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from Benijófar to Orihuela

 

A simple route that goes along the banks of the river Segura, located in the Vega Baja del Segura. We cross vast tracts of fertile land and pass by towns such as Formentera del Segura and Benejúzar. During the tour we will see countless waterbirds that live in this area. On the route we will find explanatory panels about the local flora and fauna, as well as Alcois situated in the groves by the river, where we can have a rest and enjoy the tranquillity of this route.

We set off from Benijófar down Primero de Mayo street and continue in a north-westerly direction along an asphalt road through farmland. We continue until arriving at a dirt track, on the right bank of the River Segura. We will continue on the left.

A large metal bridge crosses to the left bank of the River Segura, which we will cross should we want to visit the town of Formentera del Segura.

A little further on we find the Benijófar waterwheel, listed as Heritage of Cultural Interest by the local government due to its historic, artistic, architectural, and hydrological features. It is a hydraulic device that was built with masonry walls in the middle of the 17th century and which currently has an iron wheel that is 7.70 m. in diameter. It is a symbol of these fertile lands and local customs.

We continue along this peaceful and comfortable dirt track, enjoying the River Segura and the endless recreation areas set in the groves of the river bank populated with trees and shrubs, and where we can take a break.

The views of the Sierra de Orihuela will accompany us throughout the whole tour, a peculiar landscape that will attract our attention due to the outstanding relief of this sierra located in the middle of a long valley.

Numerous waterbirds, especially coots, moorhens, grey herons, grebes and black-winged stilts take refuge in the vegetation, mainly consisting of reeds, rushes and canes, so this stage will become a particularly attractive route for bird lovers.

When we stroll along this route and observe the environment, it will help us understand the great hydrological use of the River Segura from ancient times, this being a source of wealth for the development of farming.

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Orihuela

​Orihuela, situated in the Vega Baja del Segura, is a town that combines tradition and modernity. Declared a historical and artistic site in 1968, it is striking because of its rich artistic and monumental heritage. Churches, palaces, convents and museums, as well as emblematic places linked to the life and work of the poet Miguel Hernández, are all part of its historical legacy.

Temples such as the Cathedral of El Salvador, the Episcopal Palace and the historic house museum of Miguel Hernández, the Palm Grove and Orihuela Castle, are just a few examples of its cultural heritage which has been declared a Site of Community Importance.

Products of its fertile land are used to make traditional dishes such as, such as stew with meatballs, a bean stew called cucurrones or a stew made with codfish called altabellacos, as well as a great variety of rice dishes such as arroz con costra. It is worth noting that its pastries are made by the nuns such as Santa Clara cake, glory cakes or almojábenas, a kind of doughnut made with flour, water and crushed aniseed seeds.

Sea or mountains? You choose! For na- ture lovers the different areas of Orihuela.

You can get to know the environment through numerous hiking routes such as the PR-CV-59 Ascent to the Cruz de la Muela and the Paso del Gato, PR-CV 59 the Muela trail, the scenic route through the Sierra de San Miguel or the River Segura GR-127. Other trails and routes lead us to the town mill, the twin waterwheels, Santa Matilde cinnabar furnace and the Moorish palm grove.

Discover the Sierra Escalona and the Pedrera reservoir via mountain bike routes, as well as the Orihuela beaches, from where we can take a tour that will take us to the salt flats and the sands of San Pedro del Pinatar.

The more adventurous will want to scale the Black Wall and Red Triangle, or practise canyoning in the Sanes ravine and Los Muertos ravine.

Orihuela has five golf courses where you can spend a pleasant day. But for those who prefer the sea, you will also have the chance of practicing activities such as paddle  surf, surfing or sailing.

NATURE

Surrounded by beautiful nature spots such as the Sierra Escalona, the Pedrera reservoir, the Sierra de Orihuela, El Agudo-La Cuerda de la Murada, Orihuela will surprise us with its varied landscape and its characteristic geography, the contrasts between vast plains and the profile of its mountain ranges.

Among the vegetation the Aleppo pine dominates, together with abundant species such as the wild  olive  tree, the Mediterranean dwarf palm, carob, blackthorns, rockroses and rose hips.