R20 – La Vall d’Uixó
Route
Description of the route
This route is one of the most challenging in the province of Castellón, a real challenge that will test your endurance. You will cross the Sierra de Espadán from south to north, facing a cumulative elevation gain of almost 3,000m. It starts from La Vall d’Uixó along the CV-230 towards Alfondeguilla and ascends the Puerto del Marianet, a warm-up section without great demands. After passing Chóvar, you will face the Puerto de Eslida, which, although of third category, requires more effort. After 4 km downhill to recover energy, the ascent resumes in the Puerto de Aín to Tales, where you can enjoy the descent in the heart of the Sierra, surrounded by cork oaks and fresh air. In the northern part of the Natural Park, passing through Ayódar, begins the most demanding section of the route: the Puerto de Torralba del Pinar, with 16 km of ascent and slopes reaching 15%. From the top, you will have completed half of the route; the return to La Vall d’Uixó presents a series of steep slopes on a steep road. The final climb out of the Sierra to Caudiel may require a final effort.
About 10 km from there, the passage through the El Regajo reservoir offers you a revitalizing landscape before the final stretch, which again passes through the Puerto del Marianet and takes you back to La Vall d’Uixó.
Points of interest along the route
Eslida Castle (Km 23.3): medieval fortress dating from the Muslim period. It crowns the image of the town as it is situated on the top, from where you can see the whole town. Nowadays it is largely in ruins but it has been known that it was a relevant place due to the importance of the town. Aín (Km 29.1): small municipality near the Espadán peak, surrounded by high and steep mountains. The castle, in spite of being practically in ruins, maintains a part standing and from where it is possible to observe a magnificent panoramic view of the mountain range. Throughout the historic center you will find countless fountains. Ayódar (Km 52,1): Municipality located in the Sierra de Espadán, it acts as a separator between it and the river Mijares. It was not repopulated until 1611, which caused it to head the Barony, a period from which the palace is preserved. Torralba del Pinar (Km 62.5): a town very close to Teruel, located on the northern slope of the Sierra de Espadán, which makes it enjoy the attractive scenery of the Natural Park. A town of less than 70 inhabitants where you can relax and enjoy nature. Parish Church – Caudiel (Km 84,2): founded in 1616 by Augustinian friars. For several years it was used as a school, hospital and town hall, although it has always maintained its religious use. Hermitage of San Cristobal – Castellnovo (Km 107.4): Catholic hermitage dating from the fifteenth century with a composition and style similar to the hermitage of San Antonio de Padua. Every May 3 it hosts the feast of the Holy Cross and all the neighbors come to spend the day there. The most incredible thing about the hermitage are its views, the impressive panoramic view of nature and the villages. Azuébar (Km 120,4): located in the southeast of the Sierra de Espadán nestled on a hillside. Three sites of interest that you can visit in Azuébar is the castle, which is still standing, the parish church dating from the seventeenth century and the mercury furnaces, all evidence of the mining tradition of the population.
La Vall d’Uxió is located in the Plana Baja of Castellón, at the foot of the Sierra de Espadán and close to the Mediterranean Sea, which gives it a mild climate throughout the year. Its strategic position has favored its occupation since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the Caves of San Josep, which date from the Paleolithic and preserve cave paintings. These caves, with the longest navigable subway river in Europe, are a major tourist attraction. Subsequently, it was inhabited in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, when fortified villages were built. The town grew under Arab rule, and after the reconquest by James I, it was repopulated with Christians. From the 18th century onwards, La Vall d’Uixió underwent a great development after several war conflicts. The municipality has a valuable religious heritage, including the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, in neoclassical style, and several hermitages, such as those of San Vicente Ferrer and Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Also outstanding are the aqueducts of San José and Alcudia, of Roman origin. The local gastronomy is famous for its rice dishes, especially the “arroz empedrado” and baked rice, as well as sweets such as “manjóvenes” of Arab origin. For a taste of its flavors, the Guano Restaurant is ideal, and for a casual lunch, the Bocaburguer is popular with the locals.
For accommodation, nearby options include the Balneario de Villavieja for a relaxing stay, or the inexpensive Hotel Belcaire in the same municipality.
Caves of San Josep: grotto through which the San Josep river flows with more than 15,000 years old. It is the longest navigable subway river in Europe and a World Heritage Site. La Punta de Orleyl: large area that houses the remains of a city belonging to different periods Church of Our Lady of the Assumption located in the square that has the same name. Of neoclassical style although the bell tower is later with baroque style. Hermitages: San Vicente Ferrer, Sagrada Familia, San Antonio and Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Roman aqueduct of Sant Josep and Alcudia: hydraulic conduction system that remains intact since its construction in Roman times.
Balneario de Villavieja (Plaza la villa 5, La Vilavella): cozy spa about 5Km from Vall d’Uixó. Hotel Belcaire (Avenida Europa s/n): in the center of Vall d’Uixó. Simple hotel with affordable prices.
