R14 – Wave
Route
Description of the route
In Onda you face a tough stage with demanding stretches that require your effort, but the scenery and nature that will accompany you will make the route much more bearable. This stage has a distance of 102.7 km, starting and finishing in the center of Onda. The route starts in the direction of Fanzara on the CV20. The first 8 km consist of a moderate climb that will serve as a warm-up for what follows. Then, 2 km downhill crossing the Mijares river will take you to Fanzara.
After crossing the village, you will continue along the CV194 towards Vallat, enjoying the scenery, with the road parallel to the river and surrounded by pine and holm oak forests. Passing Argelita, you will face another uphill stretch parallel to the Villahermosa river that will take you to the Puerto del Castillo. After crowning it, you will enjoy almost 5 km of descent to the Villamalefa Castle.
Then you will take the road towards Teruel in the direction of Zucaina, where you will face a second harder pass, with 11 km uphill on a winding road that will give you views of the forests of the Alto Mijares. Then, 7 km downhill will take you to Montanejos, where you will start riding 40 km of irregular road, with constant ups and downs. Finally, you will follow the CV20 until you reach Onda again, passing through Arañuel and Torrechiva, with the road parallel to the river. In the last 3 km you can enjoy a descent that will take you back to the center of Onda, where you can rest your legs.
Points of interest along the route
Argelita (Km 18.7): belonging to the Alto Mijares is located in the valley formed by the river Villahermosa. The population does not reach 100 inhabitants and its economy is based on agriculture and construction. Ludiente: small municipality located in a valley surrounded by large mountains, which makes its landscape unique. It preserves two castles and a tower dating from medieval times. Zucaina (Km 45.9): municipality located in a valley full of fields of hazelnut and almond trees. Its origin is Arabic, and its history has run parallel to that of the Moors. It has several religious monuments, but we highlight the Ermita de Santa Ana, built in the eighteenth century and dedicated to the patron saint of the town of Zucaina. Unlike the Hermitage of Santa Barbara, this one is located on the outskirts of the town. Montanejos (Km 63.9): small natural paradise in the middle of Alto Mijares. It is the epicenter of inland tourism due to its natural wonders such as the hot springs or natural pools. Every year it hosts hundreds of tourists who decide to relax in the spa of the municipality and know the natural heritage that hides Montanejos. Parish Church of San Miguel – Arañuel: located in the Plaza Mayor of the village, inhabited by just over 100 inhabitants. It is characterized by its neoclassical style with characteristics of the Corinthian order.
Onda, located between the Sierra de Espadán and the plain of La Plana in Castellón, has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Over the centuries, Greeks and Romans left their mark, as can be seen in the Local History Museum inside the castle. In the 11th century, Onda became part of Al-Andalus, until it was reconquered by Jaume I in 1242. Since then, Christians, Jews and Muslims coexisted in it. Its castle, famous for its grandeur, was known as “The castle of the 300 towers” in the 14th century. The city is known for its ceramic industry, which has allowed it to export products worldwide. In addition, Onda has a valuable heritage, highlighting the castle, declared of Cultural Interest, and the Museum of Muslim plasterwork.
Other important monuments include the baroque Iglesia de la Asunción and the Iglesia de la Sangre, the first church built after the reconquest. The Barrio de la Morería, where the Muslims settled, is also an outstanding place to visit. If you visit Onda, you can enjoy its patron saint festivities in October and try traditional dishes such as olla and coca malfeta. For accommodation, we recommend the Gran Hotel Toledo for its excellent value for money or, if you prefer something more luxurious, L’artesola, a rural house in the center. The Hotel Restaurante Verdia, in the Sierra de Espadán, is another excellent option. As for gastronomy, don’t miss Cuatre Cantons restaurant for its tapas, or El Cid and El Palmito Restaurant for traditional dishes of the region.
Castle of Onda: of cultural interest. Of Muslim origin, there is a museum with an exhibition of Muslim plasterwork. Church of the Assumption: Baroque construction of the eighteenth century after suffering several fires. It is attached to the Chapel of the Communion. Church of the Blood: built by the Templars in the 13th century in Gothic style. Moorish quarter: Muslim quarter after being expelled from the walled area.
Gran Hotel Toledo (Calle Argelita, 20): located in the center of Onda, affordable price and very well valued as a family hotel. Casa rural L’artesola (C/La Plana, 9): traditional rural house located in the center of Onda. Hotel Restaurante Verdia (Calle Calvario, 2): magnificent rural hotel in the middle of the Sierra de Espadán. They also have a restaurant where you can taste the typical food of the area.
