Best Things to Do in Valencia: Hiking, Biking & Local Tips

Valencia is one of those cities where you can hike through a canyon in the morning and drink a mojito in a beach bar by sunset. From private guided hikes through dramatic landscapes to cycling along the Jardín del Túria and discovering local food spots — here are the best things to do in Valencia Spain, based on my own experience combining nature with city life.

When I think about Valencia it immediately brings up happy vibes. Close to the beach, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and a liveliness that only the Spanish people can bring. This time I went on a trip with a friend, and we wanted to make the combination of exploring nature and having the comfort and aliveness of the city. 

If you love slow travel, Valencia is the kind of city that rewards unhurried exploration — three days here will feel like a week anywhere else.

Where to go hiking close to Valencia

I soon discovered that Valencia is surrounded by beautiful nature and has plenty of possibilities for hiking close by or within an acceptable distance. I got an eye on the private tour through the Red Canyon of Teruel and I felt so excited to see this place. When I was looking at the description of this trip, I was already wondering how all those red colour shades would look in real life. The Red Canyon reminds me of the Grand Canyon in the United States where I once went on a helicopter tour. Of course, you can’t compare the scale, but the Red Canyon of Teruel is also very impressive. And a big plus, it is still quite unknown. 

Hike the Red Canyon of Teruel: A Private Day Trip from Valencia

The hiking tour in Teruel, seems to be really a private one for us and that feels like a great luxury. It’s just me, my friend and our guide Dmitry, the founder of Valencia Mountain Enthusiasts. We met our guide in the centre of Valencia, next to the Torres del Serrans. From there, we drive up northwards in his car, to Teruel, a one-and-a-half-hour-drive. We have a quick stop at a coffee bar for drinks and something to eat, and then we’re off to the Red Canyon of Teruel, also known as the Aragonese Colorado Canyon.

We walk quite up tempo. Sometimes I’m a bit behind, because I also love to take pictures, and I must confess, I take a lot, because I’m in awe of the landscape. But that’s fine and it’s quite easy to catch up. It’s early spring and during the morning still a bit chilly. I’m wearing shorts, a sweater with a top underneath, a cap and sneakers. Compared to the Spanish people at the coffee bar, all dressed up in long trousers and winter jackets, I felt ridiculous and cold, but now, during the activity, I’m happy with my outfit. 

HAVING LUNCH CLOSE TO THE RIM

The total length of the canyon hike is eleven kilometres with 200 meters of elevation gain. Halfway, we take a pause to have the lunch we took with us. Close to the rim of the canyon and with a magnificent view over the landscape. Further away we see a mountain with some snow on top. Eleven kilometres is an easy one here. Yes, I do feel my legs and feet at the end of the day, but I got the feeling that I could walk endlessly here. Just us, walking in nature, sun on our face, this is what gives you energy. Plus, this experience is not an easy one to forget. It will stay with me.

We close the hike with a drink on a terrace in Teruel. We walk some of the old stairs in Teruel, a beautiful piece of historical architecture. I can see the beauty of the Escalinata del Óvalo de Teruel, but to me, after our hike, these stairs feel like a crime. Now I feel the impact of the hike. So, I’m happy with the drink and then I’m also happy that I could just step in the car, with Dmitry driving us safely back to Valencia.

I can highly recommend the hiking tour through the Red of Teruel with Valencia Mountain Enthusiasts.

Practical tips for the hike to the Red Canyon

Duration of the trip to the Red Canyon: the total trip, including driving, walking, going for a drink on the Plaza del Torico in Teruel, will take 7 hours. The total length of the walk is 11 kilometres.

What are the costs of the tour? The costs for the tour to the Red Canyon of Teruel with GetYourGuide are €110 per person. The drive is included. You need to bring your own lunch and water.

What is the best season for going on a Hike to the Red Canyon? I think spring and autumn are the best seasons to go on a hike to the Red Canyon. In that time of the year temperatures won’t go sky high. Spring was also really nice to see nature come alive, the green fields and the little flowers, in contrast to the red colors of the canyon.

What to bring for the Hike to the Red Canyon?

• Good walking shoes (I brought my New Balances with me)
• A cap to protect you from the sun
• A sweater, because the mornings can be a bit chilly
• Your own lunch and two bottles of water, we made ourselves some sandwiches in our Airbnb and brought bananas for extra energy

Hike to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla

My friend and I are giving our feet and bodies some rest and take the next day off to explore the city in a slow pace and start the day with an avocado toast and fresh orange juice at La Más Bonita Ruzafa. When we feel fully recharged, we go on another hike the next day. We go to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla, a tour booked at Tripadvisor. With nobody else showing up, it’s again a private tour. On this hike, it’s me, my friend and our guide Jan, originally from Germany, who lives in Valencia for more than thirty years now. Because we’re the only ones going on this trip today, he picks us up at our Airbnb and drives us in one hour to the starting point of our hike.

During our drive Jan tells us animating stories about his life in Valencia. He speaks for example about his other passions – beside hiking – his antique store and driving people around in an old vintage motorcycle with sidecar. Jan is also sharing a wise life lesson- he doesn’t have the feeling that he’s working, because he’s only doing things he really loves to do. And that’s something you can see on his face. He’s full of life and he’s really enjoying it. 

Cortado on a Terrace

My friend and I start the day with a cortado on a terrace, Jan is starting the day with a glass of wine. And off we go. To the Hanging Bridges. In my mind, I made it huge and a bit scary. I was doubting if I wanted to do this route, but because of hesitating, I already knew the answer. Get out of your comfort zone, do it. That’s the place where you feel most alive. And in real life, it wasn’t scary at all. Even a bit disappointing for that reason, because I was hoping that I really crossed a line, pushing myself to the edge. It was as easy and comfortable as walking my own staircase at home. With one big difference, a spectacular view on the Turia canyon.

The route itself is quite easy.

We walk down on the pathway through the canyon, hearing birds sing their songs, and next to us, the sound of the streaming river. High above our heads, some people are walking on ziplines. That sight gives me the chills. The walls of the canyon are more than 80 metres high. Glad I got my feet on the ground.  I like to challenge myself, but this one is off the radar. The start of our way back through the canyon is a bit more challenging, climbing some rocks. But Jan is very helpful and reaches out his hands to guide us on our way down. It’s an alternative route; the normal one is the same way back.

Once we’re back in the Chulilla, where Jan parked his van, we’re having a well-deserved lunch at a terrace with a view over the white houses of Chulilla. We’re sitting next to three ladies from Switzerland who make kindly space for us to also have a spot in the sun. A daughter, a mom and the grandmother. The daughter studies in Valencia, and now her mom and grandmother are visiting here. Jan and the mom got a nice connection, so when we say goodbye, it feels like we’ve made some friends here.

Practical tips for hiking the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla

Duration of the trip to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla: the trip to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla takes about 5-7 hours and is suitable for persons from 10-85 years old. The total lenght of the hike is about 16,5 kilometres. This might change a bit depending on the size and wishes of the group. Me and my friend did a shortcut and walked around 10 kilometres. It’s a moderate walk and quite easy.

What are the costs of the tour? The costs for the tour to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla. The drive and coffee and lunch are included.

What is the best season for hiking the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla? I think spring and autumn are the best seasons to go on a hike to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla. In that time of the year temperatures are still pleasant. Otherwise, when you go in summer, you can go for a swim in the crystal-clear water.

What to bring for the hike to the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla?

• Good walking shoes (I took my New Balances with me)
• A cap to protect you from the sun
• A sweater, because the mornings can be a bit chilly
• A bottle of water, maybe some fruit or little snacks to share and for extra energy, like dried mangos
• Swimming clothes when you go in summer

Explore Valencia by Bike: One of the best things to do in Valencia Spain

On my last day in Valencia, me and my friend still have some time to explore the city. So, as Dutchies, we’re renting two bikes and go cycling to the beach. During our route, we’re cycling through the Jardin del Túria and have a quick stop at the Calatrava buildings, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. An impressive piece of architecture and iconic for Valencia. El Umbracle is one of the pieces of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, and is developed as an entrance. It’s a garden with palm trees, orange trees and plants that are typical for Valencia. Sometimes they organize events here and part of el Umbracle is designed as a club, where you can go dancing under the stars. 

Explore Valencia some more

After taking some pictures, we cycle further to have lunch at beach club Boa Beach. Afterwards we cycle further along the beach. We came across La Fábrica de Cielo, a cultural centre with live performances where you can also go for drinks, burgers and tapas. A bit upwards you can also find the beach spot of La más bonita, a nice place to have coffee or lunch. And on the very end of the beach, as a reward, you find beach bar, Chiringuito El Ocho. A lovely place to order yourself a cocktail and enjoy the views over the sea.

On our way back to the city, I see an old vintage motorcycle with sidecar. Hey, wait a second, is that Jan, our guide from the day before? It is, what a coincidence! We have a small chat and prolong our route with a smile on our faces. It’s fun to see a familiar face in an unknown place. It’s like a piece of you belongs here. A shared moment with someone you didn’t know before.

Where to hire a bike in Valencia

In Valencia, there are lots of options to rent a bike. I spotted several bike rentals in the Valencian district Ruzafa. You got for example Verrassend Valencia, from a Dutch owner, Hola! Rent a Bike, Ruzafa Bike Rent, Masletá Bike Rental & Bike Tours, Bike in Mind Valencia. Renting a bike at Hola! Rent a Bike is €8 for a day, per person. That’s for a normal bike. Renting an E-bike will cost €22,50 a day, per person.

Where to Stay in Valencia

For our trip in Valencia, I booked a loft at Airbnb. I fell in love with the little kitchen, and I was happy that the apartment also had a patio to catch some sunshine, and be outside, without necessarily go somewhere all the time. The loft is situated in the Valencian district Ruzafa, with lots of cafes and restaurants within walking distance. In that way, we make it easy for ourselves to eat outside. I was happy that the owner of the Airbnb also put a nice shopping basket from straw in the apartment. A little gesture, but handy for getting our groceries.

Where to Eat in Valencia: my Local Picks

Valencia has lots of lovely places for lunch, coffee and dinner. I’m happy to share some of my favourites with you.

• La Más Bonita Ruzafa is a nice one to have breakfast or lunch. They have fresh orange juices, croissants, avocado toast, yoghurt and several sandwiches. There’s also a Más Bonita at the beach and one in the city centre.
• Voltereta Bali, inspired by the jungles of Ubud, serves little bites, also to share. It’s a unique dining experience. They also have three other restaurants in Valencia: Casa, Manhattan and Kioto, all with different vibes.
• Begin Pascual I Genis, is another restaurant that’s quite an experience. The entrance is like a tunnel under sea that leads to a hidden home in the middle of a tropical forest. The interior of the restaurant is exceptional and that’s what my friend and I attracted. It’s nothing like we’re able to experience back home. Food and drinks are good and at a reasonable price.
• FAV COFFEE near Jardin de Túria is another favourite. They serve good quality coffee, and they also have cinnamon buns, one of my quilty pleasures. Not very Spanish I’m afraid, but nice though.
• SALT is a sandwich bar in Ruzafa. You can easily take the sandwich with you and prepare yourself a lunch, that might be a good option during your hike or for a little picnic in Jardin del Túria. 
• Ten points for the person who can resist the sweetness of Dulce de Leche (DDL). Cakes, chocolates, sandwiches, it all looks so delicious. Zero points for me, I took a bag with me filled with some sweets to share at home. 

FAQ – Best things to do in Valencia Spain

My final thoughts about Valencia and the hikes | on the move

It was my first time in Valencia and I was really excited to explore the city. Looking back at this trip, I’m so happy that I also took the opportunity to see more of Valencia’s surroundings. The nature is so, so beautiful and it’s fun to do different activities. With the hiking and the biking and the people we’ve met, it feels like we took everything out of our citytrip. There is more to explore in this region and I love the laid-back vibes of the city, so I definitely will come back ♥

Explore more about Valencia and Spain:

• 48 HOURS IN VALENCIA: YOUR BOUTIQUE GUIDE TO SPAIN’S MOST STYLISH CITY
• Read our Spanish travel guide
• Planning to see more of Spain? Read our Barcelona neighborhood guide
• Also a fan of slow traveling? Read our slow travel tips