Rock paintings of the Falfiguera ravine
A rock shelter with hunting and dancing scenes painted thousands of years ago, discovered in 1998 and part of the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin, a World Heritage Site.
| 1998 | year of discovery; protected since 2011 |
| UNESCO | Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin, World Heritage Site |
| ~20 m | above the ravine bed, with a steep final climb |
| ~1.5 km | up the ravine to the signposted turn-off |
A hunters’ sanctuary
The scenes are linked to the rituals of a hunting people: these shelters were probably used for ceremonies honouring the spirits of the animals they depended on to survive.
There are goats and cattle, alone or in herds, drawn in profile but with their horns seen from the front; archers, dances, dots and lines, all full of movement. And something rare in the art of that period in the Mediterranean: women appear.
Step by step
- Start at Plaza de la Baronía. Along Calle Arrabal and Calle Turia to the Barraquillo quarter.
- Los Huertos. On the riverbank, cross the bridge; the waymarks start there.
- Up the Falfiguera ravine. The village falls away behind you.
- Signposted turn-off. A kilometre and a half from the mouth of the ravine, a sign points to the paintings.
- The rock shelter. After a steep climb, about 20 metres above the ravine bed.
Good to know
- Respect the shelter: don’t touch or wet the paintings; they are a protected heritage site.
- Combine it: the Pantaneros trail, if you walk all of it, also passes through here.
Where it is
Location on the map of the area. Always follow the trail waymarks.
- Charco Azul viewpoint
- Hanging bridges
- Loriguilla dam
- La Cruz viewpoint
- Chulilla Castle
- Rock paintings (Falfiguera ravine) (this route)
- Hanging Bridges Route
- Path
- Track
- Car park (yellow: paid)
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Approximate map: it doesn't replace the waymarks or the guidebook.
More routes from Chulilla
Las Cuevas – La Peñeta
The shortest walk, round the back of the castle, to the best viewpoint over the valley.
1.1 km · SL-CV 72
La Muela and La Cruz viewpoint
Climb to the ridge of La Muela via the Lebrillico spring.
3.5 km · SL-CV 71
El Frailecico and its caves
A Moorish watchtower, a cave once used as a livestock pen and a waterfall that only appears after rain.
~8 km · moderate to hard
Up to the castle
The Arab fortress watching over the village and the canyon from the top of the crag.
In the village
The Peña Cortada aqueduct
Roman arches and tunnels cut into the rock, between Chelva and Calles.
PR-CV 92 · 13.9 km
Las Toscas
Tufa waterfalls and pools on the River Sot, in the neighbouring village of Sot de Chera.
~19 km by car
Sleep right by the trail
Our accommodation is in the centre of the village: you can walk to almost every route.
-
Apartment La Muela 1
200 m from the main car park
- 5 guests
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- 65 m²
Two bedrooms with two beds each, a living-dining room open to the kitchen and a work corner with good Wi-Fi.
from 90 € / nightSunday to Thursday · 2-night minimum
-
Apartment La Muela 2
Balcony with views of the Turia canyon
- 5 guests
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- 65 m²
Second floor with a balcony over the Turia canyon, two bedrooms, a living room and an equipped kitchen.
from 90 € / nightSunday to Thursday · 2-night minimum
-
Apartment La Muela 3
Private terrace with views of the castle and the canyon
- 3 guests
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- 55 m²
Third floor with a private terrace and views of the castle and the canyon, next to the main car park.
-
Rural cottage La Cambreta
Terrace with castle views
- 3 guests
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- 55 m²
A former farm storehouse restored in 2020: two small floors and a terrace facing the castle.
