Climb from the Castell to the Summit of the Serra de Xortà (PR-V-18)

From the viewpoints of the upper village, the Serra de Xortà closes the horizon to the north. The PR-V-18 trail, published by the Town Council, leaves from Castell de Guadalest itself and climbs to its summit: it is the way to swap the castle for the mountain and see the valley from above.

The route

You leave the village towards the reservoir, along the CV-755 or calle Costeretes, opposite Tienda de Claudio. From the reservoir to the Blocón ridge the PR-V-18 shares a path with the PR-V-19, which goes to Castell de Castells. The first kilometres cross Mediterranean pine wood with gorse and rosemary, among farmland.

At the Beniardà junction you keep right and climb up the Cuevas ravine; about 200 metres later, the path turns northeast and goes up a forest track towards the pass between the Blocón ridge and the western crags of Xortà. Around kilometre 6.5 you pass beneath the vertical walls of the south face of the Blocón and then the path winds along the north slope of the range. At the pass the track splits in three: the PR-V-18 takes the one on the right, keeps climbing, passes a house, leaves the track and reaches the Fuente de los Tejos. From the spring you climb a small ravine to another pass and, turning right, to the summit: the Cerro de los Parados, at 1,218 metres.

What to know beforehand

It is 15.8 km of climbing from the village, which is at 587 metres: more than 600 metres of ascent. The Town Council publishes no time, difficulty or return route, so plan it as a full mountain day, with a map or track, water for the whole day and an early start. The Fuente de los Tejos is the only water point the route names: do not count on it. For questions, the Town Council answers on 965 88 50 95 and the Tourist Info on 965 885 298. With a dog, on a lead.

If you prefer something shorter

The same Town Council mentions a trail around the reservoir, much easier, and in summer the reservoir kayak is another way to see Xortà from below.