Umbrķa of the Benicadell
This
space is the social, environmental, cultural and landscape symbol of the
region. Today, there is an ambitious project promoted by the Mancomunitat
de Municipis of “La Vall d’Albaida” that counts on the
direct participation of the villages where this space is located. This
project deals with the proceedings of the Umbría of the Benicadell
as Protected Natural Area.
This mountain marks the contrast between the forest ecosystems of the mountain and the agricultural ecosystems (with an exceptional landscape value) located in the low-lying areas. The variety of ecosystems includes pine forests of white pines (Pinus halepensis), maritime pines (Pinus pinaster), stone pines (Pinus pinea), small kermes oak forests (Quercus ilex spp. ballota) and several thickets and shrubs. Species such as flowering ashes (Fraxinus ornus), maples (Acer opalus spp. granatense), laurustinus (Viburnum tinus) and strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) are particularly remarkable; as well as plant communities located in crags and cliffs or other species of rupicolous vegetation located in the springs of the mountain.
From
the summit of the mountain, of 1104 metres, there are spectacular views:
to the North you can see the Caroche peak, the “Mola de Corts”
and the “Pico del Teix” between Siete Aguas and Requena, as
well as the Albufera of Valencia; to the East, the Mediterranean Sea;
to the South you can see the Sierras of Aitana, Font Roja and Maigmó;
and to the West, the Sierra of the Mugró and the Sierra Palomera.
There are several recreational areas such as the Forest House “Les Planisses” and its restored nursery in Beniatjar; the camping area of the “Font d’Elca” between Ráfol de Salem and Salem; the picnic area of the “Pou” in Otos; or the natural spot of the “Font Freda” in Atzeneta d’Albaida.
