Popular wisdom has it exactly right when it sings “the range of Mariola, all in flower”. In these mountains that separate - or unite, depending on the point of view - Valencia and Alicante, some 1,400 species of plants can be found, without counting the numerous varieties of fungi. Many of them contain medicinal or gastronomic properties and the vast majority flower splendidly in the spring, as if to confirm the song.

    A song that continues getting it right when it praises the waters of the mountain range from which the rivers such as the Vinalopó and Serpis originate. Part of this hydric richness stems from the snow which falls almost every year on its highest peaks; Montacabrer reaches 1390 metres. Centuries ago, before there were refrigerators, snow was gathered in deep wells or caves to conserve it until summer. These constructions are not exclusive to Mariola, but it is here that the most famous of all can be found. The locals call it   the Great Cave, although outside of the area, is better known as Arquejada for its three gothic arches that support the ancient roof. Numerous hermitages, castles and large farms in which everything necessary to live was produced, completes the architectonic heritage of Mariola.

Near the Great Cave, and also the area of Agres, another gem of the range can be found.   This is the most southern forest of yew trees in Europe, in a hidden spot from the last glacial age. Although a fire seriously affected the forest a few years ago, several dozen of these magnificent and more than centennial trees survived. The spaces cleared by the fire are now in the spring covered with a very delicate red of millions of wild roses, contrasting against the electric blue of the exclusive sage of Mariola.

The visitors centre is situated at kilometer 17.5 on the highway that runs from Alcoi to Banyeres, in the old farm of Ull de Canals. This road also runs into the heart of the range, although it’s always better to do so on foot. An alternative that is especially recommended in this place thanks to the trains. The commuter line Valencia-Alcoi has stops in Agres and Cocentaina, so that you can leave your car at home without being limited to a circular way. In fact, one of the most recommended paths is precisely Agres and Cocentaina which can be done in a three hour comfortable, and well marked, walk, replete with spectacular views. The road continues besides the aforementioned Great Cave, the base of Montcabrer, various springs and large meadows that this season transforms into a multicoloured carpet.
                    
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PLANTS FOR EATING AND DRINKING

Mariola is the most important redoubt of aromatic plants of the Community and there are few comparable places in this respect. Just to name a few herbs that can be found: thyme, rosemary, lavender, sage, oregano, mint, savory, pennyroyal, melissa, French lavender… From antiquity, they have been a substantial part of the local gastronomy, used in sausages, stews of game meat and others ollas.  But the most famous servings outside this area are not for eating, but for drinking. These are the herberos, liqueurs with a high alcohol grade created with sweet anise and a selection of plants which each distillery keeps secret.


WHAT TO SEE IN APRIL

April is one of the most feared months by farmers because warm spring days alternate with late frosts or hailstorms that can ruin the budding crops. A smiling April can kill people, they say in the inland regions, meaning the same thing. On the coast of Valencia, on the other hand, April is a month of spring in full bloom.  It’s an ideal moment to contemplate the dunes of Saler completely covered with miniscule flowers while in the Albufera and the rest of the humid regions thousands of birds arrive during the mating season to court passionately.