The Sierra de Irta is the greatest natural treasure in the province of Castellon and one of the most important in the entire Valencian Community. Its 13 kilometres of virgin coastline make this Nature Park a most unique place in the entire Mediterranean. A true beauty of nature that transports us to bygone times and allows us to imagine what our coasts must have been like before the advance of man. Are you ready?
Occupying the coastal strip between Peniscola and Alcoceber, the Sierra de Irta combines the sea and the mountains, becoming a refuge away from the urban hustle and bustle. The Natural Park is located in the Bajo Maestrazgo region, to the north of Castellon, and on its internal line it borders the municipalities of Alcalá de Xivert and Santa Magdalena del Pulpis.
It is a very special corner of the Costa de Azahar full of endless trails with views of the sea, native flora and fauna worthy of admiration, and cultural vestiges waiting to be discovered on your next getaway to the Mediterranean.
On July 16, 2002, the authorities declared, given its exceptional characteristics, the almost 8,000 hectares of the Sierra de Irta Nature Park and Marine Reserve. And it is that not only is it one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire Valencian Community and one of the last unbuilt coastal mountains in the entire Mediterranean, but it also has numerous protected species of flora and fauna that are hardly found outside of this marvellous landscape, like the Mediterranean tortoises.
The Nature Park is made up of two mountain ranges parallel to the sea separated by the Valle of L'Espotet, which reach its highest point (573 meters) at the Pico de Campanilles. Along the coastline, stretches of cliffs alternate with sandy and gravel beaches, illuminating landscapes of enormous beauty that contrast with the dense pine forests in the interior. The Marine Reserve also stands out, whose seabed present a high degree of conservation and are an ideal place for diving.
The possibilities when it comes to enjoying the Sierra de Irta are innumerable with a multitude of small paths that extend along the slopes in search of the best views or places of interest such as the Xivert Castle, the Pulpis Castle or the small hermitages and towers that dot the landscape.
Do not miss this fantastic map that includes the main routes. Among all of them, there are two different routes that we want to recommend depending on where you access the Nature Park:
It is the longest route (4 kilometres) and is accessed from the southernmost point of the Sierra de Irta, next to Alcoceber. All you have to do is follow the numerous indications that exist on the streets of the municipality. These lead to the Nature Park through its entrance arch next to the lighthouse of the town.
The path begins in the Malentivet Ravine, where the deep green of the thick vegetation in the area contrasts with the brilliant blue of the sea. During the route, you can see cliffs that have suffered erosion by the force of the waves and small rocky coves where you can take a bathe. The return is by the same route you came, being a linear route, it is suitable for the whole family.
It is a simple route of just over a kilometre, which is accessed from Peniscola, following the Nature Park signs that are found throughout this municipality located to the north of the Sierra de Irta.
The route is circular and begins at the so-called Font Nova. The ideal is to start inland, crossing pine forests to return along the coast enjoying its beaches flanked by small dunes until you find the spectacular Badum watchtower, which in the 16th century served to protect the people of Peniscola from pirate attacks.
The Sierra de Irta is surrounded by the N-340 road that connects Alcoceber and Peniscola. The two main accesses to the Nature Park are close to the municipalities of Alcoceber (following the CV-142) and Peniscola (taking the CV-141). Both allow direct access to the coastal area of the natural space and enjoy the Red Route and the Blue Route.
In addition, there is another possibility of access to the interior area of the Nature Park directly from the N-340 road as it passes through the municipality of Santa Magdalena de Pulpis.
The Nature Park Interpretation Center is located outside it, in the municipality of Peniscola, and you can access it by following these coordinates.
Enjoying a swim in the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean during your visit to the Sierra de Irta is almost mandatory. Next, we show you which are our favourite coves and beaches in the Nature Park:
La Cala Blanca is the perfect example of a typical beach in the Sierra de Irta. In it, the stones mix with the sand, forming a small cove surrounded by gentle cliffs and low-lying pine trees. Its great attraction is the crystalline waters that bathe the southern part of the Nature Park where it is located. Other nearby and very similar beaches are Cala Mundina and Cala Ribamar. It is worth visiting them!
Playa del Pebret, although small, is the largest purely white sand beach in the Sierra de Irta Nature Park. Its great sand dune stands out, which is currently undergoing natural regeneration, so it is forbidden to walk on it.
Playa del Russo, next to Playa del Pebret, is one of the few sandy beaches in the Nature Park. It is a beach with a naturist environment whose name goes back to a Russian lieutenant who settled there. Of virgin nature, from it you can see in the distance the white profile of the historic old town of Peniscola as if it were a seagull on the horizon.
Whichever route you choose to explore the Sierra de Irta, at Servigroup Hotels we offer you two fantastic establishments located on the beachfront and in the best locations in Peñíscola and Alcocéber. Places in which to disconnect after a day of adventures enjoying all its complete facilities and caring service. Discover the emblematic Hotel Papa Luna in Peniscola and the Hotel Romana in Alcoceber and book your next getaway to the Mediterranean now. We are waiting for you!
The endless white sandy beaches of the Costa de Azahar often overshadow the many other charms that this incredible area of the Mediterranean coast awaits travellers. This is the case of the Coves de Sant Josep, some very interesting underground caves that hide the longest underground navigable river in Europe and whose walls house cave paintings. Are you going to miss it?
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