The best MTB trails in Paratge Natural Municipal Parpalló-Borrell

El convent d'Aigües Vives, també anomenat Reial Monestir de Santa Maria d'Aigües Vives, és un antic monestir amb orígens que es remunten al segle XIII. L'edifici actual es va construir durant els segles XVI i XVII, amb els corresponents estils, renaixentista i barroc, si bé l'ala nord es va acabar en el segle XVIII. El monestir va pertànyer a l'orde dels agustins, orde que custodiava la imatge de la Mare de Déu d'Aigües Vives, patrona de la ciutat de La Barraca d'Aigües Vives. A mitjan segle XIX, a conseqüència de la desamortització de Mendizábal, els monjos hagueren d'abandonar el cenobi. Aquest va passar a mans dels barons de Casanova, que el destinaren com a habitatge rural. L'any 1977 el monestir fou adquirit i reformat per a destinar-lo a hotel residència per Antonio Vidal Bellver (fotògraf i empresari de Carcaixent). Actualment és propietat d'un empresari hoteler de Gandia. El 2024, la Generalitat Valenciana va instar els nous propietaris a fer obres per a mantenir aquesta obra major que ha patit un deteriorament progressiu com a conseqüència de robatoris, vandalisme i abandonament.

Between the shade of the Mondúver and the constant sound of water, the Clot de la Font is one of those places that invite you to slow down and enjoy cycling without looking at the clock. This natural spring, where the Badell—a tributary of the Vaca river—is born, is located a few kilometers from the urban center of Tavernes de la Valldigna and is a regular stop for cyclists, hikers, and runners. The access combines agricultural paths and stretches surrounded by pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation, perfect for a gravel, MTB, or even a quiet road route. The area is part of the Ruta dels Sentits and stands out for its fresh atmosphere, the shade of the Ombria, and a historic white fountain over 160 years old, next to a small waterfall that makes this place one of the most special points in the Valldigna. There's always a cycling vibe here: groups setting off at dawn, quick stops to fill water bottles, or simply a perfect place to rest before continuing towards the Cova del Bolomor, the Castell de Marinyén, or the routes of the Mondúver. The stone tables, potable water, and the tranquility of the surroundings make it a mandatory stop for any route through the Safor. A small oasis between mountain, water, and paths. Ideal for stopping, breathing, and keeping on rolling.

Wonderful reconstruction of a workplace.

The wonderful setting surrounds a fairytale monastery.

The utmost care with which this ancient monastery is being restored arouses deep admiration and respect.

The Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba is a historic monastery near Alfauir, in the province of Valencia. It was founded in 1388 and was an important Hieronymite monastery until it was expropriated in the 19th century. The monastery combines various architectural styles, including Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance and Baroque elements. The cloister, the church, the defensive tower, the water gardens and the olive press are particularly worth seeing. Today the monastery is privately owned but open to visitors. It is one of the best preserved monasteries in the Valencia region and has been declared a Cultural Asset (Bien de Interés Cultural, BIC).

The Río Vaca, which flows along the Camí Vell de Gandia, is a picturesque place that makes for a great tour. This route offers a mix of nature, agriculture and quiet paths, ideal for cyclists looking for a relaxed tour surrounded by the countryside. The route passes through a region known for its orange and lemon groves - the scent is particularly wonderful in spring when the trees are in bloom. The surrounding hills and mountains of the region provide a beautiful backdrop for the tour. The Camí Vell de Gandia and the area along the Río Vaca are less busy, making the route a perfect choice for cyclists looking for a way to discover the beauty of the Oliva-Gandia region.

A bit neglected now, but still nice to cycle through.