May 1st: Les Creus hike
Every May 1, Tavernes de la Valldigna turns towards the mountains to celebrate one of its most recognisable traditions: the popular hike to Les Creus. The day brings together hiking, landscape, local memory and community spirit on a route that forms part of the city’s festive calendar.
The tradition is linked to the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker and to the early custom of climbing to the summit to share the walk, a mid-morning meal and views over La Valldigna. Today it is experienced as a collective, open and much-loved hike by residents and visitors.
Pujada a les CreusMay 1st: a springtime date in the mountains
The May 1 hike turns Les Creus into a meeting point. The route follows mountain paths and offers views of Tavernes, La Valldigna, the coastline and the agricultural landscape from one of the area’s most emblematic natural viewpoints.
May 1, coinciding with the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker.
Les Creus mountain and the area around Alt de les Creus.
Popular, hiking-oriented, family-friendly and closely linked to the local landscape.
Group hike, mid-morning meal, views and shared time in the mountains.
From a youth initiative to a popular hike
The origin of the Pujada a les Creus dates back to the late 1950s. The initiative was started by Ricard Maria Carles, then parish priest of the Church of San José and a great mountaineering enthusiast, who began climbing up every May 1st with young people from Tavernes to celebrate a mass at the summit.
The DYA group takes over
When Ricard Maria Carles was appointed bishop of Tortosa, organisation passed to the local mountain group DYA, Dios y Audacia. That continuity helped consolidate local participation and kept alive the link between youth, mountains and tradition.
The role of the Centre Excursionista
With the founding of the Centre Excursionista de Tavernes de la Valldigna in February 1972, the organisation took over the event permanently. Since then, the hike has become a major community day that brings hundreds of people together around Les Creus every year.
Trail, landscape and community
The route keeps the spirit of the old hikes: walking as a group, stopping for a mid-morning meal, reaching the Les Creus area and enjoying the panoramic views. The usual route follows mountain paths and may include areas such as Fontetes de Cantus, Alt de les Creus, Font de la Sangonera and the descent via Amoladors, depending on each year’s organisation.
The hike combines path sections, elevation gain and rocky areas, so it is advisable to be prepared.
From Les Creus you can see Tavernes, La Valldigna, the coast and much of the agricultural landscape.
Many people use the day to rest, have a mid-morning meal and share the morning with the group.
How to enjoy the tradition safely
Although it is a popular tradition, the Les Creus hike is a mountain route. Wear suitable footwear, carry enough water, sun protection and some food. Avoid leaving the paths, respect the group’s pace, do not leave waste and take extra care if it is hot, windy or has rained. The experience is best enjoyed when the environment that gives meaning to the celebration is cared for.
Complete your visit to Tavernes de la Valldigna
Combine the Les Creus hike with other routes, traditions and plans to discover Tavernes throughout the year.
Hiking in Tavernes
Routes to discover mountain landscapes, viewpoints and traditional paths.
See hiking
Popular traditions
Porrats, summer festivities and local dates in the festive calendar.
See traditions
Travel planner for Tavernes
Organise your visit by duration, interests, time of year and pace.
Plan your visitImages of the Les Creus hike
A visual selection of the path, the crosses, the views and the hiking atmosphere that accompanies this Tavernes tradition every May 1.
