Natural parks

The Region of Valencia is home to spectacles of nature that are just waiting for you to come and explore. From north to south and from the coastline to the inland, you can discover the most stunning landscapes that are defined by contrasts between the sea and the mountains, arid plains, sharp rock faces and leafy vegetation. The Region of Valencia truly is a nature lover’s paradise. 

Sierra de Espadán, Sot de Chera and Sierra de Mariola are just three examples of the diverse naturescapes you can enjoy in the natural parks located in the provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante respectively. Sierra de Espadán is a mountainscape located close to the Mediterranean and is characterised by its green plant life and the pretty municipalities of Aín, Eslida and Almedíjar. The perfect way to explore the landscape is by walking or cycling the different trails in the area, which will immerse you in greenery where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air. 

In the province of Valencia, Sot de Chera natural park is bursting with culture, wildlife and beautiful landscapes. The area was named the first parque geológico or geological park in the Region of Valencia and is defined by its beautiful canyons, gorges and very many natural springs. You can enjoy getting active in the great outdoors in Sot de Chera with activities such as mountain climbing and hiking along the wide network of trails that criss-cross the stunning naturescape. 

In Sierra de Mariola, on the other hand, you can see how the waters of the gorges and springs feed into the rivers Vinalopó, Serpis and Barxell. The mountainscape is home to a great many medicinal and aromatic plants, a pure joy for plant lovers. One of the highlights of Sierra de Mariola is Sinc gorge, a canyon located close to Alcoy that cuts deep into the mountain offering a truly breath-taking spectacle. The highest point in the mountains is Montcabrer peak, at 1,390m. 

These are just some of the mountainscapes you can find up and down the Region of Valencia, however, there are many more: Serra Gelada natural park, Sierra de Irta natural park and Ojos Negros Vía Verde, to name but a few. 

In other natural parks, water is the protagonist. One of the best known is La Albufera, a natural park comprising a large coastal freshwater lagoon. The perfect place to spend a day exploring and observing the plant and wildlife that inhabit the area. 

In the south of the Region of Valencia, you will find another wonder of nature: Salinas de Santa Pola natural park. This salt lake is a protected natural area that is renowned around the world. Extending over 2,470 hectares, the natural park flanks the coastline of Santa Pola bay and is home to many flamingos and storks. 

If, however, you are keen to discover the rich marine life populating the Mediterranean Sea, you simply have to visit the Columbretes Islands. Located 48km off the province of Castellón coast, the natural park is famed for its incredible ecosystems both on the land and in the sea. It is the perfect place to go diving and marvel at the wonders living under the surface.

Beyond the natural parks, there are many other reserves, natural areas and beauty spots that you will fall in love with in the Region of Valencia. Just some examples in the province of Valencia are the Charcos de Quesa, natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip in the midst of nature, and Alto Turia, an area bursting with flora and fauna where you can walk beautiful hiking routes and breathe in the fresh air. In the province of Alicante, on the other hand, you can immerse yourself in a landscape of palm trees at Palmeral of Elche, dive into the waters of Fonts de l’Algar in Callosa d’en Sarrià or El Albir Lighthouse Trail in L'Alfàs del Pi. The Estanys de Almenara lakes and Salto de la Novia waterfall in Navajas also await, in the province of Castellón. 

In this post we have covered just some of the very many natural parks, reserves and beauty spots that call the Region of Valencia home. Which one do you want to explore first?