The Divino Treasure
When the Moors (after 800 years of occupation) were finally banished from Spain in 1609, many of them believed that their expulsion was only a temporary measure and that they would soon be allowed to return. Because of this, and also because of the speed at which they were forced to leave, this meant that they had very little time to get themselves organized. As a consequence some of the wealthier Moors decided it would be safer and easier to hide their valuable possessions, which they would then be able to retrieve on their return, but as history tells us, this anticipated return never happened.
Over 150 years later, in the 1770s, a local Sella man and farm labourer went to the market in Alicante to sell his cherries. While taking refreshment at an inn, he overheard a conversation between two Moors who had just arrived from Algeria. They were studying and trying to make sense of a crude and ancient map. The Sella man however recognised the landscape drawn on the map straight away, it being of the area of his home town of Sella and in particular, the location of a cave situated in the Divino Mountain. The cave could be identified by the position of the sun's rays at 8 in the morning. The Sella man said nothing to the two Moors and hurried home. With his mule, he headed out to the location described on the map which, being a local, he knew very well - The Divino Cave. There, after a long search, he found it, a large wooden chest, the corner of which was just visible, as it lay hidden in the depths of the cave. The chest contained precious metals and stones of unimaginable value and the life of this humble farm labourer and more significantly those of his his children and grandchildren were changed forever.
So, the question today as you set out on your 21st Century treasure hunt is will you find a geocache, or just maybe you'll find some real treasure that was left behind all those years ago?
Looking Into The Cave
DIRECTIONS
From Alcoy: drive through the village of Sella on the main road (CV770) as you are just about to leave the village the road bends sharply to the right, at this point take the left turn going towards the village car parks.
From Villajoyosa: just as you are entering the village of Sella on the main road (CV770) the road bends sharply to the left, at this point take the right turn going towards the village car parks.
All Directions: Now drive past the village car parks and continue on this road out of the village. You are now driving down the beautiful and remote Val de L'Arc. Continue on this road for approximately 4km at which point the tarmac will finish and there is a fork in the road (see photo below) take the right fork and park there at N38 37.209 W000 14.062 (this is the old rock climbers refuge and there are normally cars parked here).
To download a .gpx file of the track from the Parking to the Cave CLICK HERE
From the car park walk up the main track (as per photo above) for approximately 1.2km and then when you reach a large boulder on your left (as per photo below) take the narrow path on the left which will lead you all the way to the cave (I recommend that you download and use the .gpx file of the route to the cave (above)).
Because there is no GPS signal inside the cave the cache co-ordinates will ONLY take you to the entrance of the cave. To find the cache you will have to go inside the cave and search for it! Enjoy and GOOD LUCK.
SPOILER: To download a photo showing the exact location of the cache CLICK HERE
CAUTION the last part of the ascent to the cave is quite steep so take care (and even more so when you are leaving/descending). Also, you need to be aware of muggles, or more specifically 'high altitude muggles' i.e. rock climbers (Sella is one of the most popular rock climbing areas in Europe) this is not because they may see you and what you are doing, but because if a rock should be dislodged high from above it is coming in your direction! Therefore as you are approaching the mountain take the time to have a look and see if anyone is climbing, and if they are just be aware of their location - you might even pause and admire them practising their art.
I do not want to put you off attempting this geocache, as its historic, remote and stunning location make it worth the effort, I just want you to be aware of what may be going on around/above you.