Easy hikes and walks around la Vall d'Albaida

Sculptures of three snails and a toad surprise in this fountain in Carrícola Square.

The Bocairent Arch, also known as the Sant Agustí Gate, is one of the most picturesque entrances to the old town of this charming Valencian village. It is a medieval stone archway that welcomes visitors as they enter the Town Hall Square, the heart of Bocairent's civic life.

The Hermitage of the Holy Christ of Bocairent is one of the most emblematic and spiritual places in the municipality, both for its history and its privileged location. Built in the 16th century, the hermitage is located atop a mountain north of the town. According to local legend, travelers—believed to be angels sent by God—indicated the exact spot where the cult building was to be built. Before this revelation, locals had seen three mysterious lights symbolizing the three crosses of Mount Calvary.

The route begins in the charming village of Carrícola, in the Vall d'Albaida region of Valencia. From there, a circular route begins that gently ascends along rural roads and well-marked trails, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and cultivated fields. The most special feature of this route is the Biodivers project, an artistic and ecological initiative that has transformed the surrounding area into an open-air museum. Along the way, visitors encounter contemporary sculptures integrated into the landscape: a giant iron spider, spiral books, human faces in fountains, geometric structures, and other works that invite reflection on the relationship between humans and nature.

The Castell de Carrícola, also known as Castellet, is a historic and natural gem located in the municipality of El Palomar, in the Vall d'Albaida region of Valencia. It is an ancient Islamic fortification built between the 10th and 12th centuries, although the current tower was erected after the Christian conquest, around the mid-13th century. It has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest and has been restored to allow visitors to visit it, including access to its terrace, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the region and the Bellús reservoir.

The Castell de Carrícola, also known as Castellet, is a historic and natural gem located in the municipality of El Palomar, in the Vall d'Albaida region of Valencia. It is an ancient Islamic fortification built between the 10th and 12th centuries, although the current tower was erected after the Christian conquest, around the mid-13th century. It has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest and has been restored to allow visitors to visit it, including access to its terrace, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the region and the Bellús reservoir.

During the summer months of July and August, you must make a reservation via https://www.ontinyent.es/va/pagina/pou-clar. This is only possible for Spanish residents with a NI number. Once you have a reservation, you can take a bus from Ontinyent Poliesportiu Municipal to Pou Clar on weekends. There is no parking at Pou Clar during these months. Parking is available at Poliesportiu Municipal. From there, it's a walk of about 2 kilometers. And then you'll find yourself in a beautiful setting with wonderfully refreshing water.

Best accessed with water shoes. There's room to sit and jump into the rather cold pond—very refreshing 😅