Eslida is located in the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park and offers a contrast between very steep, winding streets and a landscape of mountains, ravines, pines and cork oaks. The town brings together buildings from different periods and traces of past uses; hiking trails and a long cycling route offer other ways to explore. You can tailor your stay to your interest in local history, walking routes or cycling.

Old Town and Historic Buildings

The old town consists of narrow, winding and very steep streets in the style of an Arab medina. Four named entrance gates remain from the historic town wall: Portal Viejo, Portal Nuevo, Teixidors and Virgen de los Dolores. The steep streets and gates give the historic townscape its distinctive outline.

At Eslida Castle, the main tower, the Torre del Homenaje, stands out for its triangular floor plan. Two angled twin towers serve as defensive structures. The Iglesia El Salvador also combines different historical influences: it was built over an Arab mosque and has Baroque architecture with Rococo decoration.

Construction of the Ermita del Calvario began on February 24, 1704. The chapel is attached to a cistern that houses a ceramic altarpiece of the Virgen de la Cueva Santa. El Molí de l'Aire preserves the remains of an old grain mill. L'Arc de la Rambla is a Roman aqueduct over the Anna River. Els Corrals refers to a group of former alquerías on the opposite side of the river from Eslida. Together, these places represent very different aspects of history: defense, religious architecture, water engineering and rural use.

Hiking Trails and Specific Starting Points

The PR-CV-352 hiking trail starts at Plaza del Molí. The G-36 connects Eslida with Alcudia de Veo; the walking route is 13.4 kilometers long. The PR-CV-138 passes through the municipal areas of Eslida and Chóvar, is just under 10 kilometers long and can be completed in one day. The two trails therefore differ both in their stated length and in the time described for completing them. Before setting out on the G-36, check trail conditions and signage; for the PR-CV-138, check the route status and conditions.

The Ruta de les Fonts starts at the Sierra de Espadán Park visitor center at Avenida Francisco Mondragón 2. As information about the visitor center may change, it is advisable to check the starting point before setting out. There is a recreational area along the route at Font de Matilde; check in advance which facilities are currently available there. Another local, signposted and refurbished hiking trail leads to Font dels Llops and Coll Roig. Check the signage and conditions before this hike as well.

Landscape and Cycling

The Sierra de Espadán Natural Park has hiking trails and cycling opportunities among springs, ravines and dense cork oak forests. The municipality of Eslida encompasses rugged mountains and ravines, pine and cork oak stands, and mineral springs. This landscape offers a different perspective on a stay than the buildings in town: nature trails and local history provide distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip.

For cycling, the R19 is a considerably longer route option: it is just under 74 kilometers long and starts in the center of Eslida, heading toward Artana on the CV-223. By comparison, the hiking trails mentioned are 13.4 and just under 10 kilometers long. Before cycling, check road conditions and the route status.

Local honey production is also part of Eslida's history. In 2013, the town was considered a point of reference for beekeeping and the production of artisanal honey. At the time, eight beekeepers were registered for tax purposes; three of them had sales and marketing businesses in the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Traiguera, Barracas, La Pobla Tornesa, Villanueva de Viver, Sant Joan de Moró, Benasal, Almazora, Alcalà De Xivert

For the broader travel overview: Castellon.