Cortes De Pallás lies along the Júcar River. There are several different highlights to consider when planning your trip: hiking trails, the reservoir’s waterscape and historic buildings. There is also a karst cave, waterfalls and pools formed by river erosion. You can tailor your stay to whether you mainly want to hike, explore landscapes or include cultural history. For some activities, trail conditions and seasonal offerings are important to consider when planning.
Hiking trails with different routes
The SL-CV 13 circular hiking trail, the Senda de Cavanilles, starts and ends in Cortes De Pallás. It is 8.5 kilometres long and of moderate difficulty. The route passes through a Valencian game reserve and Natura 2000 LIC and ZEPA areas. Check local signage and trail conditions before setting out.
The long-distance GR 7 offers a different route. It crosses the municipality of Cortes De Pallás from north to south, passes over the Sierra Martés-Albeitar and then follows the Júcar to the summit of Caroig. While the Senda de Cavanilles is a circular route that starts and ends in the town, the GR 7 crosses the municipality. The descriptions therefore clearly distinguish between a circular hike and the route of a long-distance trail.
The Júcar, reservoir and waterfalls
A tourist river route on the Júcar runs between Cofrentes and Cortes De Pallás, covering 14 kilometres of the Cortes Reservoir. Check operating and booking details before your trip. At the Embalse de Cortes de Pallás landing stage, you can rent kayaks and take a boat trip on the reservoir in spring and summer. Check in advance that these activities are operating as well.
The Barranco de la Barbulla, also known as Arroyo de Cortes, is a trail with cascades and small waterfalls. These include El Corbinet, Tres Cascadas, the Cascada de la Cueva el Tejedor and the Cascadas del Manantial de San Vicente. Las Pozas del Ral are pools formed by river erosion; if you plan to swim there, conditions may vary. Los Chorradores de Otonel are a series of continuous waterfalls that flow into the Júcar. Their water flow varies with rainfall.
The Muela de Cortes is home to a national big-game hunting reserve. Ibex and mouflon are found on the steep cliffs along the reservoir’s right bank.
Castles and buildings
Castillo de Chirel was built in the Middle Ages to control traffic along the Júcar. Although the castle is in ruins, its double ring of walls, cistern and main tower are still visible. It rises above the Júcar Canyon and can be reached via a hiking trail. Check local trail conditions before visiting.
Castillo de la Pileta is located in the centre of Cortes De Pallás and can be visited. It is a former Moorish fortress; the remains of two square-plan towers are preserved. The hamlet of Otonel is home to the remains of a former Muslim castle, including a tower and traces of an earlier stretch of wall. Castillo de Ruaya is a Muslim castle that once controlled the routes into the Ayora Valley. Its watchtower has survived, although it has deteriorated over the years.
The town’s architectural history also includes the parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, built in 1775, and the Palace of the Baron of Cortes de Pallás. The Baroque building dates from the 18th century.
Cave and local tastings
Cueva Hermosa is a karst cave with stalactites and stalagmites, numerous chambers and an underground spring. Exploring it in its entirety requires caving skills and more than five hours. Anyone planning to explore the cave should take into account the time and expertise required.
In the hamlet of Venta Gaeta, you can sample locally made traditional cured meats and other meats. Check current availability locally.
Discover more destinations: Ademuz, Venta Del Moro, Puig, Torrent, Torres Torres, Cofrentes, Benicolet, Gilet.
For the full regional travel guide: Valencia.
