The Camino Natural de l’Antic Trenet runs along Carrer de l’Estació to the former La Barraca d’Aigües Vives railway station. Here, hiking trails meet the history of a former railway line, alongside monastic heritage, a pilgrimage in October and landscapes between the valley and orange groves. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is worth first deciding which outings you have planned and checking the accommodation’s exact location against your destinations.
Hiking along the former railway line
The former railway station is where a particularly vivid part of the railway’s history begins: the surrounding area has been turned into a park. The only surviving station building now serves as a sociocultural centre; a former railway keeper’s hut can be seen nearby. A 5.7-kilometre section of the Camino Natural de l’Antic Trenet follows the route of the former railway line that connected Carcaixent with Dénia. This allows you to experience the trail through the lens of its former use as well.
From the station, the Camino Natural runs parallel to the GR-236, the Route of the Monasteries. AMA Vall d’Aigües Vives publishes environmental information brochures and hiking route tracks for the local area. Check whether the tracks are still available before using them. The passport for Caminos Naturales and Vías Verdes also lists the Ajuntament de la Barraca d’Aigües Vives as a place to get a stamp; check current contact details and procedures in advance.
Monasteries and history in the surrounding area
The Route of the Monasteries offers the opportunity to visit La Murta in Alcira, Aguas Vivas in Carcaixent, Santa María de la Valldigna in Simat, Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir and Corpus Christi in Llutxent. In Carcaixent, in the area around La Barraca d’Aigües Vives, stands the Real Monasterio de Santa María de Aguas Vivas. Its origins date back to the 13th century. The present-day building was constructed in the Valencian Gothic style in the 16th and 17th centuries; in 2007, the monastery was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural.
The monastery’s early history and its later architecture are two distinct points in time: its origins date back to the 13th century, while the present-day building dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. If you are interested in its architectural history, you can connect this distinction with the wider choice of monasteries along the GR-236, rather than planning all the destinations as a single visit.
The valley, pilgrimage and other experiences
The Aguas Vivas valley is bordered by the Sierra de las Agujas. Orange groves shape the landscape across the broad plain near La Barraca d’Aigües Vives. Alongside the cultural programme, the landscape itself is therefore a clear focus: the edge of the valley and the open plain offer distinct geographical points of reference.
A pilgrimage takes place every year in mid-October. It reenacts the discovery of the Virgin of Aguas Vivas by a farmer in 1250. If you would like to time your trip to coincide with the pilgrimage, check the dates for the relevant year; the exact programme may vary.
La Galiana Golf is also located near La Barraca d’Aigües Vives. The course is open to all players every day and offers a golf school as well as introductory courses for children of all ages. Check the current operating conditions before visiting. After passing through La Barraca d’Aigües Vives, La Galiana Golf is signposted on the right after one kilometre; follow the local road signs when driving there.
Planning your journey and accommodation
La Barraca d’Aigües Vives is currently accessible only via the CV-50 road. As road conditions can change, check them before setting off.
Casa de Espiritualidad San Juan de Ribera is another notable place to visit in La Barraca d’Aigües Vives. The diocesan programme for 2025/2026 included weekend spiritual retreats there, as well as five-day sessions during Advent and Lent. Admission for days of reflection or retreats is possible upon request, with the approval of the parish priest or spiritual director. Check the relevant programme for specific dates and availability.
Discover more destinations: Xirivella, Polinyà De Xúquer, Masalavés, Rótova, Navalón, La Torre D'en Besora, Favara, Gilet
For the main travel overview: Valencia.
