Navajas: Waterfall, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Navajas features distinctive geological formations in the Salto de la Novia natural area, the Palancia River and a riverside area accompanied by riparian woodland. The Cascada del Brazal, a 30-metre-high waterfall on the Palancia, is located there. At its highest point, the height above the riverbed is 50 metres.

Landscape

El Mirador del Paraíso has been established in the Cascada del tío Juan area for tourist visits. The Cueva del Reloj is located in the Salto de la Novia natural area opposite the waterfall. It owes its name to a pointed rock at the entrance: its shadow showed farmers working in the nearby fields what time it was.

Hiking and Trails

The Ruta de las Fuentes is an easy 1.5-kilometre trail along the Palancia River that ends at the Salto de la Novia. The Ruta del Palancia is an 11-kilometre circular route between Navajas and Segorbe. Another circular route, the Ruta del Baño, covers around 10 kilometres and takes in the main sights around Navajas. The different trail lengths make it easier to plan your hiking days clearly.

Active Pursuits

The Vía Verde de Ojos Negros runs through Navajas. It passes through two tunnels and reaches the remains of a former quarry, as well as the railway station and its associated facilities. The route is currently used for outdoor sports and walks in a scenic natural setting. Water sports and kayaking on the Palancia River are possible at the Pantano del Regajo; climbing, hiking and mountain biking can also be enjoyed there.

Culture and History

El Olmo, a monumental tree believed to be 385 years old, stands in the centre of Navajas's main square. It belongs to the Ulmus minor Mill. species and is catalogued as a monumental tree by the Valencian Community. The Torre de Altomira is classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest and is located on the foothills of Monte Altomira. The streets of the town's late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century expansion reveal grand houses preserved as testimony to the Belle Époque. The parish church of Navajas dates from the 16th century.

An old mining path runs across the upper part of El Altomira. From there, the Sierra de Espadán can be seen to the north, the Calderona to the south and the Palancia Valley in between. El Puente del Baño is a single-span arch bridge of the humpback type. It was planned and built around 1799 to connect the road to Aragón with the surrounding villages. Its angular profile is adapted to the sloping terrain and the large central arch required.

The Ermita de la Esperanza was built in 1491 in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza. After falling into disrepair again, it was restored in a simple and elegant Byzantine style.

Festivals and Faith

The San Antón celebrations begin with the lighting of a bonfire in the Plaza del Olmo. Navajas's Fiestas Patronales begin on the second Saturday in September with the presentation of the festival queen and her court of honour. Various music, theatre and dance performances take place during the festival week. The pilgrimage in honour of San Vicente Ferrer takes place on the second Monday after Easter.

Getting There and Information

Navajas can be reached via Exit 33 of the A-23 and then the CV-213. The Navajas Tourist Office is located at Plaza del Olmo 1. From April to October, there is also an information point at the Salto de la Novia Interpretation Centre.

Other places: Benicassim, Castell De Cabres, Fuentes De Ayódar, Morella, Soneja, Vilar De Canes, Borriol, La Pobla De Benifassà

To the higher-level travel overview: Castellon.