The time has come to discover this unique natural enclave
Guarded by the towns of Peniscola Y Alcocebre by sea; and by Alcalá de Chivert and Santa Magdalena de Pulpis inside, the Sierra de Irta is a treasure of 13 kilometers of coastline Mediterranean virgin that still remains intact and protected from the ravages of human destruction. Rather just the opposite of what happens in almost the rest of the Valencian coast.
Since July 16, 2002 and after having approved it a year earlier by the government of the Valencian Community , this area of the province of Castellon As the Natural Park and Sierra de Irta Marine Reserve (Serra d'Irta Natural Park and Marine Reserve in Valencian) and it is estimated that between 70,000 and 80,000 people visit it each year.
The best kept secret in Castellón
A protected natural area that represents one of the last coastal mountain ranges that remain unbuilt on the Mediterranean coast.
The perfect enclave for people lovers of hiking, the Mediterranean, the warm rays of the sun, flora and fauna , and why not the delicious gastronomy that the region of the Under Mastery and of which it is very difficult to tire.
All this and much more represents the Sierra de Irta, the enclave par excellence of Castellon that you should discover as soon as possible.
Why not miss this place of nature?
Very simple. Because it is unique in its kind. “It never ceases to amaze us that luckily and in an area heavily overcrowded by concrete, we have still been able to preserve this treasure of 13 kilometers of virgin Mediterranean coastline. A natural space that deserves our respect and help for its conservation.
It is in our hands, that with our attitude and behavior when visiting it we will do everything possible for its durability over time, so that future generations can also visit, learn about and enjoy it ”, they indicate to Traveler.es from the Natural Park Interpretation Center.
In the background, Badum Tower
Even today there are archaeological remains of the passage and the occupation of various civilizations over the centuries. Like the ** Arab castles ** that can be found in the towns of Alcalá de Chivert and Santa Magdalena de Pulpis or the watchtowers of Badum and Ebrí that still remain standing almost entirely, as if they were on alert protecting from possible shipwrecks or pirate ships.
You can boast of having the Badum Tower cliff , one of the highest in the entire Valencian Community, and its highest peak is that of Campanilles It does not have more than 600 meters, so it is not an extension of great slopes.
In addition, this area is very rich both in flora and in fauna so typical of the Mediterranean. The hiker can come across a large number of plants and species on the way, so they are routes worth exploring and admiring with the five senses.
Gorse, thyme, pines and rosemary will accompany our steps, while birds, squirrels, wild boars, foxes and the Mediterranean tortoise they can become the protagonists of the walks if the hiker is attentive.
A perfect spot for hiking
This type of tortoise deserves a special mention, because its presence in the Sierra de Irta is thanks to a reintroduction program for this reptile, developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Territory and Environment , developed in recent years.
In general, a recurrent mosaic of coastal ecosystems in the Mediterranean that coexist in harmony and that give some of the most inspiring views.
The routes of the Sierra de Irta:
They are a total of eight routes on foot and three by bicycle of different intensities which are available and duly signaled to be able to carry out the excursions around the Sierra de Irta. All of them have an estimated time of duration between the hour and 4 o'clock , so it can become your favorite pastime for your next vacation days.
Stay in the coastal towns of Peñíscola or Alcocebre and visiting this unique enclave of nature early in the day, when the sun's rays are warm but not harmful, will be a guaranteed success.
The routes that you will find are:
-Circular itinerary on foot Mas del Senyor, Clot de Maig, Dunas del Pebret and Torre Badum : with an estimated duration of 4 hours, medium difficulty and 14.5 kilometers in distance.
- Circular itinerary on foot Faro d'Irta, Cala Cubanita, Font de la Parra: with an estimated duration of almost 3 hours, low difficulty and 13 kilometers in distance.
Sant Antoni
- Circular itinerary on foot Castle of Polpis-Barranco del Boixar : with an estimated duration of 3 hours, medium difficulty and 7 kilometers long. -Circular itinerary on foot Xivert Castle – Assagador de la Serra: with an estimated duration of 3 hours, medium difficulty and 7 km distance.
- Walking itinerary to the Hermitage of Santa Llúcia and Sant Benet: with an estimated duration of almost 2 hours, medium difficulty, and 1.25 kilometers in distance.
- Circular itinerary on foot Alto de Vistahermosa-Hermitage of Sant Antoni: with an estimated duration of almost 4 hours, high difficulty and 11 kilometers away.
- Itinerary on foot through the crests of the Serra d'Irta: with an estimated duration of 6 hours, high difficulty and 16 kilometers of distance.
- Itinerary on foot Race-Peak Campanilles: with an estimated duration of 4 hours, medium/high difficulty and 8 kilometers of distance.
- Itinerary by bicycle-Ruta del Cranc: with an estimated duration of 1 hour, low difficulty and 13.1 kilometers in distance.
- Itinerary by bicycle-Ruta del Xoriguer: with an estimated duration of almost 2 hours, medium difficulty and 17.3 kilometers in distance.
- Itinerary by bicycle-Ruta del Fardatxo: with an estimated duration of 2 hours, high difficulty and 13.5 kilometers in distance.
Xivert Castle
Depending on your preferences and needs, you can choose between one route or another. Some go along the coast so you will have direct access to the sea and others, on the other hand, are mountains in their purest form. You choose!
Although if you allow yourself to be recommended, from the Natural Park Interpretation Center they have it clear: “it depends on the personal taste of each hiker, there will be a more beautiful itinerary than another.
But without a doubt, the route that most suggests the reason for your declaration if you have never visited the Sierra de Irta, may be the Circular route through Mas del Senyor, Clot de Maig, Dunas del Pebret and Torre Badum.
From the Clot de Maig area you can enjoy a panoramic view of the virgin Mediterranean coast of unique beauty”.
Recommendations before starting the excursion:
From the Interpretation Center of the Natural Park we recommend:
- The distance and profiles of the routes are information that visitors value based on their preparation and habit of walking, so it is convenient take into account the limitations of each person and pay attention to the indications proposals around the difficulty of the paths.
Tower of Ebri
- Travelers are advised that all participants request information either by phone, email or in person about the type of route they want to take depending on the participants, age, length, time they want to walk, environmental attractions they want to enjoy...
- Before starting the excursion, always carry the essentials with you: Sun protection, cap/hat, suitable footwear for walking in the mountains, enough water to avoid dehydration, and your mobile phone.
- Although the practice of hiking and biking in the park can be carried out throughout the year, it must be considered that it is less recommended and appropriate to do it during the summer season due to the high temperatures that accompany the months of July and August.
- If in the end you decide to go out during the hottest months, it is advisable to avoid the hours between 12:00 and 16:00 That is when the sun punishes the most.
The best coves and beaches of the natural park:
But calm traveler that not everything was going to be walking. In a place as natural as this one bathed by the Mediterranean Sea and with an enviable climate almost all year round , it is unthinkable to visit it in spring, summer and perhaps autumn, and not take a well-deserved dip (or several) in its warm and comforting waters.
Discover its hidden coves
From Alcocebre to Peñíscola, all kinds of coves and beaches follow one another at every turn, giving away a most intoxicating landscape of sea and mountains.
But which are the ones you should not miss? Cala Blanca, Irta Beach, Pebret Beach with the Pebret Dune, Cala Mundina, Cala Ribamar and Russo Beach They will become your favorites.
Alcocebre and Peñíscola, the two coastal towns of the Sierra de Irta:
You can make one of these two locations your base camp when it comes to discovering the natural park during your next days off. Depending on what you are looking for, we recommend one or the other. **Peñíscola is one of the pretty girls in the province of Castellón **, beautiful to rage.
With a fortified historic center that recalls the enclave that one day was and that today leaves prints to remember with its white houses and its charming alleys . But you should also know that Peñíscola is tourism, souvenirs and crowds.
Even so, discovering for the first time the Castle of Peñíscola, also known as the Castillo del Papa Luna, the famous Casa de la Conchas, the Lighthouse of Peñiscola and the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Ermitana there is no waste. And any gourmet address? ** Casa Jaime ** (Avenida del Papa Luna, 5) .
On the contrary, Alcocebre cannot boast of having a historic center as beautiful as its neighbor Peñíscola, but everything that is located around it is a visual beauty that will make you fall in love with this town in the Valencian Community from the first moment.
Its coves, its walk to the lighthouse, the beautiful Hermitage of Santa Lucía (from where you can glimpse the Columbretes Islands on clear days) or the Hermitage of San Antonio , combined with the relaxed and calm atmosphere that emanates from all corners of the town, elevate it as the perfect destination where to spend the summer leaving the worries and 'posturing' in the big city.
And for foodies? you can't miss Pinewood _(Mancolibre Island Street, 4) _, Can Roig _(Manyetes Beach, 0) _, Forn Tonic _(Ctra. las Fuentes, 21) _, Morrocoy _(Paseo Marítimo, 4L) _, ** L'illa ** _(Paseo Deportivo las Fuentes, 5) _ or the mythical The maya (Plaza Vista Alegre, 5).
Shall we grab our boots, bikini and suntan lotion from the closet and run away?
We escaped?