Villahermosa Del Río between mountains, gorges and culture

Villahermosa Del Río reveals its scenic side particularly around Penyagolosa: Penyagolosa Natural Park also extends across the municipality, and the Carbo River lies at the foot of Penyagolosa within the municipality of Villahermosa del Río.

Nature

The Barranco de la Hoz circular hiking route passes through the Hoz of the Carbo River and begins at the recreational area at the confluence of the Carbo River and the Villahermosa River. Along the way, the rock walls pass areas that serve as nesting sites for birds and refuges for Iberian ibex.

The Cascada Río Carbo route starts at Plaza de la Iglesia by the tourist information office and leads through the town to the river. It passes an old mill, several waterfalls and various pools such as the Pozo Negro. The Cascada la Tosca route begins at the foot of the Ermita San Antonio and leads to Paraje de la Tosca.

La Tosca is a natural cave with a water feature and limestone formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The cave remains closed to protect the vegetation and formations; the area is designated as a protected natural area.

The Barranco Magro route begins at the CV-175 and leads down into the gorge via a direct descent. Its geology is shaped by the erosion of Triassic mountains, while the gorges consist predominantly of limestone. The route is considered prone to flooding and slippery.

Culture

The Nuestra Señora de la Natividad church stands in Villahermosa del Río and is classified as a locally protected monument. Its floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross, with a nave, two aisles, a transept and a presbytery with an octagonal end. The parish church also contains Gothic altarpieces attributed to the Maestro de Villahermosa.

The surviving El Tamborete tower is of Arab origin and belonged to fortifications from the early Reconquista. The restored Romanesque-Gothic bridge provides access to the beginning of the Barranco de la Hoz route.

The Ermita San Antonio Abad is a church from the period of the Reconquista and is designated as a locally protected monument. Its wall paintings depict San Cristóbal and San Sebastián and are considered rare surviving examples of this type of mural painting in the region. The Ermita de San Bartolomé, approximately 8 kilometres from Villahermosa del Río, is also a locally protected monument and can be reached via the CV-197.

Trails

The La Muela via ferrata is 140 metres long, overcomes an elevation gain of 100 metres and offers views of the rugged surroundings of Villahermosa del Río. The La Mina via ferrata combines an equipped via ferrata with panoramic views and a passage through an underground section of the former La Amorosa copper mine.

The Pino Cacho–San Bartolomé route begins at the end of Calle Hospital and reaches Pino Cacho after approximately 3.6 kilometres. It passes through pine and holm oak forests; griffon vultures are frequently spotted along the route. On the Monte Altís route, the trail reaches the summit of Altís at an altitude of 1,300 metres. Natural viewpoints there offer views of Penyagolosa, while griffon vultures, golden eagles, Iberian ibex and wild boar can frequently be observed.

The route from Villahermosa del Río to the San Juan de Peñagolosa sanctuary begins in the town and can be completed on foot or by private vehicle. The GR 7 E31 stage is linked to the Penyagolosa protected areas designated as a ZEPA and an LIC. The section from Sant Joan de Penyagolosa to Villahermosa del Río is 11.9 kilometres long. Another GR-7 stage begins in Villahermosa del Río and ends at the CV-196 near San Vicente de Piedrahita in Cortes de Arenoso.

Visitor information

The Tourist Info Villahermosa del Río provides tourist information, assistance and guidance for the municipality and the entire Comunitat Valenciana. To visit the Piscifactoría de Villahermosa del Río, you can contact the town hall or tourist information office in advance so that the facilities and their functions can be explained. Fishing with the brown trout bred there is permitted in the lake at the Piscifactoría.

Annual events

In Villahermosa del Río, the festival in honour of San Antonio Abad is celebrated in January on the weekend closest to 17 January. It includes a large bonfire, the blessing of the animals, a procession and the distribution of handmade blessed flatbreads.

Further destinations: Onda, Montanejos, Almenara, Alfondeguilla, La Pobla Tornesa, Olocau Del Rey, Alcudia de Veo, Ayódar

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