If you’d like to visit Spain but you haven’t decided on your itinerary, you might want to consider visiting the Valencian region, of which the city of Valencia is the capital. This is the third largest Spanish city, with almost one million visitors; it features a good diversity of touristic offerings, bridging the gap between historical tradition and urban modernity. However, the most interesting highlights available in this region are arguably available through rural tourism.

How does the thought sound, of spending a relaxed week strolling through the unique nature reserves available in Valencia? To this effect, you may look for accommodation in picturesque rural houses, idyllic rural retreats, cabins, bungalows and camp sites. For increased mobility, you can rely on local car hire Alicante Airport services. Besides being less expensive than the conventional touristic hubs, rural tourism in Valencia offers a delightful chance to get in touch with nature and spend some quality time yourself and the people you love.

Things to do in Valencia

You don’t have to surrender to the metropolitan charms of Valencia, while visiting the region; not when there are so many alternatives in the surrounding regions. How about soaking in natural hot springs, for example? Can you picture yourself immersed in crystalline warm water, surrounded by vast mountains, hidden caves, and vast masses of trees? You will feel like you’ve suddenly evaded the harsh and turbulent workings of the real world, when you find yourself surrounded in the natural sceneries which are widely available in the Valencian region.
If you’re really looking for a chance to commune with nature, you should just grab a backpack and roam through the trekking paths available in Valencia. In fact, there are interesting pathways going across the entire region, so if you really like walking you can thread across the whole of Valencia on foot without ever ceasing to be amazed and bewildered with the sheer sense of natural beauty. You will come across several quaint villages and picturesque mountain towns while traversing the walking paths between places such as Montanejos, Calpe, Canet, Morella and Alcoy.
Regardless of whether you want to experience walking on mountain paths, or trek along the coast, relish on virgin lakes or losing yourself in immense pastures… Valencia is a good place to visit. You can find rural accommodation in most villages, for as low as 20 or 30 euros per night; most importantly, you can find something precious and rare in this day and age: peace of mind.

Experience the delights of Valencian Gastronomy and Wine

While visiting Valencia, you’ll be treated with delicious cuisine and you’ll get a chance to experience some of the best wines in Spain: both red, white and sweet wines are available, some of which are rather unique. Typical Valencian dishes include the famous paella (a rich mixture of white rice, green vegetables and assorted meats), or Arroz Negro (Squid ride colored with squid ink), Gaspacho (a unique soup that’s usually served cold).
If you want to experience the delights of a Mediterranean diet and sample some of the best European wines, you will very much enjoy your time in Valencia. There are various gastronomic tours in this region that will take you by the hand and show you the best places to experience the local cuisine. As a matter of fact… if you want to take it a step further, you can even sign up for local cooking classes aimed at tourists, so that you can impress your friends and family by cooking some typical Spanish meals when you get home.

Explore the greatest natural parks in Valencia

If you feel like communing with nature and witnessing some of the most delightful natural sceneries in Western Europe, you will feel enamored exploring the many natural parks and reserves in Valencia. Places you may want to visit include “Sierra de Espadan Natural Park”, "Parque Natural de La Tinença de Benifassà",and "Chera-Sot de Chera Natural Park". Anyone who’s a fan of mountaineering should spend some days in either (or all) of these parks, for a unique opportunity to witness the local wildlife with all its natural charms.

Climate in Valencia and best times to visit

Climate in the Valencia region is typically Mediterranean: meaning that summer is usually scorching hot, and winter is not too aggressive… although it can be rather humid. The average temperature across the years is around 60F (17C), and the rainy seasons are mostly focused in late Fall and early Spring.  As such, you may want to plan your visits towards late spring or summertime, in order to get the best that nature has to offer within the region of Valencia, while enjoying a comfortable sunny climate.