Via Augusta, In The Footsteps Of The Roman Empire In Spain
How about using a road more than 2000 years old through beautiful landscapes? And making a wonderful trip to Roman times? Nothing simpler: come to Spain and follow the route of the Via Augusta. It is a path that will put you in the shoes of a real emperor. Via Augusta was the longest road of all the ancient Hispania. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, it is some 1 500 kilometers stretching from the Pyrenees to Cadiz in southern Spain.
This pathway, which meets at least 96 buildings, is part of the initiative of the European Union “Roman roads in the Mediterranean” and offers not only great adventure) but also superb cultural landscapes that can be admired on foot or on horseback or bicycle. Choose your preferred sections or create your own road: easy on this path at low altitude. The mild Mediterranean climate also allows you to make the trip almost any time of the year. We indicate below the main points of interest in this proposal that combines nature and culture.
Landscape of vineyards in Catalonia:
Through a real natural corridor, already used by the emperor Augustus between the years 2 A.D and 8 A.D, you can start your journey in Catalonia, in north-eastern Spain. In this first stage covering nearly 700 kilometers, the track crosses Gerona, Barcelona and Tarragona. During your trip you can enjoy the scenery of vineyards while admiring the monuments and remains of the ancient Roman Empire such as the triumphal arch Barà at Barà Roda (Tarragona). Tarragona, which the Romans called Tarraco, has precisely an impressive archaeological site listed as world heritage by UNESCO near the Via Augusta.
Autonomous Community of Valencia on the shores of the Mediterranean:
Via Augusta then passes through the regions of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante in the autonomous community of Valencia. Much of this 425 km journey takes place within 25 kilometers of the Mediterranean Sea. The remains of ancient houses, bridges and triumphal arches like Cabanes (Castellón) can be seen in this unforgettable journey through places like Jávea and Elche (Alicante) or Sagunto (Valencia) where you can visit a Roman theater. Fruit trees, especially orange, will accompany you throughout your journey. Do not miss beautiful landscapes like the desert of Las Palmas in Castellón or natural parks of La Albufera, Valencia and Carrascal de la Font Roja, Alicante.