We are at the foot of the Sierra del Tabayá, a discreet mountain range of barely 400m altitude that acts as a barrier between the Elche Depression and the wide plain in the middle valley of the River Vinalopó, of which we can see an outstanding view. On the horizon, a large green expanse of cultivated fields contrasts with the whiteish calcareous soils that emphasise the impression of aridity. The scarce water in the River Vinalopó has allowed the transformation of the territory into fertile orchards where grapes to be consumed as fruit are grown. Their fame is international and many people in Spain will have eaten them as part of the tradition on New Year’s Eve, when 12 grapes are eaten as good luck following the chimes of the clock.
In the distance, the mass of Sierra del Cid, crowned by the Seat of El Cid Peak at 1,147m, dominates much of the Vinalopó valley. The limestone nature of the valley has been a driving-force of its economy, as any visitor to the towns in the area will appreciate. It has been called the ‘marble corridor’, as nearly 60% of the Spanish production is quarried and worked there.
- Access by car: the pass is on the trekking and MTB routes of the Way of El Cid between Monforte del Cid and Elche. It is reached along a sandy track that is accessible in all kinds of vehicles, 1.5km from the junction with the CV-847 road.
- Access for people with limited mobility: there are no infrastructures adapted for people with limited mobility.
- Legal protection: it does not form part of any Protected Natural Area.
- Seasonality: the landscape of the orchards becomes most colourful in early summer and as the leaves fall in autumn. Recommendations, what to see and do: it is interesting to continue towards Elche in the Sierra de Tabayá to discover the changes in the scenery. The hills also provide a surprise for lovers of bizarre attractions: El Chau de Elche. This is a striking group of ‘art brut’ sculptures (an academic term for displays outside academic or official artistic circuits) created by Mariano Ros, a retired shoemaker who for nearly ten years encouraged his friends to develop this space which is sure to impress you. It is reached from the Way of El Cid by turning off it for only about 500m along a tarmac track and short path that is poorly signposted.
Rev.: PAB 11.05.23