Discover Cortes De Pallás: Júcar, Hiking Trails and Castles

Cortes de Pallás lies along the Júcar and combines an impressive river landscape with hiking trails, historic buildings and special natural attractions.

Hiking between the Júcar and the Sierra Martés-Albeitar

The SL-CV 13 circular hiking trail, the Senda de Cavanilles, begins and ends in Cortes de Pallás. The route is 8.5 kilometres long and has a moderate level of difficulty. It passes through a Valencian hunting reserve as well as LIC and ZEPA areas of the Natura 2000 network.

The long-distance GR 7 offers a longer route. It crosses the municipality of Cortes de Pallás from north to south, leads over the Sierra Martés-Albeitar and then follows the Júcar to the summit of Caroig.

Waterways and Reservoir Landscape

A tourist river route runs between Cofrentes and Cortes de Pallás over 14 kilometres of the Cortes Reservoir. At the jetty of the Embalse de Cortes de Pallás, kayaks can be hired in spring and summer, and boat trips can be taken on the reservoir.

Cascades, Pools and Wildlife

The Barranco de la Barbulla is a route with cascades and small waterfalls. These include El Corbinet, the Tres Cascadas, the Cascada de la Cueva el Tejedor and the Cascadas del Manantial de San Vicente. Las Pozas del Ral are pools formed by river erosion. Los Chorradores de Otonel consist of a series of continuous waterfalls that flow into the Júcar.

The Muela de Cortes is home to a national big-game hunting reserve. Ibex and mouflon live on the steep cliffs along the right bank of the reservoir.

Castles, Church and Baroque Traces

Castillo de Chirel rises above the Júcar Canyon. It was built in the Middle Ages to control traffic along the Júcar. Despite its ruined state, the double ring of walls, the cistern and the main tower are still recognisable. Castillo de Chirel can also be reached via a hiking trail suitable for the whole family.

Castillo de la Pileta is open to visitors. It is a former Moorish fortress in the centre of Cortes de Pallás; the remains of two square-plan towers have survived. In the hamlet of Otonel are the remains of a former Muslim castle, including a tower and traces of an earlier stretch of wall. Castillo de Ruaya is a Muslim castle that once controlled the routes into the Ayora Valley. Its observation tower has survived, although it has deteriorated over the years.

The local history also includes the parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, built in 1775, and the palace of the Baron of Cortes de Pallás, a Baroque building from the 18th century.

Cave and Local Specialities

Cueva Hermosa is a karst cave with stalactites and stalagmites. It has numerous chambers and an underground water source. At the same time, it is a destination for caving: Exploring it in full requires caving expertise and more than five hours. In the hamlet of Venta Gaeta, visitors can sample traditionally produced local sausages and meat.

Cortes de Pallás has a tourist information office. For further trip planning, you can also view Villalonga, Los Cojos, Náquera, Mareny de Barraquetes, Torres Torres, Montesa, Campo De Arriba and Bétera.

For the overarching travel overview: Valencia.