R23 – Burriana
Route
Description of the route
In Borriana, you face a demanding route of more than 114 km, which includes numerous passes and an escaped terrain, making it a challenge for your fitness. The route will take you from the beach to the Sierra de Espadán, crossing it from east to west and from north to south. You start the route in the center of Borriana and take the CV222 towards Onda. Leaving Onda, you enter the Sierra de Espadán, where you will find the first pass, Villamalur. The descent takes you down to the village, where the hardest pass of the route is presented, reaching 832 meters of altitude. After a downhill section of 6 km to Matet, you will have crossed the mountain range from east to west and will be able to enjoy its fauna. Continuing towards the south of the natural park, you will pass Algimia de Almonacid and then face the Eslida pass, with slopes of up to 12% during the 5 km ascent. Afterwards, you will enjoy a descent to Alcudia de Veo, and a new downhill stretch will take you to Eslida. From there, a last climb along the road that surrounds the southern part of the Sierra de Espadán will lead you to the end of the route.
The last kilometers will be easier, passing through Vall d’Uixó and Nules, before returning to Borriana, where you can relax with a view of the sea.
Points of interest along the route
Onda Castle (Km 17.6): original building from the Muslim period of the tenth century on a Roman settlement. Over the centuries it has undergone reconstructions that no longer allow practically observe the original structure. It came to be known as the castle of the 300 towers for its grandeur, which has granted it to be declared of cultural interest and Historic-Artistic Site. Currently inside it houses a museum with Muslim plasterwork. Villamalur (Km 36.2): less than 70 inhabitants inhabit this small municipality of Alto Mijares. It is located on a high mountain in the Natural Park of the Sierra de Espadán, which causes it to be a rugged and irregular term. Still standing is the castle and several watchtowers on a high mountain very close to the village. Algimia de Almonacid (Km 51.8): municipality located on the western slope 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. Castle of Eslida (Km 72.3): medieval fortress dating from the Muslim period. It crowns the image of the town as it is situated on the top, from where you can see the whole town. Currently it is largely in ruins but it has been known that it was a relevant place due to the importance of the town. La Vall d’Uixó (Km 96.4): 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.
Borriana, a municipality in the Plana Baja region, is located in front of the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by orange groves, which makes it a perfect destination for family tourism. In addition to its natural setting, it has a fishing port, a marina, a nautical club and a Sea School. Its Arenal beach is the most popular, hosting every August the famous Arenal Sound, a festival that attracts thousands of visitors. Historically, Borriana was an important Arab settlement known as Ciudad Verde, and although it was conquered in the 13th century by James I, its splendor came in the Muslim era. The city preserves vestiges of that era, such as the walls that were maintained until the eighteenth century, and it was in the twentieth century when it obtained the title of city. In its religious heritage, highlights the Basilica of San Salvador, built in the thirteenth century in Gothic style with Romanesque elements, and the Torre del Mar, one of the few watchtowers that remain standing. As for gastronomy, you can not miss its rice dishes, such as paella or rice marjalero, which you can taste in the Tasca de Ricardo, near the port.
For accommodation, Hotel Beatriz, in the center, offers an economical option, while Hotel Tere Playa, on the beachfront, will allow you to enjoy the sea during your stay.
Parish Church, Basilica of San Salvador: dates from the thirteenth century and its bell tower from the fifteenth century. It was declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument. Torre del Mar: old watchtower at the mouth of the river Ana and near the site of the Clot de la Mare de Deu. Clot de la Mare de Deu: wetland area at the mouth of the river Ana and has several species of waterfowl. Torre de la Carabona: 18th century tower next to the Camí del Palmeral.
Hotel Beatriz (Artur Perucho y Badía, 30): simple hotel at a very affordable price in the center of Borriana.
Hotel Tere Playa (Camino Ecce Homo, 14D): Hotel on the beachfront at a very affordable price.
