Els Ibarsos offers two clear starting points for planning a trip: the PR-CV 348 circular hiking trail, with its stated elevation profile, and the town’s history, reflected in its buildings and festival traditions. Those who want to spend time outdoors can consider the circular route and excursions to Tossal de la Cova; those who want to focus on cultural traditions can look to the Festes Patronals in May and the customs associated with Sant Antoni. For either focus, it is worth checking current trail conditions or the specific festival dates in advance.

Hiking and elevation profile

The PR-CV 348 circular hiking trail starts at Av. Castelló s/n in Els Ibarsos. The route is designated as a circular trail and passes through hilly terrain between cultivated areas to Els Ibarsos; it then crosses the town along the old road. For elevation planning, the route lists 970 m of ascent and 970 m of descent. The same figure for ascent and descent makes the route’s elevation balance clear at a glance. The last quality inspection, in August 2022, was positive; nevertheless, check current trail conditions before setting out. The Serra d'en Galceran is listed in connection with the PR-CV 348 as both a ZEC (Zona de Especial Conservación) and an LIC (Lugar de Importancia Comunitaria). Also check the applicable trail-use rules before your visit.

Another destination is Tossal de la Cova: numerous pleasant trails lead there from Els Ibarsos, particularly for walkers. You should also check local trail conditions for this excursion. For the PR-CV 348, the circular route and elevation figures are the key details; for Tossal de la Cova, the destination and the excursions along the trails leading there take centre stage. This makes it possible to include two different kinds of hiking in your plans.

Local history and heritage

In the Middle Ages, Els Ivarsos and the Rambla Carbonera formed an extensive rural settlement, a masada, within the municipality of La Serra d'en Galceran. In the 18th century, the population of this masada grew with the construction of the Ermita dels Desemparats. The Parròquia de la Mare de Déu dels Desemparats dels Ibarsos is a separate building: the parish church was built around 1985 and is classified as a Bé de Rellevància Local. This classification is based on the fifth additional provision of Law 5/2007 of 9 February of the Generalitat, which amended Law 4/1998 of 11 June on Valencian cultural heritage. The two buildings thus represent different stages in the town’s history: the Ermita is associated with the development of the masada in the 18th century, while the parish church belongs to a later period.

Festivals and local traditions

The Festes Patronals dels Ivarsos are held every year in May in honour of the Mare de Déu dels Desemparats. The festivities last ten days and include activities for all age groups; the duration and programme may vary from one edition to the next. Bullfighting events featuring a wide variety of breeding farms are part of every day of the festivities. The offering and the mass in honour of the patron saint are also particularly significant moments for residents. Before travelling, check the current official dates and programme.

The Festes de Sant Antoni als Ivarsos centre on a different sequence of local customs. The procession for Sant Antoni is called del Farolet; those at its head and some of the participants carry lanterns. During one procession, horses are led around a bonfire, followed by pets from the town. Traditional Rotllos are also handed out in Els Ibarsos to celebrate Sant Antoni. For this festival, too, check the latest dates and programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Els Rosildos

For the wider travel overview: La Serra D'en Galceran.