Our guests often ask us how it is that this region is so green. A perfectly legitimate question.
We too were surprised when we first drove here from the coastal region years ago to see if
this place could possibly be something for us. We now know the answer to that question.
But to the first question, “How come it’s so green out here?”, we had no well documented
answer. Something had to be done about that! What we already knew is that it is obviously
related to water. We and several of our neighbours have a constant supply of fresh
mountain water. Incidentally, this applies to the whole of our valley: the Vall ‘El Comtat’.
This is the reason why, in the past, dozens of textile and paper companies have established
themselves in Alcoi, industries that need a lot of water.
So, we needed to find out why there is so much water in the region. We set out to
investigate, talked to various experts and did the necessary research on the worldwide web.
We came to the conclusion that it has to do with a combination of geographical, climatic,
and ecological factors.
1. Geography. The region is located in a mountainous area surrounded by the Sierra de
Mariola, Sierra de Aitana and Sierra de Benicadell, among others. These small
mountain ranges consist mainly of limestone formations and affect the climate by
retaining precipitation and influencing air circulation. The altitude (400 to 600 m) also
provides cooler temperatures, which is favorable for vegetation.
2. Underground rivers and water reservoirs. Limestone formations are conducive to
the creation of so-called ‘karst landscapes’. Complex hydrological systems form in
karst areas as rainwater seeps through the limestone and slowly erodes underground
channels. This network of underground waterways stores and distributes water in
‘aquifers’ (underground reservoirs). The aquifers feed springs and streams, keeping
water available to ecosystems even during drier periods. One of the largest springs in
the region is the Font Roja. In the natural park of the same name, by the way, you
can take astounding walks.
3. Natural parks and protected areas. The aforementioned mountains are all located in
protected natural areas that are home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. This
too contributes to the green character of the valley.
4. Historical land use. There is a tradition of agriculture here, mainly olive and almond
cultivation combined with forests and natural vegetation. These agricultural practices
have ensured that there is no excessive urbanisation, keeping the landscape
relatively pristine and green.
5. Microclimate. All the previous factors mean that this region has a microclimate that
is very different from the warmer and drier Mediterranean climate found on the
coast. As a result, the environment is cooler which allows for more greenery.
Behold the answer to the pressing question! Would you also like to come (re)discover this
green oasis? And enjoy the Spanish sun ‘au naturel’? We won’t be able to accommodate you
in 2024, but for 2025 there are still plenty of opportunities at the moment. Click here for
availability.
Un abrazo,
Luc y Valérie
