About this place
Paratge Natural Municipal de la Costera is a small but valuable protected natural area on the outskirts of Puçol, a town in the province of Valencia, just a short distance from the Mediterranean coastline. The La Costera hill, rising to about 162 metres above sea level, forms one of the first spurs of the Serra Calderona mountain range as it stretches towards the coast. The site was granted municipal natural park status in 2005 and covers roughly 49 hectares of municipally owned land.
What is the geology of the hill like?
The hill is made up of Triassic materials, including a distinctive sandstone known locally as "pedra sorrenca." This stone was quarried in the area for years, leaving behind a rugged, textured landscape that today stands out as one of the visual landmarks of the municipality.
What kind of vegetation grows here?
The vegetation is typically Mediterranean, dominated by low, shrubby maquis and garrigue — hardy, drought-resistant scrubland — interspersed with sparse, irregularly scattered pine trees. Rather than dense woodland, visitors find an open, sun-exposed landscape of Mediterranean scrub, with several points offering clear views over the coast.
What wildlife lives in the park?
Fauna in the area is relatively scarce, but the park is known for hosting large birds of prey, including the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the eagle owl (Bubo bubo). In pockets of denser, more humid vegetation, species such as the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) and the European turtle dove can also be found. Foxes and other small carnivores appear occasionally, and some birds use the site only as a stopover during seasonal migration.
What can visitors do there?
The park has several marked trails suitable for both walking and cycling, allowing visitors to explore this coastal natural area at their own pace. It is also home to Aula Natura, an environmental interpretation centre where visitors can learn more about the local flora and fauna. In recent years the area has undergone renovation funded by European Sustainable Tourism Destination programmes, which included a mountain lodge, a multi-purpose building, and a new adventure zone designed mainly for children and school groups.
Who is responsible for protecting the site?
The Puçol town council works together with the environmental organisation Acció Ecologista-Agró under a land stewardship agreement (custodia del territorio), aimed at conserving habitats and species, restoring degraded parts of the ecosystem, and promoting environmental education among residents and visitors alike.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Paratge Natural Municipal de la Costera located? About 1.5 km north of the centre of Puçol, in the province of Valencia, close to the Mediterranean coast.
How big is this protected area? It covers approximately 49 hectares of municipally owned land.
Can it be explored on foot or by bike? Yes, the site is crossed by marked hiking and cycling trails suitable for visitors.
Since when has the area been protected? It was designated a municipal natural site in 2005.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.