Historic Bocairent, Covetes del Moros Caves and Pou Clar Pools

Bocairent’s narrow hilltop streets and the tiny openings of the Covetes dels Moros make this day trip feel like a proper change of pace from Valencia. You’ll pair old-town exploring with a 6-kilometer mountain hike and a final stop at Pou Clar’s natural pools.

I like two things in particular: the small group of eight makes it easier to ask Howard questions and keep a relaxed pace, and the day brings together history, walking, and time by the water instead of offering just one kind of outing.

The main consideration is the effort involved. Bocairent is steep, the cave passages require stooping, and the hike is described as vigorous in places, so this suits you best if you’re comfortable being active for much of the day.

• A small group: A maximum of eight people means a more personal day and a little less herding.
• A town with character: Bocairent’s sloping streets and hilltop setting make even a short wander feel rewarding.
• Caves that call for care: The Covetes dels Moros are tiny, old spaces to explore, with a €4 entry fee paid separately.
• A proper country walk: The two-hour, 6-kilometer route passes sandstone scenery, ruined watermills, and a ridge with broad views.
• A refreshing finish: Pou Clar’s clear pools and waterfalls offer a chance to swim in warmer months or simply enjoy the rocky gorge.
• A full day out: Expect about eight and a half hours, starting and ending in Valencia, with transport and coffee or tea included.

From Valencia to Bocairent’s hillside streets

The day begins at 9:00 am at Alameda Beers, on Passeig de l’Albereda in Valencia. From there, you ride in an air-conditioned vehicle toward Bocairent, a historic town perched on a hill. The ride gives you a comfortable start, but the real change of scene comes when you leave the vehicle and take to the town’s steep lanes.

You have about an hour and a half in Bocairent, including a morning coffee stop. That is enough time to get a feel for the place and see its old streets, but it is not a long, unstructured visit. I’d use the time to look closely at the town’s layout and buildings rather than expect to cover every corner.

The hillside setting is part of the appeal and part of the work. Bocairent is notably hilly, so wear shoes you can walk in and expect some uphill and downhill footing. If you prefer flat, easy sightseeing, this first stop gives you a useful preview of the day’s physical demands.

Coffee or tea is included, which is a welcome pause before the more active parts of the outing. Lunch is not included. The hike description places a picnic lunch inside an old mill building, so plan to bring or arrange food rather than assume a meal is covered in the price.

The Covetes dels Moros: small caves, close quarters

The Covetes dels Moros are the day’s most unusual historical stop. These small caves, described as having been inhabited about 700 years ago, are cut into the rock and reached through tight openings. Exploring them is more hands-on than looking at a monument from a comfortable distance.

Be ready to stoop low. The spaces are tiny, and the visit involves moving through narrow passages, which adds a little adventure but may not suit anyone uncomfortable in close quarters. If you have mobility concerns or dislike confined spaces, consider that carefully before booking.

A guided visit lasts about an hour. The cave entrance costs €4 per person and is not included in the tour price, so carry a little extra money. The cave tour is conducted in Spanish, but Howard can translate into English, helping you follow the explanations and ask questions.

That translation is a practical advantage, especially at a site where the setting alone may not explain how people used the caves. You get context as you move through the spaces, rather than simply peering inside and moving on. The visit combines a brief lesson in the area’s past with the simple physical puzzle of fitting through the openings.

A two-hour hike through Barranco del Tarongers

After the town and caves, the day turns toward the countryside for a 6-kilometer hike in Barranco del Tarongers. It takes about two hours, and the route changes character as it goes: first a sandstone valley shaped by the river, then old watermill ruins, then an ascent to a ridge with wide mountain views, followed by a descent to the starting point.

The ruined mills give the walk a human trace. They are reminders that this valley was not only a place to admire, but also a setting for work and water use. You’ll pause for a picnic lunch inside one of the old mill buildings, a simple, atmospheric break. Bring your own food, since lunch is not included.

The route’s variety is a strong point. You’re not walking a single stretch of trail with the same view all the way through. The valley, stonework, ruins, and higher ridge each offer something different, and the climb gives you a fresh view back across the ground you have covered.

Still, don’t mistake the word walk for a gentle stroll. The tour calls for moderate fitness, and the route includes an ascent. One participant described the day as vigorous, which is a fair warning if you are not used to hills or longer walks. Good footwear and a willingness to keep moving will make the hike more enjoyable.

The ridge is the payoff for the effort, with broad views over the valley and surrounding mountains. If you enjoy taking photographs, you’ll find plenty of changing angles. Just keep in mind that this is a group outing with a set day plan, so it is not designed for long solo stops along the way.

Pou Clar’s clear pools and rocky gorge

The final stop is Pou Clar, a series of natural springs and pools in a rocky gorge, with small waterfalls and clear water. The setting is a fitting contrast to the dry stone and dusty trails of the hike. In warmer months, you may be able to swim; otherwise, the pools and rock formations still make a worthwhile stop.

The planned visit is about 30 minutes, so think of this as a short pause rather than a long swim session. If you hope to get in the water, bring what you need for a swim and be prepared to use the time efficiently. The water is home to freshwater fish, which add a surprising bit of company if you take a dip.

Swimming is seasonal in practice. The tour description points to warmer months as the best time for a refreshing swim, and a February outing described the pools as lovely but better saved for a return when the weather warmed. If swimming is your main reason for booking, choose your dates with that in mind. If you’re happy to enjoy the gorge from the edge, the stop can still be a pleasant end to the day.

Howard, the small group, and the day’s pace

Howard is the guide named for this tour, and his role matters across a day with several different kinds of stops. He drives the group, helps everyone feel at ease, and can translate the Spanish-language cave tour into English. His knowledge of local history and geography adds useful context, particularly when you move from the old town to the caves and then into the countryside.

The group is limited to eight people. That is small enough for a more conversational feel than a large coach trip, and it makes it easier to keep the day personal. It does not mean the outing is private, but you should have more room to ask questions and get help than you would in a much bigger group.

The schedule gives you variety without asking you to plan transport between places yourself. You move from Bocairent to the caves, hike through the valley, and finish at the pools, then return to the Valencia meeting point. The full day lasts about eight and a half hours, so set aside most of the day rather than trying to fit it between other plans.

Is $108.37 a fair price?

At $108.37 per person, the price pays for a full day of air-conditioned transport, a small group, and a guide who connects several stops into one outing. You also get coffee or tea. The €4 cave admission and lunch are extra, so the real cost will be a little higher once you account for food and entry.

The value is strongest if you want to see more than one side of the area without arranging the logistics yourself. Bocairent, the caves, a two-hour hike, and Pou Clar would take planning to combine independently, especially if you do not have a car. Here, the transportation and guided structure make it possible to cover all four in one day.

It is less compelling if you want a slow visit to Bocairent, a long swim, or a strenuous hike to be the main event. Each stop has a set place in a varied itinerary, and the pool visit is short. You are paying for the range and convenience, not for hours at any single site.

The tour requires a moderate level of fitness and good weather. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start; if poor weather forces the tour to be canceled, you are offered another date or a full refund. These terms are worth checking when you book, particularly if your plans in Valencia are tight.

Who should book this day trip?

I’d recommend this outing if you like days that mix old streets, unusual historical sites, and time outside. It is especially suited to curious, active visitors who enjoy walking and don’t mind close quarters in the caves. The small group and Howard’s translation can also help if you want more context than a self-guided visit would provide.

Think twice if you have difficulty with hills, do not enjoy stooping through narrow spaces, or want a relaxed day with plenty of downtime. The schedule is varied, but it is still a full day with a meaningful hike. If that sounds appealing, bring lunch, wear comfortable walking shoes, budget for the cave entry, and pick a warm-weather date if swimming matters to you.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours and 30 minutes, including travel and the stops in Bocairent, the caves, Barranco del Tarongers, and Pou Clar.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Alameda Beers, Passeig de l’Albereda 15, in Valencia.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is eight people.

Is the cave entrance fee included?

No. Entry to the Covetes dels Moros costs €4 per person and is paid separately.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. The hike includes a picnic stop inside an old mill building, so bring or arrange your own food.

Can I swim at Pou Clar?

Swimming is possible in warmer months. The pools are natural springs with freshwater fish, and you can also enjoy the gorge without swimming.

What level of fitness do I need?

A moderate fitness level is advised. The hike is about 6 kilometers and takes two hours, and Bocairent is hilly. The caves also require stooping through small openings.