Vilar De Canes: Hiking Trails, Landscape and Local History
Accommodation in Vilar De Canes
Vilar De Canes brings together hiking, rural landscapes, architectural history and regional cuisine. For planning, there are two different route options: a 10.00-kilometre circular hiking trail and a local route from Villar de Canes to La Mina. In the village, the parish church of San Lorenzo, traditional houses and the olive oil tradition offer further cultural points of interest.
Landscape and Hiking
Villar de Canes lies between the Rambla Carbonera and Mount Matxorral. The surrounding area includes almond groves and farmland. The municipality also has several natural springs in green, scenic areas that are suitable for outdoor relaxation. Alongside the routes, the landscape and springs are also things to explore outdoors.
The elevated Plaza del Vent offers views of traditional tiled roofs. Large stones weigh down the roof tiles against the mountain wind. Remains of an old Muslim watchtower can be seen on Matxorral. Houses with a traditional appearance also line the streets of Villar de Canes.
The PR-CV 405, “Caminos del SeñorĂo de Vilar de Canes,” starts at Plaza de la Setena in Villar de Canes and is a 10.00-kilometre circular hiking trail. Another local route runs from Villar de Canes to La Mina (La Torre D’en Besora) along the marked “Els Camins del Senyor” trail. The PR-CV 405 is therefore described as a circular route of a specific length, while the local route leads to a clearly named destination.
There are no recent quality checks for the PR-CV 405. It is therefore not known whether the signage and maintenance provide optimal conditions for relying exclusively on the trail markers for navigation. Check local conditions before setting out. For the local route, you should also check the trail conditions and access locally.
Church, Olive Oil Tradition and Local Festivals
The parish church of San Lorenzo was built in the 18th century to designs by Francisco Monfort, on the ruins of an earlier chapel. It is designed as a hall church with three naves. Its construction period, predecessor building and architectural type give the church its own architectural history.
The Centro de InterpretaciĂłn del Aceite – Centre d’InterpretaciĂł de l’Oli – on Calle SacristĂa is a restored old olive oil mill housed in an old stone building. It shows how oil was traditionally produced. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.
The local cuisine also offers two named specialties: Olla, prepared in the traditional style of the Alt Maestrat region, is considered a typical dish of Villar de Canes. Almond-based pastries are considered the village’s most representative confectionery. Together, a traditional dish and an almond pastry represent different aspects of the local cuisine.
The patron saint festivals in honour of San Lorenzo take place each year during the first ten days of August. They include Vaquillas, the “Bou embolat” and public dances; the programme varies from year to year. If you are travelling for a particular festival, check the dates and programme in advance. The San Antonio Abad festivals include an animal blessing and the distribution of the traditional “Coqueta” to those in attendance.
Discover more destinations: Altura, Atzeneta del Maestrat, Ballestar, Calig, Vall De Almonacid, Castellfort, Sueras, Olocau Del Rey
For the main travel overview: Castellon.
