La Vall de Laguar between hiking trails and village culture

La Vall de Laguar reveals itself through trails, ravines, village culture and historical traces. For planning your trip, different hiking profiles meet tangible evidence from Benimaurell and Vall de Laguar – from an 8 km circular route to technically demanding sections.

Hiking trails between terraces and ravines

The Vuelta a la Llacuna is an 8 km circular route through terraced farmland, passing water springs and traversing rocky terrain and scrubland. From Benimaurell, it climbs to the ridge of the Serra del Penyó and returns to Benimaurell via the Camí de Baix. The PR-CV 181 La Volta a la Llacuna route leads from Benimaurell along the Senda de l'Ombria to the Coll de la Garga and then along the ridge of Cavall Verd.

The PR-CV 181 Fleix–Benimaurell–Cresta del Cavall Verd route is 7.57 km long, has 395 m of positive elevation gain, takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, and has a high technical difficulty level. From Benimaurell, the hiking trail follows a steep climb to the ridge of the Serra del Penyó. It passes through terraced landscapes with dry farming as well as almond, cherry and olive trees; after torrential rainfall, a lagoon may turn into a wetland.

The Barranc de l’Infern offers jumps, waterfalls and plunge pools over 9 km. Crossing it requires skill, caving knowledge and climbing equipment. The hiking route through the ravine uses characteristic stepped zigzag mule tracks that overcome the major differences in elevation between Fleix and Benimaurell. Suitable footwear, as well as plenty of water and provisions, are recommended for this hike.

The Font d'Olbis recreation area is located in the final section of the PR-CV 147, before the route continues towards Benimaurell. A cycling loop through the valleys of Marina Alta reaches the Font de Benimaurell and then continues into the village. Before continuing towards the Coll de Garga, a very steep final climb is indicated, where cyclists should dismount. When choosing accommodation, the different route lengths and technical details help you weigh up your own daily pace between a circular route, a demanding crossing and a cycling excursion.

Caves, buildings and vibrant village culture

From Benimaurell, after a few metres on the way towards the mountains, you reach the Cova del Tamborí. It cannot currently be entered because of the risk of collapse and unstable conditions. Prehistoric tools as well as human and animal remains were found in the Cova del Tamborí, also known as La Cambreta de les Buixes.

The parish church Iglesia Parroquial Santos Cosme y Damián in Benimaurell has a single-nave, rectangular layout with side chapels. All of its structural elements date from the 18th century and follow the Mediterranean model. On 16 August 1248, Jaume I transferred houses and plots of land in the Alquería Benimaurell in Vall de Laguar to 20 settlers. On 14 June 1611, a settlement charter was granted for Campell, Alfeig and Benimaurell within the feudal estate of Vall de Laguar.

The Llavadors de la Vall de Laguar washhouse is a rectangular building with a gabled roof and a porch formed by arcades with round arches. A historical site includes remains of walls made of solid rammed earth, delimiting two rectangular areas partly carved into the rock. It served as a refuge for the Moriscos before they fled to Pop Castle. Valencian pilota is played in Benimaurell every weekend, particularly in the Palma and Llargues variants; several league tournaments are also held there.

The final days of Benimaurell’s patron saint festivities include releasing young bulls in the village square and a toro embolado.

More destinations to discover

More destinations to discover: La Carroja, Orba, Albatera, Los Arenales Del Sol, Ibi, San Bartolomé, Aspe, Monóvar

To the main travel overview: Alicante.