Best natural monuments around Cirat include waterfalls, gorges, and thermal springs. This village in the Alto Mijares region of Castellón is characterized by its rugged cliffs, verdant vegetation, and the Mijares River. The area offers opportunities for exploring natural pools and dramatic river landscapes. Its proximity to the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park further enhances its appeal for outdoor activities.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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Swimming in this river is a highly recommended and unique experience. During the summer months, there is a fee to enter (unless you stay overnight at a Montanejos accommodation). There is also a charge for parking in the roadside lot. Outside of peak season, both access and parking are free.
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The Salto de la Novia in Cirat is a stunning waterfall located in the Alto Mijares region in the province of Castellón. This place is known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, making it a popular destination for nature and hiking lovers. The waterfall gets its name from a local legend that tells the tragic story of a young couple separated by war. The water from the waterfall comes from the Las Salinas ravine and falls into a natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation. It is a perfect place to enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer months. To reach the Salto de la Novia, you can follow a hiking route that will take you through spectacular landscapes and allow you to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
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Beautiful village with wonderful bathing spots
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The Chillapájaros Straits owe their name to the echoes of the birds that inhabit the rocky area, also known as the Mijares Canyon, which is an impressive limestone cut caused by a fault, patiently filed and excavated by the surface runoff of the Mijares River. Here the river bed passes through a deep gorge, two walls more than a hundred meters high in a vertical drop, in a passage about twenty-five meters wide. The road accompanies the river at different heights, approximately 40 m in elevation. The perspectives of this formidable gorge, of its cliffs, can be seen through two large “balconies”, built inside a tunnel that opens the way to the Mijares highway. Later, the viewpoints mentioned above were incorporated. From all of them, you can see the pronounced escarpments carved by the Mijares, whose rocky walls are the destination of numerous climbers throughout the year.
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Get close to the river bank and don't miss the views
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It's really beautiful there! In the off-season there's not much going on and you practically have nature to yourself.
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Picnics are not allowed on site. In April it was relatively empty, parking was free. It is probably very crowded in summer.
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Relatively empty in the low season (April), parking was free.
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Among the most popular natural monuments, visitors highly recommend Fuente de los Baños - Montanejos Lake, known for its thermal spring waters that allow for pleasant bathing year-round. Another favorite is Salto de la Novia of Cirat, a beautiful waterfall cascading into a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing swim in warmer months.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Fuente de los Baños - Montanejos Lake is considered family-friendly, offering a natural pool with thermal waters and a rest area with picnic spots and children's games. The hike to Salto de la Novia is also relatively easy and accessible, making it suitable for families.
Cirat and its surroundings boast several unique geological features. The Estrechos de Chillapájaros, also known as the Mijares Canyon, is an impressive gorge with limestone walls over a hundred meters high, carved by the Mijares River. The Barranco de las Salinas is another notable area, characterized by rugged rocks and natural pools, with its name stemming from the gypsum-saline materials historically used for salt extraction.
The natural monuments around Cirat offer different experiences depending on the season. Spring and early summer are ideal for witnessing the verdant vegetation and strong water flow at sites like Salto de la Novia. The thermal waters of Fuente de los Baños - Montanejos Lake allow for bathing year-round, while the natural pools in Barranco de las Salinas are particularly inviting for refreshing swims during the warmer months.
The region around Cirat offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'From Montanejos to Montán – Gravel circular by the Arenoso Reservoir' or 'Montanejos Hot Springs – Arenos Reservoir loop'. For running, options include 'Running circular through Alto Mijares' or 'Fuente de los Baños loop from Montanejos'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as 'Arenos Reservoir – View of Arenoso Reservoir loop from Arañuel'. You can find more details on these activities in the Cycling around Cirat, Running Trails around Cirat, and MTB Trails around Cirat guides.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The trail to Salto de la Novia of Cirat follows the river through Mediterranean forest and orchards, and is relatively easy. The Barranco de las Salinas features an easy two-kilometer trail connecting its natural pools. For more extensive options, the region's proximity to the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park provides a broader landscape for hiking.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many appreciate the opportunity for refreshing swims in the clear waters of places like Fuente de los Baños - Montanejos Lake and Salto de la Novia of Cirat. The dramatic landscapes of gorges like Estrechos de Chillapájaros and the power of water at El Chorro Spillway (Arenoso Reservoir) also receive high praise.
Absolutely. The Fuente de los Baños - Montanejos Lake offers thermal waters at a constant 25ºC, making it suitable for swimming year-round. The natural pool at Salto de la Novia of Cirat is also a popular spot for a refreshing dip in warmer months. Additionally, the Barranco de las Salinas features numerous natural pools, such as Poza La Bañera and La Caldereta, perfect for cooling off.
Yes, several locations offer excellent viewpoints. At Estrechos de Chillapájaros, there are two large 'balconies' built inside a tunnel, providing formidable perspectives of the gorge and its cliffs. Salto de la Novia of Cirat also has viewpoints from above and a path leading to the base of the falls. The El Chorro Spillway (Arenoso Reservoir) offers views of the powerful water and spectacular vertical limestone walls.
Montanejos is a town renowned for its hot springs and is very close to several significant natural monuments. It is home to the Fuente de los Baños - Montanejos Lake, a thermal spring declared of public utility in 1863 due to its health benefits. The town also serves as a gateway to the Arenoso Reservoir and other natural attractions along the Mijares River.
While popular, Salto de la Novia of Cirat is often described as less crowded and not as well known as other waterfalls with the same name, offering a special charm due to its natural environment. The Barranco de las Salinas, with its series of natural pools, also provides tranquil spots for relaxation away from larger crowds, especially outside peak times.


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