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Valencian Community: travel guide

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The Valencian Community is full of culture and tradition, it is both nature and sea. The region is synonymous with summer and good weather, heat, salt and fresh air. Anyone who has been there knows it. Dive in its coves, explore its natural parks, get to know its villages and people. And above all, discover the most impressive views that this community offers on the shores of the Mediterranean.

In this post we will show you some of the most beautiful places and villages in the Valencian Community, through this video inspired by the verses of the poet Lope de Vega, which will make you relive the emotions that this land evokes.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

What are the most beautiful villages in the Valencian Community?

Altea

Altea, one of the most authentic coastal towns in the Valencian Community.

Altea Valencian Community
Town of Altea, Valencian Community @sgargon

One could say that Altea is one of the most romantic villages on the coast of Alicante. This whitewashed village stands out from the rest for its white façades, narrow streets, as well as its spectacular beaches. It’s a charming village that seems to be designed to lose yourself and find yourself again discovering some special corner.

As well as being one of the most beautiful towns in the Valencian Community, it is considered one of the most sustainable in Spain. Altea’s old town combines an incredible mix of bustling cafés, local craft shops, local produce, and art galleries. However, it is the local markets that are the true essence of this town, and one of its greatest charms.

Discover all there is to do in Altea in our post: Things to do and see in Altea.

Guadalest, one of the most beautiful villages in the Valencian Community

Castell de Guadalest has also been recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, and stands imposingly in the Guadalest Valley, between the Xortá and Serrella mountain ranges. In addition, this historic village offers spectacular views of the reservoir, another of Guadalest’s treasures. Walking through its streets, we come across numerous craft shops and local products, museums and restaurants. 

The village welcomes you through a rock tunnel in the mountain on which the castle sits. The cobbled streets of the town centre create a very special medieval atmosphere. Castell de Guadalest was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1974, but also an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Find out what else there is to see in Guadalest by taking a look at our post: Things to do and see in Guadalest.

Discover the beautiful town of Morella, in the Valencian Community

Travel back in time in Morella, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain.

This charming medieval town welcomes visitors with its history, tradition and craftsmanship. The strategic position of its castle creates the beautiful image of this town and encourages you to get to know it. It is certainly a landscape that is well worth exploring to soak up the charm that surrounds it.

Located in the province of Castellón, Morella has been on the list of “The most beautiful villages in Spain” since 2003. Strolling through its narrow streets, discovering the famous castle, seeing its walls and going on hiking trails are just some of the things to do and see in Morella.

Morella Castle dominates the town from above and offers a unique panoramic view of the city. This magnificent castle is considered one of the most important fortresses in the Mediterranean and has a great historical and cultural importance. This castle was built on natural stone, where remains from the Neolithic, Iberian, Visigothic, Arab and of course Christian periods have been found.

Montanejos

Montanejos is a charming town that coexists with the surrounding nature and offers spectacular natural spaces. This place in the Alto Mijares region invites you to disconnect, rest and get in touch with nature. 

Starting from the village of Montanejos, you can find up to 10 different hiking routes that have a long list of exceptional viewpoints. There is a great variety, for all abilities and tastes. All of them are surrounded by nature and allow you to breathe and enjoy the trail.

Furthermore, Montanejos as a town in the Valencian Community has a wide variety of typical dishes that make visiting this town an extraordinary experience. The traditional cuisine of Montanejos has recipes designed for a population living in a mountainous environment. Find out more about this village in the Valencian Community in our post: Things to do and see in Montanejos.

Peñíscola

Peñíscola, the town you can’t miss in the Valencian Community.

peniscola valencian community spain
Town of Peñíscola, Valencian Community @raquelmarrtin 

Particularly famous for its amazing old town, Peñíscola is a municipality well worth visiting. Located on the north coast of the Valencian Community, this pretty seaside town offers much more than the classic sun and beach tourism of the coastal towns. The old quarter of Peñiscola is one of its greatest treasures, as well as one of the most beautiful parts of the city.

Dare to discover all its charms and stroll through its magical narrow streets on a summer afternoon. If you want to know more about one of the most beautiful towns in the Valencian Community, read our post: Things to do and see in Peñíscola.

What are the most beautiful places to see in the Valencian Community?

Albufera Natural Park, Valencia

One of the most beautiful sunsets in the Valencian Community.

Just 10 km from the city of Valencia, the Albufera de Valencia is one of the most representative and important coastal wetlands in the Valencian Community due to the uniqueness of its fresh waters. Such is its environmental and scenic interest that in 1986 it was declared a Natural Park.

It is a nesting and wintering site for migratory birds and plays a very important environmental role, as it is home to endangered species such as the fartet and the samaruc.

Albufera Natural Park valencian community
Albufera Natural Park of Valencia @jorgecervera__

However, its environmental value is far from its only attraction. It is one of the most magical places in the province where you can connect with the surrounding nature and savour the calmness of its waters. It is one of the most appreciated and loved natural Mediterranean landscapes in the Valencian Community. Boat trips, nature in its purest state and a place to disconnect, what’s not to love?

For more information you can read our post: Things to do and see in Valencia.

Chulilla Suspension Bridges

If you are looking for adventure and a different experience, this is the place for you.

Located 60 km from the city of Valencia is the picturesque village of Chulilla, where you can also try something different in a unique environment. This is a beautiful route between imposing vertical walls crosses 80 m-high footbridges above the Turia River. This lush landscape introduces you to an adventurous route through some of the most characteristic landscapes of the Valencian Community.

Also known as the route of the marshlands of Chulilla, this canyon carved by water erosion offers spectacular scenery within the Municipal Natural Park of Les Calderones. The path is about 5 kilometres long, and is a very popular spot for climbing. The first bridge is 15 metres above the river and is about 20 metres long. The other bridge is longer, at 28 metres, and offers beautiful views that are worth stopping to enjoy.

But you can’t go to the hanging bridges without first visiting the village of Chulilla. The village is known for its white houses and the ancient castle on top of the hill. Also, close to the path of the Hanging Bridges Route you will find another essential stop, the Charco Azul. It is an idyllic lake which reflects the surrounding mountains and will round off your trip in an incredible way.

Portacoeli Carthusian monastery in Serra village

The Carthusian monastery of Portacoeli is part of a beautiful architectural ensemble made up of a Gothic church, with several cloisters and cellars. But the impressive thing about the monastery is not only its architecture but also the setting it creates, transporting us directly to Tuscany.

In addition, in the area there are several chapels of great artistic interest that make this place a point of great interest. The complex has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, and inside there is an outstanding art gallery with canvases by Alonso Cano.

Portixol Cove, Jávea

Jávea, the destination for a summer in the Mediterranean.

The Portixol Cove perfectly represents the essence of a summer in the Mediterranean. It is one of the most famous and picturesque things to see in Jávea and possibly one of the most beautiful in the whole municipality. It is famous for its charming little fishermen’s houses, painted in the characteristic blue and white that you will surely have seen in thousands of photos. This cove of stones and rock is the ideal place for scuba diving enthusiasts.

You can get there by car, along the Cabo la Nao road, or on foot from the Cruz del Portixol viewpoint, a small square where you can also admire the beautiful Portixol Island. Located between Cap Prim and Cap Negre, the route to the cove is an impressive landscape that combines Mediterranean vegetation with transparent blue water.

Cala del Moraig, Benitatxel

Cala del Moraig; one of the most beautiful corners of the Costa Blanca. The whims of nature have made this cove a unique enclave for diving and snorkelling.

This cove is located in Poble Nou de Benitatxel, a municipality surrounded by crop fields and the Puig de la Llorença massif. This mountain range that falls towards the sea creating geological formations, cliffs and beautiful coves like this one. It is a pebble and sandy beach that has become one of the most popular in the area. It is definitely the place to spend a summer day at the beach, enjoying the surroundings and admiring the seabed.

Las Salinas de Torrevieja

Discover the curious phenomenon of the Salinas de Torrevieja; a pink paradise.

Located in the La Mata-Torrevieja Natural Park, the Torrevieja Salt Flats form a magical and unique landscape in the Valencian Community. It is a natural phenomenon produced by a bacterium that releases a pink pigment in waters with a high concentration of salt. It is an stunning image where huge mountains of salt are surrounded by pink lagoons.

In the heart of the Alicante region, this giant pink lagoon of 1,400 hectares forms part of the Natural Park of the Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja, and offers one of the most special areas in the whole community. In addition to its unquestionable beauty, it is also the most productive salt lagoon in Europe, extracting some 800,000 tonnes of salt per year, so it is not surprising that in 1992 it was declared a Natural Park.

Els Frares de Quatretondeta, Alicante

Els Frares de Quatretondeta are impressive limestone rock formations in the shape of large needles, up to 50 metres high. They can be found on the north face of the Sierra de la Serrella, in the town of Quatretondeta in Alicante. The karstic modelling has sculpted these enormous rock pinnacles, making this place an imposing environment that defies nature with impossible shapes. Likewise, this place has paths and trails where you can take walks through the most spectacular landscape and investigate the environment.

Els Frares de Quatretondeta valencian community
Els Frares de Quatretondeta @recienviajados

El Hondo Natural Park, Alicante

El Hondo Natural Park in Alicante, part of the old Elche lagoon, is a place you must visit in the Valencian Community. This park was created by the mouth of the Vinalopó river and is a marshy area with beautiful wetlands. Moreover, this park has been a Natural Site since 1988, and was declared a natural park by the Generalitat Valenciana in 1994.

Up to 172 species have been found in the El Hondo Natural Park, of which fifty or so are nesting. It also has picturesque wooden walkways and observatories where you can discover every corner of the park, watch the birds and enjoy the sunset over the park’s water.

Find out what else you can do in the province of Alicante at: Things to do and see in Alicante.

Cala la Foradada, Vinaroz

Located in the northern part of Vinaroz, Castellón, this cove stands out from the rest because of the shape of its cliffs. It is a much-loved cove in the town that has a very authentic shape, giving it a special beauty. It is a perfect area for scuba diving and for enjoying a relaxing day at the beach. Moreover, this cove is very easy to access, with crystal clear and very clean water.

If you want to know what else you can do in the province of Castellón, do not hesitate to read our post: Things to do and see in Castellón.

Salto de la Novia, Navajas Castellón

A key point to see during your trip through the most beautiful places and villages in the Valencian Community. El Salto de la Novia is a place of unquestionable beauty. The amazing Brazal waterfall, 60 metres high, is sure to impress you. Simulating a bride’s veil, the Brazal waterfall has left imposing forms in its wake due to the erosion of the mountains and the riverbed. Surrounded by greenery, this natural spot of the “Salto de la Novia” is dominated by the Rascaña mountain, which is home to the curious Cueva del Reloj (Clock Cave).

In addition to all the natural spaces in this landscape, the Salto de la Novia waterfall has been the centre of legends and stories for years. Legend has it that the village tradition was for young couples to jump across this waterfall before getting married. If they made it across, it meant a good omen for the marriage, and on the contrary, if they fell in, this action ensured the couple’s unhappiness.

Tips for your trip to the most beautiful towns and places in the Valencian Community

  • The Valencian Community enjoys a mild climate all year round, so it is always a good time to visit. However, in spring the weather is more pleasant and the places of interest are less crowded.
  • In the Valencian Community there are many coves that require a short walk to reach. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and sun cream.
  • Book your accommodation in advance if you plan to travel to the Valencian Community during the summer.

How to organise your trip to the Valencian Community?

If you have doubts about how to organise yourself before leaving home and you don’t really know how to plan your trip, Passporter provides several ways to do so. Register or download the app and discover all its useful features. You will find a wide variety of inspiration about what to see and do in the Valencian Community. You can also use this post as a reference and combine it with the app’s suggestions. Create your perfect travel itinerary with Passporter. 

  • Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
  • Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
  • Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
  • Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
  • Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
  • Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
  • Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.

If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Valencian Community

How to get around the Valencian Community?

Getting around the Valencian Community is easy. This region is very well connected by train and bus and you will be able to visit all the points of interest without any difficulty. You can also hire a private car for your route.

What to eat in the Valencian Community?

There is no doubt that paella is the typical dish of the Valencian Community, but it is not the only one. On your route through the region, you can’t miss:
– Horchata de Chufa and fartons
– Esgarraet
– Fideuá
– All i pebre
– Turrones de Jijona 
– Benicarló artichokes
– Coca de tomate
– Garlic oil
– Vinaroz prawns

Where to stay in the Valencian Community?

In the Valencian Community you will find an infinite number of charming accommodations where you can spend your days on the road. We have created a shortlist of our favourites.
– Finca Les Coves (Jijona, Alcante)
– Vivood Landscape Hotel (Benimantell, Alicante)
– Mar de la Carrasca (Villahermosa del Río, Castellón)
– Dreamsea Mediterranean Camp (Benitachell, Alicante)
– MasQi (Sierra de Mariola, Valencia)

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