Balanced Life Holidays
                 Spain +34 603 697 183
Walking, Wine & Tapas II

Walking, Wine & Tapas II  -  The Mountain Version

Parcent in the early morning sun
Day 1 Saturday - Arrival

A friendly face to welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. A little free time to unpack and settle in followed by a late afternoon BBQ with your hosts.
Day 2 Sunday - Penyo Talai and Col de Rates

We start the week with our iconic Coll de Rates walk on the Carrascal, popular with local hikers and cyclists. We’ll take the little used Barranc de Negre up to the Penyo Talai, affording 360 degrees views of all the surrounding valleys and out to the sea. We return down the ‘Ruta de Pansa’ the raisin trail, following the steps of the merchants travelling their wares towards Denia port.

Stats; 13km 685m ascent

We complete the day with paella and sangria at L’Eras.
Parcent to Murla trail
El Arcs in the Sierra Aixorta
Day 3 Monday – Cocol airport and Vall d’Almandic

Up at 1047m, we take wonderful paths over the rolling hills of Benichembla up to the ‘airport’ now just used by the firefighters, where we will stop for a packed lunch. After a short, exciting descent we’ll then enjoy an easy lanes walk back through the stunning Vall D’Almandic.

Stats;12.63km 634m ascent

A visit to the Parcent Bodega for wine tasting and tapas completes this day.


Day 4  Tuesday – Fleix to Benimaurell via Caval Verd

We start, taking in a variety of terrains, this time in the magnificent cherry growing Vall de Laguar. It is a popular area for walkers as it has a wealth of history, stunning scenery and amazing views. We'll take in some of the countryside before heading up the most well-known mountain around here; El Penyo including the Caballo de Verde Ridge. Renowned for the final battle of the Moriscos and it's twin peaks! Packed lunch provided.

Stats; 14km 400m ascent.

Lliber cobbled street
Playa del Moraig
Day 5 Wednesday – Day off 

We will provide transportation to one of the coastal areas. (Probably too cold to swim but you never know!!) 

We can provide you with maps and GPS info if you fancy a coastal walk, or other info on local history, things to do and see etc.
We'll then pick you up at the designated place and bring you home. 

 Day 6 Thursday – Forat and Fort

History and vistas combined on the Sierra Bernia. Passing an elaborate Font we head up towards the Forat , a 20m tunnel through the mountain passing through from the North side to the South (get your sunglasses ready!). We leave the sea behind us as we head along the sunny side to the Fort, built for Felip II in 1562 to protect them against the Moors and the Pirates. Lasting just over 50 years was partially destroyed by Felip III in 1612.

We return down to the countryside of Jalon for a stroll around the vineyards to see the Riu Raus and discovery the history behind this areas’ unique way of turning grapes to raisins.                                                        
Jalon valley almond blossom
El Arcs in the Sierra Aixorta
Stats; 12km 420m ascent

An option is available to take a tour including a wine tasting and tapas of the local Jalon Bodega.
(Jalon has maintained its traditional charm and is a delight to walk around. It has a stunning church, several museums and many bars, restaurants and bodegas).


Day 7 Friday – Murla and Orba Castle

We take a stroll through the historic Murla, once the capital of the Vall de Pop, passed the Calvary (the stations of the cross), up to its old 14th century church, high on the hill, said to be the oldest in the Valencian region. It is celebrated by the locals every January with a pilgrimage to it and a picnic outside.

We include a short mountain walk up to the newly renovated Orba castle for panoramic views of the valley.

Then it's back home to 'freshen-up' before joining your hosts again for a farewell evening of tapas, wine and Spanish guitar. (And maybe dancing!)
Jalon valley almond blossom

Day 8 - Return transport to the airport and goodbyes.
This is a sample week in which grades, distances and ascents can all be increased or decreased according to your groups’ preference. Likewise because we are independent we are able to add personal touches to your holiday, perhaps less/more trips to Bodegas, more time spent in the villages or arrange for you to visit a particular place.

Share by: