Exploring Sierra del Valle

We suggest a short 4-kilometer field trip to some iconic sites in Sierra del Valle

We start in Centro de Visitantes de La Luz, right next to Ermita de La Luz, a chapel used for prayer on public holidays and hermitage for Franciscan friars back in the days.

A few meters from the chapel sits the Centro de Interpretación de la Naturaleza, a center where we can get information on the area (flora, fauna, history) and something to eat and drink on the top floor, with a terrace overlooking the valley.

Next to the center there are remains of an old Iberian settlement, in an area surrounded by olive and carob trees used by the Friars. There are also many aromatic plants typical to this region, including rosemary and thyme.

Back on the road, we will go around the chapel to descend to the town of Santo Ángel. After 300 meters on our left we will find calle Pino, the street running through the residential area known as Verdolay. We will eventually get to the crossroad where the monastery Santa Catalina del Monte sits. Also near calle Pino, we can see a lovely little corner with a waterfall and the Ermita de San Antonio el Pobre chapel.

Back on the street, it is time to go up to the last section in this route: a forest pathway leading to Arboretum del Valle, where visitors can see the typical vegetation in the area, including a centenary oak tree. Continuing on the pathway, to our left we will see La Balsa, a recreational area with snacks for sale.

Lastly, following the road we will get to La Luz, a spot overlooking the city and its surrounding areas. About halfway through this road we can find an old 11^th-century Arab castle at the top of a small but steep slope.