Do you like sports and nature?
Peñíscola is an ideal place to enjoy this wonderful combination.
Today we would like to introduce you to the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, a site covering almost 8,000 hectares on land and nearly 2,500 hectares at sea that was declared a natural park by the Valencian government on 16 July 2002. It is one of the last coastal mountain ranges left undeveloped on the Mediterranean coast.
Its unaltered nature with species native to the Mediterranean area and its steep slopes that form small virgin coves in their gentle descent to the sea, make it one of the most beautiful natural parks on the Valencian coast.
Its virgin coves are characterised by their crystal-clear water, their tranquillity and the beauty of the natural environment in which they are located.
Along the coast we can find several coves ideal for snorkelling, diving or fishing. The most outstanding ones are: Cala del Moro, Cala de Puerto Azul, Cala Ordil or Puerto Negro, Cala Pebret and Cala Argilaga. We can also find nudist coves recognised by the Spanish Naturist Federation such as: Cala l’Arjub, Cala del Volante, Playa del Ruso or Cala Argilaga. Most of the coves have spectacular views of the Castle of Peñíscola or the Badúm Tower, a sentry tower located on a cliff of considerable height (about 97 m).
Among the local species, rosemary is the main protagonist, ideal for condiments and an essential element in Valencian paella, although it is protected within the natural park. In addition, Mediterranean species such as: Devil’s carob trees, mastic, heather and sarsaparilla or other varieties such as pennyroyal and camomile, lavender and rockrose, Miera junipers and blackthorns or cat’s claws stand out. Especially noteworthy is the Geranium of Irta, a cherry-coloured subspecies of geranium exclusive to this area.
If we walk through the park we can observe butterflies of various types and sizes, the Collared Lizard and a large number of endemic birds such as the Audouin Gull or the Bonelli’s Eagle which have made the Sierra d’Irta their natural habitat.
The area of the Mediterranean Sea that bathes the Serra d’Irta is an ecosystem full of very singular and unique species such as the date mussel, the red mullet, the caixeta, the sea urchin, sea bugles or the famous “caragol puntxenc”.
For all these reasons, the Sierra de Irta is a place worth visiting, whether you are walking quietly, trekking or hiking, running or even mountain biking. There are numerous routes that you can consult in the following link from wikiloc: https://bit.ly/2UsSkua.
We have selected the best routes so that you can enjoy a walk in the Sierra de Irta or practice your favourite sport:
- Blue route: Walking along the coast.
- Red route: A landscape of contrasts.
- Yellow route: An excursion to the past.
- Mas del Senyor, Clot de Maig and Torre Badúm:
- Irta lighthouse, Cala Cubanita and Fuente de la Parra.
- Alto de Vistahermosa and Ermita de Sant Antoni.
- Crests of the Sierra de Irta.
Also, we have some routes to enjoy pedaling. Also, if you need a bicycle, in Tamarindos Apartments we can get you one!
- Fardatxo route.
- Route of the Xoriguer.
- Route of the Cranc.
For the more sporty ones, we remind you that the Benicarló-Peñíscola Artichoke Half-Marathon will be held on 28th March. You can find more information here.
Apartments Tamarindos is an ideal place to rest and relax before practising sports as it has a large green area where you can do stretching and warm-up exercises.
