Javalambre or, as this picturesque corner is called by the locals, Gudari-Javalambre, is located just an hour and a half drive from Valencia. However, despite such proximity, the territory of this resort is sharply different from the main city of the autonomy, as well as from other settlements of Valencia. No sea, clean coast and sea breeze, Havalambre is a place with huge snowdrifts, green fir trees, ice patterns on the glass and other winter attributes that are not associated with a warm region.

Gudari-Havalambre is located at the very foot of the ridge called Sierra Havalambre. This ridge is famous for the fact that it is dotted with small towns and villages where tourists who visit the main attraction of the Havalambre resort like to walk and stop. Today, all residential areas of the Havalambre resort are distinguished by peace and comfort, they are lost in the silence and beauty of untouched nature: you will not find a large number of bars and restaurants here, there are no noisy festivals or festivities. But the area, which is located slightly above the residential area, is full of real fun and active recreation, because thanks to the unique climate and successful geographical location, Havalambe became the place where a multifunctional ski complex was built.

Today, it attracts tens of thousands of tourists with its high-quality wide slopes, modern equipment and snowmaking systems, which allow the resort to function almost around the clock. In addition, on the territory of the sports ground you can visit spa salons, learn how to ski properly or conquer the steepest slope.

What is interesting to see in Javalambre?

By traveling to Guadara-Javalambre, a tourist can expand their knowledge of the amazing Spanish history and architecture.

On the territory of the Sierra-Javalambre range, there are about 24 settlements, each of which has preserved not only unique medieval buildings, but also entire architectural complexes and historical quarters that have practically not changed since those times.

Every traveler must visit the fortress city of Mosqueruela or go to a settlement called Mora de Rubielos. Once there, you will be transported to the set of a medieval film, because the walls, structures and buildings of these cities strongly resemble the scenery of such feature films. Other interesting sights are unique churches dating back to the Renaissance era, one of which is located in Selva de Alcalá. There are also religious buildings in the Baroque style, for example, the church in Puertomingalvo.

Another of the most popular and famous attractions of this place is the ski resort of the same name. It is considered one of the youngest and most functional sites, today you can not only enjoy skiing, but also learn the basics of other extreme sports and entertainment. Also on the territory of the sports complex there are several ski schools, a private kindergarten, cafes, bars and other interesting entertainment venues for every taste.

Havalambre: excursions and activities

The most popular excursion in Havalambre is a familiarization tour. Due to the fact that the resort is located near a fairly large number of towns, full of architectural and historical monuments, first of all, tourists try to keep their way there, getting acquainted with the culture and history of Spain.

Most sightseeing tours include visits to such settlements as Mosqueruela, Selva de Alcala, Puerto Mingalvo, as well as Villarluengo and Manzanera, which is one of the five resorts with mineral springs. A bus tour of this settlement departs from the entrance to the Javalambre ski complex twice a week early in the morning and arrives only late in the evening. The cost of such a trip accompanied by a guide is 30 euros per tourist, while everyone is guaranteed an incredible amount of emotions and impressions from this trip, in addition, the guides not only tell dry information, but also dilute it with interesting and rather unusual facts about this or that city of the ridge.

As for events, the most vibrant holidays are considered to be the opening and closing of the ski season. During these days, an improvised stage is set up on the territory of the sports complex, where local pop stars perform with songs and dances. In addition, everyone is waiting for raffles, contests and open-air cuisine. In addition, a large number of cafes and restaurants are open 24 hours a day and offer good discounts.

History of Havalambre

The history of this resort town began in 1995, when Havalambre opened its doors to fans of extreme sports and active recreation. The event to open the first ski season was loud and bright – fireworks, raffles, a large number of athletes. For the first couple of years, the main stream of tourists were Spaniards themselves, but by the two thousandth, travelers from European countries began to appear on the Havalambre slopes, and soon domestic ski enthusiasts also appeared there.

Today, a large number of unique and multifunctional equipment allows the resort to receive guests from the end of November to the first days of April. Dozens of ski slopes in Havalambre are a real magnet for both professional skiers and those who are just learning this sport. The resort is a good place for both family vacations and couples without children. There is a private kindergarten, a school for young skiers, ice rinks and other areas that could attract young conquerors of the slopes. Havalambre is a young ski resort, where there are no hospitals, schools or other socially important places. But this state of affairs is saved by the nearby towns, most of which have more than a century of history. In these small settlements, visitors to Havalambre have the opportunity to rent apartments, see a doctor or send mail, since the infrastructure of these towns and villages is more developed.

Climate of Havalambre

The climate of Havalambre is unique. Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, it is distinguished by its mildness and high humidity. The thermometer column almost never drops below zero degrees. Another feature of this place is that, despite the highlands, the territory of Havalambre is practically not subject to strong winds. On the contrary, bright sun and clear sky are constant companions of the ski season, so snowstorms or blizzards are considered a rarity for these places.

Winter in the resort enters its possessions at the end of November, it is then that enough snow falls to start experiencing the numerous slopes. Summer in Havalambre comes into its own at the end of May, and along with the heat, rains also come to the resort.

Where to stay

There are only three hotels on the territory of the ski resort. Most of the rooms in these apartments have long been booked, which is why the majority of tourists have long had no hope of staying near the ski slopes.

The salvation for such travelers is resort houses. These are two-story or five-story hotels, the rooms in which resemble studio apartments. Most of these resort houses are scattered throughout the ridge. The closest apartments to Javalambre are in the town of Cámara de la Sierra, which is 12 kilometers from the ski resort.

The advantage of such houses is that a bus with tourists runs to each of them every day directly to the slopes of the sports complex, that is, you do not have to have your own car. The cost of renting one of these studio apartments depends on the number of people, however, the average check for one will be about 50 euros.

You can also use the services of hotels in neighboring towns of the Aramon zone.

El Mudayyan 3-star hotel

This cosy hotel is built on the site of a 14th-century medieval church arch. It features an Arabic-style tea room and free Wi-Fi. All rooms have a unique design, either in a modern or Mudejar style. They include a flat-screen TV and a small balcony.

The El Mudayyan building features an ancient tunnel leading to the church and tower of San Salvador. The hotel is located in the historic part of Teruel, next to the hotel, and the Cathedral of Santa María de la Mediavilla and Plaza de Toric.

The rooms at El Mudayyan are decorated with motifs and patterns from Teruel Cathedral. Each room has air conditioning, a minibar and a modern bathroom with a hairdryer. All rooms have 2 single beds pushed together.

The city’s beautiful architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Staff can provide tourist information and help arrange excursions. The hotel staff can also recommend good restaurants near the hotel.

Sercotel Torico Plaza 3-star hotel

Situated in the heart of Teruel, this hotel offers fantastic views of the Mudejar El Salvador Tower and the Torico Plaza Fountain.

The spacious and comfortable rooms at the Sercotel Torico Plaza are equipped with air conditioning and a minibar. The hotel is ideal for families.

Take a stroll through the historic sites of Teruel. In the evening, the 24-hour reception staff can advise you on the best places to dine in this wonderful city.

Hostal Serruchi

Set in Teruel, 1.1 km from Dinopolis, Hostal Serruchi features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The guest house has family rooms.

All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom.

Tierras de Moya 4-star hotel

Tierras de Moya is an original luxury hotel located in the mountains of Cuenca, near the ancient village of Moya. It combines extraordinary comfort and a great location.

The Tierras de Moya hotel is located in a completely restored 18th-century mansion. It has everything for an excellent measured rest.

The spacious, well-equipped rooms of the hotel have preserved many original decorative elements, including beautiful wooden ceiling beams. The rooms are flooded with plenty of natural light.

You will always be in touch with friends, as there is free internet access throughout the hotel, you can use the spa and swim in the garden pool, as well as go horse riding and rent a quad bike to explore the surroundings.

Hotel La Rueda 3-star hotel

Hotel La Rueda is located in Mora de Rubielos, in the region of Guadari-Javalambre, Teruel province. It offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and rooms with a private balcony.

For children, Hotel La Rueda has a bouncy castle and a pool with colorful balls. There are table tennis tables, a basketball court, tennis courts and mountain bike rental.

La Rueda’s restaurant serves traditional Aragonese cuisine, including roast lamb. Drinks can be enjoyed at the bar.

The rooms at Rueda feature light wood and tiled floors. They are heated and have a TV. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer.

La Rueda is easily accessible from the A-23 motorway, which connects Valencia and Zaragoza.

Restaurants in Javalambre

There are several restaurants within the station, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a hot chocolate.

Camarena de la Sierra

Camarena de la Sierra – this modest restaurant is located on the first floor of the hotel of the same name. It is open, so there are always quite a few visitors. The menu at Camarena de la Sierra is extensive, there you can find dishes of European and Asian cuisine, as well as dishes that are familiar to Mexicans. The service and presentation of dishes at Camarena de la Sierra is excellent, the waiters are polite, the chefs often bring out their signature dishes themselves. The interior at Camarena de la Sierra is homely, the sofas are piled with pillows and blankets, and cute photos of animals and local landscapes hang on the walls. Prices at Camarena de la Sierra are reasonable, the average check is 35 euros.

Olmo

Olmo is a small restaurant located on the first floor of the hotel. Entrance to this establishment is free, so it can be visited by both guests and ordinary tourists of the ski resort. The interior of Olmo is quite modest – pastel colors, soft sofas and wooden tables, many flowers in pots and paintings depicting local landscapes. Because of this, the atmosphere in the establishment seems quite soulful.

The waiters at Olmo are extremely friendly, help with the choice, and can communicate in English. The menu is exclusively European, without the frills and seafood that are abundant in most Spanish establishments. The prices in the establishment are democratic, the average check is 40 euros.

Havalambre: entertainment and active recreation

Since Havalambre is considered a ski resort in Spain, the main entertainment offered in this settlement can be found on the territory of the sports ground of the same name. All the slopes of this famous ski resort are marked with special colors so that professionals, amateurs and just novice athletes can navigate and choose the level of training they need.

You can also snowboard in Havalambre, and you can rent everything you need for an active pastime at the same points where you can rent skis and any other sports equipment.

Visitors to the Havalambre ski resort have 21 slopes at their disposal, which form an extensive skiing area 14 kilometers long; classes are held on these same slopes for beginners of any age.

Тим хто в перший раз став на лижі, і не володіє великим досвідом або хоче поліпшити свою техніку, рекомендуємо під час перебування на гірськолижних трасах в Хаваламбре замовити приватні уроки катання з професійним інструктором. Це допоможе придбати необхідну впевненість і незабутньо провести час, катаючись на лижах по схилах в Хабаламбре. Гірськолижний курорт Хаваламбре також пропонує спеціальні уроки для початківців. Якщо ж немає можливості запланувати свій візит заздалегідь, можете зробити це безпосередньо на касі за умови наявності місць. Також можливо скористатися опцією адаптивного катання на лижах для людей з різними проблемами здоров’я або обмеженнями рухливості.

На гірськолижному курорті є спеціальна послуга експерта по місцевості, рейнджера, який прекрасно знає кожен куточок і гірський схил і допоможе зорієнтуватися новачкам, мало знайомим з географією цієї зони. Гірськолижний курорт Хаваламбре пропонує безліч варіантів відмінного проведення часу на снігових схилах. Тут можна знайти спеціальні програми для всієї сім’ї, групові програми, тематичні програми для різних вікових груп і рівнів підготовки. Для того, щоб діти отримали неймовірне задоволення від перебування на снігу, всього за 9 євро в день можна відвідати спеціальну зону, де можна зліпити сніговика і покататися на санках. Невелика траса Skity ідеально підійде для самих маленьких відвідувачів гірськолижної станції Хаваламбре, адже вона обладнана всім необхідним, щоб юні лижники відмінно провели час на снігу. А слаломна траса підходить для досвідчених лижників і екстремалів. Тут можна перевірити своє вміння і спритність.

У літню пору Хаваламбре стає улюбленим місцем для тих мандрівників, які люблять підкорювати гористу місцевість або сплавлятися на байдарках або каное. Дійсно, завдяки тому, що курорт розташувався на крутому хребті Сьєрра-Хаваламбре, можливість насолодитися красою незайманої природи тут зростає удвічі. Саме тому багато місцевих жителів і гості часто намагаються забратися на високу точку, щоб зробити захоплюючі фотографії, помилуватися панорамним видом або влаштує пікнік.

Транспортні особливості Хаваламбре

Хаваламбре дуже компактний населений пункт, тому на його території не ходить ні автобуси, ні навіть маршрутні таксі. Більшість місцевих жителів пересуваються на власних автомобілях або, в літній час, на велосипедах. Між прилеглими до Хаваламбре містами налагоджено автобусне сполучення, міжміський громадський транспорт ходить за розкладом, який можна дізнатися як на зупинці, так і в будь-якому готелі або біля кас гірськолижного комплексу.

Безумовно, відсутність можливості пересуватися по місту і в його межах самостійно і в будь-який час вкрай обмежує багатьох туристів. Саме тому вони вважають за краще брати автомобілі напрокат. Зробити це можна в Сарагосі або Валенсії. Вартість прокату буде залежати від марки обраного вами кошти пересування, але в середньому, це 70 євро.

Сувеніри в Хаваламбре

Сувеніри в Хаваламбре можна купити як в житловій зоні, так і на території гірськолижного комплексу. Більшість туристів воліють купувати пам’ятні презенти в продуктових магазинах. Саме там можна придбати оливкову олію або її в’ялені плоди, які мають досить високий термін придатності. Така затія здається дуже привабливою і нетиповою для пам’ятного сувеніра з Хаваламбре.

Крім гастрономічних сюрпризів, в цьому містечку можна придбати фотографії або картини з надзвичайно красивими і що зачаровують видами місцевої природи. Картини і знімки продаються прямо біля входу на гірськолижний комплекс, так само можна придбати і магніти, брелоки та інші повсякденні сувеніри. Що стосується вартості, то вона помітно вище, ніж у великих містах. Наприклад, магніт із зображенням околиць обійдеться в 3 євро, вартість картини почнеться від 27 євро, а ось оливкове масло буде варто, дещо, недорого, близько 1,5 євро за банчку 0,5 літрів.