Hiking the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla is one of the most popular day trips from Valencia. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique trail.

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Hiking the hanging bridges of Chulilla near Valencia

Best hikes in Valencia

While the region of Valencia is still full of hidden gems, one of the most popular hikes in the area is undoubtedly the Route of the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla (in Spanish, La Ruta de los Puentes Colgantes de Chulilla or Ruta de los Calderones). When I first visited this trail in 2016, it was already popular among locals, but nothing like what it has become recently. These days, it is the most popular trail in the province of Valencia and can get quite busy on weekends. Since 2019, local authorities have introduced a €1 fee to access the hanging bridges. In this article, I want to share my honest opinion of the trail and whether it’s worth the hype. If you’re looking for quieter walks immersed in nature, consider hiking in Castellón.

What is the route of the hanging bridges?

The Route of the Hanging Bridges in Chulilla is a scenic hiking trail near the village of Chulilla, in the province of Valencia, Spain. It takes you through the stunning canyon of the Turia River and includes two suspension bridges that are popular with adventure enthusiasts. The trail is considered a moderate hike, suitable for most visitors. It typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. Many visitors come specifically for the experience of crossing the bridges, even if they don’t complete the full trail. There are several longer and shorter options available for this hike, such as a 16.49 km circular route (check it out on Wikiloc) or a 6.81 km option (check it out on Wikiloc).

The route of the hanging bridges of Chulilla

How to get to Chulilla

Chulilla is a 50-minute drive from the city of Valencia, a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Castellón, and 1 hour 50 minutes from Teruel. The Hanging Bridges Route of Chulilla is accessible from the CV-394 road, which connects Chulilla and Losa. Once you see the “Ecoparque” sign, turn towards the Loriguilla Reservoir area, where you can park your car. After parking during my first visit and following the signs toward the hiking trail, one thought crossed my mind: “Is this really the place?” The area didn’t seem mountainous, and I couldn’t picture where the hanging bridges would appear. However, after walking a bit, the cliffs of the Turia Canyon began to emerge. These days, though, it’s easy to find the spot since, on weekends, it gets so busy that it’s impossible to get lost once you get to the Chulilla Parking via Google Maps.

Visiting Chulilla by public transport is almost impossible (at least for now). There is a Chulilla-Valencia bus on weekdays, but it seems to cater to locals commuting to work or school in Valencia, as it leaves Chulilla in the morning and returns in the evening. You can see the schedule here. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can book one of the organized tours:

The route of the hanging bridges of Chulilla near valencia

Best time to visit the hanging bridges of Chulilla

As with many Spanish hikes, the best time to visit the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer mild temperatures, ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of the Iberian Peninsula. I wouldn’t recommend this hike during the summer months, as there is little shade despite a few trees in the area. However, I should admit that most travelers still do this trail during the summer peak season. So, if you’re spending a week in Valencia and hoping to enjoy a peaceful hike while everyone else flocks to the Mediterranean beaches, that’s unlikely to happen.

Hiking the hanging bridges of Chulilla near valencia

About the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla

Two of the bridges on the Ruta de los Calderones hike are of recent construction, built in 2013, though their story dates back to the 1950s. At that time, the population of the small village of Chulilla in the province of Valencia increased due to construction work at the nearby Loriguilla Reservoir. Many of the workers had to pass through the Turia Canyon on their way to work, so they decided to build two bridges to shorten their daily commute.

The highest bridge is about 15 meters high. Many people online claim it is unsuitable for those afraid of heights. While it can be a bit intimidating, you cross it quickly, and it’s the only bridge of this kind on the trail. Personally, I was more concerned about not slipping on the stairs near the bridges.

Hiking in chulilla valencia spain
Nature chulilla valencia spain travel blog

Are the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla worth visiting?

While the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla is one of the most popular hikes in the Valencia region, it may not be for every traveler. First of all, this hike gets extremely busy, so if you’re expecting a quiet walk in nature, it might not fit the bill (unless you go early in the morning during the off-season). In my personal opinion, the hike is a bit overrated, mainly due to its picturesque bridges and the fact that there aren’t many lush, green areas in the Valencia region. As a result, the Turia River and its hanging bridges do stand out. However, this trail can not be compared to the iconic hikes of Caminito del Rey in Southern Spain, Congost de Mont-rebei, or the trails in the Pyrenees. While the bridges are unique and the natural setting is pleasant, I wouldn’t say this hike is a must-see in the region – that’s my personal opinion only. So, if you can only plan one day trip in Valencia, I would recommend considering another option from this list.

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Hiking the hanging bridges of chulilla valencia spain

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