Parque Natural Hoces del Cabriel

The Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park is one of the most important natural spaces in Valencia due to its size ―31,446 hectares―, flora, fauna, geological and economic value, since it is an area where vineyards, especially of the Bobal variety, are grown that are used to produce wines. 

With its own tourist brand -Tierra Bobal- and as part of the UNESCO Cabriel Valley Biosphere Reserve, it is an incredible place for hiking, eating and stargazing. 

Hoces del Cabriel: a natural treasure to discover

To give you an idea of where the Hoces del Cabriel are, you just have to draw a line between the municipalities of Villargordo del Cabriel, Venta del Moro and Requena, with the Cabriel River at the center. 

You may have heard of the Hoces del Cabriel in Castilla-La Mancha as well. That's because the Cabriel River is the natural border between the Valencian Community and the neighboring region. The river acts as a dividing line between the two for more than 50 kilometers. 

Now that you know the where, you might be interested to know that the Natural Park of the Hoces del Cabriel is one of the most worthwhile excursions near Valencia due to its rich scenery. 

Its meanders, natural springs, bridges and vertical ridges mean it not only offers hiking of all difficulty levels and incredible views, it's also a perfect place for active tourism. 

Hoces del Cabriel: activities for all tastes

The Cabriel River leaves in its wake very striking gorges and vertical stone ridges.  

These geological formations, together with their biodiversity, create some beautiful landscapes. That is why it you should definitely take your time enjoying the sights from one of the viewpoints in the Hoces del Cabriel. 

For example, the Peñas Blancas viewpoint, from where you can take in the Cabriel Valley, the impressive limestone formation of Los Cuchillos, the Fonseca Valley and, on the horizon, the river as it meanders out of view in the gorges. 

Another point we can't recommend enough is the majestic Vadocañas Bridge, which divides the provinces of Valencia and Cuenca: straddling the river, this large structure has a span of 33 meters, and has the Natural Reserve of the Hoces del Cabriel ―belonging to Castilla-La Mancha― on one side,  and the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park ―which is in to Valencia ― on the other. 

So it's quite a prime location from which to observe the rich landscape in the area. 

In addition to watching, you can spring into action in the Hoces del Cabriel, where the river has a lot to offer. 

In fact, the waters of the Cabriel are crystal clear and are characterized by a turquoise blue color due to areas of karst, which make it a great river to bathe in. That being said, the water is quite cool. 

Nice places to bathe include Las Chorreras, Los Ojos and the Cascada del Molino de San Pedro. 

And if you're into action, in addition to bathing in these natural pools, you can also go rafting, kayaking, canyoning and other water activities, since there are lots of active tourism options in and around the Cabriel. 

Hoces del Cabriel: hiking trails

Hiking in the Hoces del Cabriel is delightful. Here are some routes, with their duration and difficulty, so you can make plans: 

• Cuchillares de Contreras – Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park: easy, 1:42 h, 3.8 km. 

• Trinchera de Contreras – Peñas Blancas viewpoint (circular route from Villargordo del Cabriel): easy, 1:40 h, 6.02 km. 

• La Noria, Casas de Alcance, Cofrentes and the Cabriel River — circular, from Hervideros de Cofrentes: moderate, 3:50 h, 13.8 km. 

• Contreras Reservoir – circular from La Pesquera along the Pajazo trail: moderate, 4:56 h, 17.9 km. 

There are many more hiking trails in the Hoces del Cabriel. Find the one that's right for your group and enjoy! 

And those are our recommendations for enjoying the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park, a natural paradise just a stone's throw from Valencia.