R21 – Almenara
Route
Description of the route
In Almenara awaits you a route of medium difficulty with a cumulative elevation gain of over 800 meters over 60.5 km that crosses the southern part of the Sierra de Espadán. It starts leaving Almenara parallel to the Mediterranean Highway (A-7), with a gentle climb of about 14 km. The favorable terrain next to the N225 will take you to Algar de Palancia, where you will begin the next steep climb of 110 meters. Continuing on the road, you will pass through Soneja and Azuébar, facing two more slopes that will prepare you for the main challenge: the Puerto del Marianet, the highest point of the route at 434 meters of altitude. At the top of the pass, you will enjoy a downhill section towards the foot of the mountain range, which will take you back to Almenara. In the last stretch, before finishing, you will pass through Xilxes at almost sea level. The N340, which runs parallel to the coast, will guide you to the center of Almenara, where you will complete the route.
Points of interest along the route
Old defensive tower of Algar del Palancia (Km 20.5): known as the ‘Arab Tower’ was part of the old fortification of the Muslim farmhouse. It has been restored on different occasions, which allows it to be visited today and is kept in perfect condition, preserving some elements of the original. Currently it has been converted into the town hall and there is a bar on the first floor. Azuébar (Km 34.5): located in the southeast of the Sierra de Espadán nestled on a hillside. Three places of interest to visit in Azuébar are the castle, which is still standing, the parish church dating from the seventeenth century and the mercury furnaces, proof of the mining tradition of the population. La Vall d’Uixó (Km 48): located in a valley a few kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, it is home to more than 30,000 inhabitants. The passage of history and the importance of the town in Roman times has left numerous monuments that can be visited, such as the castle, the ancient watchtowers, more than seven hermitages and a church, as well as an important historical heritage located in the Caves of San José.
Almenara, located between the Plana Baja and the Segó Valley, enjoys a privileged location between the Sierra de Espadán and the Mediterranean coast. Its name comes from “lighthouse” in Arabic, in reference to the three towers of the castle hill from where warning fires were lit. Although in ruins, this castle was the residence of James I of Aragon, and you can still visit the remains of the wall and two towers, the Grandfather and Grandmother. Prior to the Muslims, Almenara was a Roman settlement, and at the site of Punto del Cid vestiges of a temple dedicated to Venus have been found. After the reconquest, the Christians developed the current town center, and the town experienced important episodes, such as the Battle of Almenara in 1521 and events of the Wars of Independence. Among its attractions is the Marjal de los Ullals, a natural area of great importance for the Valencian fauna that, although partly occupied by crops and urbanizations, retains its ecological value. Almenara is known for its gastronomy, from the traditional holiday meatballs and paella to the almond “coca tapá”. For a taste of local flavors, the Lliri de Mar restaurant on the seafront promenade offers a beachfront experience, while La Parrilla is ideal for grilled meats and rice dishes. For accommodation, the Nova Almenara apartment offers sea views at affordable prices, and the Hotel Els Arenals in nearby Sagunto provides luxurious beachfront space.
Almenara Castle: built by the Arab population on the hill of the mountain. Currently the remains of the wall and two towers called Grandfather and Grandmother are preserved. Deposit of the Point of Cid: deposit in the hillside in which ruins of a Roman temple are conserved. Church of Santos Juanes and the bell tower: built in the eighteenth century and preserves inside a well from 1532. Marjal de los Ullals: marsh parallel to the Mediterranean coast that has a fauna considered one of the most important in the Valencian Community.
Nova Almenara Apartment (Autopista de la Mediterránea): for a little more than 50€ a night you can sleep looking at the sea through the window. Hotel Els Arenals (Felisa Longas street, 1): in Sagunto, 6 km from Almenara. Luxurious hotel on the beachfront.
