Parcent Cim del Carrascar

A magnificent route that allows you to enjoy incredible landscapes of the Marina Alta and Marina Baixa, traversing ancient paths. It is preferable to take this route outside of winter, as much of the ascent and descent may be in the shade. In summer, it is quite exposed to the sun, but also to the wind, which can bring a pleasant breeze on hot days.

We begin this route at the foot of Coll de Rates, although it can also be started from the village of Parcent, following Barranc del Alberca.

The start of the route consists of a gradual ascent on a path that climbs through the forest until reaching Font de la Foia, a natural spring that some residents of Parcent use for drinking water, filling their containers there. This spring is known for the quality of its water.

We continue climbing on a narrower, well-marked path that leads us near Cova dels Coloms, a small cave located next to the path, which was once used as a shelter for livestock.

We then reach the "Iron Mine Viewpoint," the first stunning viewpoint of this route. Very close by, a small detour allows you to visit the Pou de la Mina de Ferro, an old small cistern used to store water in the high part of the mountain range.

We continue the ascent towards the Cim del Carrascar, the highest mountain with direct views of the valley, about 960 meters high. Here we quickly find the fire-watch tower, used to observe the surroundings. From this point, we enjoy spectacular views of two valleys: on one side, the valley of Tàrbena, with Bernia, Moro Blau, and Puig Campana on the horizon, and on the other, our valley, Vall de Pop, with Montgó visible in the distance.

360° View from the summit.

View from the fire-watch tower on a snowy day.

The descent then begins, which we partially do on the paved road leading to the fire-watch tower, but also on parallel paths. The views remain just as stunning. We arrive at the Coll de Rates restaurant, turn left to reach Mirador del Coll, from where we take an old path, Camino de la Pansa, which was once used as the main route to connect Tàrbena with the valley and Dénia, the main commercial port.

Finally, we return to the starting point via a wide gravel track, finishing with a small path that leads back to the starting point of the route.