1 – The Greenway of the Sea
A greenway is a path or trail that has been converted for the exclusive use of pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users. These paths are often old railway lines or disused roads that have been renovated and adapted for recreational use.
In general, greenways have a rural character and usually traverse natural landscapes and offer panoramic views. Many greenways also provide services such as bike stations and picnic areas. It is a form of active and sustainable tourism that allows visitors to enjoy nature and exercise at the same time.
The Greenway of the Sea is a hiking and cycling route that runs along the coast between Oropesa del Mar and Benicàssim. It follows the old railway line that connected Barcelona with Valencia, passing through some of the most beautiful and preserved places in Oropesa del Mar.
The route is 6 km long (one way, 12 km in total) and is an excellent way to enjoy views of the sea and nature. Cyclists and hikers can enjoy a variety of landscapes, from less crowded coves of Renegá to cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. The route also offers several points of interest, a train tunnel, watchtowers, and a lighthouse. The Greenway of the Sea is an excellent option for spending a day outdoors and enjoying the beauties of the Mediterranean coast.
2 – Set of watchtowers of La Cordá and La Colomera (Oropesa del Mar)
Oropesa del Mar has several defense towers built in the 16th century, such as the La Colomera Tower and the La Cordá Tower, both of which were part of a system of fortifications that protected the coast from possible Berber pirate invasions (Maghreb, Turkey, etc.).
The tower “La Colomera” was built on a hill overlooking the sea to have good visibility of the coast. The La Cordá Tower is located just a few kilometers along the same route of the greenway, built with stone and has a circular base with a diameter of 10 meters and a height of 13 meters. It has the peculiarity of not having an entrance at the base but at the top. To access it, a rope or ladder was thrown that allowed climbing, and when it was removed, the occupants were safe from possible enemies. Hence its name 'cuerda' in Valencian.
The towers communicated with other towers using smoke signals and were used as a lookout point to warn the population in case of a pirate invasion.
Currently, the towers have been restored and you can visit the Cordá with the tourism office. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city and offers stunning views of the coast and the sea. It is an excellent option for those interested in military history and architecture. It is also a popular place to enjoy the sunset and take photos.
3 – The King's Tower
The King's Tower, also known as the Cape of Oropesa Tower, is a watchtower located in the municipality of Orpesa, in the Valencian Community. It is situated on the Cape of Oropesa, near the lighthouse, 20 meters above sea level and 40 meters from the sea, in an area currently urbanized between La Concha beach and Morro de Gos beach. Its purpose was to defend the local populations from pirate attacks among other things.
On September 25, 1413, Ferdinand I of Aragon authorized the construction of a tower in Oropesa del Mar, continuing a request from the population. However, the king demanded that a chapel and a fortress also be built, and that the funding be obtained through alms collected in different places in the Crown of Aragon.
These demands from the king delayed the construction of the complex. The tower was the first element built and was probably completed around 1428. The fortress was built between the late 15th century and early 16th century, and the chapel was finished at the end of the 16th century.
In 1534, Joan de Cervelló, lord of Oropesa, rebuilt and expanded the tower to protect against pirate attacks. Around 1540, the king ceded or sold the tower to the lordship.
Years later, in 1568, his son Pere de Cervelló sold the tower to Philip II, although he retained custody and an annual salary for himself and a garrison of fourteen soldiers. The lordship maintained custody until 1576, when the coastal guard of the Kingdom of Valencia took over.
Between 1619 and 1623, renovations were carried out on the castle of Oropesa; it is possible that during that time other buildings were demolished and the tower became isolated.
During the Spanish War of Independence, the garrison managed to resist the French forces, despite the surrender of the castle, until they were evacuated on an English ship.
The tower, owned by the Provincial Council, is classified as a Cultural Heritage Asset.
4- Castle of Oropesa del Mar
The Castle of Oropesa del Mar is an impressive medieval fortress located in the city of Oropesa del Mar. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city and an important historical monument.
The Castle of Oropesa del Mar was initially built by the Muslims who abandoned Orpesa la Vella for strategic and security reasons. From its position, it has a complete visual dominance of the horizon (a perfect view of sea and mountains).
Subsequently, due to its strategic importance, it was conquered by historical figures such as El Cid and King James I. During the Middle Ages, the castle belonged to the Order of Hospitallers until it was conquered again by King James I.
Notable families such as those of Jofre de Thous governed the town and fortified the castle and walls.
The original layout of the castle was polygonal and regular, with six fan-shaped open towers and a powerful trapezoidal main tower. This system provided an excellent defensive position against invaders.
However, during the siege by Marshal Suchet in the 19th century, the fortress was destroyed.
Now, the Castle of Oropesa del Mar is a historical reference full of political and diplomatic intricacies typical of the Middle Ages.
Walking through the castle revives that feeling of grandeur when thinking that everything you see belongs to you.
If you are interested in visiting the castle, there are several options available. One of them is to visit it through the local tourist office, where you can obtain detailed information about visiting hours and available activities. You can also book a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the castle.
Another option is to visit the castle on your own. You can access the castle at any time during visiting hours, as it is open to the public. It is advisable to bring a map or a guide to avoid getting lost and to make the most of your visit.
In both cases, it is important to keep in mind that entry to visit the castle is completely free.
5 – Archaeological Museum of Oropesa del Mar
This museum houses a large collection of archaeological artifacts from the region, including ceramics, metals, and stone objects. It is an interesting place to learn about the history of the region and ancient culture. You will find relevant information about the Arab period of the town, the Cervelló family, the passage of Napoleon's soldiers, and the traces they left in the town's castle. You will finally discover interactively (audiovisual and models) chapters of the town's history such as pirate attacks by Berber ships and the infamous Red Beard.
6 – The viewpoint of Oropesa (Bovalar)
The Viewpoint of Oropesa is a popular tourist spot in Oropesa del Mar, a beautiful town on the Costa de Azahar in the Valencian Community, Spain. It is located on top of a hill (the Bovalar) with panoramic views of the sea and the city. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean coast.
The Viewpoint of Oropesa is located in the south of Oropesa, near the Renegá, along the mountain road that leads to the Oropesa de Mar marina. It is easily accessible on foot (there are paths that lead from the greenway) or by car and has ample parking. Once there, you can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, from simply enjoying the view to hiking.
6 – Discovering Oropesa del Mar with Quad Universe
Are you looking for an exciting and different way to explore the Oropesa area? Then the services of Quad Universe Oropesa are the perfect option for you! With Quad Universe, you can discover the beautiful landscapes and hidden places of the area while riding a quad.
Riding a quad is a fun and exciting activity for all levels and for the whole family. It is a unique way to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced driver, there is a suitable quad for you. Additionally, it is a safe and accessible activity for all ages, from children aged 7 to adults.
The services of Quad Universe include guided tours along the best trails in the area, from the countryside to coastal landscapes. You will enjoy stunning views while driving your quad along natural paths and immersing yourself in nature.
Moreover, Quad Universe offers a fleet of state-of-the-art quads. They also provide all the necessary safety equipment, as well as pre-training before starting the tour.
With Quad Universe, you can experience the thrill of the outdoors while discovering the charms of the Oropesa area. It is a unique opportunity to live an unforgettable adventure while having fun and relaxing. Don't wait any longer and book your tour with Quad Universe Oropesa today!
