If you’re staying at Masía El Pinet, one of the best-kept secrets of inland Alicante is right on your doorstep. The Sierra de Mariola isn’t just a protected natural area: it’s a patchwork of trails, springs, villages with centuries of history and a calm that’s hard to find on the coast. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss during your stay.
Hiking in the Sierra de Mariola: routes for every level
The Sierra de Mariola has been a protected natural area for decades, and its trails are signposted and suitable both for a gentle stroll and for a more demanding mountain route. Several routes leave from Alfafara, linking springs, old snow wells and viewpoints over the whole valley.
If you’re travelling as a group or with family, the key is to choose the route to suit everyone’s level. You don’t need to do the longest one to enjoy the area: many of the short sections already offer spectacular views of Mediterranean pine forest and native vegetation.
The historic springs and snow wells of the sierra
One of the most unusual features of the Sierra de Mariola is its snow wells: stone structures from the 17th to 19th centuries used to store compacted snow and sell it as ice in summer, a whole industry before electric refrigeration. Several are well preserved and are a must if you enjoy local history as much as nature.
Alongside the snow wells, natural springs of fresh water are dotted along almost every route, perfect for a break on the way.
Charming villages near Alfafara
Beyond Alfafara itself, the area invites you to explore several villages with their own character, all a short drive away:
Bocairent: a medieval old town, caves carved into the rock and one of the most photogenic villages in inland Valencia.
Agres: at the foot of the highest peak in the sierra, with its monastery and routes that start from the village itself.
Cocentaina: a medieval market, a castle and one of the oldest Moors and Christians festivals in the Valencia region.
The best time to visit the Sierra de Mariola
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for hiking in the area, with mild temperatures and the landscape at its best (blossom in spring, autumn colours in October and November). Summer is also a good option thanks to the altitude of the sierra, which takes the edge off the heat of the Alicante coast. It’s one of the reasons many guests choose Masía El Pinet precisely to escape the sticky coastal heat in August.
Book your stay to explore the Sierra de Mariola
Masía El Pinet is designed so that the surroundings are part of the experience, not just the accommodation. Sleeping up to 15 people in two independent houses, it’s the perfect base for groups of friends or families who want to combine nature, history and a real break.
