Hiking the Sierra de Mariola near Alicante
The interior of Alicante Province offers a plethora of activities away from the crowds - and especially numerous spectacular hiking routes to discover. Following our recent scenic hike along the Xorret de Catí, we decided to seek even more solitude and head yet further inland, about 1 hour north of Alicante Capital. Here, just outside the northern Alicantino town of Alcoy, a true hiking paradise beckons - and entirely devoid of crowds. The Sierra de Mariola, this high range of Mountains in the North of the Province is known as, offers a huge variety of hiking trails ranging in length from 1.5 to 6 hours. We opted for a medium-range circular hike of about 3 hours using the small community of AGRES as our base.
Even a 3-hour hiking route means leaving Alicante Capital rather early to take advantage of the morning hours. In summer time, it is also recommended to opt for a cooler overcast day, as otherwise the hike would become too strenous due to the heat. We initially travel north on the interior A7 "Autopista del Mediterráneo" in the direction of Valencia passing the mountain city of Alcoy in the North of Alicante Province. In the smaller community of MURO DE ALCOY, we leave the main highway and head on N340 and then CV700 towards the mountain village of AGRES - passing through the BARRANCO DE BALADRE before reaching the foothills of the Sierra de Mariola.
Upon leaving our vehicle in Agres, we start our ascent through narrow cobblestone alleyways. We stop for drinks & snacks at the main square near the Town Hall (Ajuntament) and the Església Sant Miquel Arcángel Church. Throughout Agres, we notice the beautiful fountains, many of which were carefully restored and retiled about 10 years ago. Heading further uphill we pass 2 of the prettiest fountains, FONTETA and FONT de l'ASSUT and arrive at the LLAVADOR - the wash hall of Agres, where in former times, clothes were washed by the locals.
From the LLAVADOR, the more strenuous part of the hike awaits us, as initially we must pass "L'ESCARAGOLA", a long staircase up towards Agres Convent. Gradually the view opens up towards Agres village and the valley of Alicante Province below. We pass several caves to the right and then circle around Agres Convent, which originally dates back to the 16th century and is currently under restoration. Once we leave behind the convent, the scenery turns lush, green and the air becomes fresh, as a slight scent of pine keeps us company during our ascent into the Sierra. What is to follow ranks among the more strenuous but scenically highly rewarding stretches of our hike, as we proceed continuously and steeply uphill on the small hiking trail PR-CV 27, which brings us up to an elevation of around 1200m (4000 ft) with spendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Following the peak of the RECINGLE mountain in the Sierra de Mariola, we gradually begin to descend again. Here the trail ends and connects to a dirt road, making the descent to Agres a lot easier and faster, but also somewhat less scenic. Still great views beckon of Alicante Province, including Agres below and ALCOY in the further distance. The green hiking route of PR-CV 27 then connects to a paved road and the yellow hiking route PR-CV 104, which then leads us back into Agres and to our original point of departure near Agres Convent. Upon completion of our 3 hour hike, numerous bars & restaurants invite us for a drink, snack or meal offering us a glimpse of true Spanish country living in a small community in Alicante Province. Time permitting, we then head back to the coast towards Benidorm or Alicante to soak our sore muscles in the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Even a 3-hour hiking route means leaving Alicante Capital rather early to take advantage of the morning hours. In summer time, it is also recommended to opt for a cooler overcast day, as otherwise the hike would become too strenous due to the heat. We initially travel north on the interior A7 "Autopista del Mediterráneo" in the direction of Valencia passing the mountain city of Alcoy in the North of Alicante Province. In the smaller community of MURO DE ALCOY, we leave the main highway and head on N340 and then CV700 towards the mountain village of AGRES - passing through the BARRANCO DE BALADRE before reaching the foothills of the Sierra de Mariola.
Upon leaving our vehicle in Agres, we start our ascent through narrow cobblestone alleyways. We stop for drinks & snacks at the main square near the Town Hall (Ajuntament) and the Església Sant Miquel Arcángel Church. Throughout Agres, we notice the beautiful fountains, many of which were carefully restored and retiled about 10 years ago. Heading further uphill we pass 2 of the prettiest fountains, FONTETA and FONT de l'ASSUT and arrive at the LLAVADOR - the wash hall of Agres, where in former times, clothes were washed by the locals.
From the LLAVADOR, the more strenuous part of the hike awaits us, as initially we must pass "L'ESCARAGOLA", a long staircase up towards Agres Convent. Gradually the view opens up towards Agres village and the valley of Alicante Province below. We pass several caves to the right and then circle around Agres Convent, which originally dates back to the 16th century and is currently under restoration. Once we leave behind the convent, the scenery turns lush, green and the air becomes fresh, as a slight scent of pine keeps us company during our ascent into the Sierra. What is to follow ranks among the more strenuous but scenically highly rewarding stretches of our hike, as we proceed continuously and steeply uphill on the small hiking trail PR-CV 27, which brings us up to an elevation of around 1200m (4000 ft) with spendid views of the surrounding countryside.
Following the peak of the RECINGLE mountain in the Sierra de Mariola, we gradually begin to descend again. Here the trail ends and connects to a dirt road, making the descent to Agres a lot easier and faster, but also somewhat less scenic. Still great views beckon of Alicante Province, including Agres below and ALCOY in the further distance. The green hiking route of PR-CV 27 then connects to a paved road and the yellow hiking route PR-CV 104, which then leads us back into Agres and to our original point of departure near Agres Convent. Upon completion of our 3 hour hike, numerous bars & restaurants invite us for a drink, snack or meal offering us a glimpse of true Spanish country living in a small community in Alicante Province. Time permitting, we then head back to the coast towards Benidorm or Alicante to soak our sore muscles in the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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