Montán: Springs, Trails and Culture in Valencia’s Hinterland

Montán combines tranquil water spots, distinctive hiking trails and a multifaceted architectural and cultural history. Those wishing to combine nature experiences with short excursions, regional traditions and traces of history will find various reasons here to explore the town attentively. The municipality is also crossed by two long-distance hiking trails: the GR 7 traverses Montán from north to south, while the GR 36 enters the municipality from the northeast and subsequently leaves it again on its way to its final destination.

Hiking Trails Between Springs and Gorges

For a manageable tour, there is the Ruta Monte Calvario. The circular hike is almost 2 km long, has a moderate difficulty level and includes an elevation difference of 102 m. The Ruta del Agua starts from a different point: it begins at Avenida de la Tejería. Along this route lies a cave more than 1 km long with three galleries. In summer, swimming is possible in the natural pools along the Ruta del Agua.

The Fuente de la Tejería is also one of the specific destinations around Montán. The Fuente de la Tejería is located about 600 m from the town and has a recreational area with stone tables and stone benches, a barbecue area and a shelter. Inside the shelter there is a stone table. Montán’s natural surroundings also include numerous springs and fountains, densely vegetated gorges with waterfalls and bathing pools. There are more than thirty fountains in the town and its surroundings.

Buildings and Archaeological Traces

The Iglesia Parroquial San Bernardo Abad was completed in 1735. Its single-nave body has lavish acanthus decoration, which is attributed to Churrigueresque or late Baroque style. The Convento de los Padres Servitas de San Miguel y Santa Ana displays a different architectural influence: it is an example of post-Baroque and pre-academic architecture.

At the Monte Calvario archaeological site, ceramics were recovered that date from the 7th to the 6th century BC. The Acueducto de la Teja is also closely connected with the local landscape and its use. The dry-stone structure has three arches and carried water across the gorge to irrigate the fields there.

Wine, Oil and Far-Reaching Views

The Museo Enológico conveys the art of grape harvesting and wine production. This ties in with the Sacacubos celebration, which is now held in October and includes a wine tasting. Olive oil is also part of the town’s culinary profile: an oil is produced in Montán that was classified as extra virgin in analyses.

A viewpoint offers views of the 1,813 m-high Peñagolosa massif. In Montán, water-rich gorges, hiking trails, archaeological evidence, sacred architecture and regional products thus complement one another. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether proximity to the trails, an interest in culture and history, or the quiet rhythm of a rural town should be the focus of your stay.

Other Places in the Region

For further orientation, you can also explore Villahermosa Del Río, Vall De Almonacid, Ares Del Maestre, Castellnovo, Aín, Santa Magdalena De Pulpis, Nules and Almazora.

For the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.