06

from Sella to Torremanzanas

 

This stage begins in Sella, surrounded by a beautiful mountain setting: Aitana, Puig Campana, El Cabeçó d'Or and Castellet. We leave the Marina Baja to enter l'Alacantí and continue discovering beautiful environments and spots in the province of Alicante, such as the municipality of Torremanzanas and its surroundings.

We set off from Sella towards Relleu and after crossing the river Sella we come to a continuously upward sloping path, next to staggered terraces of almond trees. At the start of the path we can see explanatory panels about the 'Water Route', a small local trail that reveals the advanced agricultural and irrigation methods that the Arabs knew how to work.

In just over 2 kilometres we will have climbed high enough to see from here wonderful views of the Puig Campana or the Island of Benidorm, as well as a charming view of the municipality of Sella under the Aitana mountain range. If we undertake this stage at the beginning of the year we will enjoy the spectacle of the almond trees in blossom, because the route runs alongside endless terraces of this characteristic Mediterranean tree.

We  start  the  descent  to   Relleu along a pretty and quiet path, also between terraces, that takes us to the municipality through its northern area. We go through this small town skirting around   the  castle,  which  stands  on the hill overlooking the town. In front of the wash house, we will leave the municipality by the river Amadorio.

This stage coincides in some sections with one of the stages of the south- eastern pilgrimage route to Santiago, so in some stretches we will see the signposts for this.

We cross the river to begin the ascent by a dirt path bordering the Penya del Figueret, a territory of eagles, owls and hawks.

This track starts to climb, reaching its summit at 957 metres above sea level.

We are in the Grana range, locked between the town of Torremanzanas and the imposing Sierra del Cabeçó d'Or.

We continue  walking  peacefully  along a track, while enjoying the contrast of some high wooded areas interspersed with broad swathes of orchards, mostly almond trees.

We cross the Surca ravine and once again along a path with terraces of almond trees we will reach the Relleu road, which we will cross and continue through the Teix district that runs through pine trees to our destination, the municipality of Torremanzanas.

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Relleu

​A charming village which has pretty, narrow and terraced streets, currently decorated with pebbles which endow it with originality and a certain allu- re. Of Arab origin, its inhabitants built the castle of Relleu, some remains of which are left such as the defensive towers and walls.

It has buildings of historical and architectural interest, such as the Church of San Jaume, the municipal wash house, the medieval mill, "masos" or farm estates, Casa Balde and La Vallonga. The historical, archaeological and eth- nological museum, where we can see the archaeological remains found in the town.

Torremanzanas

​Located at the foot of the La Grana Mountain, with a tradition of agriculture, in a municipality where we can find numerous farmhouses, the legacy of an agricultural society.

It has buildings of architectural and cultural interest such as the Church of Santa Ana, the Pou de la Neu and the High Feudal Tower House that houses the Ethnological Museum, as well as prehistoric remains such as the Freginal de la Font Major, Silos de la Foia de Cortés and Xipreret, the Necropolis of Monte de la Barsella and the Penyó del Comanador.

Both towns are striking because of their beautiful surroundings, spots with Mediterranean charm and ideal for enjoying adventure sports.

Relleu, surrounded by the Cabeçó l'Or, La Grana and Aguilar mountain ranges. Torremanzanas, among the mountains of Els Plans and Rentonar, the Sierra de Penáguila, La Grana and Monteagut.

From Relleu there are routes for hikers, such as the Camí Bortolons, Bassa del Molí Vell and Camí de L'horta among many others. From Torremanzanas, the PR - CV 232 along the Serra dels Plans and the Montagut.

For mountain bike  enthusiasts,  there are beautiful trips that take in the towns of Relleu, Sella, Torremanzanas and the Sierra de Aguilar.

For the more intrepid, Relleu has an excellent via ferrata, the Via Ferrata del Figueret. You can also practice canyoning in Barranc del Estret de Relleu, which we advise you to descend after the rainy season, as it will be more fun. From Torremanzanas, in the nearby town of Penáguila, you can descend the ravine of Castell de Penáguila.

Since Cabeçó L'Or and La Grana are declared special protection areas for birds, they offer an ideal environment for birdwatching. They host important populations of birds of prey like the golden eagle, the aplomado falcon and the eagle owl. The presence of the black wheatear and redbilled chough are worthy of mention.