Top 7 Gorges around Novelda

The canyons around Novelda, particularly Barranco de la Sal (part of Les Salinetes de Novelda), are known for their distinctive terracotta canyon landscape, primarily composed of clay. You can find natural salt pools where visitors can float due to high salt concentration, and mud baths with clay believed to have therapeutic properties. There are also icy cold, drinkable water jets fresh from the mountain.

Yes, the area offers several hiking opportunities. You can explore trails like the Trail along the Vinalopó River, which runs through a pleasant environment with sand formations created by erosion. Another option is Barranco de Caseta, a gorge with a trail through a forest. For more hiking routes, you can check the Hiking around Novelda guide.

Yes, Barranco de la Sal is considered family-friendly. It features natural salt water springs that create pools suitable for bathing, and there are also tables, chairs, and some shade, making it a comfortable spot for families to enjoy a natural outdoor spa experience.

The region's climate makes it suitable for visiting the canyons for much of the year. For hiking and exploring the natural pools, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures. During warmer weather, the pools at Waterfall in the Barranco de la Encantada and Barranco de la Sal are ideal for swimming.

Absolutely. The Barranco de la Sal, within Les Salinetes de Novelda, features natural salt pools where you can float. Additionally, the Waterfall in the Barranco de la Encantada offers pools and waterfalls, making it an ideal place for swimming during warmer months.

You can expect a diverse landscape. The area is known for its distinctive terracotta canyon landscape, particularly around Les Salinetes de Novelda, characterized by red-hued, clay-rich terrain. Other areas, like the Trail along the Vinalopó River, offer a contrast between arid landscapes and vibrant river life, with unique sand formations. Barranco de Caseta, on the other hand, leads through a forest.

Beyond exploring the canyons, Novelda offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, including routes like 'La Sierra de La Safra' or 'Abandoned Cave Dwelling', by checking the MTB Trails around Novelda guide. For gravel biking, routes such as 'Colonia de Santa Eulalia' are available in the Gravel biking around Novelda guide.

Yes, Les Salinetes de Novelda, which includes the Barranco de la Sal, is often described as a hidden gem. It offers a unique 'wild natural spa experience' with its natural salt pool and mud baths, known primarily to locals and those who seek out unique natural retreats.

For hiking, suitable footwear is advisable, especially for trails like Barranc de Peligros and Tossal de Sant Antoni, which may have rocks along the dry riverbed. If you plan to explore Barranco de Caseta, closed gloves are recommended for the second half of the track due to shrubbery branches. For swimming in the natural pools, bring appropriate swimwear.

Visitors appreciate the unique natural settings and the blend of beauty and outdoor activities. Highlights like the Trail along the Vinalopó River are enjoyed for their pleasant environment and interesting sand formations. The Waterfall in the Barranco de la Encantada is loved for its spectacular natural setting with pools and waterfalls, ideal for hiking and swimming. The natural outdoor spa experience at Barranco de la Sal is also a significant draw.

Yes, the Les Salinetes de Novelda area, which encompasses some of the canyons, offers hiking options including circular routes. One such route is the SL-CV 127, also known as the 'Ruta dels Clots de la Sal', which allows you to experience the unique terracotta canyon landscape and natural pools.