The caves of Agua, Olm and the summit of El Xocolate in Petrer

The starting point for this hike is located on Camino de la Creu in Partida de Caprala in Petrer.
To get to this starting point by car, see the "Practical information" section below.

(S/E) From where you are parked, join the main road and turn right. At the nearby intersection, continue left and then turn left at the next intersection. Cross the bridge and continue straight ahead on the paved road.

(1) Go around the rambla on the left and, when you reach a small pond, turn right. You will come to a three-way junction.

(2) Take the path on the right. Continue and pass a refuge, which will serve as a landmark for continuing along the path.

(3) Do not be tempted by the path that branches off to the right, but look for a cairn on the left, which is not very visible, indicating the start of a path leading in that direction. This path, which leads to the first cave, is quite difficult to find as it is easily lost and the cave is only visible at the last moment. The GPX track is therefore essential for finding the direction. Reach the Acqua Cave. There is normally a little water flowing and a small rope allows you to climb or descend a small passage on slippery rocks.

(4) Retrace your steps, but on the way down, look for a series of cairns that branch off to the left on the mountainside. The path becomes obvious, but if in doubt, it is best to follow the cliff. Reach the Grotte de l'Olm.

(5) Continue along the path. A little further on, you will pass a refuge.

(6) Look for a kind of open tunnel in the wall, a sort of passageway, and don't hesitate to climb up into it to follow part of the path inside. Then rejoin the path at the exit.

(7) Descend to the right to reach the bottom of the ravine and follow it.

(8) Pass the large fallen tree that partially blocks the ravine and continue along the path.

(9) Look for the cairn on the left and leave the path you have been following to take the one on the left. You will come to a crossroads.

(10) Ignore the path on the right, which belongs to private property, and go left for a few dozen metres.

(11) Take the path on the left and begin the climb to the summit of El Xocolate (1,051 m), marked by a large standing stone and a pile of stones at its foot: panoramic view.

(12) This is the start of a fairly long descent, which is steep in places. This path is also used to climb to the summit in the other direction. You will reach a three-way junction.

(13) Continue straight ahead, walk past a Casa Rural and you will arrive at the starting point (S/E).

Driving directions to the start of the hike

From Alicante city, take the A31 motorway (from Calle Mexico) towards Madrid and continue straight on the A31. Take exit 201 Elda Hospital. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit towards Poligon Industrial Les Pedreres and Casa Rural La Esperanza (and Bocopa). At the junction, turn left onto c/ Aparadores and at the end turn right towards PDA. Rural Caprala and Casa Rural La Esperanza. Enter c/ Primer de Maig and follow it.

At the junction (with rubbish bins), turn left towards PDA. Rural Caprala and Casa Rural La Esperanza, then continue along this road. Arrive at Casa Rural La Esperanza with its large car park and park in the street opposite (Camino de la Creu).

For your information, by car, it is about 45 km from Alicante, which takes about 40 minutes.