Mira between gorges, river paths and culture

Mira lies on the river of the same name, between gorges and pine-covered slopes. The Hoces del río Mira are horseshoe-shaped gorges with lush underwater vegetation, which serves as an ecological basis for a diverse fish population. The Tres Cruces viewpoint offers a complete view of Mira and the surrounding valleys. The Los Altares gorge is characterised by red, eroded soils, while the natural Fuente del Rebollo spring is located along a local path through the landscape around Mira.

Hiking and trails

The themed Hoz de Mira trail is designated SL-CU 06 and is a marked 2-kilometre hiking route. The botanical trail through the Hoz de Mira follows signposted paths through natural gorges with viewpoints and rest areas. The Mira–Enguídanos section of the GR-64 is 25 kilometres long, moderately difficult and intended as a day stage. The GR-64 “Vuelta a La Manchuela” also passes through the municipality of Mira. Active tourism in Mira includes hiking, cycling, botanical routes and riverside walks. Different trail lengths and types of activity can be compared according to your preferred daily pace.

Culture

The centre of Mira retains the typical structure of a mountain village, with narrow, steep streets, wooden balconies and whitewashed façades. The Nuestra Señora de la Asunción church in Mira has a single-nave hall church and a three-sided apse with three lunettes. The parish church of the Assumption of Mary combines artistic styles ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque. The Ermita de la Piedad in Mira is a religious building dating from the 16th century.

The birthplace of Antón Martín in Mira is associated with the founding of the Hospital de San Juan de Dios in Madrid. The Los Arenales Viaduct, also known as La Cortada, is part of the Cuenca–Valencia railway line. It has five arches, each with a span of 12 metres, is just under 100 metres long including the retaining walls at either end, and up to 25 metres high. The Mira Viaduct, also known as the Villa Paz Viaduct, crosses the gorge of the Mira River and offers panoramic views over the valley.

Festivals and cuisine

On every Friday during Lent, the Miserere from Psalm 50 is sung in Latin after the Way of the Cross in the church of Mira. The local San Isidro festival in Mira includes a procession to the Ermita de la Piedad, where Mass is celebrated and the fields are blessed. The festivities in honour of San Roque take place in mid-August and include music, bull runs and centuries-old traditions. On the evening of 16 January, bonfires are lit in the streets of Mira.

Other places

Other places: Cólliga, Villar de Cañas, Fuertescusa, Saelices, Castillo De Garcimuñoz, Buenache de la Sierra, Villar De Olalla, Garaballa.

Mira’s traditional cuisine includes gachas and morteruelo, served with matured cheese and wines from La Manchuela.

To the main travel overview: Cuenca.