Los Pantaneros de Chulilla Trail

Before setting out on the trail, you can begin your morning with a good breakfast on Plaza de la Baronía, followed by a visit to Chulilla castle to see the wonderful view from one of the highest points in the village. Equally breathtaking are the views from the lookout points at the start of the route: the Compuertas (where you can see the early 20th century waterworks that regulate the river's flow) and the Carrucha, where you can see the Charco Azul (an idyllic lake that looks like a natural pool) and the Salto, the largest narrowing of the Turia canyon.

Following the path, you’ll come to an enchanting spot with a small waterfall. Relax with the sights and sounds of nature in the Calderones: A deep gorge with walls more than 80 meters high.

The trail continues along the top of the gorge, crossing from one side to the other on two hanging bridges, undoubtedly one of the high points of the walk. The first one is 15 metres above the river and 20 metres long, and may be a little scary to cross, but it’s very safe. The other is longer at 28 metres, and just over 5 metres high. They were both rebuilt in 2013 after the originals disappeared in 1957 when the Turia burst its banks and flooded the city of Valencia.

The trail continues to the reservoir along a narrow, leafy path where hikers can enjoy the different settings of riparian forest and Mediterranean scrubland. Traces of history can be seen on the way, such as the ruins of the 18th-century chapel of San José de los Gancheros, where loggers used to take shelter. If you’re lucky, you can see climbers on the vertical sides of the gorge, as rock climbing is another of the area’s attractions.When you get to the Loriguilla reservoir, take a break and restore your strength with a snack before turning around and taking the same trail back to Chulilla.