R16 - Razors - Cicloturismo Castellón

Description of the route

This route is perfect to get you started in the world of cycling, with 32 km of route through Navajas and nearby villages, accumulating a difference in altitude of only 569 meters. We start in Navajas, leaving the CV 2140 towards Segorbe, where the terrain is flat until you reach the city. When you reach Segorbe, you will face a small slope that does not exceed 400 meters in altitude. The next 3 km will be downhill, which will allow you to relax your legs before entering the Sierra de Espadán. When you turn left onto the CV 215, more than 10 km of climbing await you, with demanding stretches, such as the one from Vall de Almonacid to Algimia de Almonacid.

Once past this second village, at the foot of the Sierra de Espadán, comes the most difficult part of the route: the climb up the Puerto del Matet, a short but demanding stretch of 2.5 km. After reaching the highest peak, the route to Navajas will be calmer. You can enjoy the scenery as you pass through the villages of Matet and Gaibiel, following a mountain road to the Urbanización de Los Ángeles. On the final descent, near the end of the route, you will have the opportunity to contemplate the El Regajo Reservoir, which will offer you a break to enjoy the fresh air before returning to the center of Navajas.

Points of interest along the route

Santa Iglesia Catedral de Segorbe – Segorbe (Km 3.3): the most emblematic building of the diocese of Segorbe-Castellón. Built in the thirteenth century on an Andalusian mosque attached to the wall. Architecturally it combines Gothic and Romanesque styles, which makes it special. Algimia de Almonacid (Km 14.4): municipality nestled on the western slopes of the Sierra de Espadán, which makes it a rugged territory and high altitudes. Apart from the religious monuments that are found in it, there are a variety of natural places of interest that are worth visiting. Ermita de Santa Bárbara – Matet (Km 19.2): catalogued as an Asset of Local Relevance, we find it on top of a rocky mound. Built of white masonry and rebuilt in 1988.

Navajas, located in the valley of the river Palancia, in the Alto Palancia region, has a rich historical past dating back to Muslim rule under Zayd Abu Zayd until the reconquest in the thirteenth century. Over the centuries, the village passed through several hands, being the Marquis of Dos Aguas its last owner. After the expulsion of the Moors in 1610, it received the town charter, granting privileges to its inhabitants. In the 18th century, Navajas grew thanks to the summer residences built by wealthy families from Valencia, and today it is still a summer destination with less than 800 permanent inhabitants. The main attraction of Navajas is its stunning natural surroundings, highlighting the Salto de la Novia, a 30-meter waterfall on the Palancia River, and the Manantial de la Esperanza, whose waters supply the town and its surroundings. Places of interest also include the parish church of La Virgen de la Luz and the Altomira Tower.

As for gastronomy, visitors can enjoy typical dishes such as pot and leaf fritters in restaurants like Bar Restaurant Altomira or Café Valencia. For accommodation, options such as El Jardí de L’estonell offer a family atmosphere ideal for disconnecting.

Parish Church of La Virgen de la Luz: it dates from the XVIII century and has suffered damages after the war of the year 36. Tower of Altomira: Arab tower that dates between the II and XI century. It is located one kilometer from the town center. Salto de la Novia: A 30m high waterfall in the Palancia river. It receives numerous visitors in summer to make the jump. Manantial de la Esperanza: Spring of crystalline waters located in the Monte de la Esperanza.

Bar Restaurant Altomira (access road Navajas Km 1): Camping and cabins to stay with the family in the middle of nature. El Jardí de L’Estonell (Calle Valencia, 1): Hotel in the center of Navajas. Ideal to disconnect and enjoy a pleasant stay.