Description
The Toscar Recreational Area is located in the Toscar Valley, near Alfara de Carles and at the gateway to Els Ports Natural Park. Situated at an altitude of around 480 metres, it is an excellent starting point for discovering a valley with a rich natural and cultural heritage, shaped over centuries by the use of its mountain resources.
Water has played a major role in the history of this area. Its abundance supported flour and oil mills, as well as paper, glass and electricity production facilities that operated beside the ravine at different periods. Traces of these activities can still be found today, offering an insight into the valley’s past.
A valley shaped by its natural resources
Forests and pastures also played an essential role. In fact, livestock farming existed alongside the collection of aromatic plants such as lavender, beekeeping, charcoal and lime production, and forestry. Timber was transported down from the higher parts of the mountains along traditional logging tracks, traces of which remain visible in the landscape.
As a result, visiting the Toscar offers an opportunity to understand how water, forests and pastures shaped both the landscape and the traditional ways of life in Els Ports.
Four trails from the Toscar Recreational Area
Four trails signposted by Els Ports Natural Park can be followed from the Toscar Recreational Area: La Pedra i l’Aigua, Els Ròssecs, Cova Pintada and Cova dels Adells.
The La Pedra i l’Aigua trail is a 5.8 km circular route, with 170 metres of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour 45 minutes. It is classified as low difficulty. In contrast, Els Ròssecs is the most demanding route, covering 8 km, with 470 metres of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours 45 minutes. It is classified as medium difficulty.
The Cova Pintada trail covers 3.7 km, with 260 metres of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour 10 minutes. Finally, the Cova dels Adells circular trail is 5.1 km long, with 325 metres of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour 25 minutes. Both are classified as low-difficulty routes.
⚠️ Caution: extensive livestock grazing area. The Cova dels Adells trail is temporarily NOT recommended due to the presence of bulls.
Before following any of the trails, visitors are advised to check for the possible presence of livestock, respect fences and gates, and always follow the latest guidance from Els Ports Natural Park.
How to reach the Toscar
The main access is via the TV-3422 road. From Roquetes, continue towards Els Reguers and Alfara de Carles. After 12.6 km, take the signposted paved turn-off towards the Toscar. From here, continue for 4.1 km to the car park.
In addition, the Toscar can be reached on foot from Alfara de Carles by following the GR-171 long-distance trail. It is approximately 3.5 km to the Santa Llúcia Hermitage and 6.5 km to the Toscar car park.
Finally, the Toscar combines hiking, water, forests and heritage associated with traditional trades. It is an especially interesting place to discover how the inhabitants of Els Ports made use of the valley’s natural resources over the centuries.
