Rugged inland Spain shapes this stage. Beyond Cofrentes, the Júcar and Cabriel valleys fall away as the route moves through the Valle de Ayora-Cofrentes: ravines, pine-covered slopes, dry fields and small villages such as Jarafuel and Teresa de Cofrentes. The road climbs often, but stays quiet and open. South of Ayora, the landscape becomes barer, higher and more exposed. Near Yecla, vineyards and the distinctive outline of Monte Arabí mark the shift from river country to high plateau.
