroja, Alpatró, Llombai, and Benissili—each preserving a distinct rural charm. Hiking enthusiasts are drawn to the area’s well-marked trails, which wind through Mediterranean landscapes, ancient Moorish terraces, and viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.
One of Vall de la Gallinera’s most remarkable natural landmarks is Penya Foradada, a striking rock formation with a large hole in its center. This geological feature gains special significance due to a fascinating solar alignment that occurs twice a year, around March 8 and October 4. On these dates, the sun perfectly aligns with the hole in the rock, casting its light onto the ruins of the nearby Franciscan convent of Benitaia. This phenomenon, believed to have symbolic and historical significance, attracts visitors and photographers eager to witness the interplay of light and landscape. The event underscores the valley’s rich cultural heritage, blending nature, history, and ancient traditions in a stunning display.
