The Mediterranean port city on the eastern coast of Spain, Valencia, is home to extraordinary architecture and design, delicious gastronomy, vibrant neighborhoods, 13 miles of coastline, and a number of national parks.
It has pioneered the verification and certification of the carbon footprint of its tourism sector through studies such as a recent report produced by Global Omnium in collaboration with Visit Valencia. This project aimed to be an emission-neutral destination by 2025. Eco-conscious globe trekkers must consider Valencia for their next sustainable getaway destination pack with sites and activities that melt together the beauty of travel with the individual responsibility of safeguarding the planet. Valencia’s treasure trove of parks, gardens, and beaches are calling.
Must see gems of Valencia for every nature lover and wellness traveler:
Albufera National Park: An ideal destination for fans of nature, the Albufera National Park offers plenty of opportunities to disconnect and enjoy magical sunsets, boat rides, walks, and bike rides. The park is a coastal wetland with rich biodiversity severing as home to paddy fields, sandbars, a beach, and a lake. Visitors can tour the park by bicycle in a 50-mile route that runs through the paddy fields, exploring the ports and fishing villages around the lagoon. The Albufera Bus Turístic offers visitors a sightseeing tour and boat ride to go birdwatching and try authentic paella. The Racó de l’Olla Interpretation Centre is a necessary stop for birdwatching fans, as it has observatories and an observation tower to see a panoramic view of the park.
La Malvarrosa Beach: A short 15-minute drive from the city center, this beach has inspired great artists, from the famous Spanish singer Antonio Vega to writer Manuel Vincent. The lively beach has fitness courses, surfing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and volleyball nets. After taking a dip in the mediterreanean waters, visitors can grab a bite to eat at the music-filled Marina Beach Club or Casa Carmela, home to true Valencian paella since 1922. Casa Carmela is included in the Spain Michelin Guide because of its famous rice dishes cooked over an orange-wood fire.
Turia Garden: The largest urban park in all of Spain, the Turia Gardens are the green lungs of Valencia. The park’s route expands over six miles and connects to the breathtaking Parque de la Cabecera and famous City of Arts and Sciences. This is one of the perfect spot in the city to enjoy cycling, mini golf, outdoor cafes, and a variety of flora.
Nature-filled musts for any outdoors aficionado:
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing: Thrill seekers can glide above Mediterranean waves in Valencia’s wide fine-sand beaches and warm waters year-round. Beginners and experts can take advantage of the strong winds of the coast and blue skies. For kitesurfing and windsurfing, visitors can take off from Malvarrosa beach, the Marina de Valencia or by boat.
Cliff-diving: Valencia is surrounded by hidden nearly wild natural spots that include rivers, pools, springs, and waterfalls that are a short drive from the city. The closest spot of all is El Turche Cave and Buñol River pools. They give daring visitors the opportunity to plunge down from 195-foot rock wall along a beautiful waterfall. After swimming in turquoise waters, visitors can enjoy a picnic nearby. Visitors can also enjoy an inland beach at El Gorgo de la Escalera that can be accessed via a staircase. This canyon is carved out by a river creating one of the most Instagram-worthy images in Europe.
Biking: One of the best ways to see Valencia is by bike, as its network of cycle paths connect all the historic city center and parks. The city consciously encourages biking and other forms of sustainable transportation while exploring it’s both historical and modern settings.
Today, Valencia is more accessible than ever with several direct flights to Spain from the U.S. through Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. The destination has a wide-ranging appeal that is perfect for multigenerational adventurers, wellness retreaters, and lovers of all things natural.
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