Parque Natural de la Sierra de Enguera

The Sierra de Enguera spans 24,175 hectares across the southern foothills of the Caroig massif in Valencia province, straddling the municipalities of Enguera, Navarrés and Vallada. Its highest point, Altos de Salomón, reaches 1,056 metres, and from the summit the view takes in a mosaic of Aleppo pine forests, holm oak groves, lentisk scrub and karst formations stretching to the horizon. The range sits between the Valencian coast and the Manchegan plateau, and that in-between position gives it a mixed character: damp ravines with ferns and springs, and dry slopes of rosemary and thyme where limestone breaks through the red earth.

The trail network includes the GR-7, which crosses the range from north to south, and local paths such as the SL-CV-5 (Barranco del Gatillo) and SL-CV-7 (Barranco de la Carrasca). One of the most complete routes is a circular walk visiting four active springs — Fuente de Marzo, Fuente de Lucena, Fuente de la Fraga and Fuente del Barranco del Huerto — passing the La Plana geodetic marker and the remains of an Iberian settlement. Fuente de Marzo, accessible from the CV-590 before reaching Enguera, has a pool where hikers cool off in the warmer months. The limestone bedrock generates natural springs that hold their flow even in summer, which is uncommon in the inland ranges of Valencia.

Recorded fauna includes Bonelli's eagle, which nests on the rocky escarpments, alongside eagle owl, peregrine falcon and over 200 catalogued plant species. Wild boar and fox are the most visible mammals, and amphibians such as the sharp-ribbed newt and common frog can be found in the ravine sections. Vegetation shifts with slope aspect: shady faces support dense holm oak with an understorey of strawberry tree and laurustinus, while sun-facing slopes carry Aleppo pine, kermes oak and esparto grass. In spring, wild orchids flower in forest clearings and along trail edges.

The Barrancos Carrasca-Gatillo Municipal Natural Site, declared by the Generalitat Valenciana, protects one of the areas with the highest forest density in the range. The ravines create damp microclimates where elms, ash trees and climbing ivy grow, contrasting with the aridity of the surrounding landscape. The scent of pine resin and thyme accompanies hikes along the higher trails, the breeze carrying the aroma from the scrub lining the path.

Enguera, the main town with just over 5,000 inhabitants, retains a historic quarter featuring the church of San Miguel and a castle of Islamic origin. Local gastronomy revolves around olive oil, rosemary honey and artisan cured meats. Several wineries in the area produce wine under their own designation. From Valencia city, Enguera is roughly an hour and a quarter via the A-7 and CV-590. The nearest train station is Xàtiva, 30 kilometres away, from where buses or taxis reach the town.