The Mariola range is located in the administrative regions of L’Alcoià, El Comtat and La Vall d’Albaida, and includes the towns and villages of Agres, Alcoi, Alfafara, Banyeres de Mariola, Bocairent, Cocentaina and Muro de Alcoy. Deeply rooted in Valencian popular culture, its landscapes have always been a treat for locals and visitors alike. This landscape is a legacy of the traditional exploitation of the rich natural resources carried out over by time by “nevaters”, shepherds, lumberjacks, etc. The presence of humans in the range throughout history is evidenced by the archaeological finds, caves or snow pits, farmhouses, castles and chapels that are distributed throughout the area. The range’s topography, presided by the emblematic “Montcabrer”, with its pastures, snow, aromatic and medicinal herbs, natural shelters … and especially water, make up the area’s personality.

These and many other values led to the protection of almost 17,000 hectares and the classification of Mariola as a Natural Park, on 8th January, 2002.

Serra de Mariola Natural Park Interpretation Centre

Mas d’Ull de Canals

ctra. Alcoi – Banyeres de Mariola, km 17’5

Apartado postal 157

03450 Banyeres de Mariola

Tel: 96 556 63 83 Fax: 96 556 76 13

email: serra_mariola@gva.es

More information about the natural parks:

http://parquesnaturales.gva.es/web/indice.aspx?nodo=2987&idioma=C

Tourist Info

How to arrive

The reference locations are Alcoy, east of the mountains, and Villena, to the west. From the latter, via the C-3316, shortly before reaching Bocairent we take the CV-2051 on the right, which takes us the 8 kilometres to Mariola Castle. From Alcoy, we take the AP-3313 direction Banyeres de Mariola After 5 kilometres we turn right, direction Bocairent, and follow the CV-2051 to the castle.