Discover Góntar: Trails, Canyon and Iberian Heritage

Route 13 Góntar–Venta Tiziano covers 6.6 kilometres as an out-and-back route along a combination of trails and forest tracks. It is recommended for hiking and mountain biking. The route is considered easily accessible and therefore combines different elements of the course without equating the two types of activity. The main factor in distinguishing the two routes is their different course: the first route returns to the starting point and combines trail sections with forest tracks, while the second route descends towards the Segura and ends at a suspension bridge. This clearly distinguishes the circular route from the descent.

Trails and activities

The Vía Ferrata de Gontar is located next to the hamlet of Góntar in Yeste, in the Sierra del Segura, on the right-hand edge of a large orange-coloured rock face. The Vía Ferrata de Gontar offers a single classic vertical course. Route 12 Góntar–Río Segura begins at the spring near the houses of the Ermita de Góntar. Its easy descent passes through the groups of farmsteads in this part of the village to the Segura River and ends at a suspension bridge over the river. Thus, in Góntar, an out-and-back route with trails and forest tracks and an easy descent with a river crossing are found side by side as differently designed routes.

River landscape

The edges of the Zumeta River canyon are covered with hackberry trees, maple trees, pines and terebinths. The Zumeta River canyon features sculpted rock cliffs that form vegetation-covered hollows and surround the valley. From Góntar, there are views of the Zumeta River canyon. Thus, the Zumeta brings together vegetated riverbanks, rock cliffs and views from Góntar.

Geographical setting

A route through the Valle del Río Segura passes through La Graya, La Donal, Parolix, Góntar and Venta de Tiziano. Góntar appears alongside the other named places as a separate point within this route.

History and culture

Along the way between Góntar and Venta, Molata de los Almendros contains a clearly identifiable Iberian settlement with areas arranged like streets and numerous dwellings. The rock overhangs of Vadico on the Zumeta River bear Epipalaeolithic traces and are associated with Góntar. The farmsteads of Álamo on the Jutia plateau are associated with Iberian remains and the surrounding area of Góntar. Castillo de Gontar is designated as open to visitors. Together, these sites represent different historical references: Iberian settlement remains, Epipalaeolithic traces and a building designated as open to visitors.

The different names, landscapes and periods make the cultural information distinguishable: Molata de los Almendros lies along the way between Góntar and Venta, Vadico is on the Zumeta River and Álamo is on the Jutia plateau.

Other places

Other places to include in your travel plans are Los Alejos, Liétor, Caudete, Canaleja, La Gila, Casa De Las Monjas, Casas De Abajo and Las Casicas.

For the overview of the wider area: Albacete.