Valencia Travel Guide: Paella, Wine Harvest & Adventurous Hikes
This trip, I swapped comfort for adventure - camping in Xeraco, about an hour outside Valencia. The campsite was small but had everything I needed - space for the tent and car, a BBQ area, and little shops nearby to stock up on food for hikes. Evenings often ended with a BBQ under the stars, which felt like the perfect balance to busy days of exploring.
A fully packed 26 kg camping luggage ready for adventure - including a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mattress, towels, first aid kit, cooking pots and pans, and all essential camping gear for an outdoor trip.
When I went: September 2025
Duration: 6 days (including flights)
Weather: Hot - around 30°C every day, clear skies and strong sun.
Tip: Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and good walking shoes (hiking boots if you’re planning adventures).
Activities & Highlights
Requena: A charming medieval town with castle ruins and underground wine caves. I visited on a Sunday, so most things were closed, but wandering the streets was still worthwhile.
L’Oceanogràfic aquarium: I wasn’t sure at first, but it ended up being magical - glass tunnels with sharks and rays swimming above, all set to ambient music. I only stayed three hours, but could have easily spent the day.
Ruta de las Tres Cascadas - Anna: A short but rewarding hike with three waterfalls. You can swim, cliff jump, or cool off in the water after the trail.
Montanejos hike (Sendero de los Estrechos): My favourite hike ever - 10 km of rocky trails, rope climbs, and breathtaking views. Challenging but unforgettable. It took me 4 hours to complete the hike.
The nearby Montanejos thermal springs (Fuente de los Baños) were the perfect recovery afterwards.
Beaches: Xeraco beach was peaceful but had jellyfish during my visit. Valencia city beach was sandy, calm, and great for swimming. Water was pleasantly warm.
L’Oceanogràfic aquarium - Jellyfish.
Tips
Footwear matters: Sneakers are fine for Anna waterfalls, but Montanejos really does call for hiking boots.
Water shoes are a great idea if you’re swimming at waterfalls or hot springs - the rocks can be rough.
Plan ahead: Some towns (like Requena) are quiet on Sundays, so double-check opening hours before you go.
Balance your days: Valencia has so much to offer, from city culture to wild hikes, so mix a bit of both for the best experience.
Montanejos hike (Sendero de los Estrechos) - a beautiful view on the way.
Food & Drink
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, so I had to try the authentic version at Casa Carmela. While my heart still belongs to seafood paella, the traditional Valencian style was hearty and rich, made with chicken, rabbit, duck, and even snails. It felt more like a rustic winter dish, but it was absolutely delicious - and the Michelin-recommended service made it even more special.
Paella valenciana (booked in advance).
Another highlight was the Pago Vera de Estenas winery in Requena. What I thought would be a simple wine tasting turned into something unforgettable: harvesting grapes, stomping them with our feet, tasting fresh wine straight from clay barrels, and finishing with a food and wine pairing overlooking the vineyards. If you go, plan for a Sunday - that’s when they offer the grape-harvest experience.
Pago Vera de Estenas winery - Bobal grape picking.
Final Thoughts
Valencia gave me everything I wanted in this trip - authentic food, adventurous hikes, beautiful beaches, and warm September evenings around the BBQ. It’s a place where you can balance nature with culture, and adventure with relaxation. If you’re looking for a destination that feels both authentic and full of surprises, Valencia is the one.
