Introduction
The Sierra de Irta Natural Park is a natural treasure, located in the Baix Maestrat region, in the north of the province of Castellón. With an extension of 7,743 protected hectares and a maritime strip that extends along 12 kilometres of unspoilt coastline, this park is a refuge for lovers of nature and tranquillity. It was declared a Natural Park and Marine Reserve on 16th July 2002 for its ecological value, being one of the last undeveloped coastal areas on the Mediterranean coast.
Landscape and Biodiversity
The Sierra de Irta is an impressive mountainous landscape where altitudes of up to 572 metres at the Campanilles peak combine with steep cliffs that descend gently towards the sea, creating an unparalleled natural setting. The cliffs and coves along the coast present a pristine marine ecosystem, with a biodiversity that includes species of fishing interest, largely protected by the Marine Reserve.
The park’s vegetation is diverse, with species such as devil’s lupine (Anagyris foetida), a plant historically used in the area’s castles to poison arrows. Visitors can walk through this ecologically valuable area along trails that reveal its unique flora and fauna, as well as traces of human presence in ancient times.
Historical Heritage
The Sierra de Irta has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by monuments such as the castle of Xivert and the castle of Polpis, both of Arab origin and later occupied by the Order of the Templars. These castles form part of the region’s cultural heritage and bear witness to the rich history that surrounds the park. In addition, along the Sierra de Irta you can find watchtowers such as the Badum Tower, which stands on one of the highest cliffs in the Valencian Community, and the Ebrí Tower, located in the interior of the sierra.
Routes and Trails
The Natural Park offers many options for enjoying nature on foot or by bicycle. Among the most outstanding routes are:
Hiking routes:
PR.V – 194 and its variants:
Cycle Routes
The Sierra de Irta Natural Park is also an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts, with routes prepared for both beginners and more advanced cyclists. Some of the most outstanding routes are:
These routes allow you to explore both the coastline and the interior of the sierra, enjoying spectacular landscapes and the possibility of stopping at emblematic places such as virgin coves or watchtowers.
Recommendations for visiting the park promoting conservation and sustainability
To visit the park, during the summer months (22 June to 1 September), it is necessary to reserve access with a motor vehicle, which is managed telematically. If you have any queries, please call 964 336 790 from 9:00h to 14:00h.
Visitors must respect the rules, avoiding free camping, use of drones without authorisation and lighting fires outside the designated areas.
Conservation is key, with the park and marine reserve working to protect flora and fauna. Responsible tourism is encouraged, following guidelines to maintain the natural beauty.
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