Day Hike: Sierra de Irta along The Coast
Peñiscola, Valencian Community
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Peñiscola, Valencian Community
During our weekend trip to the charming coastal city of Peñíscola, we were drawn to the allure of the Sierra de Irta, a stunning natural park that beckoned us to explore its diverse terrain.
Positioned on the outskirts of the city, this hidden gem seamlessly merges the scenic beauty of the Mediterranean with the majestic splendor of the mountains. We embarked eagerly on a remarkable hike that allowed us to immerse fully in the area’s unique charm.
If you have the chance to visit the Sierra de Irta, we highly recommend spending a day discovering its wonders.
Here is a list of files that you can download and use for your outing. Check them out and let us know how we can improve.
Put this file into your GPS device, navigation app or smartwatch to follow our track.
Scan or click on the QR Code to follow our trail in the Wikiloc App and give us a follow while you’re at it!
Download this PDF map of the area and print (A3 scale) or save it to your smartphone.
Located less than 150 kilometers from Valencia, the Sierra de Irta Natural Park is easily accessible by highway. During our visit to Peñiscola, we chose to drive to Cala del Moro, which is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the city center. However, for those who prefer walking, it’s also possible to reach Cala del Moro on foot, with the city being about 3 kilometers away.
Upon arrival, numerous parking spaces are available in the area. Note that during the summer months, these parking lots can quickly become filled due to the park’s popularity. We parked at Cala del Moro to begin exploring the Sierra de Irta. From there, we eagerly set out to discover the natural wonders that awaited us.
Located between Valencia and Tarragona, the Sierra de Irta is one of the few untouched mountain regions left along the Valencian coastline. This vast park covers over 7,743 hectares and is designated as a protected area. Additionally, its coastline is 12 kilometers long. Within Sierra de Irta, you will discover impressive features like the tall cliffs of Torre Badum that are among the highest in the entire Valencian Community.
The region has a vast variety of Mediterranean plant and animal life, displaying the biodiversity of this coastal ecosystem. To fully enjoy the beauty of Sierra de Irta’s nature, you can use the park’s network of trails as it is well-developed. There are choices for adventurers of all skill levels with a total of eight hiking paths and three cycling paths. Each path has clear signage, letting visitors fully experience the beauty of the Sierra while being safe and having a good time.
For comprehensive information about the Sierra de Irta Natural Park and Marine Reserve, including maps, regulations, and additional details, we recommend visiting the official website of the Community of Valencia. Here, you can access all the necessary information to plan and make the most of your experience in this remarkable natural haven.
For our hike in the Sierra de Irta, we wanted to experience the diverse landscapes that this natural park has to offer, combining the beauty of the mountains with the stunning coastal creeks. We walked a total of around 13 kilometers, going on a mountain trail on the way in, and on a scenic coastal trail on the way back.
The path we took is easy for everyone to handle, with very little uphill walking, and clear signage to guide us along the way. We started by strolling down the Cala del Moro road to the entrance of the Sierra de Irta Natural Park. You should be aware that there is a parking area just a few feet before the park’s entrance for vehicles. Parking there would have shortened our route by about 5 miles, but we would have missed the captivating coastal promenade. This parking area is especially convenient for those exploring other routes in the Sierra de Irta that only focus on the mountainous terrain.
After about 2 kilometers from the park entrance, we reached Mirador del Pebret. This lookout has stunning views of the Mediterranean coast and the impressive Badum Tower. We continued our journey by taking a charming trail down towards the coast while enjoying the captivating landscapes of the natural park.
As we reached the seaside boardwalk, we kept walking and going up towards the Badum Tower while passing lovely small streams. This route along the coast was especially pleasant, particularly in the summer when the appealing beaches allowed for excellent chances to stop, take a cool dip, and bask in the sunshine.
If you want to proceed a few more kilometers, you can choose to stay on the trail instead of descending to the coast. This longer path gives you more chances to explore and discover. Although we picked the shorter option since we had a long drive home, it is important to note that the Sierra de Irta Natural Park offers numerous trails, each with its own unique beauty and attractions. There is plenty more to discover, and we eagerly anticipate coming back to this spectacular national park in the future.
Tip: During your visit to the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, make the most of your day by exploring the charming town of Peñiscola. With its historic center and impressive castle, it is no wonder that Peñiscola is recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain. Take some time to stroll through the streets, immerse yourself in its rich history, and enjoy the panoramic views from the castle walls. If you have the opportunity, we highly recommend joining a free tour of Peñiscola to uncover hidden gems and fascinating stories. We’ll drop the link to sign up here. Don’t miss the chance to experience the perfect blend of nature and culture during your day in the Sierra de Irta Natural Park.
For your convenience, you can use our interactive map below to find and book accommodation. You can choose from a variety of options such as hotels, apartments, villas or campsites.
This trail has won our hearts. It blends the sea and mountains, providing diverse landscapes in just a few kilometers. We saw many plants and animals in this Valencian natural wonder. The Sierra de Irta Natural Park is a gem, and we strongly recommend this adventure for you to experience its splendor.
We welcome hearing about your time on the Sierra de Irta Trail. Were you pleased with the mix of mountains and sea? Did you spot any unusual plants or animals? Please share your tales, thoughts, and advice in the comments. This will not just motivate others to discover this incredible sight, but it will also create an enthusiastic outdoor community. Please share your tales, thoughts, and advice in the comments. We’re eagerly anticipating seeing your responses!
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Let’s get you geared up for the adventure of a lifetime. Click on the links below and let the good times roll (and climb, and dive, and soar)!
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Warning: Mountain sports are inherently dangerous and a mistake can get you seriously hurt or worse! The information we post in this blog is only meant to be a guide, and should by no means be considered professional advice. If you lack the skills or are unsure about what you’re doing, hire a professional guiding service to teach you hands-on. We will do our best to provide links to trained professionals in the area wherever possible.
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