If you love the outdoors and a good day’s walking, there is a corner of inland Alicante you should not miss: the Barranc del Pla de les Coves. Barranc is the Valencian word for a ravine, a steep-sided gorge cut into the limestone, and this one lies between the towns of Tibi and Castalla, about half an hour inland from Alicante and its airport. It belongs to the dramatic relief of l’Alcoià, the mountainous district that rises behind the Costa Blanca, and it is ringed by imposing sierras: l’Arguenya, Castalla and the Maigmó. Beyond its natural beauty, the ravine offers a rare link with the farming history and traditions of the area.
A walk through the history and geography of the area
The Barranc del Pla de les Coves is a striking landform that has become a landmark for walkers and anyone with a taste for adventure. Around it stand historic masies — the traditional stone farmsteads of inland Valencia — among them Casas de Planisses, Mas del Pla de les Caves de Baix and Mas del Pla de les Caves de Dalt, silent witnesses to the farming and livestock traditions of the region. These old buildings still reflect the rural way of life that has carried on for generations in this corner of the Valencian Community.
The mix of flat ground and mountain here makes perfect walking country, with paths that take you into the purest Mediterranean landscape. The route offers scenery of real ecological value, with native plants and wildlife that add to the experience.
The walk: from the Barranc del Pla de les Coves to Xorret de Catí
For anyone after an outing that is manageable but full of beauty, we suggest a route of 9.69 km with 201 metres of ascent, graded easy in technical difficulty. It starts at Xorret de Catí, a mountain beauty spot and recreation area in the Castalla hills, and follows the Barranc del Pla de les Coves, with panoramic views you will not forget.
Alt del Barranc del Pla de les Coves – at 1,088 metres above sea level, this is a spectacular natural viewpoint, and from it you can pick out:
- Tibi and its reservoir, one of the oldest still in use anywhere in Europe.
- Ibi, the birthplace of the Spanish toy industry.
- And, on a clear day, the Mediterranean on the horizon.
Ringed by historic farmsteads and by mountain scenery you will find nowhere else, this is ideal country for anyone who loves nature, walking and photography.
As you walk, you take in the contrast between the valleys and the sierras, with clean air and complete quiet. The route ends at Xorret de Catí, a spectacular spot with picnic areas and viewpoints that show off the scale of the Alicante mountains. As well as being a landmark for walkers and mountain bikers, it is a lovely place for a picnic in the open air, or simply to sit and do nothing somewhere special.
Make a weekend of it with Casa Rural Castalla
Exploring the Barranc del Pla de les Coves is only the beginning of a perfect break in the open air. At Casa Rural Castalla we help you plan your route so that you get the most out of every corner of this remarkable landscape. Our house, in the old heart of Castalla, is the ideal base for discovering the scenery, the culture and the food of the area.
Make your stay a mix of adventure and comfort in a country house with character, where you can rest properly after a day out. We also give personal recommendations and adapt what we offer to what you need, so that your break is one to remember.
Plan your break now
If nature, walking and history are your thing, the Barranc del Pla de les Coves and Xorret de Catí are waiting for you. Do not miss the chance to see this side of inland Alicante for yourself. Get in touch and let us at Casa Rural Castalla plan the perfect day out for you.
Get in touch and get ready to explore the real heart of the Alicante mountains.
Ready to experience inland Alicante?
Book your stay at Casa Rural Castalla and take your time discovering places like Plascaves, Castalla Castle and the Sierra del Maigmó. Your inland Alicante getaway starts here.
