Buñol, Cortes de Pallas and Cofrentes, Plus Trekking in the Mountains

Many of the castles to visit on the Moorish route require a hike through the mountains and along stony paths.
It is advisable to bring comfortable shoes and clothes, as well as a bottle of water for the first day's trekking.

Although it is best known for La Tomatina, the tomato-throwing festival, Buñol has a great cultural attraction and its castle is one of the best preserved in the Valencian Community.
Dating from the Arab period, it stands at the top of the Venta ravine. It still conserves bridges, access gates and above all walls and towers. Its peculiarity is that the old castle enclosures are now permanently inhabited houses.
It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The car can be parked in the immediate vicinity of the castle, on the access roads, and it is only a five-minute walk to the entrance.

From this viewpoint you can see the landscape where the Moors lived. High stone walls bordering the canyon of the river Jucar with its turquoise water.
The Moors adapted to the geography of the terrain, making vegetable gardens in the ravines and occupying the castles on the heights to prevent enemy attacks.
The car can be parked at the same viewpoint to contemplate the landscape.

On the way to Cortes de Pallas, there is another stop to make. This viewpoint has one of the best views of the reservoir and also offers picnic tables under the shade of the trees.
You can see a large part of the canyon of the river Jucar, together with the jetty. There is also a small remnant of the castle of La Pileta, a place used by the Moors as a defensive fortress.
Parking the car is a bit complicated in this place, there are some places in front of the house next to the viewpoint, where there is a bend in the road.

Arrival at the village of Cortes de Pallas to leave the car and take a walk through the natural surroundings, the place where the Moors settled before their expulsion.

The ravines were used by the Moors to set up their vegetable gardens and build irrigation channels, taking advantage of the proximity of the river Jucar.
On this walk you can still see the Moorish irrigation ditches and pools, which in many cases are still used today to irrigate the terraced vegetable gardens above the ravine.
You can also see the reservoir of the Muela de Cortes located further downstream.

In Cortes de Pallas, there are not so many options for food. This restaurant stands out for its homemade food and generous portions.
It has a set menu, or you can try tapas, sandwiches or raciones. The owners are very friendly and do their best to ensure that diners are satisfied.
Open Hours: Monday-Sunday: 08:30 - 16:30, 19:00 - 22:30
After lunch, return to the parking lot (less than a 10-minute walk) to continue along the Moorish route.

Ready for a trek? Leave your car in this roadside car park to start your adventure.

This location could not be better. High up on the rocky wall that serves to contain the river Jucar, this castle was of great use to the Moors because they could see the enemy from a great distance.
Today, a large part of its central structure is still standing, and it is in the process of being restored to its former splendour.
The trek from the car park to the castle takes about 45 minutes along a signposted path through the sierra. After taking the time to enjoy the scenery, return along the same path to the car park and continue on your way.

Once in the village of Cofrentes, and before entering the historic centre, you must make a stop. Leave the car in the car park and walk less than five minutes to reach the viewpoint.

In the village of Cofrentes, the river Cabriel flows through flatter terrain. From this viewpoint, you can see the river flowing through a different environment and the Cofrentes castle mounted perfectly on a rocky outcrop.
After taking the time to photograph the scenery, take a short walk to the car park to visit another point of interest.

A viewpoint with a different perspective, where you can see the waters of the river Cabriel converge with those of the Jucar, forming the reservoir. To complement the great scenic beauty, you can see the iron bridge at the confluence.
If you change the panoramic view and turn your head towards the other side, you will see the castle of Cofrentes from another perspective with its remains of walls and towers.
There is a place to park the car next to the viewpoint.

Homemade food, good service and regional dishes are the highlights of this small restaurant that mixes local customers with tourists.
Their black pudding and grilled meat are some of the best dishes on offer. They have a terrace on the square to eat outdoors on summer days.
Parking is easy in the immediate vicinity of the restaurant, less than a five-minute walk away.

Accommodation for complete relaxation in the midst of a dreamlike landscape surrounded by a large grove of trees.
It has an outdoor pool for the summer months, but its strong point is the indoor pool and spa.
Buffet breakfast and a wide range of outdoor activities to do in the surrounding area.