R18 - Castellnovo - Cicloturismo Castellón

Description of the route

Once you have mastered the initiation routes, we propose you to continue progressing with a medium level route of 57 km, which runs through the forests of the Sierra de Espadán and borders the Regajo reservoir and the Palancia river. Start warming up in the first 5 km from the start in Castellnovo, to prepare for the next 5 km of ascent to the Puerto de Almedíjar. Here, in the heart of the Sierra, you will reach the highest point of the route, at 806 m altitude. After reaching the top, an exciting descent along the CV-223 will take you to Alcudia de Veo, where the road becomes smoother and you will be able to advance without difficulty. From Alcudia, take the CV-215 and get ready for the Puerto de la Nevera. If you overcame the first pass without problems, this one will be more bearable, with less incline and altitude. A 5 km descent will take you to Algimia de Almonacid, where you will find a flat stretch ideal for regaining strength. From here, the road becomes more uneven, but the beautiful dry landscape, dotted with almond and olive trees, makes the ride very enjoyable. Almost all the way back to Castellnovo is downhill, passing through Matet, Gaibiel, Navajas and Segorbe.

After crossing the Palancia river, there is only one last effort in a gentle climb of 2 km that will lead you back to Castellnovo.

Points of interest along the route

Puerto de Almedíjar: road linking Castellnovo with Aín. A road in perfect condition and without traffic that presents great complications due to the large slopes of the ramps. The pass is surrounded by the forests and the ravine of the Sierra de Espadán. Alcudia de Veo (Km 20.1): located in the heart of the Natural Park of the Sierra de Espadán. Due to its location we find in it a mountainous terrain populated by large tracts of forest. As for its heritage you can visit the three churches that are in the village and the castle that remains standing. Algimia de Almonacid (Km 30.9): 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 35.1): catalogued as an Asset of Local Relevance, we find it on top of a rocky mound. Built of white masonry and rebuilt in 1988. Segorbe (Km 51.9): located in the Alto Palancia between the Sierra de Calderona and the Sierra de Espadán. It currently heads the diocese of Segorbe-Castellón and its important architectural heritage has earned it the title of Bien de Interés Cultural. Its almost 10,000 inhabitants enjoy four large churches in addition to maintaining standing part of the old wall and castle. Ermita de San Cristóbal – Castellnovo (Km 57): Catholic hermitage dating from the 15th century with a composition and style similar to the hermitage of San Antonio de Pádua. 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 is its views, the impressive panoramic view of nature and the villages.

Castellnovo, located in the Alto Palancia region between the Espadán and Calderona mountain ranges, stands out for its mountainous terrain and its rich cultural history. Originally inhabited by Romans, who built the castle that was part of the defensive network of Segorbe, it was later occupied by Muslims who restructured it and gave it its current name. In the 15th century, the territory was reconquered and repopulated with Aragonese, Catalans and Navarrese, thus integrating different cultures. Among its heritage are the Church of the Holy Kings, located in the Plaza del Olmo, and the Tower of Mal Paso, a Roman structure in the vicinity. Also outstanding is the cistern of Muslim origin, a monument that becomes the center of activities during local festivities. Castellnovo offers a varied gastronomic and lodging experience.

Its typical dish is the cabbage stew, accompanied by sausages and local cheeses, and some of the most recommended restaurants are the As de Copas Restaurant and the cozy Bar Gimeno and Bar La Plaza. For lodging, Masía Durba offers an atmosphere of luxury and nature, while Casa Araceli and Casa Rural El Castillo are more accessible options for those who wish to enjoy this picturesque village. The fountains that decorate its streets and the hermitages on the way to Mount Calvary add to the charm of this ideal destination to explore culture, history and natural landscapes.

Castellnovo Castle: of Roman origin, it was part of the defensive network of Segorbe. It was rebuilt by the Muslims and later in the fifteenth century with a Renaissance style. Ermita de San Antonio de Padua and Ermita de San Cristobal: located on the ascent to Mount Calvary and the top of it respectively. Church of Los Santos Reyes: located in the Plaza del Olmo, it dates from the 18th century, although it has been recently restructured. Plaza del Olmo: named after the large elm tree that presides over it, planted on the occasion of the Cadiz Constitution of 1812. Torre de Mal Paso: a tower dating back to Roman times that is located on top of the hill that connects Castellnovo with Segorbe. La Cisterna (Calle Comandante Pérez): of Muslim origin and located in the heart of the town, it still preserves some sections of the wall that surrounded it.

Masía Durba (Calle Castellnovo s/n): An almost luxury accommodation where you can relax in the middle of nature. Casa Araceli (Calle Calvario, 23): ideal for group trips. Located in the heart of the town. Casa Rural el Castillo (Calle el Castillo, 4): capacity for 8 people for a very affordable price.