Lorcha: Trails, Serpis Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Lorcha’s municipal trail network comprises hiking trails 1 to 6, mountain biking or longer hiking routes 7 to 10, as well as long-distance cycling routes or multi-day hiking trails 11 to 17. When planning your day, these types of routes can be compared as different forms of activity, without having to commit to just one way of getting around. Route 1, “El pueblo de Lorcha,” is an easy 1.8-kilometre walking route that starts and ends in La Cova Park, passes playgrounds and goes by the Church of Santa María Magdalena. Anyone wishing to compare different daily rhythms will find clearly named formats within the trail network: the local route contrasts with the longer hiking and mountain biking routes, as well as the long-distance cycling and multi-day tours. This allows short local routes and more extensive trails to be considered as different planning priorities, without anticipating a particular route.

Nature

When planning your trip, you can classify the landscape both by its spatial extent and by its protection status. The protected landscape of the Serpis covers 12,730 hectares and has been part of the system of protected natural areas of the Valencian Community since 2007. The Serpis River flows around the Barranco del Infierno gorge and provides a habitat for interesting biodiversity in the Lorcha area. The Sierra de la Safor covers 3,514 hectares and is classified as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) because of its contribution to the conservation of natural habitats, ecosystems and wild animal and plant species.

Culture

The cultural themes can be distinguished according to their form of expression, architectural history and religious significance. Cova Llarga is located at the entrance to Lorcha’s town centre and contains examples of Levantine rock art, an artistic form recognised as World Heritage. There is a park next to Cova Llarga that visitors can explore. Perputxent Castle has been designated a Site of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 1998. It is a Muslim fortress from the 12th and 13th centuries that was converted into the feudal castle of Vall del Perputxent at the beginning of the Christian era. The Church of Santa María Magdalena stands in the centre of Lorcha and was built in the 18th century. The present building was constructed after its predecessor was destroyed during the Civil War in the late 1940s and was consecrated in 1955. Lorcha’s patron saint festivities honour Santa María Magdalena.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Lorcha, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. Take your time to check each of these three details in advance before choosing accommodation for your trip.

Other places

Cocentaina, Novelda, Beniaia, Orihuela, Casas del Señor, Javea, Pinoso, El Campello

History

The Vía Verde del Serpis runs along the former Alcoy–Gandia railway line, which operated from 1893 to 1969. It was known as the “Tren de los Ingleses.”

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.