Yátova: Nature Trails, Waterfalls and Iberian History

The Cueva de las Palomas features a rugged landscape with pools and cascades that form during periods of heavy rainfall. The main attraction is a waterfall approximately 20 metres high.

Nature

The Paraje Natural Municipal de Tabarla has been a municipal natural area since 2007 and covers 68.42 hectares. Tabarla is known for its mountain goats, Iberian hares, foxes, wild boar, genets and red squirrels, as well as numerous amphibians, reptiles and birds. The area includes a recreational area and a zone with paelleros for picnics in natural surroundings. Wild camping is not permitted in the Paraje Natural Municipal de Tabarla.

The trail in the Paraje Natural Municipal de Tabarla is easy to walk and 9.1 kilometres long. Part of the trail near the Cueva de las Palomas runs parallel to the Juanes River and passes geomorphological formations created by water erosion.

Culture and History

The Iglesia Parroquial de los Santos Reyes is classified as a Bien de Relevancia Local. It is a Baroque building from the 17th century that was remodelled in the 18th century. The bell tower was built on the site of Yátova’s former mosque.

El Pozo de la Nieve dates from the 17th century and is an ice store that was used to preserve food. It is one of the few buildings of this type preserved in a town centre. Calle del Arco is the only surviving medieval architectural landmark in Yátova and is included on all urban routes.

Pico de los Ajos is a fortified Iberian settlement in the Sierra Martés and was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2016. The archaeological site has been partially consolidated, signposted and open to visitors since 2020. Guided tours of Pico de los Ajos have been organised since 2020 with prior reservation. An easy-to-walk trail leads there from a car park at the Refugio de montaña del Manquillo, following the GR-7.

Visits to the Colección Museográfica take place during library opening hours or by prior arrangement with the Ayuntamiento de Yátova. Los Cucos are historic dry-stone structures that were used by shepherds, charcoal burners and farmers for shelter.

Trails and Routes

The PRV-115 trail begins in the centre of Yátova. It is a moderately difficult route that requires no special equipment or training. The trail passes through dry-farming areas, alongside carob, olive and almond trees, as well as through scrubland and pine forests. It also runs along dry-stone walls that support the trail surface on the mountain slope.

The Ruta del Agua del río Juanes, also known as Río Chico, begins upstream in the municipality of Yátova. The Ruta de los Cucos is an accessible circular route connecting various dry-stone structures associated with former activities in the mountains of Yátova. Another route leads from the municipality of Yátova to Motrotón, one of the most distinctive mountains in the surrounding area.

Festivals and Local Culture

Yátova’s Feria de Turismo, Artesanía y Gastronomía takes place on the first weekend of June. Associations and traders from Yátova come together for the event in Parque de San Vicente.

Other destinations: Monserrat, Algar, Alpuente, Xirivella, Albalat Dels Taronchers, Castelló De Rugat, Dos Aguas, Gátova

To the higher-level travel overview: Valencia.