Lorcha between the Serpis Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Lorcha between the Serpis Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Lorcha brings together short local paths, historic buildings and protected landscapes. For visitors who wish to combine hiking with local history, there are several different points of interest here: from an easy walking route through the town to longer hiking and cycling routes in the municipal network of trails.

Hiking and Cycling by Route Type

The municipal network of trails in Lorcha comprises hiking routes 1 to 6, mountain-bike or longer hiking routes 7 to 10, and long-distance cycling routes or multi-day hiking routes 11 to 17. This classification highlights the range of routes and helps you distinguish between a short walk, a more extensive hike and a longer cycling or multi-day tour when planning your trip.

Route 1, “El pueblo de Lorcha”, is an easy 1.8-kilometre walking route. It starts and ends in La Cova Park, passes playgrounds and goes by the Church of Santa María Magdalena. This route therefore connects several specific sites in the town in a short circuit.

The Serpis, the Gorge and Protected Nature

The protected landscape of the Serpis covers 12,730 hectares and has belonged to the system of protected natural areas of the Valencian Community since 2007. The Serpis River flows around the Barranco del Infierno gorge and provides a habitat for interesting biodiversity in the Lorcha area. In the surroundings of the town, river landscape, gorge and natural area therefore appear as distinct themes.

The Sierra de la Safor also shapes this connection with nature. It covers 3,514 hectares and is classified as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) because of its contribution to the conservation of natural habitats, ecosystems and wild animal and plant species. Those interested in landscapes and wildlife will therefore find points of interest in Lorcha beyond the individual routes.

Rock Art, Castles and Local History

Cova Llarga lies at the entrance to the town centre. It contains examples of Levantine rock art, an artistic form of expression recognised as World Heritage. A park that visitors can explore is located beside Cova Llarga. The town centre is also home to the Church of Santa María Magdalena, built in the 18th century.

Perputxent Castle has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 1998. It is a Muslim fortress from the 12th and 13th centuries that was converted into the feudal castle of the Vall del Perputxent at the beginning of the Christian era. The Church of Santa María Magdalena also has a more recent construction history: the present building was erected after its predecessor was destroyed during the Civil War in the late 1940s and was consecrated in 1955.

The Vía Verde del Serpis runs along the former Alcoy–Gandia railway line. This railway operated from 1893 to 1969 and was known as the “Tren de los Ingleses”. In addition, Lorcha’s patron-saint festivities honour Santa María Magdalena. In Lorcha, nature trails, historic transport routes, religious architecture and festive traditions therefore stand side by side.

Discover More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also discover Novelda, Xinorlet, Elda, Catral, San Fulgencio, La Vall d'Ebo, La Vila Joiosa and Callosa D'en Sarrià.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alicante.