Sierra de Mariola: Nature, culture, and villages with soul in inland Alicante 🌿
Looking for an authentic destination with fresh air, endless trails, and villages steeped in history? 🧭 Welcome to the Sierra de Mariola, one of inland Alicante's best-kept treasures! A natural park 🌲 where the mountains blend with natural springs, castles, local cuisine, and a tranquility you can only find far from mass tourism. Ideal for lovers of hiking, cycling, photography, and, above all, slow travel 🚶♀️🚴♂️📸.
🏞️ What is the Sierra de Mariola?
The Sierra de Mariola is a natural park that stretches between the provinces of Alicante and Valencia, famous for its botanical diversity 🌿, natural springs 💧, and breathtaking panoramic views. Rivers like the Vinalopó and the Serpis originate here, and unique aromatic plants grow here, making its traditional infusions and liqueurs famous 🍃🍷
🌄 Experience the Sierra de Mariola
✔️ Hiking and mountain biking trails
✔️ Charming rural accommodation
✔️ Culture, history, and traditional festivals
✔️ Landscapes that will captivate you in any season
✔️ And towns that will make you feel right at home!
🏘️ Charming towns you can't miss
📍 Bocairent
A charming medieval town literally carved into the rock 🏰. Its cobbled streets, the Covetes dels Moros (Moorish Caves), and its main square make it a magical stop. Don't miss the sunset from the monastery or its architecture perched over the ravine 🌄
📍 Banyeres de Mariola
Here is the source of the Vinalopó River 💦 and an Almohad castle stands with spectacular views. Ideal for hiking trails, such as the Molí l'Ombría trail or the source of the river. Its industrial history linked to paper is also worth a visit 📜
📍 Cocentaina
Historic capital of the Comtat 🏛️, with an impressive medieval castle, palaces, convents, and the famous All Saints' Fair 🎉 (one of the oldest in Spain!). Its streets invite you to stroll leisurely and discover every corner.
📍 Alfafara
A small rural paradise 🌾, perfect for unwinding. Among its treasures: the Cueva de les Finestres, an ancient troglodyte dwelling dug into the rock. It's also a great base for mountain hikes and discovering artisan crafts.
📍 Alcoy
The southern gateway to the mountains, Alcoy blends tradition and modernism. 🏙️ Famous for its Moors and Christians festivals, traditional Christmas events, its modernist architecture, and its bridges. Surrounded by mountains, it offers hikes like the Barranc del Cint or the Racó de Sant Bonaventura.
🍽️ Flavors that reconnect you
In all these towns, you can enjoy local cuisine that combines tradition and flavor: gazpachos, pericana, artisan cured meats, convent sweets, and the famous herberos (local herb liqueurs). 😋🍷
💚 Discover the authentic soul of inland Alicante in the Sierra de Mariola.
A perfect destination to disconnect, reconnect, and fall in love with the Mediterranean mountains.
📅 Come whenever you want... but stay longer than planned! Choose your experience here!