Sierra d’Irta
Parque Natural Sierra D'Irta (eng. Sierra de Irta Natural Park) is a unique 12,000 hectares place where mountains meet the sea. It's one of the last untouched mountain ranges on the Valencian coast, with steep cliffs, hidden coves, and unique flora and fauna. In 2002, it was declared the Sierra de Irta Natural Park and Marine Reserve, attracting around 70,000 to 80,000 visitors every year. The park can also be explored through various hiking/cycling trails.
Sierra de Irta is a special place for us. Mainly because we live on the edge of the park so we have the pleasure of observing some unique birds or lizards on our terrace once in a while. Even though we've explored a big part of the park, there is still so much to see. Nevertheless, our experience:
Ermita de Sant Antoni. It's possible to reach it by car, however, the road is unpaved. We chose to go by feet and it was a good 40 minutes hike up the hill. Definitely worth it, the view is spectacular. The hermitage dates back to the 16th century. Every year, a traditional pilgrimage from Peñíscola takes place on the Sunday a week after Easter. I know this because on the 16th of April 2023 we were coming back home from the hospital with our newborn and there were hundreds of people around our home which normally is an extremely quiet place. For a second I thought that they all came to congratulate us, this is how exhausted I was.
Torre Badum was a watch tower used to warn about approaching enemy. It is believed to be of Arab origin. It's possible to walk, cycle or go there by car. The tower is located on the edge of the steep cliff from which you can enjoy the vastness of the sea as well as the view of Peñiscola in the distance. Interestingly, to keep the enemy from entering the tower, it has no doors. The access is through the window that is 6 meters high.
Castillo de Santa Magdalena de Pulpis. This castle is built on the site of an old Arab fortress at an altitude of 431 meters and dates back to the tenth and eleventh centuries. Remains from the Arab era that still stand: two walls, a fortified access door, a tower, and a well. It is an irregular mountainous castle with two enclosures built around a courtyard. We visited it by car, however, do it only if you are not sorry for your car, the road is unpaved and very rocky. The last piece will have to be done on foot anyway. Regardless that the view is wonderful, it is very peaceful and even soothing up there, enjoyed it very much.
Castillo de Alcalá de Chivert. This castle, with its Arab origins from the late 11th - early 12th century, saw modifications following its reconquest by the Order of the Temple. These changes, still visible today, include the division of the castle from the town by a wall, strong ashlar walls, and round twin towers. The complex, covering around 8,000 square meters, includes three areas: the citadel at the highest point for military and political purposes, the albacar as a refuge for the population and livestock during conflicts, and the walled town, or aljama, on the southeastern slope. The castle is gigantic, it's clearly visible from the highway as well. We visited it twice, both times by car. The road is unpaved but is moderatly smooth. The castle is definitely worth visiting and since it's standing so high on the hill the view is obviously spectacular.
