The route through the villages on the banks of the Gritos River in the heart of Cuenca
In the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, marvelous natural enclaves are hidden, which are also home to small, unknown towns that few people in Spain know about. This is the case of the Gritos River, a tributary of the Júcar River that flows through the center of the province of Cuenca, and which is surrounded by several beautiful towns that are home to authentic architectural treasures of great value.
Following its course and visiting all the nearby villages is an extraordinary option for a rural weekend getaway , exploring a wonderful corner of Castilla-La Mancha. A hiking trail that passes through five beautiful Cuenca villages offers a fantastic area where tranquility reigns supreme.
From Chumillas to Valverde del Júcar along the Gritos River
The starting point of this 36-kilometer hiking route is the extraordinary village of Chumillas, which, despite having just over fifty inhabitants, boasts a stunning tower from the Muslim era (specifically, the 12th century). In addition, the town also features the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, a magnificent Romanesque church that also dates back several centuries.
From the village, travel eleven kilometers northwest along the course of the Gritos River, where you'll walk through extensive fields and beautiful natural surroundings, as well as the remains of old mills that add even more charm to the route, to Olmeda del Rey, the next stop on the itinerary. This town of 120 residents is home to incredible treasures such as the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves and its beautiful 17th-century town hall.
After admiring the typical architecture of the area, it's time to continue the route to one of the highlights of the tour, the ancient Roman city of Valeria. After just six kilometers, you'll reach the impressive remains of this city founded in the 1st century BC, one of the most important sites in Castilla-La Mancha. There, you can learn about the region's history in the visitor center before resuming your journey toward Valera de Abajo.
After eight kilometers from the Roman ruins, and crossing the imposing and spectacular gorge of the Gritos River, you reach this town, which, together with Valera, forms the municipality of Las Valeras. Don't miss its religious heritage, especially the sublime Convent of San José. It's also an ideal place to recharge your batteries before tackling the final stretch of the route.
The final eleven kilometers of the route take hikers to the town of Valverde del Júcar, located on the banks of the Alarcón Reservoir. The Church of Santa María Magdalena is a must-see here, but the best thing to do is stroll through its streets to discover all its hidden gems, thus bringing an exciting journey through the heart of the province of Cuenca to a close .
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