Located on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast, the Region of Valencia is one of the country’s most beautiful and fascinating regions. It consists of three provinces: Castellón, Alicante and Valencia itself.
Characterful Castellón
Alicante is known for the sunny tourist hotspots of the Costa Blanca, while Valencia is dominated by its vibrant, bustling namesake city and verdant coastal plains. However, Castellón, the most northerly province, is less familiar to most visitors. But it boasts beautiful beaches and characterful coastal towns, as well as stunning upland landscapes that form the ideal backdrop for spectacular trail runs. After all, this is the second most mountainous province in Spain – giving runners a real opportunity to stretch their legs.
It’s easy to reach too, with direct flights from the UK to the airports of Castellón and Valencia. There’s an excellent road network to mountain and rural areas, and plenty of welcoming accommodation in which to stay plus a wealth of small, local restaurants that offer traditional regional cuisine – including, of course, the original, world-famous paella Valenciana.
This all makes it the perfect destination for active adventure-seekers – not just trail runners, but also hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Experience Els Ports
A particular highlight of Castellón is the mountainous region of Els Ports, a designated natural park characterised by dramatic ravines, cliffs and mountain passes, as well as dense forests and lush plains. Els Ports has endless possibilities for keen trail runners, with a network of interlinking mountain paths and tracks.
If you’re up for a challenge, you could even enter a mountain race. Els Ports has several well-established annual events that attract competitors from across Europe and beyond, including Entreparets in Villafranca del Cid, Dinomanía in Cinctorres or Valltorta Trail in Tirig. For training routes, you could visit the Trail Running Centre in Todolella, where there are a series of marked trails classified by difficulty.
The traditional capital of Els Ports is Morella. This ancient walled city, perched on a hill-top, is renowned for its cultural heritage and has been cited as one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.
Tackle the Denes Trails
In May each year, Morella also hosts a series of important trail races, known as the Denes Trails. If you’re looking for a challenge, why not take on one of the three competitive routes? The 14k is suitable for all abilities, whether you’re a committed racer, a jogger or a walker. The 25k is a fast and popular route that passes through the beautiful town of Xiva and reaches a high point of 1,286m (4,219ft) before returning to Morella on long, exciting downhill stretches.
The longest route is a 45k race of two very different halves. The first section is fast-paced, threading its way through the beautiful, forested surroundings of the Servol River, where you might glimpse the waterfall of Toll Blau. The second part follows the same course as the 25K, ascending to higher altitudes that give a real taste of Mediterranean mountain running.
Find out more
Intrigued by the attractions of Els Ports and Castellón? Start planning your Valencia trail-running holiday today at www.comunitatvalenciana.com