Villamalur belongs to the judicial district of Nules, is 40 km from the capital of the province and is situated 644 m above sea level. The municipality of Villamalur has Islamic origins. Its urban centre has a picturesque hillside setting rising above fields and ravines, in the northwestern part of the Sierra Espadan Natural Park, surrounded by a spectacular landscape highlighted by its lush green forests. It is an extremely rugged township. Elevation-wise, its extensive network of pine forests form a natural and cultural landmark that is enough to amaze any visitor, with an average elevation of some 700 m. The exact origins of the town are unknown, although its foundation is attributed to the existence of what is supposed to have once been a Muslim hamlet (alquería), a theory supported by the nearby Castle, which undoubtedly bears the Muslim seal. Its current name, which is recorded as early as 1489, is believed by some authors to have replaced a now unknown Muslim designation.
Its economy relies mainly on agriculture, and in particular the farming of cherries, with select, high-quality varieties that are extremely well reputed in markets. Almonds and olives are also farmed.
The foundation of the municipality by Arabs and the continued presence of the Moors throughout the centuries have resulted in Villamalur's town centre maintaining an extremely distinct Muslim feel and appearance to it; whitewashed houses set amidst an interlocking network of narrow, concentric streets.
Its rugged, mountainous terrain and its cultural and environmental attractions have led to the declaration of the municipality as part of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. It is surrounded by thick pine forests that produce choice red pine mushrooms (rebollones or rovellons), together with its cork and oak trees, and offers unbeatable panoramic views. Standout mountains include the 1047 metre-high Monte Alto del Pinar, situated at the top of a prolongued chain of peaks. Hiking up to the top is well worth the effort; here you will enjoy gazing out at the landscape and at many of the towns in the area, some of them very distant. The 19.5 km that make up the municipal district, owing to its geographical and climatic qualities, include vast expanses of forest land. Out of 1650 hectares, only 300 of these are used for the purposes of farming. The beautiful scenery, along with the pleasant temperatures -the summers here are exquisite- mean that the population increases considerably in summer, surpassing the 500 mark.
Economy
Its economy relies mainly on agriculture, and in particular the farming of cherries, with select, high-quality varieties that are extremely well reputed in markets. Almonds and olives are also farmed.
What to see
The foundation of the municipality by Arabs and the continued presence of the Moors throughout the centuries have resulted in Villamalur's town centre maintaining an extremely distinct Muslim feel and appearance to it; whitewashed houses set amidst an interlocking network of narrow, concentric streets.
Landscape
Its rugged, mountainous terrain and its cultural and environmental attractions have led to the declaration of the municipality as part of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. It is surrounded by thick pine forests that produce choice red pine mushrooms (rebollones or rovellons), together with its cork and oak trees, and offers unbeatable panoramic views. Standout mountains include the 1047 metre-high Monte Alto del Pinar, situated at the top of a prolongued chain of peaks. Hiking up to the top is well worth the effort; here you will enjoy gazing out at the landscape and at many of the towns in the area, some of them very distant. The 19.5 km that make up the municipal district, owing to its geographical and climatic qualities, include vast expanses of forest land. Out of 1650 hectares, only 300 of these are used for the purposes of farming. The beautiful scenery, along with the pleasant temperatures -the summers here are exquisite- mean that the population increases considerably in summer, surpassing the 500 mark.
