La Vall de Laguar: Hiking and Cultural Heritage

Hiking trails and cultural history offer different focuses for a trip to La Vall de Laguar. Many of the trails and sights described are associated with Benimaurell. For your planning, it is worth considering trail length and technical difficulty as well as current access information.

Hiking and ravines around Benimaurell

The PR-CV 181 route leads from Benimaurell along the Senda de l’Ombria to Coll de la Garga, then follows the ridge of Cavall Verd. The PR-CV 181 Fleix–Benimaurell–Cresta del Cavall Verd is listed as 7.57 kilometres long, with 395 metres of elevation gain, a duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, and a high technical difficulty level. Check trail conditions locally before setting off.

The route passes through terraced landscapes with dry farming and almond, cherry and olive trees. A lagoon is also along the way; after torrential rain, it can turn into a wetland. This means the hike combines clear route information with changing landscape features. Another hiking route passes through the Barranc de l’Infern along characteristic zigzag mule tracks with steps. These overcome the considerable differences in elevation between Fleix and Benimaurell.

The Barranc de l’Infern is also described as a nine-kilometre stretch with drops, waterfalls and pools. Crossing it requires skill, caving knowledge and climbing equipment. Suitable footwear, plenty of water and provisions are recommended for the hike through the ravine. Here, planning is primarily about the skills and equipment required; for the PR-CV 181, specific distance and time figures are also provided.

A cycling circuit through the valleys of Marina Alta also leads to Font de Benimaurell and then into the village. Before continuing towards Coll de Garga, there is a warning about a very steep final climb, where cyclists should dismount. If you plan to ride this section, take it into account when choosing your route.

Buildings, history and visitor information

The parish church of Iglesia Parroquial Santos Cosme y Damián in Benimaurell has a single-nave, rectangular layout with side chapels. Its structural elements date from the 18th century and follow the Mediterranean model. The description of its layout and construction provides a specific architectural point of interest if you would like to include local history in your trip alongside hiking.

Benimaurell’s history includes several dated settlement documents. On 16 August 1248, Jaume I granted houses and plots in the Alquería Benimaurell in the Vall de Laguar to twenty settlers. On 14 June 1611, a settlement charter was granted for Campell, Alfeig and Benimaurell within the lordship of Vall de Laguar. The two dates refer to different historical events and can be considered separate milestones in the village’s history.

Cova del Tamborí, also known as “La Cambreta de les Buixes,” is a short distance from Benimaurell, on the path towards the mountains. Prehistoric tools and human and animal remains have been found in the cave. It cannot currently be entered because of the risk of collapse and unstable conditions. Check access locally again before visiting; the historical importance of the finds does not change the current access restriction.

The final days of Benimaurell’s patron saint festivities include the release of young bulls in the village square and a Toro embolado. If you would like to plan your trip around the festivities, check the current programme in advance. This allows you to consider hiking plans, cultural interests and potential event dates separately when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bolulla, Benimassot, Elda, El Verger, Ontilles, El Mojón, Canyades d'en Cirus, Biar.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.