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from Xorret de Catí to Elda/Petrer

 

The stage nestles in the protected landscape of the Sierra del Maigmó and El Cid, one of the areas of greatest scenic beauty in the province. We climb to the top of the Silla del Cid, at 1.127 metres above sea level, one of the most emblematic elevations in the Medio Vinalopó district due to its characteristic shape of a saddle. During the descent we can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the municipality and Petrer Castle.

We set off from Xorret de Catí following the trail signposted "Rabosa", taking us along a road with a pretty pond restored by Alicante County Council, for the conservation of amphibians and dragonflies.

The route runs along a dirt track, passing by the Shrine of Catí and after going over Amoros hill we arrive at the La Rabosa hostel, next to a huge pine forest, from where many hiking routes start.

The natural vegetation of the area is dominated by the Aleppo pine and the kermes oak. The holm oak has virtually disappeared, except in some of the wetter, shadier areas. As for birds, these are numerous, and include golden eagles (which nest in nearby areas), the goshawk, the eagle owl, also nesting, or the sparrowhawk.

We are heading for the singular shrine next to the hostel, and then descend along a dirt track until we reach a ravine. We continue our journey along the bed of the ravine, next to thick vegetation, until reaching the track where we begin our ascent.

We  climb through the shady area of  El Cid, going through a forest of pines and kermes oaks, until we reach the Contador hill, where you can enjoy wonderful views, before concluding  our ascent to the summit of the El Cid mountain.

From this point, facing north you can see the summits of the Maigmó  and Maigmonet, the Sierra de Bèrnia and the Sierra de Aitana. To the South, Petrer, Elda, Monóvar and Novelda.

We descend along a pretty, zigzagging trail that runs through the shady area until you reach the foot of the mountain, where we will find an asphalt road that will take us to Petrer, with a beautiful view of the castle.

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Elda

​Surrounded by mountains and known for its location in a beautiful valley, there are many attractions that make Elda a town with a difference which is worth visiting and discovering.

Elda is an open and enterprising town. Its museums, festivals, an open old town and shopping centre, unique landscapes and especially its Footwear Route are its main identifying marks. The footwear town par excellence. Its festivities of Moors and Christians and its footwear outlet routes are complemented by a varied gastronomic range.

Petrer

The historic town is an urban complex that developed around the mound crowned by the 12th century castle-fortress.

There are many, very varied places of interest in the municipality, given the rich heritage it has. Immerse yourself in the history of Petrer by visiting its monuments: the Castle, the Cave houses, the Castle Arch, the Roman oven of Villa Petraria and surprise yourself in its old quarter with narrow, winding, typically Moorish streets that will transport you through the centuries.

A territory nestling in the Valley of Elda, in the middle reaches of the river Vinalopó.

And walled in by the mountain ranges: Torret-Monastil, Las Pedrizas and Umbría, Sierra del Cid and Mount Bateig.

HIKING:

Petrer has an extensive network of  short-distance  trails,  up  to 38 different ones, including: PR-CV 143 Xorret de Catí - L' Avaiol, PR-CV 36 Petrer - Silla del Cid and the GR-7 path that crosses the municipality.

Elda has a large number of approved trails for you to enjoy its beautiful surroundings, such as: PR-CV  195 Las Cañadas, PR-CV 196 Bolón or the Elda-Salinas.

CYCLING:

The extensive network of roads and forest tracks allows cycling on routes at all levels. You can also go on a tourist cycling route, which links the municipalities of Petrer with Novelda, along quiet cattle trails.

CLIMBING:

For the amateur climber there are several areas where you can practice, "la Foradà", near the natural beauty spot of Xorret de Catí being one of the most well-known schools in the province, having more than 145 routes. Another area, Las Peñas de Marín located in Elda, has become one of the most widely visited mountaineering schools for beginners in the area.

The more daring can opt for the Via Ferrata del Cid, which goes up to the top of the Silla del Cid, being one of the most difficult in the province. If you want to start this activity, you can visit the vias ferrata located in the neighbouring municipality of Villena: Salvatierra Castle and Sierra de la Villa.