The Abric de Tortosillas lies in the mountains near Ayora, in the inland valley of Ayora-Cofrentes in Valencia, and its paintings of human figures and animals are part of the rich rock art of this region, part of the Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin listing. Nearby, at Alpera in Albacete province, the Cueva de la Vieja holds one of the most famous Levantine panels, with dozens of figures, archers, deer and goats, and an interpretation centre in the village. The landscape here is dry and mountainous, with pine forests, cliffs and the valley of the Júcar river.
Ayora is a small town below a ruined castle, with a long history as a frontier between the kingdoms of Valencia and Castile, and it is known for its honey, produced from the rosemary and thyme that grow on the hillsides. The valley of Ayora-Cofrentes, to the north, follows the Júcar through gorges and past the spa of Cofrentes, and the dam at Cortes de Pallás forms a large reservoir in a dramatic canyon.
The roads here are a joy for riders, winding through mountains and valleys with little traffic and spectacular views. The road from Ayora to Cofrentes and on to Cortes de Pallás, through the canyon of the Júcar, is a favourite, and the roads towards Almansa and Requena offer more of the same. Surfaces are generally good, and the dry climate means good riding conditions for most of the year.
Ayora, thirteen kilometres away, has fuel, shops and restaurants. Try the local honey and the hearty mountain dishes, such as gazpacho manchego and rice with rabbit. Carry water in summer, when temperatures soar. The interpretation centre in Alpera explains the rock art and organises visits to the Cueva de la Vieja, and the castle in Ayora offers views over the valley. The canyon of the Júcar at Cortes de Pallás can be explored by boat, an unusual way to see the dramatic landscape.