Juan CastellanosLet’s go together to the best places in Valencia, Spain; to discover this entirely Mediterranean region, whose maritime tradition dates back to Phoenician times, and whose monumental legacy bears witness to the expansion of the Roman Empire in Europe.
When I think of the Valencian Community, the following come to mind: sculptures, bonfires and the Game of Thrones series. And you might think what do these things, which are so different from each other, have to do with the Community of Valencia? But the truth is that they have a lot in common with the Community of Valencia.
Falles of Valencia (Valencia)
When I told you that I think about sculptures, it’s because of the Falles of Valencia. An event held every year in March (cancelled this year due to the coronavirus crisis), in which the city of Valencia is turned into a gigantic museum with sculptures several metres long with bright colours and striking shapes. The peculiarity of the celebration is that the sculptures are set on fire at the end of the event.
La Hoguera de San Juan (Alicante)
The bonfires that come to my mind when I think of the Valencian Community, come to me through the Hogueras de San Juan, a celebration similar to that of Valencia. During the month of June, the city of Alicante also adorns the city with enormous figures that are burned in a bonfire on the night of San Juan. In the town of San Juan in Alicante, there is a big celebration with small bonfires all along the beach.
Peñíscola and Game of Thrones (Castellón de la Plana)
Game of Thrones? This popular HBO epic series is famous in the Valencian Community not because of ratings or because it has been seen in every home in Castellón, no. Its relationship with Castellón de la Plana, is because the town of Peñíscola was chosen to shoot the 6th season of Juego de Tronos.
Although I have done a bit of spoiling, now let’s go and visit the best places in Valencia Spain.
Best places in Valencia Spain: Alicante
Alicante City
The capital of the province of Alicante is neither too big nor too small; everything is just the right distance away. It is one of my favourite destinations because it has attractive monuments, museums, an excellent urban beach and a great atmosphere. In short, an excellent city to visit.
Places you must see in your visit to Alicante:
- Santa Barbara Castle
- Santa Cruz Neighbourhood
- Alicante Central Market
- Postiguet Beach
Benidorm
If Benidorm owes its fame to the skyscrapers, it is fair to say that those great buildings were built there, precisely because of the natural beauty and excellent climate of the place. Without a doubt Benidorm is one of the most emblematic places of the golden age of traditional Spanish tourism, and a favourite destination for many visitors for decades.
Rincones que tienes que ver en Benidorm:
- Levante and Poniente beaches
- The Balcony of the Mediterranean
- Benidorm Island
- Sierra Helada Natural Park
Denia
Denia’s history is linked to power, as it was the centre of a kingdom that covered the current provinces of nearby Valencia and Andalusia. It still preserves its heritage with imposing castles and fortresses, as well as several kilometres of coastline and exquisite beaches.
Lugares que debes ver en Denia:
- Denia Castle
- Les Marines Beach
- Montgó Natural Park
- Jardines de l’Albarda (16 minutes by car from Dénia)
Torrevieja
Like all Mediterranean towns, Torrevieja is an affable, super pleasant place with an excellent atmosphere. It also has a great coastline and exceptional beaches and one of the most important natural reserves in the province of Alicante.
What to see on your visit to Torrevieja?
- El Cura Beach
- Natural Park of the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons
- Torrevieja Seafront Promenade
- The Pink Lake of Torrevieja
Best places in Valencia Spain: Valencia
Valencia City
Valencia is one of the most important cities in Spain, and the more I visit it, the more I like it. Its modern air is perfectly combined with the oldest part of the city. In Valencia there is always something to see and to know. A beautiful natural park just a few minutes away by car, a city dedicated to the arts and sciences, an imposing bullring, a great central market and many corners to discover.
Places to see on your visit to Valencia?
- City of Arts and Sciences (I loved the Oceanogràfic)
- Central Market of Valencia
- Malvarrosa Beach
- Albufera National Park (10 minutes by car)
Gandia
Gandía is a coastal town in the province of Valencia, one hour from the centre of the province and 30 minutes by car from Dénia. What I like most about Gandía is that I can enjoy excellent beaches, a spectacular promenade, incredible views, a great atmosphere and the best, not very crowded, just to keep the right social distance.
What to do during your visit to Gandía?
- Ducal Palace of the Borgias
- Museum Faller of Gandia
- Paseo del Puerto (Promonade)
- Nord Beach
Sagunto
Sagunto is a coastal city in the province of Valencia that preserves an important legacy of its Roman past. Of which, in addition to its magnificent beaches, I still have fresh images of the castle walls and the Roman theatre.
- Sagunto Castle
- Roman Theatre of Sagunto
- The Jewish quarter of Sagunto
- Almardá Beach
Xátiva
Xátiva is a place full of history, a city with a past linked to the hierarchies of the Catholic Church, an exquisite gastronomy and landscapes inspire me to return again and again.
- Xátiva Castle
- Royal Monastery of Santa Clara
- Garden of Bes
- Church of Santa Maria
Best places in Valencia Spain: Castellón
Castellón de la Plana
Located in the north of the Community of Valencia is Castellón, a city bathed by the Mediterranean that enjoys a natural and monumental richness that you must know.
What to see during your visit to Castellón?
- The Planetarium
- The Lighthouse of Grau
- The Port of Azahar
- El Gurugú Beach
Peñíscola
Its magnificent castle on the top of the hill and with the view fixed on the Mediterranean, make Peñíscola one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why this town was chosen to film the 6th season of the arch-famous HBO series, Game of Thrones.
So what to do during your visit to Peñíscola?
- The Castle of Peñiscola
- El Bufador
- The Lighthouse of Peñíscola
- North Beach of Peñíscola
Benicasim
This coastal town, located only 15 minutes by car from Castellón, has stunning beaches and a natural environment that will catch your eye. Benicasim is one of the most beautiful villages in the Valencian Community and a place I love to visit.
- The Desert of the Palms
- El Torreón Beach
- Routes of the Villas
- The Carmelite Winery Museum
I hope you enjoy your visit to the best places in Valencia Spain as much or more than I do!
