R17 - Segorbe - Cicloturismo Castellón

Description of the route

The Segorbe cycling route is one of the most demanding in Castellón, with 175 km of route and more than 3,600 m of accumulated elevation gain, ideal for cyclists in top shape. Along the route you will enjoy spectacular scenery that includes mountain roads, the Arenoso Reservoir and the natural landscapes of the Sierra de Espadán. The start on the CV-195 already presents a challenge with the ascent to the Puerto de Arenillas, followed by a 13 km descent to Montanejos. From there, the stretch to Fuente la Reina, passing by the dam, is one of the toughest, with gradients reaching 17%. The road skirts the Arenoso Reservoir, offering a visual respite before tackling the Puerto de Villanueva de Viver, where a height of 1,018 m is reached. After a descent towards Bejís, a new challenge begins with the Sacañet Pass, which culminates in Monte Mayor, in the Torrecilla Natural Park. From there, a descent leads you back to Segorbe, but the challenge is not over. The last 45 km, through the Sierra de Espadán, include the Almedíjar and La Nevera passes before returning to the starting point. A tough route, but rewarded with breathtaking natural scenery.

Points of interest along the route

Parish Church – Caudiel (Km 18.5): founded in 1616 by Augustinian friars. For several years it was used as a school, hospital and town hall, although it has always maintained the religious use. Montanejos (Km 37.3): small natural paradise in the heart 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. Fuente de la Reina (Km 57.1): municipality of only 50 inhabitants located on the slopes of the Sierra Montalgrado. It does not have a great civil or religious heritage, but its geographical location is a wonder. El Toro (Km 76.6): almost 300 inhabitants live in this municipality catalogued as the second largest in the region. The excellent conservation of its natural heritage has led it to be declared a municipal natural site. It preserves numerous religious monuments in addition to the castle, although not everything is still standing. Bejís (Km 90.4): located between the Sierra del Toro and the Sierra de Andilla it is inhabited by just over 400 inhabitants. From the Roman and Muslim settlements are preserved the aqueduct and the castle respectively. Church of the Holy Kings – Castellnovo (Km 133.8): built between the sixteenth and seventeenth century but has had to be restored recently as it is located in the Plaza del Olmo, a square named after the elm tree that presides over it. It was planted on the occasion of the Constitution of Cadiz and its dimensions have been so large that it began to weaken the structure of the church. Puerto de Almedijar (Km 139.5): road linking Castellnovo with Aín. A road in perfect condition and without traffic that presents great complications due to the steep slopes of the ramps. The pass is surrounded by the forests and the ravine of the Sierra de Espadán.

Segorbe, capital of Alto Palancia, is located between the Sierra de Espadán and the Sierra Calderona. With 10,000 inhabitants, it stands out for its rich historical heritage and its strategic position between the coast and Aragon. Among its monuments are the Cathedral Basilica, the Baroque churches of San Martín and San Joaquín and Santa Ana, and the old church of San Pedro. You can also visit the medieval wall and aqueduct, the Castillo de la Estrella converted into a park, the emblematic Fuente de los 50 caños, and the Museo de la Entrada de Toros y Caballos, which celebrates one of its most famous traditions.

Local gastronomy includes baked rice, olla segorbina and sweets such as torta Cristina, which you can try at Gastroadictos or Ambigu. For rice lovers, Casa Alba is a must. If you stay, Hotel Martín el Humano offers luxury and spa, while Hotel María de Luna is a simple option. For something more rural, try El Patio de las Cebollas.

Cathedral Basilica of Segorbe: dating from the thirteenth century, Gothic and Romanesque style that has undergone numerous restructurings. Church of San Martín: Baroque style. It keeps in its interior paintings of the XVIII century. Church of San Joaquín and Santa Ana: Baroque construction. It is the last remaining part of the convent of the Mercedarian Fathers. Church of San Pedro: the oldest church in Segorbe, although it has been restructured and little remains of the original. Wall and aqueduct: date from before the 13th century and still have arches and two towers. Castillo de la Estrella or Sopeña Castle: located at the top of the hill, it is currently a public park. Fuente de los 50 caños (Avenida de la Diputación S/N): emblematic point of the city. A peculiar fountain with 50 spouts that belong to each of the Spanish provinces. Entrance of bulls and horses (City Hall of Segorbe): museum inside the City Hall where the whole tradition of the festival that is celebrated during the bullfighting week is recreated and explained.