The Estels del Sud – Great Crossing of the Beceite Mountain Passes route is a seven-day long hiking activity across one of the less known and wildest mountain ranges of the Iberian Peninsula: the Mountain Passes of Beceite (Puertos de Beceite), one of the most biodiverse mountain environments in the Mediterranean world.
This crossing is mainly located between the provinces of Tarragona, Teruel and Castellón with average heights of 500 to 1,400 meters and slopes of more than 600 meters with spectacular landscapes. Within the tour are the Parc Natural dels Ports (The Mountain Passes Natural Park) and the Parc Natural de la Tinença de Benifassà (the Tinença de Beniffasà Natural Park). The route is 150 km long and has a positive slope of 7,050 m.
We offer guided or self-guided hiking tours for mountain lovers who wish to explore remote natural surroundings and live unique experiences.
An average-to-high difficulty crossing with 18–22 km stages and a 900 m positive slope, that is mainly directed to nature lovers and mountain hikers.
Itinerary and program
Day 1:
Arrival at the village of Beceite and the “Hotel La Fábrica de Solfa”. Check-in and briefing on the Estels del Sud Plus – The Great Crossing of the Beceite Mountain Passes.
Day 2: Beseit – Pena-roja de Tastavins
A breathtaking hike along the old Royal Transhumance route to the Pena Reservoir. Leaving the Reservoir behind, we will climb to La Picossa (alt. 1,100 m), the tallest peak of the northern side of the Mountain Passes of Beceite. After crossing the mountainrange with its impressive views of the Beceite Mountain Passes and the Matarranya, we will climb down to the Prats River and walk along its banks till we meet the Tastavins River along the old trail that goes from Fuentespalda to Pena-roja de Tastavins. We will stop at the Sanctuary of La Virgen de la Fuente (Our Lady of the Spring) just like the old pilgrims did. Check-in at the Virgen de la Fuente Hospice at the village of Pena-roja de Tastavins.
Day 3: Pena-roja de Tastavins – El Boixar
Heading south, we will enter the Province of Castellón following the path of the processions to Vallibona. Passing alongside the majestic boulders of The Masmut, we will start climbing to the Cingle de Sant Jaume (the Sant Jaume Cliff). From there we will head to the Mas de Pichi and reach Coratxà ( alt.1,248 m). Following herders’ paths, we will go to the village of El Boixar. Check-in to the Alberg El Boixar (The Boixar Shelter).
Day 4: Boixar – The Font Ferrera Refuge
We are now at the Tinença de Benifassà. We will follow the old trail that goes from El Boixar to Fredes and then take the old path to La Sénia. On the way to El Portell de l´Infern (The Door to Hell) the landscape turns wild and imposing. A descent to The Salt ravine and subsequent demanding climb to Mas del Peraire await us. We will continue hiking along the crests till we reach the peak of Montenegrelo (alt. 1,330 m) and see the Mediterranean. Walking down the mountain we will reach the Font Ferrera Refuge. Lodging at the Font Ferrera Refuge.
Day 5: Refuge of Font Ferrera – Refuge of Mountain Caro
This stage crosses the very heart of the Mountain Passes of Beceite, looking upon the southern side or seaside scenic views and the valley where the Matarranya River is born. Lodging at the Refuge of El Caro.
Day 6: Refuge of Mountain Caro – Paüls
Following GR-7 down to the Ebro valley, we will hike along the crests of the mountainrange with their impressive views of the valleys, the Ebro River and the mountainsides below. We will leave the Chapel of Sant Roc behind and end this stage at the village of Paüls. Lodging at Ca Les Barberes de Paüls.
Day 7: Paüls – Arnes
We are now on the southern side of the Beceite Mountain Passes. We start the steep climb to the Coll de la Gilaberta before climbing down again to the feet of the Roques de Benet. From there we will follow the impressive surroundings of the Arnes Straits till we reach the village of Arnes. Check-in at Lo Corral d´Arnes.
Day 8: Arnes – Beseit
A breathtaking hike along the range of rocky conglomerates that form the northern side of the Beceite Mountain Passes, following the trail alongside the Les Valls River till we reach the Algars River. A steep climb to the peak of The Penyagalera (alt. 1,033 m) awaits us. We will then climb down to the Ulldemó River and following the path of the Escales mountainrange we will reach the village of Beceite. This is the end of our 7-day route.
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