Route through Barranc del Cint
Alicante’s interior hides precious natural cones, making a quick escape worthwhile to discover them. The most magnificent and least known is Barranc del Cint, a route that threads through the Mariola Mountains and offers chances to glimpse Griffon vultures in the wild.
A griffon vulture specimen, close up
A walking route through Barranc del Cint begins near Alcoy, starting at the Preventori recreation area and following the GR7 markers. The path winds toward the inner stream, and the walls grow steeper as the hike continues. From above, vultures circle over the gorge, keeping a watchful eye on the corridor below. The trail advances past the birds and leads toward the hermitage of Sant Cristòfol before looping back to its starting point near Alcoy Preventori.
This family friendly walking route is ideal for a day out with children and adults alike who enjoy a steady pace and natural scenery.
The Benissaidó River once ran along the old road and is now canalized to supply drinking water to Alcoy. The valley was also historically used to reach the town of Bocairent on the far side of the Mariola range.
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The trail covers nine kilometers at a moderate difficulty, making it suitable for well-conditioned adults and children who enjoy walking. The route is circular with a total ascent of about 560 meters and typically takes around four hours at a relaxed pace to photograph the scenery and watch the vultures in flight.
The path to Barranc del Cint de Alcoy
The starting point is the Preventori recreation area, where parking is available. To reach the area, travelers should take the CV-796 highway from Alcoy. After parking, a few steps lead past the Preventori building and onto the rightward path that opens into the valley. From there, hikers walk about 1.5 kilometers inside steep walls that rise above, offering striking views and sightings of soaring vultures.
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After about half an hour in the pass, travelers reach a crossroads and take the left path for another roughly thirty minutes to draw nearer to the region. A note from guides highlights the importance of sturdy footwear for rough terrain and uneven surfaces.
Continuing, hikers follow the PR-CV 133.1 route toward Sant Cristòfol hermitage, a perfect spot to pause for rest and to capture panoramic views of Alcoy from an elevated vantage point.
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After a short break, the trail resumes in front of the hermitage and eventually returns to the starting point. The final stretch crosses a wooden bridge and leads back to the asphalt road where the car was parked, completing a satisfying loop through natural scenery and geological formations that characterizes the Barranc del Cint experience.