Experiencing spring in the Region of Valencia in Spain means feeling the sun warm up your skin, enjoying the first swims in the turquoise sea, thrilling to the pink shades of the sunsets, hiking in one of many natural parks and enjoying a good paella valenciana. But it is definitely  better to experience it yourself instead of just hearing about it! Discover the best places to visit during spring in the Region of Valencia in this article.

 

 

1. Benidorm

Benidorm is THE tourist capital of the Costa Blanca and an obligatory stop on your stay in the Region of Valencia. And with 300 days of sunshine a year, long beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s no wonder. As you stroll through the city, you’ll discover many remnants of its marine past that coexist with the more modern high-rise buildings.

After your walk, head for one of the beaches or coves to relax in the sun. To the north you will find sandy and rocky coves, such as Cala del Tío Ximo or Cala Almadrava. The beaches of Levante and Poniente are perfect for those looking for services such as restaurants or leisure activities. Take advantage of your stay to discover the typical cuisine of Benidorm, such as cocas, a delicious kind of stuffed pie!

 

2. València

Valencia, the capital of the region, is a city that will delight your heart! There is no shortage of activities in Valencia, and there is something to do for everyone! Start by strolling through the streets and enjoying the beauty of the Carmen district. You definitely have to see the spectacular cathedral and its Miguelete, the Silk Lodge and the Central Market. 

Then, rent a bike and ride through the Turia Garden. This green space of more than nine practicable kilometers crosses the city from the Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Sciences. It’s an ideal route for runners, cyclists, families and nature lovers. Or also for everyone who just wants to get a break from the busy city noises once in a while. Some of the city’s most important museums and monuments can be found on both banks of the old Turia riverbed, which is also topped by 18 bridges that bear witness to centuries of history.

Following the Turia Garden, you will reach the City of Arts and Science, recognisable by its futuristic architecture. You can choose to visit the Oceanogràphic, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, or the Science Museum with its interactive exhibitions.

If you want to soak up the sun, Valencia has a number of beaches, easily accessible from the city center. Las Arenas beach and Malvarrosa beach are the best known. 

Finally, don’t leave without trying the famous paella valenciana and the horchata, a local drink made from tiger nuts and often accompanied by fartons, a typical pastry.

 

3. Peñíscola

If there is one place to visit during spring in the Region of Valencia, it is the town Peñiscola. First stop: Pope Luna’s castle, located on the peninsula. Then wander through the historic streets of the old town and admire the whitewashed houses. One house in particular should catch your eye: the Casa de las Conchas with its shell-covered façade. 

If you want to take a break on the warm sand, we recommend the North Beach, which offers a beautiful view of the Papa Luna Castle. With more than 5 km in length, you will easily find a place to set up your parasol. If you head south of Peñiscola, you will find small sandy or pebble coves where the clear water invited you to dive. We recommend the coves of Cala del Volante and Cala Argilaga. 

This part of the region is also known for its natural landscapes, including the imposing mountains of the Sierra de Irta. One of the best ways to discover them is to follow the many hiking trails, dotted with historical monuments such as the Tower of Badum.

 

4. Morella

Located in the northern region of Valencia, Morella is labeled as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. The first thing you will see when you arrive is it’s castle perched on top of the hill. This military fortress has been a strategic site in the Mediterranean and has hosted many historical figures such as El Cid and Pope Luna. You will also enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the red roofs of the houses of Morella at your feet. 

Continue your visit with a stop at El Gobernador Palace. This monument was built inside a cave and is definitely worth a visit! Finally, the Basilica of the Archpriesthood of San María la Mayor and the Convent of San Francisco are true jewels of religious Gothic.

Discovering a place is not complete without trying the local specialities. Don’t leave Morella without tasting the dried meats, cheeses and of course the flaons, a traditional pastry!

 

5. Benicàssim

If you decide to visit Benicàssim, we can assure you that you will not be bored! First of all, the town has many beaches, such as Voramar, Heliópolis or Almadrava, where you can lay your towel and just relax in some spring sun. From some of these beaches, you can also see some unique villas, from the end of the 19th century, beginning of the 20th century. To find out more about their history, follow the informative route of the Villas Route. You will learn all about the celebrities who came to stay in the villas and enjoyed themselves in Benicàssim. 

If you want to enjoy the mild spring sunshine in the Region of Valencia, there are many walks and bike rides in the Desert de les Palmes Natural Park. This mountain range offers incredible views of the sea below. 

If you’re feeling festive, there are many music festivals in Benicàssim, including the famous Benicàssim International Festival (BIF). This is a great opportunity to see international concerts and bands of all musical genres. 

Finally, you can’t leave Benicàssim without trying one of its typical rice dishes such as olla or cuttlefish dishes.

 

6. Gandia

South of Valencia, Gandia is a small town surrounded by mountains and bathed by the sea. Start by visiting the Palau Ducal dels Borja, a must-see monument in the city. A visit to this palace will take you back in time to the 15th century, to discover the heritage of the Crown of Aragon. As you walk around, you will discover other buildings with interesting architecture, including the Town Hall with its neoclassical façade. 

If you want to cool off, Gandia has more than 5 km of beaches. You can also take advantage of your visit to discover the local dish, fideuá, a recipe based on noodles and seafood.

 

7. Xàtiva 

Near Gandia, is Xàtiva, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Its castle is the most emblematic monument, as it is a mixture of remains from different eras and cultures. The Hospital Real or the birthplace of Pope Alexander VI are also historical monuments to visit in order to discover the secrets of the city’s history. 

If you want to do something more sporty, you can hike from Xàtiva to the Cova Negra, a cave with black walls. During the hike, you will also have the opportunity to observe many birds such as Bonelli’s eagles and peregrine falcons.

 

8. Dénia

With its 20 km of beaches and numerous coves, Dénia is a maritime town par excellence in the Region of Valencia. It is a city to add to your itinerary if you want to dive and spend long hours on the beach. We recommend the beaches of Els Molins and Les Marines and the cove La Cala. 

But the city also has a lot to offer in terms of culture and history. Take a stroll through the Baix de Mar district, the maritime quarter with its historic houses, or the Les Roques district, which was part of the Arab city. You can also visit the castle of Dénia, which dates back to the Islamic period. You will enjoy a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea. 

For food lovers, Dénia is classified by UNESCO as a “Creative City of Gastronomy”. You will undoubtedly be seduced by the dishes that combine products from the land and the sea. We recommend you try arròs a banda, espencat or suquet de peix. And if you want to stretch your legs after your meal, we invite you to follow the Green Route of Dénia, which will take you to the Montgó Natural Park.

 

9. Alcalalí 

The village of Alcalalí is the Mediterranean village par excellence, but mixed with Arabic architecture. A beautiful architectural mixture that you can observe while walking through the streets. A visit to the church will allow you to learn more about the history of the village. Climb to the top of the medieval tower to enjoy a unique view of the Vall de Pop valley and the surrounding hills. For nature lovers, there are numerous hiking trails. Depending on the time of year you visit the area, you can see beautiful almond trees in bloom.

 

10. Moraira

Another town to include in your itinerary in the Region of Valencia is Moraira. Here you can visit its small castle, shaped like an ox’s hoof, which overlooks the beach of l’Ampolla. Another interesting monument to see is the watchtower of Cap d’Or, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the horizon. This is a nice hike to do, which is accessible to everyone. Another easy hike is the Route des Miradors, which runs along the coast and links most of the coves and beaches. 

Moreira is also great for scuba diving, with tanks or simply with a mask and snorkel. There are many diving routes.

 

11. Torrevieja

In the south of the Region of Valencia lies Torrevieja, a small town in the province of Alicante. Relax on the beaches of Los Náufragos, La Mata and Ferris Cove. You can also take part in many activities such as playing volleyball or for the little ones, enjoying the slides. 

La Mata-Torrevieja nature park is a must-see. Its salt marshes are among the most productive in Europe and are home to many species of birds. The lagoons in the park have a beautiful uniqueness since they are pink ! This phenomenon is due to a microscopic algae whose pigments colour the water with a high salt content. A real spectacle for the eyes!

 

Now you know what to see and do in the Region of Valencia this spring! Don’t wait any longer and book your holiday now!