10 Most Beautiful Villages in the Valencian Community

When most people think of the Valencia Community, they often picture its stunning beaches, mouthwatering paellas, vibrant festivals, and bustling cities like Valencia and Benidorm. However, this enchanting region offers so much more. From breathtaking natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage and charming villages, the Valencia Community is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. If you're itching for a rural getaway, pack your bags as we embark on a virtual journey through some of the most beautiful villages in the Valencia Community.

Get ready for a route that will take us through all three provinces. We'll visit templar castles, wander through neighborhoods adorned with colorful houses, immerse ourselves in local traditions, and climb a few stone staircases. But trust us, every step will be worth it! 😉

Are you ready to discover the most beautiful villages in the Valencia Community? Let's dive in (note: the order is purely random):

1. Peñíscola: A Slice of Game of Thrones in Castellón

This village in Castellón is one of the jewels of the Valencia Community, primarily thanks to the Castle of Papa Luna, which holds secrets of templar legends and countless mysteries. While the castle is its most iconic landmark, the rest of the historical center is equally delightful. If you feel like you've seen Peñíscola before but can't quite place it, relax—this charming spot served as the backdrop for several films and series, including scenes from Game of Thrones.

Peñíscola boasts lovely urban beaches and intriguing natural surroundings, such as the Sierra de Irta and the Marjal de Peñíscola. This makes it a perfect base for a memorable vacation, opening the door to some of the most beautiful villages in the region just a stone's throw away.

→ Guided tour of Peñíscola with entrance to the Castle of Papa Luna

2. Guadalest: A Mountain-Perched Village with a Fascinating History

Guadalest, located inland in the province of Alicante, is a small village that captures the essence of hidden mountain towns, enriched with a fascinating history. Its story is interwoven with Muslim origins, Christian conquests, noble families, wars, and earthquakes. The main legacy of Guadalest's past is the Castle of San José, perched high on a rock since the 11th century, offering stunning views of the valley. The official name of the village is El Castell de Guadalest.

If you’re one for weekend getaways that involve hiking, don’t forget to pack your boots! There are numerous trails around Guadalest, perfect for indulging in nature, including routes around the beautiful Guadalest Reservoir and its surrounding mountains.

→ Free tour of Guadalest

3. Altea: One of the Most Famous Villages in the Valencia Community

Altea is a must-include in any list of the most beautiful villages in the Valencia Community. This picturesque coastal town is adored for leisurely strolls through its historic center in search of viewpoints, navigating streets lined with charming white houses adorned with flowers.

The town's most famous spot is the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, with its iconic blue-tiled domes that attract all eyes. Don’t miss the other attractions, like its plazas, seafront promenade, and winding staircases. You can also visit the Temple of Archangel Michael, the first Russian Orthodox church built in Spain, located only about 5 km away.

→ Free tour of Altea
→ Excursion to Villajoyosa and Altea from Alicante

4. Morella: A Medieval Marvel with an Impressive Castle

Next on our list is Morella, a village that exudes medieval charm, highlighted by its massive walls stretching 2.5 km, with several monumental entrances, and its castle that sits atop a rocky outcrop, keeping a watchful eye over this tranquil Castellón village.

Stroll through the historic center, taking in the Blasco d'Aragó street with its unique arcades, halting at various churches (like the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor) and quaint squares where time seems to stand still. You can also visit the Convent of San Francisco, which grants access to the castle. Just be prepared to climb quite a few stairs and pass through several medieval gates, but the breathtaking views are worth every step.

→ Guided tour of Morella
→ Excursion to Morella and Peñíscola from Valencia

5. Buñol: Much More Than Just La Tomatina

Although Buñol is world-renowned for the Tomatina, held every last Wednesday of August when the population swells, the village also boasts an intriguing historical center and a Muslim-era castle that interestingly shares a courtyard with a handful of private homes. The maze of narrow streets around the castle reveals delightful surprises, including small squares, fountains, and churches like San Pedro's.

One of the town's most beautiful buildings is the Molino Galán, a former paper mill from the 19th century that has been renovated and transformed into a municipal library.

→ Tour of Buñol and the Tomatina Museum

6. Chulilla: A Scenic Escape Near the Charco Azul

In this charming corner of Valencia, where the Turia River twists around a promontory, lies the quaint village of Chulilla with its white houses and labyrinthine streets. Atop the village stands the proud remains of an ancient Muslim castle, complete with preserved walls and towers that guard the landscape below.

The surroundings near Chulilla are nothing short of spectacular, making it an ideal spot for a rural getaway. Nearby attractions include the famous route of the Pantaneros, featuring two hanging bridges, and the gargantuan canyons of up to 100 meters deep along the Turia River, with Charco Azul, a picturesque lagoon with a photogenic wooden walkway, as its main highlight.

7. Villajoyosa: A Festival of Colors

Upon arrival, it’s clear why Villajoyosa, or the "Joyful Town," boasts its name. The village is adorned with colorful houses that brighten even the dullest days. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a sunny day, you may want to take advantage of its beautiful beaches. Don’t forget to check out the Church of the Assumption, the Valor Chocolate Factory (yes, Villajoyosa is a place that truly stimulates the endorphins!), the Renaissance walls, and the Roman-origin Tower of Hercules.

At the end of July, the vibrant Moors and Christians festival takes place, commemorating the historic battle against Berber pirate landings, showcasing a colorful and lively reenactment.

→ Free tour of Villajoyosa

8. Bocairent: A Village Rich in Arabic Heritage

While many of the villages we've explored exhibit a distinct Arabic influence, Bocairent showcases this heritage more prominently than others. Its old town features a maze of narrow streets that wind and twist along the hillside, earning it the nickname of a village "carved into the rock." Its resemblance to Matera in southern Italy is striking.

One of its main attractions is the Covetes dels Moros, a series of caves carved into the surrounding cliffs that served as storage during the Arab period. Other points of interest include the Plaza de Toros (the oldest in the Valencia Community), the Monastery of the Rock (a 16th-century underground convent), and the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

We consider Bocairent to be one of the most beautiful villages in the Valencia Community.

→ Excursion to Bocairent from Valencia

9. Vilafamés: A Glimpse of the Middle Ages in the 21st Century

The story of Vilafamés mirrors that of many other villages in the region: a town of Arabic origin built on a hill, where a fortress was established for defense against attacks, ultimately falling to the Christian forces led by Jaime I of Aragon. It retains its medieval historical center, characterized by cobblestone streets and reddish and white mansions, along with the castle perched high above.

As you leisurely stroll through the steep streets, be sure to pause at the village's emblematic Roca Grossa and make three wishes, as legend has it that one of them will come true. Don’t miss the beautiful Batlle Palace housing the Contemporary Art Museum, as well as the Church of the Assumption and the Church of the Blood.

→ Excursion to Vilafamés from Castellón

10. Culla: The Perfect Rural Escape

Those who venture to this small yet charming locality in the Alto Maestrazgo are rewarded with one of the most captivating and charming old towns in the Valencia Community. Stone houses, narrow labyrinthine streets, staircases, arches, viewpoints, churches, chapels, small squares, and even the ruins of a castle once held by the Templars create a scene that's hard to resist.

Culla is an ideal spot for a rural getaway, far removed from the hustle and bustle of big cities. You can also dedicate some of your time exploring the rest of the Alto Maestrazgo region, which is definitely worth a visit.

→ Excursion to the Mining Park of Maestrazgo and Culla from Castellón

Map of the Most Beautiful Villages in the Valencia Community

To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of these villages, consider checking out a map that highlights their locations. This will help you plan your visits effectively and make the most of your exploration.

Other Places to Visit in the Valencia Community

This region is filled with an array of stunning sites, including its charming villages. However, there are countless other hidden gems worth discovering. To explore these further, take a look at our article on the best things to see and do in the Valencia Community.

We believe that many other villages could easily make it onto this list, but these ten are our top picks for the most beautiful villages in the Valencia Community. Do you agree? Have we overlooked any must-visit spots? We’re itching for a road trip across the Terreta (and not just for the paellas, although that's definitely on our list too!).

* Photocredit: Shutterstock

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