Montanejos: paradise found

River gorges, canyons, pine forests, mountains, natural spas… just some of the treasures that the Montanejos natural park has to offer.

Montanejos, situated in the heart of the Alto Mijares region in the Castellón province, forms one of the most interesting and spectacular landscapes in the whole of the Comunidad
Valenciana.

Dramatic gorges and ravines wind their way through pine-covered mountains, a great number of chalk streams crisscross the landscape, and thermal springs dot the area.

Montanejos, at 69kms from the capital of the province, Castellón de la Plana, is a picturesque town of just 400 inhabitants, although tourists swell numbers at the weekends and holiday periods.

NATURAL BEAUTY AND SPORTS
Blessed with a wealth of stunning landscapes and natural features, Montanejos offers the tourist endless excursion possibilities, as well as a great variety of sporting activities.

Natural springs, streams, caves, canyons, ravines, gullies, mountain paths and stunning views wow the tourist, although Montanejos is perhaps most famous for its dramatic gorge valleys, which offer incredible panoramas and climbing opportunities for visitors.

Indeed, the area has earned a reputation as being the most important centre of rock climbing in Spain and today, sporting enthusiasts from around the world come to scale the rocky, almost vertical gorge valley walls.

Although rock-climbing is one of the most popular sports enjoyed at Montanejos, it is by no means exclusive. Those who like swimming should head for the River Mijares on a hot day, where they can bathe in the natural swimming pools from the Zorrico and los Baños springs.

In addition, horse-riding, mountain-cycling, fishing, hiking, caving, and abseiling are just some of the other activities that can be enjoyed.

SPA WONDERS
The great natural beauty of Montanejos has made the area so popular for visitors, as has its famous springs situated in the proximities of the River Mijares. Indeed, the quality of the waters flowing from these springs, especially the most famous spring of all – that of Los Baños (main photo), originally attracted the attention of our predecessors.

It is said that a Moorish king, captivated by the healing properties of the waters, ordered the construction of a 15th century ‘spa’ resort, remains of which can be seen today. The spa was given royal status in 1853. Centuries later, authorities decided to recreate the spa resort, which has become a charming new tourist attraction, and in operation all year round.

Making the most of the abundance, quality and mineral-medicinal properties of the water, the magnificent modern thermal and hydrotherapy spa resort, which opened in 1997, attracts visitors from miles around. Visitors suffering from stress, joint problems, circulatory and skin disorders, amongst other illnesses, come to receive treatment.

In addition, the resort offers a comprehensive list of beauty treatments using THALGO products.

MONTANEJOS TOWN
Visitors should not miss the old Arab tower in the town and the Santiago Apóstol Church, which dates to the 17th century, or the Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados Hermitage in La Alquería.

Leaving the town, visitors can marvel at the wonderful views of the Arenos marshes, the Morrón de Campos, or the Cabezo and Estrechos areas.

WALKING ROUTES

ITINERARY 1
One of the most attractive walking routes is between Montanejos and the Arenos reservoir, which has been described by the traveller and writer José Soler Carnicer as: ‘one of the most impressive landscapes in the Comunidad Valenciana’.

Leave Montanejos via the road that leads to the Arenos reservoir (the largest in Castellón province) and to the Puebla de Arenoso. Pass the Fuente de B