Castellon is something of a well-kept secret. It’s a region of wide sandy beaches, rugged interior, nature reserves, medieval hill towns and bustling seaside villages that lies just to the north of Valencia.
Valencia
Valencia is the capital of the Valencian Community. With just over 700,000 inhabitants, it is the third most populated city in Spain. Elegant and discreet, Valencia has so much to offer: the tourist attractions include historical monuments, museums, parks, restaurants, beaches and leisure facilities.
What is there to see in the capital city of Valencia?
Central Market
The Central Market is one of the most emblematic buildings in Valencia. Built in the late 19th century, this stunning edifice represents a style known as Valencian Art Nouveau.
Its features include the use of glass and steel, tall domes and carefully sloped roofs, which allow light to filter in and illuminate the beautiful ceramic tiles inside the building.
The Central Market is regarded as an authentic temple of gastronomy and is a meeting point for Valencian citizens: open from Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., inside you will find a bar and stalls selling fresh local products (meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, etc.).
Valencia Cathedral & The Holy Grail
Valencia Cathedral was built in the 13th century on the foundations of a Roman temple that was converted into a mosque during the Arab occupation.
In addition to its unique architecture, the cathedral houses an extraordinary collection of art and objects, including paintings and sculptures from the Spanish Renaissance, 15th-century frescoes and paintings by Maella and Goya, among other artists.
One of the hallmarks of Valencia Cathedral is the bell tower, nicknamed 'El Miguelete' and which provides a fantastic panoramic view of the city. To enjoy it, you will have to climb a winding spiral staircase, but the views are well worth it.
Moreover, Valencia Cathedral guards one of the most spectacular pieces of treasure in Christendom: the Holy Grail, which is said to be the chalice used by Christ at the Last Supper.
Made of agate and dating back to Roman times, its origin has been corroborated by experts. But who can really be sure it's authentic? What we do know is that the Holy Chalice safeguarded in Valencia has been protected by many Kings and Popes for hundreds of years.
City of Arts and Science
The City of Art and Science of Valencia is a cultural complex that runs along the old course of the river Turia, which has been converted into a large urban garden.
The visually impressive buildings serve various purposes: an opera house, science museum, planetarium, 3D cinema and one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, featuring dolphins, walruses, seals and sharks. A must-visit for the whole family!
Las Fallas
Las Fallas is Valencia's most important and best-known popular festival. It is celebrated in the month of March, and for several days the city's streets are filled with the smell of gunpowder, the noise of firecrackers and the colourful explosions of fireworks.
The origin of Las Fallas is associated with the ancient tradition of the city's carpenters storing materials and belongings during the winter, which were then burned in a joyous ceremony along with rags and other objects upon the arrival of spring.
Over the years, these piles of materials gradually took the shape of today's elaborate, spectacular figures or "ninots".
The province of Valencia
In addition to the capital city, the province of Valencia boasts a wide range of attractions.
La Albufera
La Albufera is one of the most beautiful and unique natural spots in the Valencian Community.
This large freshwater lake is separated from the sea by the Dehesa del Saler woods and a 1-km long strip of sand and is hugely popular with nature lovers.
This Nature Park is located just a stone's throw from the city of Valencia and is one of the most important wetlands in Spain.
In addition, it has been declared a Special Bird Protection Area and is highly recommended for birdwatching.
Sagunto
Sagunto is a town steeped in history. Its main attractions include the Castle Complex - which Hannibal destroyed in 210 BC - and the Roman theatre with a capacity of 8,000 spectators and which hosts a classical theatre programme in the summer.
If you visit Sagunto, we recommend visiting the old town (the Jewish quarter) and the main arcaded square.
Other attractions include the museum of archaeology, the Church of Salvador and the nearby beaches of Almardá and Puerto de Sagunto.
Hoces del Cabriel River
Hoces del Cabriel Nature Park is a protected natural area. It is located in the Requena-Utiel region, an area of vineyards ideal for wine tourism.
The river carves a deep ravine through the limestone terrain. It features unique fauna and flora, making it the perfect destination for engaging in adventure sports such as rafting and climbing.
Valencia - Campsites
Approached through a new urbanisation and situated by Oliva beach with its fine golden sand, Euro Camping is a well maintained, British owned site. Spacious and flat, it is set amidst many high trees, mainly eucalyptus, so ensuring shade in summer, but plenty of sunny spaces in winter. From reception, with its helpful English-speaking staff and interesting aviary opposite, wide tarmac or paved roads lead to 298 gravel-based pitches (70-120 sq.m) which are either marked or hedged (most are for touring units). The main site road leads down to a beachside restaurant with superb views and a supermarket.
Camping Kikopark Playa is a smart site nestling behind protective dunes alongside a Blue Flag beach. There are sets of attractively tiled steps over the dunes or a long boardwalk near the beach bar (suitable for prams and wheelchairs) to take you to the fine white sandy beach and the sea. From the central reception point (where good English is spoken), flat, fine gravel pitches and access roads are divided to the left and right.
At an altitude of 700 metres on open land adjacent to olive plantations and set amongst pine-laden mountain scenery overlooking the picturesque 27km ‘Embalse de Contreras’ (reservoir), is the all-year 4.5ha unique campsite Kiko Park Rural. Constructed and built to represent a small pueblo (village) utilising reclaimed materials, it allows for an authentic, effective yesteryear atmosphere.
This small rural campsite is tucked away inland, at the foot of Mt Toro in an area regarded as a natural landscape and yet just 13 km from Gandia, renowned for its superb beaches. There’s a swimming pool with sunny terrace and mountain views and a restaurant noted for its speciality grills, excellent range of tapas and wonderful paella. A good mix of timber chalets and bungalows is available for rent.
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, this campsite is set among the pine forests of the Sierra de Enguera mountains about 1 hour from Valencia and 100 km from the famous beaches of Gandia. You’ll find a relaxed, idyllic setting and a campsite that is a peaceful enclave, well away from the high season bustle of the coast.
Camping Natura is tucked away inland about 30 minutes drive from the bustle of the coast and offers a spacious, peaceful retreat where you can relax in the shade, enjoy the facilities and natural surroundings. Leafy boulevards run alongside good sized pitches of around 70 square metres and a pleasant swimming pool acts as a kind of oasis. There’s also a café-bar – the paella is a popular option - and a good range of chalets and bungalows for rent.
Situated high in the Sierra Mariola National Park, in a beautiful rural setting but only 12 km. from the old town of Bocairent, this is a real taste of Spain with hilltop views all around. Used mainly by the Spanish, the site is an undiscovered jewel with 170 slightly sloping pitches. These are well spaced and have shade from a mixture of young and mature trees. An orchard area, well away from the main site (with no amenities close by), is used for more casual camping. A traditional, stone built restaurant is slightly elevated with views over the site. Accessed by a few steps, this attractive building is covered in roses.
Camping Malvarrosa de Corinto is a lovely place to relax, right beside the beach on the Orange Blossom Coast. A path lined with tall palm trees leads to the sea and there are plenty more around the site, giving a tropical feel. Pitches are well shaded too. The on-site facilities include a small supermarket, fitness centre offering classes and instruction, sauna, massage and tennis, along with the Bar on The Beach which serves food and is located where you’d expect.
Camping Puzol is a family campsite located on Puzol beach. Only 14 km. From Valencia, the campsite is next to the sandy beach and surrounded by a quiet atmosphere. There are loose gravel pitches with natural shade in summer and sun in winter. All pitches with electricity. There are bungalows to rent.
Here’s a campsite in a great spot: a stone’s throw from the beach, a short 15 km drive from Valencia and plenty to do on the doorstep. Camping Valencia is just 3 km from Puzol, where you’ll find your local shops and amenities. The adjacent Blue Flag beach is sandy and lapped by the warm waters of the Med. A long, wide promenade runs along the beach, ideal for a pleasant stroll, and there are paths and trails close by for walking or cycling into the town for some shopping. The site is large and well-run, with an excellent restaurant (takeaway service is handy) and an organised kids club and daily entertainment in high season. The large pool complex with a waterslide and giant inflatables is a big draw, and there are tennis courts, football and basketball.
Camping Coll Vert is located in Playa de Pinedo and the nearby Albufera nature reserve, only 6,5 km from Valencia. There is a bus stop in front of the main gate with buses on the hour to the Valencian city centre. The sandy beach is within walking distance from the campsite. The Albufera lake is about 7 km away where you can enjoy boat trips and local food. There is also a cycle route along the beach to Valencia and to the lake from the campsite. There are approximately 80 touring pitches on loose gravel and grass, many have natural shade. There are also 3 sanitary blocks. The site offers rooms in their hostel and bungalows for rent. Free wifi is available all over the campsite.
This campsite is owned by the Samay Group, and the huge investment made is showing as the comprehensive renovation programme continues. It is situated between the Albufera lake and the sea, with rice fields on both sides.
Camping San Vicente is a small campsite set right on the seafront, midway between Valencia and Benidorm. The vast Blue Flag beach is wide and sandy and a wooden walkway leads from the campsite directly on to the golden sands. Not surprisingly the atmosphere here is very relaxed, as befits a real ‘sand in your shoes’ holiday. The restaurant specialises in authentic local rice dishes and pitches offer some shade though are probably not ideal for very large motorhomes. A selection of chalets and bungalows are available to rent.
Camping L’Alqueria is situated on the main Gandia to Grau road and, although in an urban location, it is 1 km. from the beaches of Gandia. The 112 touring pitches are of a good size and on level ground, all with 10A electricity (Europlug; long leads necessary) and easy access to one of many water points. Some are separated by dividing hedges and there is plenty of shade from mature trees. There is a football pitch and a large swimming pool (caps required) with a sliding cover and a small paddling pool, adjacent but outside.
Camping L’Aventura is located on the Costa del Azahar, more or less between Valencia to the north and Alicante to the south. It’s close to the popular resort of Gandia, famed for its long, wide expanse of golden sand which has long been a magnet for Madrid residents. You can enjoy watersports like sailing and windsurfing, or hire sunloungers and parasols. Alternatively hire bikes and head up to the hills and follow the many trails that lead through unspoilt scenery, pausing to admire the magnificent panoramic views back over the coast.
Camping Coelius is located 70 km south of Valencia and 120 km north of Alicante, a holiday region of sandy beaches, backed by orange groves and rolling wooded hills that create a dramatic backdrop. The magnificent beach is the main attraction - a long ribbon of pristine sand that runs for miles. It’s only 500 metres from the campsite which is a pleasant place to retreat to at the end of a busy day. There’s a good sized swimming pool with plenty of space for all, a kids’ playground, multi-sports court and tennis. There’s also a spacious restaurant serving a variety of dishes, though there’s good choice of local eateries, bars and pizzerias close by and within walking distance. Timber chalets, mobile homes and bungalows are available to rent.
Found behind the beach and sand dunes, Camping Azul can best be described as rustic and relaxed, ideal for those who prefer a quiet, unregimented site. A barrier at the entrance leads to reception on the left where limited English is spoken. From there, firm sandy roads lead to the sandy touring pitches with many low trees which have been sympathetically pruned to afford partial or full shade. Varying in size, some of the pitches are very compact, and pitching could be difficult. The little trees in and around the bar/café area, with its flower pots and trailing plants hanging from the branches, create a very pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere where food and drinks are served. Opposite this lies a small shop. The sanitary block in this area is spacious, clean (rota shown) and has a launderette and washbasins. Most of the chalets are in a segregated area with their own more mature facilities.
Olé is a large, flat, seaside holiday site south of Valencia and close to the modern resort of Oliva. Its entrance is only 250 m. from the pleasant sandy beach. For those who do not want to share the busy beach, a large swimming pool is opened in July and August. There are 308 small pitches of compressed gravel, all with 6/10A electricity. Many are separated by hedges with pruned trees giving good shade to those away from the beach. A bar and a restaurant stand on the dunes overlooking the sea, together with a few unmarked pitches that are ideal for larger units. There are small groups of chalets and a few apartments to rent, all within their own areas.
Pepe campsite is located right on a fine, sandy beach, a popular choice with fans of classic sunsets. Just a few metres away is the Oliva Nova golf club, an all too handy distraction for some. Valencia is an hour’s drive or so to the north and makes a fantastic day trip. The campsite has its own supermarket, a children’s play area and a bar-restaurant right on the sands serving a range of delicious paellas to the sound of the waves on the beach. There’s a busy schedule of activities and entertainment in high season, with musical performances, sports contests, kids’ games and parties. There are 126 good sized pitches, well delimited and shaded by leafy trees. There is also a selection of mobile homes and bungalows to rent.
