This article is a new addition to my Valencia Hidden Gems Blog Series, featuring a list and map of hidden gems near Valencia City. It’s perfect for those looking to explore the region off the beaten path.

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Hidden Gems near Valencia, Spain

Blog Series on Valencia Hidden Gems

As I approach the 15-year mark of living in the Valencian Community, I’ve shared plenty of tips and itineraries covering the region on the blog. You can find my off-the-beaten-path discoveries under the hashtag #valenciahiddengems, which will help you explore the area like a local.

This post is part of a series highlighting lesser-known gems around Valencia. It focuses on hidden treasures outside Valencia City that are easily accessible for a day trip or road trip. However, if it’s your first time visiting the region, I recommend checking out my posts on A Week in Valencia and Valencia Day Trips first, as these cover the main landmarks on any beginner’s Spain bucket list.

For those who have already explored the main tourist spots, you can discover secret locations close to Valencia below. For hidden gems within Valencia City head to this article instead. And if you’re curious about the entire Valencian Community (which includes the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, and Castellon), head to this article for a longer list of ideas (it already includes hidden gems which may be a bit far for a day trip but would make perfect weekend getaways from Valencia).

Hidden gems near Valencia you can’t miss

While the city of Valencia is gaining popularity among international travelers, the surrounding area is rich in incredible history and cultural gems that are often overlooked by tourists. From ancient castles and monasteries to scenic viewpoints and Roman ruins, the region offers a wealth of lesser-known destinations. These hidden spots give visitors the opportunity to explore beyond typical tourist landmarks and experience the region like a local.

1. Monasterio de la Murta

Located near the small town of Alzira, the Monasterio de la Murta is a charming, green spot featuring the peaceful and secluded ruins of a 14th-century monastery, with remains of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Surrounded by stunning mountains and hiking trails, it’s the perfect place to escape the city buzz. Many locals come here on weekends for a picnic, but I personally enjoyed the hike – it offers a great way to explore the area. You can read more about my experience in this post.

2. Monasterio de Santa María de la Valldigna

History lovers and fans of hidden Spanish monasteries shouldn’t miss the Monasterio de Santa María de la Valldigna, once one of the most important Cistercian monasteries in Spain. Founded in 1298, it played a crucial role in the region’s religious and cultural life. Even Rodrigo de Borgia served as an abbot here before becoming Pope of Rome. You can learn more about the Borgia family and the Valencian landmarks connected to them in this post.

3. The Ceramics of Manises

The small town of Manises is one of my favorite hidden gems near Valencia, known for its centuries-old ceramics tradition and conveniently located on the road from Madrid to Valencia. Not only is Manises a must-visit spot in Spain for ceramic pottery enthusiasts, but it also offers a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship of the Valencia region. You can even find Manises ceramics in some of the most prestigious museums around the world, as I recently discovered at the Cluny Museum in Paris. You can read more about Manises in this post.

4. Monasterio de El Puig

Located in the small town of El Puig, the Monasterio de El Puig is a majestic 13th-century monastery where visitors can admire its Gothic architecture, cloisters, and a collection of religious art. It previously housed the Printing Museum, which is temporarily closed (though I hope it reopens soon). When I visited, the monastery offered guided tours by appointment only. However, since it was just my husband, I, and an Italian couple on the tour, it almost felt like a private experience.

5. Sagunto Roman Ruins

Just 25 kilometers north of Valencia, Sagunto is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Spain, including a theater, forum, and sections of the ancient city walls. The Sagunto Castle offers stunning views of the region and the Mediterranean coastline, with remains of Roman, Iberian, and medieval structures. Additionally, the popular Valencia day trip to the Vall d’Uixó Caves is conveniently located nearby.

6. Trincheras in Jérica

The small town of Jerica and its surrounding area are popular destinations for hiking and biking among locals in Valencia. Although it is part of the province of Castellon, it’s only a 50-minute drive from Valencia and is much greener than many areas in the southern part of the Valencia region. It’s no surprise that locals flock here for active weekend getaways. While there are numerous hiking trails nearby, some of which I cover in my article on hiking in Castellon, one hike stands out from a cultural perspective: the Ruta de Trincheras. This area, filled with trenches from the Spanish Civil War, offers a unique glimpse into Spain’s tragic past. You can learn more about Spanish Civil War through my list of Spanish documentaries and read the details of the hike in this post.

7. Benisano Castle

The Benisanó Castle is a well-preserved 15th-century fortress located in the village of Benisanó. Once used as a royal residence and defensive stronghold, the castle is one of the top hidden gems near Valencia, known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and picturesque courtyard.

8. Roman Mausoleum in Llíria

The town of Lliria is located just 25 kilometers from Valencia and houses the Roman Mausoleum of Llíria, an ancient burial site that dates back to the 1st century. This well-preserved Roman monument is one of the town’s archaeological treasures, which also include Roman baths and mosaics. Also, in Lliria you can visit a lesser-known monastery Reial Monestir de Sant Miquel de Llíria.

9. Museo del Palmito

Museo del Palmito is one of my favorite secret museums in Spain, particularly interesting for art lovers and those who appreciate Spanish handmade souvenirs. This museum houses a small but sophisticated collection of fans, showcasing how the Valencia region once had a thriving fan-making industry in the 18th century. Check out the full photo gallery here. Also, just 15 minutes away from the Museo del Palmito, you’ll find Castell d’Alacuás, a 16th-century castle that occasionally hosts fascinating temporary exhibitions.

10. Aqueduct of Peña Cortada

While Spain’s most impressive Roman aqueduct is the one in Segovia (which can be visited on a day trip from Madrid and even has a mysterious legend explaining its origins), there are few places around the world where you can actually walk on a Roman aqueduct as part of a hiking trail. You can read more about this unique spot in my post about hikes near Valencia.

11. Palau Comtal de Cocentaina

The Palau Comtal (Count’s Palace) in Cocentaina is a stunning example of medieval architecture from the 13th century, which served as the residence for the counts of Cocentaina. This lesser-known gem is filled with historical artworks and Renaissance-style decorations and will be a great match for those interested in Valencian nobility and history.

12. Gaibiel Castle

The Gaibiel Castle, located near the town of Gaibiel, is another hidden gem that involves an easy hike. This medieval fortress is partially in ruins, but it sits atop a hill, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. When we visited, the castle could be accessed with keys you could pick up from the local town hall, which was a fun experience. You can read more about our hike there with the kids in this post.

13. Mirador del Garbí

For those seeking breathtaking natural views, the Mirador del Garbí is known for offering some of the most stunning vistas of the Valencia region. Located in the Serra Calderona Natural Park, this viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking area, but you can also combine it with a hiking experience in the surrounding area – read more in this post.

14. Ducal Palace of Gandía

The Ducal Palace of Gandia, a magnificent 14th-century residence, was once home to the infamous Borja (or Borgia) family. Conveniently located on the road between Valencia and Alicante, this landmark is filled with stunning frescoes, colorful ceilings, and Renaissance-style rooms. You can read more about it in this post.

15. Montesa Castle

The Montesa Castle is another secret Spanish castle near Valencia, known for its unique hilltop location near the town of Montesa. It was once the headquarters of the Order of Montesa, a military order from the 14th century. Today, mostly in ruins, the castle is being slowly restored. During our tour, the local guide provided us with some fascinating historical insights – so, I enjoyed visiting.

16. Joan Fuster Museum

Located in Sueca, the Joan Fuster Museum is an easy stop on the road from Valencia to Alicante. If you enjoy house museums in Spain, don’t miss this one, dedicated to one of Valencia’s most important intellectuals and writers. Fuster was a key lift-wing figure in shaping the Valencian culture and identity. The museum is housed in his former home and offers an intimate look at his life, work, and contributions to literature and politics.

17. Cuevas de la Villa

Cuevas de la Villa is a complex of 22 caves from the time of the Arab presence in Spain, located in Requena. These caves were originally used for storing wheat and cereals, thanks to the stable, cool temperatures inside. By sealing the wheat in amphoras and using fire, the locals achieved a vacuum-seal effect, similar to modern packaging methods. The caves were abandoned in the 18th century and were rediscovered only in the 1970s. In addition, right next to the caves, you can visit another hidden gem – Casa Museo de la Seda. This small, secret museum focuses on the traditional techniques of silk-making that have been integral to the region’s history.

18. Paterna

The small town of Paterna is home to a few hidden gems near Valencia that are worth exploring. One of its most intriguing sites is the Caves of Bata, an ancient cave complex that once served as a dwelling for some of the town’s early inhabitants. Additionally, Paterna is home to a small Ceramic Museum, where visitors can learn about the town’s rich history of pottery-making.

19. Sant Esperit Monastery

Monestir Sant Esperit is a secret monastery near the village of Gilet, set in a tranquil countryside. Founded in the 16th century, this serene site is known for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and stunning surroundings.

20. Alboraya and Port Saplaya

While Alboraya and Port Saplaya may not be entirely hidden gems, they certainly deserve extra attention, as many international visitors still overlook them. Alboraya, a charming village just north of Valencia, is famous for its horchata, a traditional Spanish drink made from tiger nuts. This refreshing beverage is one of Spain’s most beloved food souvenirs, and Alboraya is the place to experience it at its finest. On the other hand, Portsaplaya, often referred to as Valencia’s “Little Venice,” is a picturesque seaside neighborhood known for its colorful buildings, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s one of the most colorful places in the country.

21. Dehesa del Saler

Dehesa del Saler is known for its proximity to Albufera, one of the most popular day trips from Valencia. However, many people overlook the easy hiking trails in the area. These trails offer a unique opportunity to explore nature and are often surrounded by dense vegetation, giving the landscape a jungle-like appearance in certain spots.

22. Cueva del Turche

While Cueva del Turche is a popular spot for hiking trails, it’s also accessible to any traveler, as you can visit the cave without needing to hike. Located near the small town of Buñol, globally famous for La Tomatina, Cueva del Turche is one of the most unique natural settings in the entire Valencia region.

Map of the hidden gems near Valencia

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