Here’s the ultimate recap of hidden gems in the Region of Valencia that I’ve discovered during my 15 years of living in and exploring the area. In this post, I’ll highlight some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path locations in the Valencian Community.

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Lesser-known places to visit in the Valencia Region

Exploring Valencia off the beaten path

Since the Spanish region of Valencia has been my home for over 15 years, exploring local hidden gems and secret corners has become one of my favorite weekend activities. When I first moved to Valencia, the city itself felt like a hidden gem. Over the past decade, however, Spain has grown in popularity as a destination, and so has Valencia. As Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia still lags behind Barcelona and the Costa Brava in terms of international visitors, but it’s becoming increasingly popular, especially with Mediterranean cruise stopovers and budget-friendly high-speed train connections to Madrid, bringing more visitors every year, even if just to enjoy Valencia for a day.

Despite the rising tourism in the city of Valencia and the fame of Benidorm and the Costa Blanca, many of the small towns in the Valencia region remain hidden gems, largely unknown to international travelers. While visiting Spain’s iconic landmarks is a must, I often find that it’s these lesser-known places that offer the most fascinating stories and authentic experiences. Exploring off-the-beaten-path locations not only provides a more relaxed and crowd-free experience but also helps combat overtourism in the bigger cities. Traveling locally supports small businesses and allows for more meaningful interactions with the locals.

Let me share some of my favorite hidden gems in the Valencia region that you might want to include in your Valencia itinerary. At the end of this post, you’ll find a map where you can check the distance of each place mentioned – some are perfect for day trips from Valencia, while others are better suited for a weekend getaway. You can follow new articles about secret spots in and around Valencia using the hashtag #ValenciaHiddenGems.

Hidden Gems in the Region of Valencia

First of all, let me clarify that by the “region of Valencia,” I mean the Valencian Community, or la Comunidad Valenciana in Spain. It is a large area that consists of three Spanish provinces: Valencia, Alicante, and Castellon. In this particular post, I will be covering the entire Valencian Community. If you’re looking for hidden gems in the city of Valencia, head to this post, and for secret locations near the city of Valencia, check out this article instead.

Also, if this is your first time visiting Valencia and its surroundings, I highly recommend checking out my post on Valencia day trips before this article on hidden gems. Many of the places mentioned there, like Peniscola, Morella, Xativa, or Bocairente, might sound new to you, but I won’t be repeating them in this post.

1. Santuario de la Virgen de Balma

The Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma is a small sanctuary carved into the rock near the village of Zorita del Maestrazgo, in the Province of Castellon. It’s located close to Morella, home to one of Spain’s top fairytale locations. To be honest, this sanctuary gave me real goosebumps. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it feels eerily isolated, nestled in the rock in the middle of nowhere. During the Middle Ages, it was a renowned destination for those believed to be “possessed by the Devil.” People would travel to the Santuario de la Virgen de la Balma seeking divine healing and miraculous cures. Many of the ailments people came to be cured from, like epilepsy, are conditions modern medicine can easily explain, but back then, these individuals were often considered doomed. Even today, centuries later, there’s still a lingering sense of mystery and eeriness in the air – it definitely deserves a spot on the list of the most mysterious places in Spain.

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Santuario de la Virgen de Balma

2. Castillo de Benisano

The Castle of Benisano is one of the hidden gems in the Valencia region that absolutely deserves a visit. This site is a great match for fans of Spanish legends, with one of its most striking details being the coat of arms depicting two girls with someone pulling their hair.

According to local legend, after the French king Francis I was defeated at the Battle of Pavia, he was taken to Benisano Castle as a prisoner. Despite his captivity, the Lord of Cavanillas, the noble owner of the castle, treated him as an honored guest due to his royal status. However, during one of the banquets, both of Cavanillas‘ daughters refused to dance with Francis I, as he was an enemy of the Spanish Crown. Their father, furious with their defiance, dragged them by the hair to the dance floor, exclaiming, “La superbia de vos matará amos e dos” (Your pride will get you both killed). This phrase can still be seen in the noble hall of the castle, reinforcing the legend.

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Castillo de Benisano – one of the coolest Hidden Gems in the Region of Valencia
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Benisano coat of arms

3. El Rivet

El Rivet Forest is located near the small town of Benassal in the province of Castellon, which we visited a while ago during the Hazelnut Gastronomic Weeks. It’s such a beautiful natural setting, perfect for a relaxing walk or a picnic. My kids have recently become obsessed with Cicely Mary Barker’s fairy books (okay, I admit I love them too), so El Rivet was just was such a cool place for us to take a short walk in the woods and search for fairies. This magical place is definitely going on my list of Spain’s enchanted forests. The best part? There was no one else around, so we could fully enjoy the peaceful landscape and the soothing sounds of nature all to ourselves.

el rivet benassal castellon
El Rivet felt like one of Spain’s enchanted forests

4. Barranco de la Valltorta

Barranco de la Valltorta is another hidden gem in the province of Castellon, largely overlooked by international travelers. This stunning natural area offers not only beautiful landscapes but also a rich cultural experience. Here, you’ll find the Museo de la Valltorta, which provides insights into the region’s ancient history and the Levantine rock art found in the nearby caves. These prehistoric cave paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage site, depict hunting scenes and daily life from thousands of years ago, making the Valltorta Gorge a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Barranco de la Valltorta in Castellon

5. Ruta de los Olivos Milenarios

the millenary olive trees route Castellon Spain

The ancient olive trees in the tiny village of Canet lo Roig are such a hidden gems located in the Castellon province.These trees have been thriving in the region for thousands of years. In Castellon, you can even shop for gourmet food souvenirs from Spain, including olive oil made from these millennial trees. The millenary olives in Spain are truly some of the most unique and otherworldly natural wonders of the Iberian Peninsula, transporting one back to Roman times. The route itself is an easy, family-friendly hike and one of the most scenic trails in Castellon. It offers beautiful views and a chance to explore the region’s rich history. However, the only drawback is that there’s limited shade along the trail, so I recommend avoiding the summer months when the temperatures can be quite high. For more details of my experiences along the Millenary Olive Route, be sure to check out my full post here.

6. Parc Miner del Maestrat

The old iron mines of Parc Miner del Maestrat are one of the coolest hidden gems to visit in the region of Valencia, especially for families. It’s both fascinating and educational, making it a perfect experience for kids and adults alike – particularly if you’ve never visited a mine before or have an interest in geology and Spanish caves. When we visited, the tours were only available in Spanish, but I’m sure this will change soon as the park becomes more popular. Be sure to book your visit in advance, as group sizes are limited, and you’ll be guided through the mine by an expert. Wear comfortable shoes, but avoid white ones (I’m still trying to get the orange stains out of my trainers!).

A quick tip about directions: Google Maps might take you the wrong way. When you see the sign “Acceso al Parque Minero a 2.3 km dirección Torre d’En Besora,” don’t turn there, even if your navigator suggests it. Keep going until you reach the village of La Torre d’En Besora, where you’ll find signs pointing to the mines.

parc miner del maestrat
Visiting Parc Miner del Maestrat with the kids

7. The Palace of the Counts of Cervello

Another hidden gem in Valencia is the Palace of the Counts of Cervello, located in the charming village of Anna. Built in the 17th century on the ruins of an ancient castle, this palace is a stunning example of history and architectural beauty, reflecting the rich heritage of the region. To visit the Palace, it’s essential to book in advance through Anna’s Tourist Office, as only guided tours are available. We were fortunate enough to secure a spot just a day before our visit, but this was during the off-season, so availability may be more limited during peak times.

After exploring the Palace, you can make the most of your visit by enjoying a relaxing picnic or taking a leisurely stroll around the nearby Albufera de Anna lake. This quiet lake, surrounded by lush nature, offers a perfect setting to unwind and appreciate the scenic beauty of the area.

Anna Palace Valencia Hidden Gems
The Palace of the Counts of Cervello in Anna

8. Coves del Bata

The Bata Caves in Paterna (or Coves del Bata) are a striking location featured in Pedro Almodovar’s film Dolor y Gloria, starring Penélope Cruz and Antonio Banderas. Set against the backdrop of the Paterna Tower, this unique urban site is made up of eight cave-houses covering a total area of 450 square meters. Recently acquired and meticulously restored by the local government, the Bata Caves aim to preserve the town’s traditional heritage. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition showcasing everyday objects from the 1950s and 60s, offering a glimpse into the lives of the working-class families who once inhabited these caves in the region of Valencia.

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Coves del Bata – a secret filming location near Valencia

9. Mascarell

Mascarell is a tiny village often overlooked, even by many Spaniards, yet it holds a unique significance as the only fully walled village in the Valencian Community. With a population of less than 200 inhabitants, this charming town’s origins date back to the Spanish Reconquista (you can learn more about it via my list of Spanish documentaries), back when the Moorish population of nearby Burriana was expelled, and many settled in the area between Nules and Burriana, which became known as Mascarell. While the village’s main attractions are limited to the Town Hall, the local church, Mascarell can be a great stop on any Castellon road trip. While it remains one of the hidden gems of the region of Valencia, we’ve recently enjoyed visiting Mascarell’s Medieval Fair, the Fira Medieval de Mascarell, with our kids (typically held in early November).

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Mascarell village near Nules

10. Manises

While true fans of Spanish pottery might recognize pieces from Manises around the world (as I recently did at the Cluny Museum in Paris), this small town often remains under the radar for many international travelers visiting Valencia each year. Ironically, Manises is actually where the Valencia airport is located, yet it still doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. If you’re a fan of local arts and crafts, Manises is a must-visit Valencia day trip. It’s an easy stop on the road from Madrid to Valencia, making it perfect for a quick detour. You can read more details about Manises in this post.

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Manises is an easy stop on the road from Madrid to Valencia

11. Museo del Palmito

Museo del Palmito is one of my favorite secret museums in Spain, located in Aldaya, just 11 km from Valencia. This small place is a visual treat for art lovers, as it is dedicated to the craftsmanship of the Spanish fans. Although fans are often associated with Southern Spain and flamenco dancers, not many people know that in the 19th century, the Royal Fan Factory of Valencia was the heart of Spanish fan-making. While the factory is no longer in operation, there are still a few artisans in Aldaya creating unique, handcrafted fans (like my favorite DeAnita in Seville). Museo del Palmito houses a small but sophisticated collection of fans that reflect the region’s glorious past. You can check out the full gallery from my visit in this post.

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You can check out the full gallery from my visit to Museo del Palmito in this post

12. Penyagolosa

Nature lovers and adventure seekers in Valencia can’t miss Penyagolosa (1813m), the most iconic mountain in the region of Valencia, which can be reached via a hiking trail. While Penyagolosa is the second-highest summit in the Valencian Community (with Cerro Calderon (1850m) in Rincon de Ademuz being the tallest), it offers some of the most stunning views of the entire region. You can read more details about Penyagolosa in this post.

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Penyagolosa is the most iconic mountain in the region of Valencia

13. Vilafames

Vilafames is one of the most charming villages in the Castellon province, easily visited on any road trip between Barcelona and Valencia. With its narrow medieval streets, countless flower pots, the 15th-century cathedral, and the Modern Art Museum MACVAC, this small town is a hidden gem in the Valencia region that’s a joy to explore. You can check out my video from Vilafames on TikTok here.

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Vilafames is a secret location on the road between Barcelona and Valencia

14. Jardin del Papagayo

Located near the Game of Thrones town of Peñiscola, Jardin del Papagayo in Benicarlo is a unique destination for birdwatching enthusiasts in Spain. This lesser-known bird park is an absolute must-visit, especially for families visiting Spain with kids. Interacting with parrots here is a truly fun experience – it’s actually the parrots who will interact with you, chasing you around in a playful manner. The park staff are also incredibly friendly and helpful. You can read more about my visit in this post.

Additionally, Benicarlo is renowned in Spain for its artichokes, and each year, the town hosts the Gastronomic Week of Artichokes (from late January to early March). If your visit coincides with these dates, you can enjoy a variety of artichoke-focused dishes at local restaurants, making it a great culinary experience in Spain.

10-day Spain itinerary for families
Visiting Jardin del Papagayo in Benicarlo

15. Fanzara

The village of Fanzara is known as one of the coolest places to enjoy street art in Spain and is also one of the most vibrant places in the whole country. Years ago, Fanzara was close to being listed among Spain’s dying villages until locals embraced street art, transforming the village into an open-air museum filled with murals. You can read more about Fanzara in this post.

Fanzara Castellon Spain street art in Spain
Fanzara is one of the coolest places to enjoy street art in Spain

Fanzara is a small village in the Spanish province of Castellon with the most amazing story behind it. To start with, embracing graffiti and street art has saved it from disappearing. You can read the detailed story in my Fanzara post.

16. Navajas

The Bride’s Jump Waterfall in the small town of Navajas is a stunning natural spot with a creepy Spanish love legend behind it. Known as El Salto de la Novia, the waterfall stands at 60 meters, cascading into a crystal-clear pool below. The legend tells of a tragic bride who, according to local lore, jumped into the waterfall on her wedding day. You can read more details about this place in this post.

Navajas Castellon Spain waterfall views
The Bride’s Jump Waterfall is known for its Spanish love legend

17. Rincon de Ademuz

Rincon de Ademuz is a truly unique spot on the map of Spain. It’s the only part of the Valencian Community that lies outside its own borders, forming an isolated enclave nestled between the provinces of Aragon and Castile-La Mancha. Often described as a hidden gem of the Valencia region, this small Valencian “island” offers a fascinating mix of history and natural beauty. Rincon de Ademuz has long been on my radar, especially for Cascada del Bohilgues, one of the unique hikes in the Valencia region. Unfortunately, during my last visit in the summer, the trail was closed due to wildfires affecting much of the Valencia region. As a result, I only had the chance to explore the quaint village of Ademuz, which felt like stepping back in time with its narrow streets, historic architecture, and quiet charm.

For those planning a trip, Rincon de Ademuz can easily be combined with a visit to Teruel or included in a weekend getaway to Albarracin. fascinating corner of Spain is worth adding to your travel list.

rincon de ademuz valencia spain
Rincon de Ademuz can easily be combined with a visit to Teruel or included in a weekend getaway to Albarracin

18. The Monastery of Simat De La Valldigna

Fans of secret monasteries in Spain shouldn’t miss the Monastery of Simat de la Valldigna, a remarkable local landmark tied to the famous Borgia (also called Borja) family, who descended from Valencia (particularly from Xativa). Established in 1298, the monastery suffered significant deterioration over the centuries. Restoration efforts only began in 1991, after its acquisition by the Valencian regional government. Rodrigo de Borja (the future Pope Alexander VI) once served as Abbot here. To discover more Borgia landmarks in the region, check out this post.

Borgia Monastery Valencia Province
Simat De La Valldigna, one of the Borgia landmarks in the region of Valencia

19. Cueva Cerdaña

Cueva Cerdaña is one of the most secret caves in the Valencian Community, located near the village of Pina de Montalgrao in the province of Castellon. To visit Cueva Cerdaña, you’ll need to drive to the small village of Mas de Noguera, where you can leave your car. From there, cross the village and follow the local road until you find a narrow trail on your left, which leads uphill towards the cave. The hike from Mas de Noguera to the cave is about 4.2 km, and while the scenery is beautiful, we got lost several times before finding the right path. Nevertheless, I hope that local authorities will improve the signage for the path in the near future.

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Cueva Cerdaña is one of the most secret caves in the region of Valencia

20. Mirador Garbi

Mirador del Garbi is one of the most stunning viewpoints in the Valencia region, located about 40 km from the city of Valencia in the heart of the Serra Calderona Natural Park (popular destination for hiking near Valencia). Perched atop a 593-meter-high mountain, Mirador del Garbi offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Valencian landscapes. To reach the viewpoint, you can park your car at the nearby Parking Mirador del Garbi and take a short, 15-minute walk to the top.

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Serra Calderona Natural Park is a popular destination for hiking near Valencia

21. The Holy Cave of Altura

Santuario de Cueva Santa is a beautiful, ancient cave-church located in the Valencia region, near the town of Altura. Historically, this cave served as a refuge for local shepherds, and the chapel inside was built in the 17th century. If you plan to visit the cave church, make sure to check the opening hours on the official Altura website (please note that the official information is available in Spanish only).

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Santuario de Cueva Santa is an ancient cave-church located in the Valencia region

22. Buñol

The village of Buñol, near Valencia, is famous worldwide for hosting the largest tomato fight in the world, La Tomatina – one of Spain’s most iconic festivals. The celebration takes place every August, but if you plan to visit, it’s important to purchase tickets at least a few months in advance. You can find all the essential information and learn more about my experience at this fiesta in this post.

Guide to la tomatina in Spain
La Tomatina in Buñol is one of Spain’s most iconic festivals

23. Gandia

Gandia is a small town on the coast of the Valencia region, known for its stunning beaches and rich history. While it’s a popular stop on any Valencia to Alicante road trip, the biggest local gem from an architectural perspective is the Ducal Palace of Gandia. This palace was the ancestral home of the Borja (or Borgia) family and features impressive Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements, along with beautifully decorated interiors, including the Golden Gallery and the Crown Hall. You can read more about Gandia in this post.

Ducal Palace of Gandia Valencia day trips
The Ducal Palace of Gandia Is a great stop on Valencia to Alicante road trip

24. Jardín de l’Albarda

Jardín de l’Albarda is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Valencian Community, located near the town of Denia. Filled with unique plants, it is often featured on lists of the most distinctive gardens in Spain. You can read more about my visit in this post.

Alicante Garden Denia Spain
Jardín de l’Albarda is one of the most beautiful Spanish gardens

25. The Caves of Requena

Cuevas de la Villa is a complex of 22 caves dating back to the time of Arab presence in Spain. These caves are located in the small town of Requena, 68 km from the city of Valencia. Originally, these caves were used to store wheat and other grains, thanks to the naturally stable temperatures inside. Locals would seal the wheat inside amphoras, using fire to create a vacuum effect similar to modern packaging. However, the caves were abandoned in the 18th century and only rediscovered in the 1970s.

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The Caves of Requena is a popular stop on any Valencia road trip

26. The Roman Arch of Cabanes

As a huge fan of Roman ruins in Spain, I’m always on the lookout for lesser-known historical landmarks and mysteries on the Iberian Peninsula. The Arch of Cabanes (or Arco Romano de Cabanes in Spanish) is an ancient triumphal arch built in the 2nd century AD along the Roman Via Augusta, which was one of the longest and busiest roads in ancient Hispania. Archaeologists believe the Arch of Cabanes was part of a private funerary monument, possibly connected to a local rural villa. It is located near the village of Cabanes in the Province of Castellon.

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The Arch of Cabanes can be a great stop on any Castellon road trip

27. The Moorish Caves

The Moorish Caves (or Covetes dels Moros in Valencian) can be found in Bocairente, a town many Spaniards consider one of the most beautiful in Spain. These caves are a series of man-made chambers with window-like openings carved into a cliffside. They form the most complex and numerous network of cave windows in the area, with over 50 openings leading to individual chambers spread across 3-4 different levels. Various theories surround their origins, suggesting they may have been used as ancient burial chambers, granaries, or even Visigoth monasteries. You can read more about Bocairente in this post.

Beautiful villages of Valencia Region - Bocairente
The Moorish Caves in Bocairente

28. El Palmeral

El Palmeral is located in the town of Elche, near Alicante, and is known as one of the most unique landscapes in all of Spain. It is the only place where you can enjoy the largest palm grove in Europe. You can read more about visiting Elche in this post.

Elche palm groove Alicante
El Palmeral is one of the most unique landscapes in all of Spain

Map of the hidden gems in the region of the Valencian Community

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