Innumerable archaeological findings testify to the human presence in the sierra since ancient times,mainly in the southeast and near the Vinalopó River: paintings, sites (mainly Neolithic, bronze and Iberian), castles, caves, farmhouses, lime kilns and other constructions prove it. This human settlement would be very much conditioned by the climate, the relief and the altitude, being the richness of the fauna, the exuberance of the vegetation, but above all, the abundance of the water, the elements that would impel the first settlers to settle in these lands.
Over time, the use of natural resources would give rise to the emergence of many different trades, many of which have disappeared today, as a result of technological advances and rural abandonment. Thus, the mountain range is full of infinite paths and roads that served the vital need for communication between these people: snowmen, farmers, hunters, woodcutters, charcoal makers, shepherds, or simple walkers, people who have left and continue to leave their mark on this mountain. With the aim of conserving these and other values, the Sierra de Mariola was declared a Natural Park on January 8, 2002, giving it a special protection figure that, hopefully, will guarantee that those who come here will be able to enjoy the privilege of visiting and admiring these lands, today as yesterday.
It includes part of the regions of La Vall d’Albaida, l’Alcoià and El Comtat and the long distance path GR-7 passes through it, among others. In the Sierra Mariola you can go on excursions on foot, on horseback or by bike. There are signposted paths through which the traveller can contemplate some interesting constructions such as chapels, farmhouses, snow caves, etc. You will also discover natural spots of singular beauty such as the source of the Vinalopó River, the peak of Montcabrer (1,390m.), the Font de Mariola or the Sarsa Cave.
OFFICIAL ROUTES OF SIERRA DE MARIOLA NATURAL PARK
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- Green route: In the shade of the cavas
- Blue route: Water route
- Red route: A date with history
- Yellow route: Sunny viewpoints
FLORA & FAUNA
CENTER OF INTERPRETATION
The Information Centre and the management office of the Serra de Mariola Natural Park are located at Mas d’Ull de Canals, at kilometre point 17.5 on the CV-795 road (Alcoy – Banyeres de Mariola).
Staff: team made up of two workers
Hours of operation:
- From Monday to Friday: from 8.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m..
- Weekends and holidays: from 9.00 to 2.00 p.m hours.
Telephones: 96 593 79 61 / 679 19 52 15
E-mail: serra_mariola@gva.es
Web: http://www.parquesnaturales.gva.es/es/web/pn-serra-de-mariola/serra-de-mariola
The Center of Interpretation will be closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 and 6 January.
*Occasionally and due to service limitations, the NPIC may be closed during the performance of certain activities and other matters. For your future visit we recommend, if it is the case and you consider it appropriate, to contact by phone beforehand. In this sense, we inform you that the CI of the National Park may be closed on time during part of its schedule.