This province of Alicante is rich with hidden natural gems waiting to be explored. One of the most stunning and least crowded is the Barranc del Cint route, a journey through the Sierra de Mariola interior where griffon vultures soar free overhead.
Route via Barranc del Cint
The chint valley lies just a short ride from Alcoy. The trail begins at the Preventionorio recreation area and follows the GR7 markers. It winds through a mountain pass that tightens as you walk, with walls rising higher on each side. At the top, vultures wheel gracefully in the sky, visible from the path. The route continues beyond the bird’s flight path toward the Sant Cristòfol hermitage, then circles back to the starting point beside the Preventionorio area.
The Benissaidó River once ran alongside this route, but today its waters are diverted to supply Alcoy with drinking water. Historically, this mountain pass connected the town of Bocairent with the Sierra de Mariola on the opposite side.
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Stretching about 9 kilometers, this track is of medium difficulty and suitable for adults and children who are accustomed to walking. The route forms a circular loop with a total descent of roughly 560 meters. Plan around four hours to observe vultures gliding in silence, moving at a comfortable pace and pausing to capture photographs along the way.
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Along the journey, travelers are reminded to slow down and take in the landscape, from limestone walls to sweeping vistas. Nearby towns offer charming stops for regional cuisine and crafts, making a rural weekend in Alicante a well-rounded experience.
How to get to Barranc del Cint de Alcoy?
As noted, the trail starts and ends at the Preventionorio recreation area, where parking is available. Reaching the recreation area is straightforward by taking the CV-796 road from Alcoy. After leaving the vehicle, follow the path to the right from the Preventionorio building, which leads into the valley. From there, walkers will traverse about 1.5 kilometers along steep walls, and vultures can be seen circling overhead.
After entering the pass, a fork appears about 30 minutes in: take the left to continue for another half hour toward the field where vultures are often visible overhead.
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In roughly thirty minutes inside the valley, a further fork appears; choosing the left path leads hikers toward the field where birds rise on warm currents. Proper footwear is essential for navigating rough terrain.
From there, continue onto the PR-CV 133.1 route to reach the Sant Cristòfol hermitage, a perfect spot to pause, breathe, and capture panoramic views of Alcoy.
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After a brief rest, the path winds in front of the hermitage and returns toward the starting point. The final stretch crosses a wooden bridge and follows the trail to the asphalt where the car is parked.