What to do
What to do in Fuentes de Rubielos and the surrounding area
There are many ways to enjoy this land. Walking trails between mountains, gazing at a sky full of stars, cooling off in the river, discovering villages steeped in history or sitting down at the table to savour the local cuisine.
Here you will find some of our recommendations.
On foot
Strolling and walking
Some of the most pleasant walks in the area set off right from the door of La Canterica. Easy routes, trails through woodland and little corners to discover without needing to take the car.
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Barranco del Hortal
Circular · ~40 min · easy
A comfortable, undemanding walk, ideal for a relaxed stroll or to enjoy with your dog. It passes the Fuente del Calvario, where you can refill your water bottle.
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Bosque Encantado
~10 min to get there · very easy
Perfect for families with children. A corner among the vegetation that local people decorate with colours and themes. Pick up a stone, paint it with the little ones and leave it there so it becomes part of the forest.
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Umbría de la Carrasca
There and back · 30-40 min · easy
A cool, damp ravine where a centuries-old holm oak more than 200 years old grows. A special spot well worth the visit.
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Ermita de la Magdalena
There and back · ~1 h 30 min · easy-moderate
Climb up the mountain to the chapel, a peaceful place with picnic tables and lovely views over the surroundings. You can return the same way or complete a circular route.
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Canteras de Santa María
Circular · 11.4 km · ~2 h 30 min · moderate
A route linking Fuentes de Rubielos and Olba, crossing mountain trails, caves, ravines and wide views over the valley. Perfect for those looking for a more complete hike.
In the mountains
Enduroland trails
Fuentes de Rubielos is part of Enduroland, a network of waymarked routes that recovers old paths between villages, farmsteads and mountains of the region.
Although it began linked to mountain biking, many of its routes can also be walked, letting you discover some of the most authentic landscapes of the Sierra de Gúdar-Javalambre.
Walking
The walking routes of Enduroland are an excellent option for those wishing to head into the mountains and explore lesser-known trails, with open views and very varied landscapes.
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11R Fuente del Moral
5 km · ~1 h · Easy
The easiest route in the network. Ideal for the whole family and for enjoying a relaxed walk among pine woods and mountain landscapes.
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5R Peñarroya
8.9 km · ~2 h · Moderate
It climbs to one of the highest areas of the surroundings, offering wide views over the sierra and the nearby valleys.
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2R Peñas de Santa María – Los Ibáñez
12.6 km · ~2 h 45 min · Moderate-Hard
The longest route in this selection. It follows mountain trails and quieter corners, connecting some of the most representative landscapes of the area.
Maps and tracks available at endurolandmtb.com
Cycling
Fuentes de Rubielos is part of Enduroland, a network of waymarked mountain biking routes connecting villages, farmsteads and some of the most spectacular landscapes in the area.
Several circular routes of varying difficulty set off from the village itself, designed for those who enjoy exploring the mountains on two wheels.
These are medium and high level routes, with technical sections, elevation gain and some exposed passages. They are recommended for cyclists with mountain experience.
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Ruta 3 · Peñarroya
13.9 km · 423 m of climbing · 2–3 h · Moderate-Hard
It climbs to the Peñarroya summit (1,240 m), the highest point of Enduroland in the area, with wide views over the surroundings. The return passes by the Santa Isabel chapel.
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Ruta 5 · Peñas de Santa María
11.3 km · 431 m of climbing · 2–3 h · Highly Technical
The most technical route. Demanding descents, rocky sections and the spectacular stretch known as "El Despeñaperros".
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Ruta 6 · Senda los Ibáñez
12.9 km · 498 m of climbing · 2–3 h · Highly Technical
It descends to Los Ibáñez, follows the course of the río Mijares to Olba and returns to Fuentes de Rubielos. In summer it offers the chance to cool off beside the river.
Maps, tracks and route conditions at endurolandmtb.com
At night
Stargazing
The region is a Destino Starlight and the sky over Fuentes, at almost a thousand metres and with no lights around, is one of the cleanest in Europe.
The best plan: head up at night to the Peirón de San Jorge —about a 15-minute walk from the house— with a torch and a blanket. It is a Starlight point with picnic tables, perfect for lying down to watch the constellations.
You can also go up during the day and enjoy the views over the surroundings while sharing an open-air meal.
For those who want to delve deeper into astronomy, a little under an hour and a half away are the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre and Galáctica, the astronomy outreach and practice centre in Arcos de las Salinas, which organises activities and experiences related to sky observation.
On the rock
Climbing
The Sierra de Gúdar-Javalambre offers numerous possibilities for limestone climbing, with sectors for different levels and styles.
The closest area is La Fonseca, next to the Puente Viejo over the río Mijares, between Rubielos de Mora and Venta del Aire. A lovely, easily accessible sector, ideal for combining a day of climbing with a walk or a swim in the river during the warmer months.
For those looking for more options, some of the best-known climbing schools in the area are a short distance away, such as Alto Mijares (Olba) and Montanejos, with hundreds of routes for all levels.
In addition, Fuentes de Rubielos has a small climbing wall just a few minutes on foot from La Canterica, a convenient alternative for training or enjoying climbing without having to travel.
Climbing requires the right equipment and prior experience. We recommend finding out about the condition and characteristics of each sector before your visit.
In the water
Swimming and cooling off
When summer arrives, water becomes one of the great attractions of the area. Pools, rivers, reservoirs and swimming pools let you enjoy the warmest days surrounded by nature.
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Olba · La Rasclosa
A small weir where the water pools, at the end of a pleasant walk along the river from the village. A quiet, cool corner that is easy to enjoy.
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Poza de las Palomas
On the road towards Montanejos, near La Monzona. Crystal-clear water, rock and nature in a calm, uncrowded setting.
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Montanejos · Fuente de los Baños
One of the best-known spots in the area. Clean water, canyon scenery and bathing areas surrounded by nature. In summer we recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid the busiest times.
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Embalse de las Balagueras
Between Mora de Rubielos and Rubielos de Mora, surrounded by woodland. A perfect place for a quiet stop, a picnic or an afternoon by the water.
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Piscina municipal de Fuentes de Rubielos
Just 100 metres from La Canterica. A convenient option for cooling off in summer without needing to take the car.
In rivers and natural pools, always check the depth and the condition of the area before swimming or jumping in.
In winter
Skiing
When the snow arrives, the resorts of Javalambre and Valdelinares offer an excellent option for enjoying the mountains in winter.
Between them they total more than 30 skiable kilometres, with slopes for all levels, beginner areas and services for those trying skiing for the first time.
Javalambre is about a 30-minute drive from La Canterica, while Valdelinares is a little further away. A perfect getaway for spending the day in the snow and returning to the calm of Fuentes de Rubielos at dusk.
Culture
Getting to know the villages
Beyond nature, the villages of the area offer another way to discover the land. Quiet streets, heritage, traditional architecture and corners that speak of the history and identity of these mountains.
At the table
Eating well
After a hike, a visit or a restful afternoon, it is always nice to sit down at the table. These are some of the restaurants and bars we usually recommend to our guests.
It is advisable to book, especially on weekends and public holidays.
To eat
Fuentes de Rubielos
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El Rincón de la Abadía
642 18 62 47 · C/ Mayor, 10
Home cooking, the close and practical option, in the village itself.
Rubielos de Mora
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El Portal del Carmen
978 80 45 67 · Historic centre
Refined cuisine in a very beautiful setting. The most special option.
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Hotel Los Leones
978 80 41 06 · C/ Virgen de los Desamparados
A very good set menu, rustic atmosphere, good value for money.
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El Corralico
978 80 40 15 · Centre
Tapas and informal dishes.
Mora de Rubielos
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El Rinconcico
978 80 60 63 · Barrio Santa Lucía, 4
Traditional cuisine updated with Teruel produce. Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide.
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Masía La Torre
A restored farmstead with a hotel and restaurant. Local cuisine with a contemporary touch and Teruel black truffle when in season.
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Pizzería Il Ponticello
978 80 01 15 · Av. Valencia, 1
Authentic Italian cuisine, thin dough made fresh every day, terrace overlooking the village.
Olba
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Restaurante El Mijares
Home cooking in a peaceful setting, near the river.
Cortes de Arenoso
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Casa Chimo
964 38 30 33 · Village entrance
A good place for a mid-morning bite or a meal after a hike or a morning by the river.
Along the way
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Restaurante Los Maños
978 78 58 63 · Venta del Aire (A-23, km 72.4)
A classic roadside inn, open 24 hours. Home-style set menu and generous portions.
To shop
Casa Mata · Rubielos de Mora
978 80 40 14 · Av. de los Mártires, 2
More than 75 years offering local products. An ideal place to take home Teruel ham, cheeses, cured meats, wines and other local products, or to prepare a special meal during your stay.
Jamones Pastor · Rubielos de Mora
Producers of DOP Teruel ham and artisan cured meats for several generations. Their shop, located in the Rubielos de Mora industrial estate, is a highly recommended stop for those who want to discover one of the most iconic products of the area or take home something special.
Seasonal experiences
Mushrooms, truffle and wine
Each season offers a different way to discover the land.
In autumn, the woods of the Sierra de Gúdar-Javalambre attract mushroom enthusiasts from all over Spain. At certain times of year we can guide you on the areas and activities available to enjoy mushroom foraging with respect for the environment. We also work with a local mycologist who organises outings to learn more about the most characteristic species of the area.
During winter, the black truffle becomes one of the great stars of the local cuisine. If you are interested in discovering this product up close, we can put you in touch with local professionals who run truffle-hunting experiences with a dog and show first-hand the work behind one of the region's greatest culinary treasures.
And for those who enjoy the world of wine, in Rubielos de Mora you will find Rubus, a small winery that makes mountain wines and organises guided visits to learn about its project, the vineyard and the winemaking process.
If you are interested in any of these experiences, we will be delighted to guide you and help you organise the visit during your stay.
Shall we plan your stay?
Every trip is different. Tell us what you would like to do and we will help you discover the area with recommendations tailored to your stay.