Serra Calderona Natural Park

Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona is a protected mountain area in eastern Spain, straddling the border between the provinces of Valencia and Castellón and covering more than 18,000 hectares. The park was formally established by the regional government of the Valencian Community on 15 January 2002, and its territory spans parts of fourteen municipalities, including Segorbe and Altura on the Castellón side, and Náquera, Olocau, Serra, Sagunto and Gátova, among others, on the Valencia side.

Where is it and why does it matter?

Sierra Calderona rises just around 20 kilometers from the city of Valencia, which has earned it the nickname of the city's "green lungs." Its proximity to a large metropolitan area makes the park a popular escape for locals looking for nature without a long drive, while also serving as an important ecological buffer between the urbanized coastal strip and the wilder mountain landscapes further inland.

What is the climate and landscape like?

The park has a typical Mediterranean climate, with a moderate average annual temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius and irregular rainfall ranging between 350 and 600 millimeters per year. The terrain consists of relatively low but steep mountain ranges cut by valleys, which creates a notable variety of microclimates and habitats packed into a fairly compact area.

What plants and animals live here?

Aleppo pine (pino carrasco) is the dominant tree species, covering large stretches of the park's slopes. It grows alongside typical Mediterranean scrubland vegetation, including rockrose, rosemary, gorse (aliaga) and heather. This mosaic of pine forest and scrub provides shelter for birds of prey such as the Bonelli's eagle (águila perdicera), the goshawk and the eagle owl. Among mammals, the park is home to foxes, wildcats, wild boar and badgers, making it a significant reservoir of biodiversity in an otherwise densely populated region.

What else is there to see beyond nature?

Sierra Calderona is not only about landscapes and wildlife — it also carries centuries of human history. Within and around the park visitors can find the Castle of Serra, the Iberian settlement of Olocau, the Monastery of Sant Esperit and the Porta Coeli Charterhouse, sites that combine scenic mountain surroundings with the region's historical and religious heritage. As a result, hikes through the park often blend contact with nature with visits to heritage sites set into the mountain scenery.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona located? The park stretches across the border of the Castellón and Valencia provinces, covering parts of fourteen municipalities, including Segorbe.

When was the park created? It was officially declared a natural park on 15 January 2002 by the government of the Valencian Community.

How large is the protected area? The park covers approximately 18,019 hectares.

What animals can be seen there? Notable species include the Bonelli's eagle, goshawk and eagle owl, as well as foxes, wildcats, wild boar and badgers.

Are there historical sites within the park? Yes, including the Castle of Serra, the Iberian settlement of Olocau, the Monastery of Sant Esperit and the Porta Coeli Charterhouse.