There are various ways to explore Lorcha: easy walking trails, routes for different types of activity, a protected river landscape and traces of several centuries of history. The local route network makes it easier to get your bearings; the cave, castle, church and former railway line each offer their own historical and cultural highlights. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by assessing Lorcha according to the mix of exercise, nature and history you have planned.

Choose hiking trails by type of route

Routes 1 to 6 are hiking trails; numbers 7 to 10 include mountain biking routes or longer hikes, while 11 to 17 are long-distance cycling routes or multi-day hiking routes. This classification helps you distinguish a walk from longer outings, rather than treating all the numbered routes as the same kind of hiking trail. Conditions on individual routes may change. Check them locally before setting out.

Route 1, “El pueblo de Lorcha,” is an easy 1.8-kilometre walk. It starts and ends in La Cova Park, passes playgrounds and goes by the Church of Santa María Magdalena. As a family walk, it combines a manageable route with stops in the village.

Protected landscapes along the Serpis

The protected landscape of the Serpis covers 12,730 hectares and has been part of the Valencian Community’s system of protected natural areas since 2007. The Serpis River winds around the Barranco del Infierno gorge and provides habitat for an interesting range of biodiversity in the Lorcha area.

The Sierra de la Safor covers 3,514 hectares and is classified as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). This classification is related to the conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems, as well as wild animal and plant life. This gives nature enthusiasts different perspectives: the river landscape and its biodiversity on the one hand, and the protection of habitats on the other.

Rock art, castle and railway history

Cova Llarga lies at the entrance to the centre of Lorcha. The cave contains examples of Levantine rock art, an artistic expression recognised as a World Heritage site. There is a park next to Cova Llarga that visitors can explore.

Perputxent Castle is a Muslim fortress dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. At the beginning of the Christian era, it was converted into the feudal castle of the Vall del Perputxent. It has been designated a Cultural Asset of Special Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural) since 1998. The Church of Santa María Magdalena stands in the centre of the village and dates back to an 18th-century building. The present building was constructed after its predecessor was destroyed during the Civil War; reconstruction took place in the late 1940s, and the church was consecrated in 1955.

The area’s railway history is also part of its past: the Vía Verde del Serpis follows the former Alcoy–Gandia railway line. The railway operated from 1893 to 1969 and was known as the “Tren de los Ingleses.” Lorcha’s patron saint festivities honour Santa María Magdalena. If you would like to include them in your travel dates, check the festival dates in advance.

Plan your stay around your interests

The range of routes is useful for planning your trip: Route 1 is an easy 1.8-kilometre walk, while routes 11 to 17 include long-distance cycling routes or multi-day hiking routes. They involve different time commitments and activity levels. Along with your interests in the river landscape or history, these differences can help you decide on the focus of your stay and guide your search for a holiday apartment.

Discover more destinations: Ondara, Elche, El Campello, Xaló, Bolulla, Arneva, Torrevieja, Catral

For the general travel overview: Alicante.