Navajas – Waterfall, River Trails and Cultural Heritage
Accommodation in Navajas
Navajas combines the landscape along the Palancia with trails and historic sites. The Salto de la Novia natural area, routes of varying lengths and buildings in the town offer different ways to plan your stay. When planning, you can choose between short riverside walks, longer circular routes, outdoor activities and insights into the town’s history.
Riverside scenery along the Palancia
The Salto de la Novia natural area combines distinctive geological features with the Palancia River and a riverside area bordered by woodland. The Cascada del Brazal is a 30-metre-high waterfall on the river. This is separate from the height recorded for the area: at its highest point, the drop above the riverbed is 50 metres.
The Mirador del ParaĂso is set up for tourist visits in the area of the Cascada del tĂo Juan. The Cueva del Reloj is also located in the natural area, opposite the waterfall. The cave owes its name to a pointed rock at its entrance: according to local tradition, its shadow told farmers working in nearby fields what time it was.
Trails and activities
The trails vary in length, format and destination. The Ruta de las Fuentes is an easy 1.5-kilometre trail along the Palancia that ends at Salto de la Novia. The Ruta del Palancia is an 11-kilometre circular route between Navajas and Segorbe. Another circular route, the 10-kilometre Ruta del Baño, takes in the main sights around Navajas. When choosing, both the trail length and whether you prefer a circular route or a route to a specific destination can help guide you.
The VĂa Verde de Ojos Negros passes through Navajas, goes through two tunnels and reaches the remains of a former quarry, the railway station and associated facilities. Today it is used for sports and outdoor walks. Water sports are possible at the Pantano del Regajo, and you can also kayak along the Palancia; climbing, hiking and mountain biking are available there too. If you are planning one of these activities, check the relevant conditions in advance.
Townscape and history
El Olmo, a monumental tree, stands in the centre of the main square. It belongs to the species Ulmus minor Mill. and is listed as a monumental tree of the Valencian Community. A walk through the streets of the town’s expansion area takes you past stately homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, preserved as reminders of the Belle Époque. The parish church of Navajas dates from the 16th century.
The Torre de Altomira is classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest and lies on the foothills of Monte Altomira. El Puente del Baño has a different architectural form: the arched bridge is of the humpback type, with its angled profile adapted to the sloping terrain and the need for a large central arch. The Ermita de la Esperanza was built in 1491 in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza. After falling into disrepair again, it was restored in a simple, elegant Byzantine style.
Festivals and practical information
The San AntĂłn celebrations begin with the lighting of a bonfire in Plaza del Olmo. The Fiestas Patronales begin on the second Saturday in September with the presentation of the festival queen and her court. Music, theatre and dance performances take place during the festival week; the programme may vary from year to year. The pilgrimage in honour of San Vicente Ferrer is also a fixed date in the annual calendar: it takes place on the second Monday after Easter. Check the exact dates for the year you plan to travel.
The Oficina de Turismo de Navajas is located at Plaza del Olmo 1. From April to October, there is also an information point at the Salto de la Novia Interpretation Centre; check opening details before your trip. To get there by car, take exit 33 off the A-23, then follow the CV-213. Check road conditions before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Vallivana, Caudiel, Culla, AlbocĂ sser, Ares Del Maestre, Vilanova D`Alcolea, Sant Jordi, Torre la Sal.
For the wider travel overview: Castellon.
