Sierra de Espadán in Four Days Charming Villages and Sweeping Landscapes

Sierra de Espadán Natural Park is woven with hiking routes that snake through spectacular scenery. Cork tree forests, villages frozen in time, castles, rocky peaks and panoramic views - you’ll need at least a day to really explore this mountainous region!

While visiting the area, it is certainly worth checking out some of its most characterful villages in addition to the verdant natural sights. Swap your car keys for some hiking boots and let’s go! 

Day 1: Azuébar and Almedíjar

Azuébar is a sleepy village from where you can set off on an easy hike to a castle and then up to “Peña Ajuerá” . This dramatic gaping hole in the rock face frames the view of the village below perfectly. While heading back down into town, you’re likely to pass a strange rock called Monte Rufo, don’t miss it!

To recharge the batteries, your next stop on the itinerary of Sierra de Espadán could be Almedíjar, where you can sample the delicious local cheeses. From the town centre, make your way along the old trade route, passing cork oaks and along an ancient Roman road. Sierra de Espadán Natural Park will wrap you up in natural beauty and fascinating history as you go.

Day 2: Ayódar, Ayódar and Villamalur Fountains

The Fuentes de Ayódar surroundings are shaped by the water that flows through it, dotted with ancient fountains. Make sure you visit Pozo Negro, a natural pool nestled in the idyllic countryside. Not far from here is Ayódar, where you’ll come across old castle ruins that date back to the Islamic period. The charming river Chico with its various pools is also a great place to visit, as are the stunning waterfalls and gorges. If you look closely, you’ll see via ferratas on the vertical rock faces.

Eventually you’ll reach Sueras, where you can admire its photogenic historic centre. Next, stretch your legs even more by strolling along Paseo de Castro until you reach the old Medieval settlement, Sueras Alta Settlement Archaeological Protection Area. What a day, jam-packed with outdoor activity in the beautiful Sierra de Espadán Natural Park!

Day 3: Tales and Alcudia de Veo

For the third day of our tour around Sierra de Espadán, let’s visit Tales, a charming destination with an old public wash house. From here, we can take the path to Alcudia de Veo for yet more outdoor attractions.

One of the most striking natural sights in the area is Órganos de Benitandús, a rock formation that looks as if it's from another planet. The climb up is very steep, but the views from the top certainly make up for it! The second hidden gem tucked away in Sierra de Esapadán among the villages is the abandoned hamlet of El Jinquer. If you enjoy taking photos, don’t forget to pack your camera for this exact moment!

Day 4: Aín and Artana

On our last day exploring Sierra de Espadán Natural Park - aware that there is still so much to discover in this area so rich in nature and heritage - we step into the tiny village of Aín. From here, the fittest in the group can take on the challenge of clambering up to Espadán Peak, or opt for a more relaxed hike along El Agua Route, passing old fountains along the way.

From Aín, you can get to Artana by car in only a few minutes, and it is here that you may come across the local delicacy: olive oil made with olives from Sierra de Espadán. Artana is also home to a castle that dates back to Roman times and, unsurprisingly, magnificent olive trees.

Sierra de Espadán Natural Park is home to so many fairytale villages that we can’t mention all of them here. Come to this green paradise in the heart of Castellón and discover them for yourself.