Captivador between pine forest, history and bike routes

Captivador combines Mediterranean nature, regional history and various opportunities for physical activity. CEM El Captivador is a visitor complex designed to bring the Mediterranean nature and history of La Nucía closer to the local population. It occupies a total area of 15,189 m² in the municipal green area of Tossal del Captivador, which has extensive tree cover. The complex is located between Serra Gelada Natural Park and the Ponoig-Puig Campana protected area; Ponoig-Puig Campana lies to the west of it.

Nature and trails around the CEM

The CEM includes an arboretum, a botanical garden for preserving, researching and communicating plant diversity. It contains traditional crops, aromatic and medicinal plants, as well as cacti and succulents. The La Nucía Trail Network comprises four signposted circular routes totalling 20.5 km and includes CEM El Captivador. Rest and picnic areas are located in the extensive pine forest; several drinking-water points complement the trails. Comprehensive signage and educational panels provide information about the natural surroundings and their resources.

Mountain biking between forest and sports complex

The landscape is also laid out in a varied way for mountain-bike tours. La Nucía’s MTB network comprises four circular routes of varying difficulty; in the central area, they pass through the bike park. It has five descents with wooden features designed for different ability levels in mountain biking. One MTB route leads into the Captivador pine forest, includes two technical sections with several steps and then passes the Ermita de Sant Vicent, where there is a spring. Another route runs through the Captivador area and La Nucía’s sports complex. On another route, 70% of the course follows uphill and downhill paths through the pine forest in the Ciudad Deportiva–El Captivador area.

History, museum and the ermita

Cautivador is an old hamlet between Altea and La Nucía. El Captivador was a Morisco settlement until 1609. The CEM’s Ethnological Museum covers almost 180 m² and has three exhibition rooms dedicated to local culture, traditions, crafts and agriculture. The Séquia Mare irrigation system was established by Beatriz Fajardo in 1666; part of its route runs through the CEM.

The Ermita de Sant Vicent del Captivador was built in 1804 in honour of San Vicente Ferrer. According to tradition, San Vicente Ferrer preached at this place in 1410 while travelling from Teulada to Orihuela and the territories of Castile. No document confirming this has been found. As a result, Cautivador brings together both architectural evidence and traditional history, without it being possible to assess the two in the same way.

Festive tradition in the Cautivador natural area

The San Vicente festival is celebrated on the Monday after Easter Monday in the Cautivador natural area, where the ermita dedicated to the saint stands. The festival includes regional dances, performances by Valencian folklore groups, running competitions, barbecues and concerts. For visitors wishing to combine nature experiences with regional culture, Cautivador is therefore a place where trails, landscape, history and festive tradition come together within a closely connected thematic setting.

Directions and further destinations

To reach Captivador and the ermita, take the road from La Nucía to Altea. After approximately 5 km, a sign points to the destination. For further regional orientation, you can also visit L'albir.

For the higher-level travel overview: L'alfàs Del Pi.