Sources of life and health

The climate, the Mediterranean diet and spas make us rejuvenate and have turned Spain into a benchmark for health tourism. In the Mancomunidad Espadán-Mijares, the secret of vigour is in its waters...

How many springs are there in the Mancomunidad Espadán-Mijares? It would take us forever to count them. In Fuentes de Ayodar alone, in the Alto Mijares region, there are about ten, both in the town centre -see the Cañar- and in the outskirts -the River, Patience or Jaríca fountains, which suggest pleasant routes to their jets.

And what do you think the Arabic Aínen means if not "fountain"? If we want to feel the true genealogy of this municipality, in the heart of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park, we can embark on its water route, an enjoyment full of curiosities, which takes us, for example, to the time when the first light bulb was installed in the village, on the way to the fountain of San Ambrós, which, for that reason, was busier than the main street of any city.

If we go to Argelita, more of the same: fountains of all ages, sizes and types, some, like the one in San Ignacio, with a recreational area to perfect our excursion.

In short, all the municipalities of the Mancomunidad are blessed with the gift of water. You only have to think of the natural swimming pools and pools, which alleviate the heat in the summer season, or the water activities in the river Mijares or the Sitjar reservoir, which always manage to bring a smile to our faces.

If we ask the natives of the Mancomunidad, they will tell us about those springs with mineral-medicinal properties, whose benefits are backed up by the testimonies of their lucky recipients.

After all, we are not inventing gunpowder if we say that the therapeutic action of water on the body was already known in Roman times, who, between science and faith, entrusted their bodies to the inscrutable power of the liquid element, the true divinity of their thermal baths and spas.

Below, we offer you some coordinates so that, during your journey through the Espadán-Mijares region, you don't get lost in the search for the fountains of eternal youth...

ESPADILLA

Several springs in Espadilla - Meli, Sastre, Piqueta, Turís and Silvia - invite us to pleasant forays in search of the mineral-medicinal properties of their waters. The benefits of their drinks are accompanied by the benefits derived from walking through these dream landscapes.

TALES

The waters of the Montí spring, the most popular in Tales, are recommended for people with kidney stones. They come from the spring at the top of the mountain El Alto, and, following the saying that "he that would have the fruit must climb the tree", the route to reach it is long (one hour and 45 minutes) but rewarding. As a reward for our efforts, we can have lunch at the picnic area above the spring. The municipality also has another restored Montí spring.

TOGA

In 1906, the Regional Valencian Exhibition distinguished Fuente Caliente, in Toga, with a gold medal and a diploma, that's nothing. The quality of its waters, bicarbonated calcium-magnesium bicarbonate, is more than proven. For the obese and those suffering from stomach ailments and gout, Fuente Caliente is a saint's hand.

VALLAT

Built in 1930, the Fuente de la Salud - the name says it all - has supplied water to the residents and businesses of Vallat from its lion's head-shaped spout, which was donated by a family of the time, the Morenos.

VILLAMALUR

Among the many attractions of Villamalur, its springs and fountains are among the most picturesque. The springs are called Chercoles, Berniches, Allá, Barrajau, Albar, Lartijuela, Calzada, Cafuentes and Olivera, and many of them have therapeutic properties.