Important notice before you go

The information on this page comes exclusively from the official records of FEMECV (the Valencian Community Hiking Federation) and Onda Town Council, and is provided for general information purposes only, with no commercial intent. GuiaOnda has not walked this route and does not verify the current condition of waymarking, the trail alignment, or the terrain, and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or currency of this information.

According to FEMECV's own records, this route has not undergone a recent quality inspection, so waymarking may be incomplete or absent in some sections. Hiking carries inherent risks that each person must assess and accept individually. Before you set out: download the GPX track to a dedicated device (not just your phone), check the weather forecast, carry appropriate mountain equipment, and let someone know your planned itinerary. GuiaOnda accepts no liability for injury, accidents, getting lost, or any other loss that may result from using this information.

The PR-CV 361 is a moderate-difficulty route that combines history, nature and one of the most cherished places for the people of Onda: the Ermitorio del Salvador. The 10.7 km largely pass through pine and cork oak forest, with a modest 260 m of elevation gain concentrated on the climb towards the hermitage. Midway, the stop beside the Ermitorio del Salvador, located next to the CV-20 road at 318 metres altitude, is the most recognisable landmark and allows a comfortable break before the return leg.

The start, as with most of Onda's certified routes, is the Molí de la Reixa. The trail climbs along the Riu de Betxí and the historic Camí del Salvador, a right-of-way path that for centuries was the usual route parishioners took to reach the hermitage. The return follows a different alignment, parallel and slightly higher, allowing a different view of the hillside and revealing sections of traditional mountain smallholdings with terraced fields.

Route and waypoints

  1. 1
    Molí de la Reixa: Starting point. Municipal tourism office. Parking available.
  2. 2
    Riu Sec de Betxí: The trail follows the dry riverbed upstream. Sandstone terrain with dry riverbank vegetation and Mediterranean scrub.
  3. 3
    Camí del Salvador: Gradual ascent along a historic right-of-way path through pine and cork oak forest.
  4. 4
    Ermitorio del Salvador (CV-20, 318 m): Central point of the route. The chapel, restaurant and picnic area are beside the CV-20 road. Usual stop for rest and refreshment.
  5. 5
    Return path: The homeward trail runs parallel to the ascent, slightly higher, with views over the terraced hillside fields.
  6. 6
    L'Horta Alta: Area of traditional dryland mountain cultivation with terraced fields. The agricultural landscape contrasts with the pine forest on the ascent.
  7. 7
    El Carme: Peripheral neighbourhood of Onda. The trail returns to the urban setting to close the loop back to the Molí de la Reixa.

What to see along the way

The Ermitorio del Salvador is one of the most visited spots near Onda. The hermitage, of medieval origin, stands in a pine grove with a recreation area, barbecue shelters and a restaurant. It is a regular weekend destination for Onda families, and the finishing point of the night-time pilgrimage procession on 5 August during the Salvador festival. From the hermitage grounds there are fine views over the municipal territory towards the Plana.

The Camí del Salvador preserves sections of its original stone surface, with lateral kerbs and the winding alignment typical of mule tracks designed to avoid direct gradients. It is an example of the rural road network that organised the territory before the arrival of motor vehicles.

The L'Horta Alta area on the descent shows the dryland cultivation terraces that characterised mountain farming in the sierra: almond, olive and carob trees on terraces retained by dry-stone walls, many of them in varying states of abandonment since the mid-twentieth century.

Ermitorio del Salvador with pine grove and picnic area, beside the CV-20 at 318 m altitude
The Ermitorio del Salvador, beside the CV-20 at 318 m altitude, is the central landmark of this route and the destination of the night-time pilgrimage during the Salvador festival.

Practical tips

The PR-CV 361 is the most accessible of Onda's certified PR-category routes. The elevation gain is moderate and the pace can be adapted easily. Passing through the Ermitorio del Salvador allows for a comfortable water and rest stop midway, making this particularly convenient. The best seasons are autumn and spring; in summer start early and carry extra water for the uphill section before reaching the hermitage. The official GPX track is available on the FEMECV register.