Paterna Del Madera: Hiking Trails and Nature

Paterna Del Madera can be approached from several angles when planning your trip: hiking trails and landscapes sit alongside the town’s character, festivals and regional cuisine. If you’re looking for a hotel in Paterna Del Madera, you can first decide which of these aspects you want to shape your stay. The specific differences between the trails, natural attractions and cultural themes can help you organize your interests.

Hiking Trails and Getting There

For planning a hike, two trails can be distinguished by the features specified for each. The historic PR AB-21 trail connects Paterna Del Madera with Alcaraz and is a 21.86-kilometer round trip. The distance therefore refers to the full route in both directions. The PR AB-26 runs from Paterna Del Madera to Vegallera along the banks of the Río Madera. The destinations and total distance are key features of the PR AB-21; for the PR AB-26, its riverside route is the defining feature. Check the route details before setting out.

The road to Alcaraz passes through Vianos and over the Puerto de las Crucetillas. From there, you can see the source of the Río Mundo; the road also crosses the valley of the Sierra del Agua. Check road conditions before driving.

Nature and Landscapes

Fuente Lisa is a recreational area made up of several springs near the hamlet of Río Madera. The Cueva de la Osera is located in a karst formation with numerous sinkholes. The cave is also associated with a local legend about a bear that abducted a young woman. Sinkholes are funnel-shaped depressions in karst regions; they provide an additional indication of the area’s geological features.

Pino del Toril is a particularly large tree on the Cuerda de los Gallineros and can be reached via the Cañada del Provencio trail. Pico de la Almenara is almost 1,800 meters high; the summit offers impressive views. These two natural attractions are notable for different features: for Pino del Toril, the tree, its location and the named trail are important, while for Almenara, the elevation and summit views stand out.

El Chorreaero is a waterfall surrounded by lush and varied vegetation. It can freeze over in some winters. There are also several natural waterfalls along the stretch from Batán del Puerto to the houses of the Sierra del Agua. Local wildlife includes, among other species, wildcats, Iberian ibex, red deer, fallow deer and roe deer; however, a sighting is not guaranteed.

Townscape, Festivals and Cuisine

The small old town of Paterna Del Madera has steep, narrow streets. Its townscape offers a different focus from the natural attractions and hiking trails. If you include both in your travel plans, you can consider the landscape and the character of the town separately.

The patron saint festivities take place every year from August 23 to 28. If you’re planning your trip around these dates, check the local program for the relevant year.

Traditional cuisine also features specific local names: ajo de habichuelas is made with a local bean called judía moruna or mollar. Other traditional dishes include migas ruleras, gazpachos, andrajos and guisaos. The two names for the bean are alternative names for the same bean.

Discover more destinations: El Morrión, Fuente-Alamo, Ayna, Vianos, Yeste, Canaleja, Salobre, Zapateros.

For the main travel overview: Albacete.