Description
Serra Mariola Natural Park lies between the regions of L'Alcoià, El Comtat and La Vall d'Albaida, occupying an area of 17,000 ha, spanning across part of the municipalities of Alcoi, Cocentaina, Muro, Agres, Alfafara, Bocairent and Banyeres de Mariola. The park is highly treasured by its inhabitants, mainly due to the use of its natural resources in today’s culture.
Past tectonic activity led to the emergence of an aggressive-looking massif, giving rise to great elevations dominated by the “Montcabrer”, the highest mountain of this range with an elevation of 1,389 m. From this point you can see magnificent views of the entire territory. The important aquifers of Mariola, already recognised by Cavanilles, give rise to countless fountains and springs that spray the entire mountain range, generating a cooler and more peaceful atmosphere.
The park is home to species of holm oak, flowering ash, maples, yews, and many of the aromatic and medicinal plants considered useful and beneficial for our daily lives.
There is a great diversity of birds of prey and forest birds, the jewels of the territory. If you awaken your adventurous spirit, you can explore the most important heritage in our territory such as the Sarsa cave, El Salt or Agres mill, among others.
More park information here
Main species
Residents: Golden eagle, common buzzard, peregrine falcon, northern goshawk, Eurasian sparrowhawk, common kestrel, Eurasian eagle-owl, tawny owl, little owl, barn owl, scops owl and griffon vulture.
Summer: Short-toed snake eagle.
Recommended season
Spring, summer, autumn and winter
Facilities
- Interpretive routes and trails
- Bird hide
- Recreation area
- Interpretation Centre
- Viewpoints
Birdwatching points of interest
- Solana viewpoints (Sanctuary and Cross of Saint Christopher)
- Cava Gran ice house
- La Borrera (Molí Campana) - Castle viewpoint
Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Weekends and festivities from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.