The best road cycling routes around Vilanova D'Alcolea

Incredible mountain pass. It is quite easy to get to. The village is small and has a fountain.

Very good place to take a break. Generous sandwiches and good coffee.

Vilanova d'Alcolea is a mountain town in the province of Castellón, but with the Mediterranean just 10 minutes away. This place is surrounded by spectacular landscapes of almond trees, olive groves and vineyards, and stands out for its nature, its monuments and its traditions. What to see in Vilanova d'Alcolea Touring Vilanova d'Alcolea takes us to its nature and the magical places that surround it. One of them is the beautiful Font del Mas de Calaf fountain, where one of the highest quality natural water sources in the area is located. In addition, there is a recreation area to enjoy an ideal day with the whole family. Other of its most attractive points are the Barranco de la Fuente Roja, the Fuente de la Carrasqueta and the Fuente de la Villa. Without a doubt, it is worth visiting them through the different hiking routes. If you want to discover part of the history of this destination, you just have to follow the Al Calaf Route to discover the Vilanova d'Alcolea of the 13th and 14th centuries. It will surprise you! With this trip back in time, you cannot miss visiting the Via Augusta as it passes through Vilanova d'Alcolea. In addition, you will discover the stories of the mansions and, especially, that of ILDUM. Vilanova d'Alcolea is characterized by keeping its traditions and popular festivals alive, such as the Sant Antoni Festival. This traditional festival begins with the “Hoguera de los Mayorales” and, with the arrival of night, it is the turn of the Matxà. Fire, an impressive show, procession and the distribution of traditional San Antonio cakes. A party that takes place in January and you can't miss it. This is a destination full of history and nature is one of the main jewels of Vilanova d'Alcolea. Enter this fantastic town and enjoy every minute.

Historically, it was part of the Encomienda de Les Coves de Vinroma and with it it was the lordship of Blasco de Alagón between the years 1235 and 1242. Later, it was the Templars who were in charge of governing the town. In the archives and annotations of the town map of Albocácer it appears that originally the town was called Sierra de Biarach. During the first half of the 16th century, it took the name of Sarratella de Biarach and it was not until the last third of the same century when the place name of Sarratella was made official. The demographic indicators of the town have been growing throughout its history until it surpassed the barrier of 700 inhabitants in the first years of the 20th century. Since 1900 the population has been constantly reducing until it currently reaches 93 registered people. Its geographical location and orography seduced prehistoric groups. Very close to the hill where the hermitage is located there was an Epipalaeolithic site. Furthermore, in several areas of its territory, cave paintings have been discovered that are part of the Levantine rock art, declared a World Heritage Site. Social media Economic activities are dedicated to agriculture and livestock. Agriculture is traditionally based on dryland agriculture, with olive and almond cultivation predominating. Livestock farming is mainly based on grazing and pig and poultry farms. The scarce industry is related to agriculture and oil. Urban tour La Sarratella is a small town, which is very easy to get around. During the tour you can see the harmony that the houses maintain with each other, the tranquility of its people and the dark green of the mountainous landscape that can be seen from almost any area of the town. Despite being a small town, the places of interest that we can find are many and quite varied: The building of the old oven, with clear medieval traces. The torrent, located in the lower part of the town, whose complex is made up of a fountain, a water trough and some washing places. The town hall inaugurated in 1958 with some porches that limit the public part of the common part of the town halls of the medieval period. The hermitage of San Juan and the Church of San Miguel, where there is a front of the green velvet altar on which you can see Saint Michael embroidered fighting against the devil. Landscape The landscape is very mountainous, with large slopes that provide impressive views to the sea. Holm oaks and bushes scented with rosemary, thyme, lavender and other aromatic plants predominate. The climate is cool and pleasant in summer contrasting with the cold winter. The town is located at about 800 meters above sea level, although the highest point in the area is at 937 meters where the hermitage of San Juan Nepomuceno is located with an unbeatable panoramic view.

Albocàsser, in the Alt Maestrat region, is a very old town, founded in no less than 1239 and in its upper part contains the most interesting points for a visit to its urban area. There you can find in the main square the Parish Church of the Assumption, built in a severe Baroque style on the original Gothic temple and which preserves an altarpiece and interesting examples of goldsmithing inside. Another architectural treasure that has survived the passage of time is the hermitage of Santos Juanes, from the end of the 13th century, a simple and rustic temple with a lot of charm that you should not miss the opportunity to visit if you are sightseeing in Albocàsser. A little further away is the hermitage and inn of Sant Pau, built between the 16th and 17th centuries and with a beautiful façade with a bell tower. Neighbors come to it in pilgrimage and celebrate traditional dances. Continuing with the list of things to do in Albocàsser, we cannot fail to remind you that its municipal area is part of the Valltorta-Gasulla Cultural Park, which protects shelters with cave paintings. In addition to these interesting relics of the past, you can go hiking in places such as the Barranco de les Calçades, the Mas de les Llomes, the Font del Bosq, els Tolls, Las Devesas and the Barranc de la Selda and a good number of routes further. Finally, you can buy high-quality local olive oil or taste their sweets made with almonds. And don't leave without trying their grilled meats, the typical pot or their heavenly coca!

At this roundabout we can take the road towards Cuevas de Vinromà and Valltorta Museum or the one that goes towards Albocasser.

Tírig, located in the Valltorta valley, is surrounded by a unique area where important cultural and ecological values are concentrated. You will discover shelters where you can admire cave paintings declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a Museum dedicated to prehistoric art. Participate in the events organized in Tírig throughout the year: the Prehistoric Exhibition, the festivities of San Jaime, the pilgrimage of Santa Bárbara and Holy Week with the festival of fifths or the Coetà.

Monument with a cross at the exit of Cabanes in its northern part.