R25 – Vilafamés
Route
Description of the route
The route in Vilafamés will take you between the Sierra de Irta Natural Park and the Peñagolosa Natural Park, passing through several passes of up to 2nd category. Only 7 km from the start, you will begin to climb the Puerto de la Bandereta, with a smooth road that intensifies at the end, until you reach 793 m altitude. Then, a small steep slope will take you to the Sierra de Engarcerán, easy to overcome. From there, you will enjoy a 10 km descent to Benlloch, with views of the Plana Alta. The CV10 will take you to the Puerto de la Serratella, another 2nd category pass, which will prepare you for the next harder kilometers. After a descent, you will reach Albocàsser and continue towards Benassal on the CV15. Here, recharge your strength for the Puerto de Culla, where you will reach the maximum altitude of the route at 1,060m. The descent will take you through Torre d’en Besora, Atzeneta and Les Useres. The last 13 km are almost flat and uncomplicated. Enjoy the return to Vilafamés and celebrate the 150.4 km covered!
Points of interest along the route
Puerto de la Bandereta – Rosildos (Km 28.8): located between the village and the Sierra de Engarcerán, this is a short but intense pass with steep slopes. As you go up you will be gaining altitude at a very fast speed which offers incredible views. The hardness of the port is rewarded once you reach the top and you can enjoy the panoramic view. Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady – Benlloch (Km 41.9): located in the center of the town center stands this church with 25 meters high which has to be accessed by 150 steps. Built in the seventeenth century with a Renaissance style and some Gothic solutions in its vault. Its bell tower has one of the oldest bells in the Valencian Community. Puerto de la Serratella (Km 65): we find a port with little difficulty, beautiful and with incredible views that you can enjoy along the 15 km. The road will take you through the nature of the interior of Castellón where you can enjoy the silence and peace that is breathed. It is not a road frequented by cars, so traffic will not be a problem. Benassal (Km 89.7): small town with just over 1,000 inhabitants where tourist attractions include the church of the Assumption of the Virgin, which dates from the eighteenth century and retains a baroque doorway; the town center where you can find remains of the people who stayed there; the prison tower, which was used as a defense and prison and was part of the wall. Atzeneta del Maestrat (Km 125.7): Atzeneta is a small town located in the region of Alcalatén that has just over 1,300 inhabitants and retains an important medieval and Renaissance heritage. It is worth mentioning the Torre de la Presó, currently the ‘Centro de Interpretación de la Historia de Atzeneta del Maestrat’ (Interpretation Center of the History of Atzeneta del Maestrat). Les Useres (Km 134.6): municipality in the region of Alcalatén located between ravines and mountains. Although it has less than 1000 inhabitants you can visit four chapels and a parish church of the eighteenth century located on the remains of the castle.
Vilafamés, a town with more than 80,000 years of history, preserves remains from Neanderthal and Paleolithic times. Its old town, of Muslim origin, houses the Castle of Vilafamés and the Church of the Assumption ( XVI century). It also highlights the Church of La Sangre and the Hermitage of San Miguel. In addition to its heritage, it offers a rich local cuisine such as pot, tombet and almond sweets. For lodging, we recommend the Hotel Rullo, L’antic Portal and the Jardín Vertical, all with rural charm.
Cova de Dalt del Tossal de la Font: archaeological find with remains from 80,000 years ago, attributed to the Neanderthals. Cova del Matutano: site of the Paleolithic period with more than 11,000 years. Vilafamés Castle: from the Muslim period, it is located at the top of the village. Church of the Assumption: from the XVI century. Inside there is a 17th century altarpiece. Church of La Sangre: hidden among the narrow streets of the old part of Vilafamés. It dates back to the 13th century. Hermitage of San Miguel: from the 17th century. It houses the pilgrimage that is celebrated on the fourth day of Lent.
Hotel Rullo (La Font, 2): a rural stay in the heart of the old town with views of the whole village.
L‘antic Portal (La Font, 6): rural hotel with rustic decoration at an affordable price.
El Jardín Vertical (Nou, 25): an 18th century rural hotel.
