It is fall already. But this doesn’t mean that the travel season is over… Actually, there are still great destinations to discover during this season. And the Region of Valencia is one of them! With its warm weather, there are plenty of things to see and do to enjoy fall to the fullest. The possibilities are endless, from simply enjoying being at the beach or doing some nautic activities to exploring the villages and learning more about the local history and culture or tasting some local dishes!
Keep reading to discover what to do in the Region of Valencia during fall. We bet the Region of Valencia will be at the top of your list for your next trip!
1. The city of València
If you are wondering what to do in the Region of Valencia during fall, we recommend you start your trip in València. The city has a lot of activities to offer.
First stop: the beaches
With nearly 20 km of beaches, you are bound to find the one where you want to put your towel.
Playa Malvarrosa
The beach of Malvarrosa is one of the most well-known beaches of València. Situated in the fishing district of the city, it is the perfect urban beach. With almost 2 km of fine sand and a quantity of services offered like restaurants and cafés, it is the perfect place to take a dip after a day strolling the city.
Playa Las Arenas
Located next to the marina of València, Las Arenas beach is also one of the most popular beaches of the city. This fine and golden sand beach has all the necessary services from restaurants and coffee shops to hotels and nightclubs.
Playa El Saler
Situated in the South of València, El Saler Beach is wild and natural: dunes and pine forests delimit the beach. Being part of the Albufera National Park, the atmosphere here is all about quietness and tranquillity.
City of Art and Sciences
You can’t say you were in València if you didn’t visit the City of Art and Sciences. This sort of futuristic area quickly became one of the emblematic and visited places of the city. Installed on more than 350,000 m2, a full visit requires at least one full day!
The Oceanogràfic
We recommend starting by the Oceanogràfic, the largest maritim park of Europe. Various giant aquariums recreate different maritime ecosystems. In total, there are more than 45 000 different species like hammerhead sharks, penguins, beluga whales or turtles from all around the world !
The Hemisfèric
This building is perhaps the most emblematic one of the city with its recognizable form of an eye. It hosts a laser show, a planetarium of more than 9,000 stars and an IMAX Dome cinema where 3D movies are screened.
Prince Philip Science Museum
The museum houses interactive stands about different topics like sport, nutrition, electricity etc. where you can do experiments to test and discover. Everything is thought to put you in the shoes of a scientist!
Exploring the Old Town
Another thing to do during fall is wandering around the city. You will be falling in love with the streets and its architecture mixing Arabic and traditional Valencian elements. Don’t miss the Cathedral and its famous Miguelete. We recommend to climb to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of València.
Another stop should be La Llotja, the former silk merchants’ exchange. It is the most important gothic style civil building in Europe and is listed at the UNESCO. Take a break in the beautiful garden planted with orange trees to admire the fabulous architecture.
Then, head to the Mercat Central, just across the street. It is said to be the biggest covered market in Europe. You will find stalls of vegetables, seafood or cold cuts to prepare the most delicious picnic yet.
Try out local specialties
València is the city of paella! So no excuse not to taste the paella de mariscos (seafood paella) or the paella valenciana (Valencian paella) made of either chicken or rabbit. But be careful, when the paella is inexpensive and served quickly it means it is not a real paella. Indeed, authentic paella needs some time to be prepared as it is cooked on low heat.
Another must try during your stay is horchata. Valencian are really proud of this nut milk drink made with tiger nuts only cultivated in the Region of Valencia. You should try it with fartons, a soft pastry made of flour, sugar, oil and eggs. Dip it into horchata as locals do!
Birdwatching in a freshwater lagoon: L’Albufera
Situated 10 km South of València, the Albufera National Park is a place that invites you to relax and reconnect to nature. This Mediterranean ecosystem combines natural and wild beaches (like the one of El Saler we mention above), forests, rice fields and even a lake. It is home to a rich biodiversity and you’ll be able to observe various species of birds like flamingos. At sunset, head to the Gola de Pujol viewpoint for a magical experience.
València should only be the starting point of your fall trip. There are a lot of things to do in the Region of Valencia. The region is composed of various charming towns, where culture and tradition meets the beauty of the landscapes.
2. Port Saplaya
At walking distance from València, you will find Port Saplaya, also called the “Little Venezia of Valencia” because of the original shape of the channels in its ports. After going for a walk and admiring the pretty colours of the houses’ facades, enjoy the soft and golden sand of Port Saplaya beaches. If you want some activity, the marina offers a variety of nautic sports like sailing or windsurfing.
If you are looking for what to do in the North of the Region of Valencia during fall, we got you covered. Learn more about all the charming towns you can’t miss below.
3. Peñíscola
Once you get to Peñiscola, you may feel a sense of déjà-vu. Indeed, lots of renowned films and series have been shot here, like Game of Thrones. Begin your visit by exploring the historical centre and discovering the great legacy of Pope Papa Luna who resided there. Head to the Castillo del Papa Luna, the fortress perched on the peninsula part of the town, to know everything about the castle’s anecdotes, legends and myths. Then, make a stop at Casa de las Conchas to admire its beautiful façade covered by white shells.
Afterwards, take a rest and enjoy the warm fall weather by laying down in one of the coves situated South of the town. If you have some energy left, why not take a hike to discover the beauty of the landscape of the Sierra de Irta National Park? There are hiking trails for everyone and every level.
4. Orpesa or Oropesa del Mar
Next thing to do in the Region of València is Orpesa, also called Oropesa del Mar, which offers a lot of fascinating sights.
One of the most impressive monuments is the Castillo de Oropesa del Mar. The castle is perched at the highest point of the historic centre and offers spectacular views on the town. Make sure to also visit the old prison, only a few steps away from the castle wall. Then, go to the Virgen de la Paciencia Chapel where you’ll see beautiful sculpture and tiles from the 16th and 18th century.
One more thing to do, if you are on a family trip, is to go to the Jardín Encantado. This amusement park will take you into the world of fairies, gnomes and talking trees. Pure bliss for the whole family!
If you are looking for what to do in the South of the Region of Valencia, discover below all the gems you have to see.
5. Cullera
About 50km south of València is Cullera, a charming mix between a pretty town and a city. With its 15 km of coastline, there is a beach for everyone! You can either enjoy the urban and semi urban beaches of San Antonio, Racó or Brosquil or the Cap Blanc or Dosel beaches for some fun nautic activities.
In the city centre, stop at the castle of Cullera, which is now a museum. You’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the city architecure below and the Mediterranean sea.
To end your visit in style, why not appreciate the city from a different perspective, directly from the Júcar river that traversed Cullera? During 45 minutes, the boat goes up the river allowing you to enjoy a feeling of freedom while admiring the marching landscapes of marshes, rice fields and lunar cords. Do not forget your binoculars to observe the bird species living in the neighbourhood!
6. Benissa
Between València and Alicante is Benissa, a town enveloped between verdoyant mountains and crystalline waters. The town is worth a visit especially for its Mediaeval streets and its historical centre. First thing to do is the House-Museum Abargues, an upper-class house from the 18th-19th century fully furnished with historic and original objects. Then, continue your exploration by visiting the House of Juan Vives, which is easily recognizable by its unique façade. Once you’re done strolling along the pretty streets, take a break in the coves. Our two favourites are El Pinets, with its pebbly beach and pines, and El Advocat protected by a 47-metres cliff.
7. Altea
Altea is a seaside town nested between the sea and the mountains, near Alicante. Begin your visit by exploring the historic centre and wandering into its narrow and cobbled streets and its pretty white houses. Before long, you will fall on the picturesque Nuestra Señora del Consuelo church and its roof as blue as the Mediterranean sea.
Then, enjoy the uncrowded pebbly beaches and tiny coves that extend over more than 6 km. You can also rent a catamaran or a motorboat in the marina to appreciate the sea.
The natural landscape surrounding Altea is also worth a visit. There are several hiking trails in the Serra Gelada Natural Park that will lead you to breathtaking views of the sea from the 300m high cliffs. Part of the natural park covered sea waters and islets like Illeta de l’Olla. The island is a true paradise to dive and do snorkelling in its crystalline waters.
A trip could not be complete without tasting some of the local dishes. You can’t leave Altea without tasting arroz a banda, paella con boquerones or arroz del senyoret. This delicious cuisine combines the best of the sea and the land.
8. Island of Tabarca
Last but not least of what to do in the Region of Valencia during fall, is the Island of Tabarca. This tiny island is only 1.8 km long and 400 metres wide! To reach it, you’ll have to take a boat in Santa Pola port or Alicante harbour. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Natural Marine Reserve to dive in and observe the incredible fauna and flora.
End your day in the most perfect way, admiring the sunset from the lighthouse and taste the local specialty caldero tabarquino, a delicious rice dish made with fishes caught in the Santa Pola bay.
Now, you know everything about what to see and what to do in the Region of Valencia during the fall. Don’t wait any longer and enjoy your holidays there!
