La Vall de Laguar – Holiday apartment between gorges and history

The Vuelta a la Llacuna route covers 8 km through terraced agricultural land, past water sources and through rocky terrain and scrub vegetation. From Benimaurell, the circular route climbs to the ridge of the Serra del Penyó and returns to Benimaurell via the Camí de Baix.

Hiking and landscape

The PR-CV 181 La Volta a la Llacuna route leads from Benimaurell via the Senda de l'Ombria to the Coll de la Garga and then along the ridge of the Cavall Verd. The PR-CV 181 Fleix–Benimaurell–Cresta del Cavall Verd route is 7.57 km long, has 395 m of positive elevation gain, takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, and has a high technical difficulty level.

The PR-CV 181 hiking trail leads from Benimaurell via a steep ascent to the ridge of the Serra del Penyó. The PR-CV 181 Fleix–Benimaurell–Cresta del Cavall Verd route passes through terraced landscapes with dry farming as well as almond, cherry and olive trees, and past a lagoon that can turn into a wetland after torrential rainfall.

The hiking route through the Barranc de l’Infern uses characteristic zigzag mule tracks with steps that overcome the significant differences in elevation between Fleix and Benimaurell. Over 9 km, the Barranc de l’Infern offers jumps, waterfalls and plunge pools; crossing it requires skill, caving knowledge and climbing equipment. Suitable footwear as well as plenty of water and provisions are recommended for the hike through the Barranc de l’Infern.

Different route formats help you compare the length and technical demands of the trails.

Culture and history

The Cova del Tamborí cannot currently be entered because of the risk of collapse and unstable conditions. From Benimaurell, follow the path towards the mountains and you will reach the Cova del Tamborí after a few metres. Prehistoric tools as well as human and animal remains were found in the Cova del Tamborí, also known as “La Cambreta de les Buixes”.

The parish church Iglesia Parroquial Santos Cosme y Damián in Benimaurell has a single-nave, rectangular layout with side chapels; all its structural elements date from the 18th century and follow the Mediterranean model. On 16 August 1248, Jaume I granted houses and plots of land to 20 settlers in the Alquería Benimaurell in the Vall de Laguar.

On 14 June 1611, a settlement charter was granted for Campell, Alfeig and Benimaurell within the feudal lordship of Vall de Laguar. The final days of Benimaurell’s patron-saint festivities include releasing young bulls in the village square and a Toro embolado. Valencian Pilota is played in Benimaurell every weekend, especially in the Palma and Llargues variants; several league tournaments are also held there.

The Llavadors de la Vall de Laguar washhouse is a rectangular building with a gabled roof and an arcade-fronted porch with round arches. The historic site includes remains of solid rammed-earth walls that delimit two rectangular areas, partly hewn into the rock; it served as a refuge for the Moriscos before they fled to Pop Castle.

Cycling

A cycling loop through the valleys of Marina Alta reaches the Font de Benimaurell and then continues into the village; before proceeding towards the Coll de Garga, a very steep final ascent is indicated, where cyclists should dismount.

Other places: Benitachell, San Bartolomé, Forna, Gaianes, La Romana, Gata De Gorgos, Muntanya de la Sella, Tabarca

To the main travel overview: Alicante.