Zarra: Discover Hiking Trails, the Gorge and Local Culture
Accommodation in Zarra
Zarra combines varied circular trails with unusual insights into the landscape, the townscape and regional traditions. The PR-CV 463 La Hoz de Zarra is a 12-kilometre circular route with 505 metres of ascent and descent respectively. It starts at Plaza del PaĂs Valenciano in Zarra. Along the route, the trail passes through Hoz de Abajo, by Casa de Sanjurjo and past an old canal. This creates a tangible combination of physical activity and traces of the landscape’s various uses.
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Photo: Falconaumanni via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Circular Trails for Different Day Plans
A shorter option is the Ruta del Misterio de la Hoz: This circular trail is 5 kilometres long, starts in Zarra and has an elevation difference of 185 metres. The route is designed as an easy circular trail for children. In addition, children can find hidden letters behind each dwarf and use them to complete a magical sentence. Those who take route length into account when planning their trip can therefore choose between a 12-kilometre loop and the shorter trail through the Hoz, without the two experiences necessarily having the same character.
Archaeology, Church and Art in the Town
Away from the trails, Zarra also has several specific points of interest for visitors interested in culture. Burnt human remains of ancient Iberians dating from the 5th to 4th century BC were discovered in the Las Peñas necropolis. The Iglesia de Santa Ana dates from 1760. Zarra’s Ruta del Arte offers a completely different approach to art: important paintings, including the Mona Lisa and Las Meninas, have been reproduced on walls and façades. The bells in Zarra’s bell tower are still rung by hand, keeping a traditional element directly present in the town.
Hoz de Zarra and River Landscape
The Hoz de Zarra is shaped by more than just historical traces. It contains several old, now uninhabited houses as well as the canal network of a former hydroelectric power station. The Bosque Encantado can also be reached via the route through the Hoz de Zarra. There, the trees are decorated with colourful crochet work. Another distinctive feature of the landscape is the Presa de los Comuneros, located in the gorge of the Zarra River. Zarra’s river landscape is suitable for hiking or cycling, adding another way to actively experience the surroundings to the two designated circular trails.
Picnics and Time in the Landscape
A picnic area with barbecue facilities, a spring and service amenities is located at the Presa de Zarra. This specific place combines the waterside landscape with an opportunity to take a break outdoors. For you, this may be just as interesting when planning your day as the different trail lengths: Zarra offers both a longer loop with significant ascent and descent and an easy circular trail designed for children. These places and trails each offer their own focus, ranging from the gorge and river landscape to the town’s culture.
Cherries, Cuisine and Local Tradition
During the season, visitors can enjoy cherries and other culinary specialities in Zarra. The cherry was also the focus of the fourth edition of the cherry market in Zarra. The programme included promoting the local product, cuisine, cultural heritage, tradition and activities for all age groups. At the Mercado de la Cereza in Zarra, there were culinary and craft workshops, tastings and samplings of local products centred around this fruit. Seasonal products and events can therefore be just as much of an interest for travellers as hiking, cycling, art and archaeological remains.
Other places for regional orientation are: Buñol, Chella, La Drova, Alcà ntera De Xúquer, Castielfabib, Serra, Quartell and Cullera.
For the higher-level travel overview: Valencia.
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