10 scenic spots near Valencia that will amaze with their beauty

Albufera Natural Park

The lake that adorns this park is considered the birthplace of the famous Spanish paella, and the fields where rice is grown to make this dish stretch for 223 kilometers around the reservoir.

It is here that you will find numerous restaurants where you can order authentic Valencian paella, which is prepared according to ancient recipes. During a visit to the Albufera Natural Park I advise you to rent a boat and enjoy the local sanset.

Distance from Valencia: 25 km.
Travel time: about 40 minutes.

Location: Albufera Natural Park, Spain.

Mt. Garby summit

Mount Garby is one of the most popular local instaplaces. Besides stocking up on beautiful photos for social media, here you can take a walk along the hiking trail, enjoy the local nature or have a picnic.

The pearl of the Sierra de Calderona Natural Park - Mount Garbi rises 600 meters above sea level, and from its top you can enjoy a magnificent view of the whole Valencia, Lake Albufera and the city of Sagunto.

Distance from Valencia: 70 km.
Travel time: about 65 minutes.

Location: Mount Garbi, Spain.

San Jose Caves

It is still unknown exactly where the local river originates. The mystical boat tour, which is popular here, lasts only 45 minutes, but it is enough to get a lot of impressions of the surrounding beauty. The end of the journey is especially fascinating when the grotto appears before your eyes. The decoration of the area is the cave La Catedral 10 meters high with turquoise water and a huge number of stalactites and stalagmites of amazing shapes.

Distance from Valencia: 50 km.
Travel time: about 40 minutes.

Location: San Jose Caves, Spain.

El Pou Clar Gorge

El Pou Clar is a place of extraordinary beauty with a sprawling river and amazing scenery.

Here you can sunbathe, refresh yourself in the water body and just relax. This place will greet you with magnificent views: ancient pine trees, steep waterfalls and rocky shores. The locals enjoy swimming and here you can jump from the rocks into the stone pools.

Distance from Valencia: 90 km.
Travel time: 1 hour.
Location: Pou Clare Gorge, Spain.

The town of Xativa and the local castle

The ancient town of Xativa is the birthplace of two Popes at once. Together with its streets steeped in antiquity, it is a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The local castle of Xàtiva (Castellde Xàtiva) is the main attraction of the city. It is built on a mountain ridge, and a winding road leads to its magnificent gates. The castle can be reached by tourist train from the central square.

Distance from Valencia: 70 km.
Travel time: 60 min.

Location: Hativa, Spain.

Municipality of Montanejos

The main highlight of Montanejos are the natural mineral springs, enriched with sulphates and magnesium, which help to treat skin diseases, as well as problems with the digestive system and kidneys.

The therapeutic properties of these springs were noticed back in the 13th century by a Moorish king who built a bathhouse for his concubines. The ruins of this building can be found on one of the slopes of the gorge. To visit the springs of Montanejos should not only because of the healing properties of the water, but also for the unforgettable panoramas.

Distance from Valencia: 90 km.
Travel time: 80 min.

Location: Montanejos, Spain.

The town of Chulilla

The famous hiking route in Chulilla — Ruta de los Puentes Colgantes is popular with hikers. This uncomplicated route winds through the mountain canyons of the Turia River, whose banks are connected by suspension bridges, some of which are more than 15 meters above the ground. The route is even suitable for walking with children.

Distance from Valencia: 60 km.
Travel time: 50 min.

Location: Chulilla, Spain.

Municipality of Peniscola

Peniscola is a small town with fabulous coastlines and ancient architecture. Here, on the seashore, there is a medieval fortress built by the Templars in the XIII-XIV centuries. This is one of the most interesting and ancient monuments of architecture in Spain.

By the way, it is worth visiting Peniscola to all fans of the popular TV series "Game of Thrones", because it was on its streets filmed some scenes of the movie.

Distance from Valencia: 145 km.
Travel time: 90 min.

Location: Peniscola, Spain.

Guadalest Museum City

This fabulous city is the second most visited site in Spain. The variety of museums located in the city is impressive! There is a museum of vintage cars and motorcycles, a torture museum in a former prison, and an oddball straw museum that offers visitors a collection of more than 2,000 pieces from around the world.

However, Guadalest is rich in more than just man-made highlights. Pine forests, vineyards, orange tree plantations and almond groves all attract thousands of tourists from around the world every year. And among the local rocks rises a real miracle — a castle, from the observation deck which offers an extraordinary view of the artificial reservoir — azure reservoir.

Distance from Valencia: 160 km.
Travel time: 110 minutes.

Location: Guadalest, Spain.

Salto de la Novia Waterfall

This legendary waterfall, over 30 meters high, resembles a long wedding veil and hides a tragic story of the past. Salto de la Novia translates from Spanish as "Bride's Leap". Local legend says that when two lovers were about to get married, the couple had to jump from one shore to the other. If the leap was successful, it signaled that the marriage would be strong and filled with happiness. One couple wished to observe the tradition to prove their love, but the girl did not calculate the distance and fell into the river. The guy in desperation jumped in to save her, but there was nothing he could do.

You certainly should not test your fate, but a walk by the waterfall and bask in the natural pools will be a good idea.

Distance from Valencia: 65 km.
Travel time: 50 min.

Location: Salto de la Novia, Spain.