To be able to hike around Valencia, you don’t need to own a car, says Dmitry Blatov, who has compiled a list of the top ten hikes in Valencia you can reach on public transport…
1. Castillo de Serra
Metro / Metrobus
There are several routes available starting from Serra (Castle, Gorrisa, Rebalsadors) that are listed by the local town hall – you can check them out on their website. Arriving here requires some planning – you need to take the metro to Bétera (L1, yellow) and then a bus from there to Serra.
Metro schedule: Metrovalencia
Bétera-Serra bus (230): Edetania bus
2. Cullera
Cercanías: C-1 line
One of the most accessible locations, with a nice and easy hike on top of the hills near the Mediterranean coast. Trains run from Valencia Nord to Cullera train station throughout the day. The return journey (Zone 4) costs €7.40.
More info on the Cullera tourism website: CulleraTurismo.com
GPS Track starting from the train station – Wikiloc (might be better to return along the coast)
3. Alt de les Creus
Cercanías: C-1 line
If you travel a little further and get off the train at Tavernes de la Valldigna (Zone 5), there is a more difficult, but also more rewarding hike to Alto de los Cruces. The hike can be started from the train station by bus (scheduled), a five-minute ride.
More info – Tavernes de la Valldigna website.
GPS Track – Wikiloc (better to do it clockwise)
4. El Mondúver
Cercanías: C-1 line
And if you go one station further, to Xeraco, you’ll find El Monduber, as it is known in Valenciano. one of the most impressive peaks in the Valencian region. However, the route is quite difficult, as getting to the peak requires hiking at least 16km from the station (in total), with an elevation gain of 850m. Nonetheless, there are several options and a multitude of trails surrounding the mountain.
More info: PR-V 183. Les Fonts del Mondúver – Turismo de Gandia
GPS Track: Wikiloc (probably the best route, you would need to come out of Xeraco, cross the bridge and walk about 10 minutes along the roads between orange trees to get to the start)
5. Xátiva
Cercanías: C-2 line
The main attraction here is the castle of Xátiva, but there is also a nice route around it that passes through Cova Negra and ends at the castle.
C2 trains run every 30-40 minutes, return trip costs €8.70
Information about the castle: XativaTurismo.com
GPS Track – Wikiloc and more info about PR-CV 78
6. Buñol
Cercanías C-3 line
The town of La Tomatina offers some nice hikes as well. You can visit and even swim in Cueva del Turche, Cueva de las Palomas, visit the castle of Buñol or walk along Barranco de Carcalín.
Trains run every 30-40 minutes. Return trip costs €7.40; there is also a bus from Valencia, but it takes longer and is more expensive, so I see no reason for taking it, unless you hate trains.
Tracks (I would do both counterclockwise though):
– Cuevas de Turche/Palomas
– Barranco de Carcalín
7. Salto de la Novia
Cercanías: C-5 line
One of the most famous waterfalls/swimming places in the region. Accessible either from Segorbe or from Navajas. In the summer season there is a €2. Timing becomes an important factor here, as there are two trains in the morning (8:05 and 11:15) and two in the afternoon (14:45 and 17:15 from Segorbe), and the journey takes from 90 to 120 minutes with a stop in Sagunto.
Return trip costs €11.60
Salto de la Novia legend: ValenciaBonita.es
Tracks: (I would recommend starting in Segorbe and taking the train back from Navajas)
– from Segorbe (somehow all the tracks go along the other side of the river, although I would stay on the same side and follow white and yellow blazes or PR-CV trail).
– from Navajas
8. El Picaio (Puzol)
Cercanías: C-6 line
El Picaio is a very nice lookout point in the eastern part of Sierra Calderona, about 25km from Valencia, from which you can enjoy views of the Mediterranean coast. Trains run every 15-20 minutes on the C6 line, making it easily accessible.
Round-trip fare is €5.30
GPS Track – Wikiloc
9. Desierto de las Palmas
Media Distancia trains
It’s just a little farther from Valencia, and the hike to the top is a little longer, but it’s well worth it. The views from the top of Bartolo or the ridge trail that begins there are breathtaking.
You need to take a Media Distancia Renfe train to Benicassim and begin your journey from the station. Depending on the train you take, the return trip could cost as little as €16
Track: Wikiloc
You can find 9 more routes at Benicassim.es
10. Sierra Mariola
Media Distancia trains
The Sierra Mariola natural park has a variety of hiking trails, with the most interesting places to visit being the Cava Arquejada snow well, Montcabrer peak, and Santuario de Agres.
You need to take a Media Distancia Renfe train to Agres, then walk about 1km into town to begin the hike.
You can find 4 more routes at SerraMariola.org
Track: Wikiloc
Dmitry Blatov is the founder of Valencia Mountain Enthusiasts
© Top Ten Hikes In Valencia You Can Reach On Public Transport – TheValencian
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