At the Barranc de l’Encantà, a watercourse, Mediterranean vegetation, and a four-kilometre walk come together; south of Margarida, the Castillo is another named destination. Nature and cultural heritage offer different focuses for planning your visit. It is important to distinguish between the described trail length at the Barranc and the footpath to the Castillo, which is described as very difficult. The Parròquia de Sant Francesc also adds its own ecclesiastical history to a visit to the town.

A walk at the Barranc de l’Encantà

The Barranc de l’Encantà is a natural area with an intermittent watercourse that does not flow continuously. A four-kilometre walk follows the Barranc through Mediterranean landscape. Aromatic plants and characteristic trees are part of its description, as are the pools formed there. In summer, you can bathe in them, although conditions may vary. Swimming is therefore a seasonal part of the nature experience and should not be treated as a fixed feature of every visit.

Hikes and waypoints

A route to the Castell de Margarida leads from the Barranc de l’Encantada, or Gleda, via Mas de Cantacuc. This route names an intermediate point and a destination. A recorded hike starting from Margarida crosses the Barranc de la Encantada; conditions at this crossing may vary seasonally. Check local conditions before planning to cross here. When choosing your route, it is worth keeping both the named waypoints to the Castell and the seasonal note about the crossing in mind.

Castillo de Margarida: access and history

The Castillo de Margarida lies south of Margarida. The Castillo is open to visitors; on foot, it can be reached via a very difficult path. If you plan to walk there, check local conditions beforehand. Historically, the castle belonged to Al-Azraq and passed into Christian hands in 1244 as part of the Pact of Pouet, after Al-Azraq had declared himself a vassal of Jaume I. This sequence connects the declaration of vassalage with the transfer of the castle and makes the Pact of Pouet a specific point of reference in its history.

Parròquia de Sant Francesc

The Parròquia de Sant Francesc in Margarida is housed in a building listed as a protected site of local significance. The inventory entry was updated on 3 April 2023. The parish church is dedicated to Sant Francesc; historically, it was subordinate to the parishes of Catamarruc and Planes. Its dedication and former ecclesiastical affiliations shed light on two different aspects: the dedication identifies the saint, while the affiliations describe the parish church’s historical place within the church structure. Catamarruc and Planes should be understood here as historical parishes.

Discover more destinations: Benimarfull, Aigües, Alcoleja, Teulada, Petrer, Els Poblets, Lorcha, Monóvar

Go to the regional travel overview: Alicante.