16

from Algueña to Hondón de los Frailes

 

This stage runs through the Sierra de Algayat, delimiting the valleys of the Medio Vinalopó, a district through which we will continue to travel during this stage. We ascend the Penya de la Mina, where the route offers us some incredible views of the Sierra de Crevillent, abrupt and steep and with slopes criss-crossed by countless ravines.

This stage begins in the town centre of Algueña, leaving the town via street Cuevas Altas, so called because of the existence in this street of some unique cave houses.

The environment, once we have left the town behind, will be occupied by traditional dry farming crops, swith numerous country houses dotted around.

After covering the  first  6  kilometres of the route we arrive at l'Ombria de Algayat, a small village belonging to the municipality of La Romana. Facing us we can see the shady area of the Sierra de Algayat.

Our ascent will be up dirt tracks next to terraces of almond and olive trees that subsequently give way to the natural vegetation, increasingly lush, where the Aleppo pine, the dominant tree species, and the kermes oaks alternate with savin junipers, strawberry trees, junipers, kermes oak, mastic, heather, ivy, honeysuckle and aromatic species.

We continue our ascent to Las Mulas hill by a zig-zagging path, crossing the stony ground that comes down from the summit.

From the hill we will come off our path to ascend beside the slopes of the mountain along a steep path until we reach the peak of the Penya de la Mina. The views are extraordinary: the Sierra de Crevillent, El Agudo, la Pila, el Carche, the Sierra de Salinas, la Silla and El Cid, Maigmó, the Cabeçó d'Or and the sea.

Retracing our steps to the Las Mulas hill to continue with our journey towards La Canalosa.

We have to make a final ascent, which will take us to the crest of the sierra along a pretty path, until we start a continuous descent full of wonderful landscapes.

We enter the Hondo ravine, a short stretch in total shade, among ancient almond terraces.

Once we have left the bed of the ravine behind, we will walk down wide paths between terraces to our destination, Hondón de los Frailes, crossing La Canalosa, (a village belonging to Hondón de las Nieves) and some small housing estates with the characteristic landscape of the district of the Medio Vinalopó: vineyards, olive groves, almond trees, as well as the presence of a working marble quarry.

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Hondón de los Frailes

​A municipality located in the Medio Vinalopó, in the southwest of the valley of Novelda, within walking distance of the Region of Murcia. To the north it borders Hondón de las Nieves, Orihuela to the west and Albatera to the south.

Hondón de los Frailes is situated on the historic site of the Roman town of IN LUMBA.

The nickname of los Frailes comes from the land having belonged to the Manor of Redován, a property belonging to the Dominicans in Orihuela between the 17th and 18th centuries.

As in other municipalities in the region we can highlight gachamiga, paella with rabbit and snails and highlighting the typical dishes of Hondón such as gazpacho flat breads and borreta.

The area of this municipality is flanked by the Sierra de los Frailes, Crevillent and Albatera, this is why there are a multitude of hiking trails.

To be explored from this town such as route PR-CV 255 Jaime El Barbudo, the name of a bearded 18th century bandit, which ascends to the peak of San Cayetano and the Sant Juri hill; you can make the journey to the Salada watercourse from the town or visit the Sastre and Centenero caves.

Cyclists often frequent the roads in the municipality, thanks to its relief, both mountain and cycle routes on the flat are available, as well as other types.

NATURE

Surrounded by mountains belonging to the Bético range, the municipality lies on a flat area, well used fertile land for crops dedicated to dessert grapes, wine grapes, pears, almonds and olive trees. The indigenous vegetation is mainly, pines, holm oaks, kermes oaks and rosemary.