We often seek out exotic landscapes beyond our borders, unaware that the interior of the province of Valencia hides fascinating geological secrets. One of the most surprising is Cerro de Agras, located in the town of Cofrentes.
This place, which we have already told you about on occasion, is not just any mountain: it is the only volcano in the province that can be visited, and there is a very original way to discover it that is suitable for the whole family: the Volcano Train.
How the volcano train works at Cerro de Agras
Photo: Rectas (Wikimedia)
This tourist attraction is one of the leisure activities in the Ayora-Cofrentes Valley, and it usually runs during spring, summer, and fall.
The route takes you up to an altitude of more than 600 meters aboard a “trenet” to enter what was once the crater of the volcano.
The experience is not limited to a simple ride. The route is designed with a strong educational component that delves into the world of volcanology.
During the journey, the guides help identify different types of pyroclastic material and the parts that make up the volcanic structure.
This train, similar to a typical tourist train in any city, has large panoramic windows that facilitate viewing during the ascent.
In addition to the summit, the area around Cerro de Agras has notable geological landmarks such as Pico del Fraile and the so-called “Chimenea”(chimney), the volcanic peak on which the Castle of Cofrentes stands.
A “dormant” volcano but with an active interior
Cerro de Agras / Wikimedia Commons
Although the word “volcano” may sound alarming, experts classify Cofrentes as a “dormant” volcano. Its last eruption took place approximately 2 million years ago and it has not registered any activity in the last 10,000 years, which guarantees the safety of the area and the nuclear power plant located just 3 kilometers away.
However, the giant is not completely inactive. Inside, there is still a deep magma chamber that emits gases such as CO2 and methane.
Far from being a danger, this activity is responsible for the municipality’s thermal wealth: these gases travel to the Hervideros Spring, generating the bubbles and medicinal properties that nourish the Cofrentes Spa.
For those planning a weekend getaway, it is important to note that this service does not operate all year round. The regular season runs from April to December.
The guided tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and in 2025 cost €13.50 per person with a capacity of 26 people on board the train.