The Valencian Community has everything that many people long for: dreamlike beaches, beautiful cities full of services and leisure activities, and an idyllic natural environment that contrasts with the sea. In this article, we cover the natural parks, spaces that extend throughout the community and that are absolutely worth exploring. We tell you which natural parks in the Valencian Community you cannot miss.
Natural parks in the Valencian Community: Which ones are a must-visit?
There are a total of 22 recognised natural parks in the Valencian Community, between Castellón, Valencia and Alicante. To visit them, the best option is to rent a car in Valencia and, from there, travel around with total freedom. Here are some of the most interesting spots if you travel to any of the three Valencian provinces.
L'Albufera
Where else to start but by talking about what is probably the best known natural park in this community: L'Albufera. Among other things, it is only 6 miles from Valencia, which makes it one of the most popular.
The park covers an area of more than 21,000 hectares, although its most iconic feature is the freshwater lake that lends its name to the park, which covers more than 2,800 hectares. It is also one of the country's most important wetlands because of the number of bird species it is home to.
Sierra Calderona
This natural park, which extends between the provinces of Castellón and Valencia, covers an area of more than 18,000 hectares. It is also one of the main hiking destinations, combining culture with nature.
Among the most outstanding sites are the 15th century monastery of the Cartuja de Porta Coeli, the Santo Espiritu del Monte Monastery and the Dragon of the Calderona, a dragon-shaped house that can be visited once a month.
Marjal de Pego-Oliva
In this case, we head down to the Marjal de Pego-Oliva natural park, striding the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. Today, it is a 1,250-hectare wetland, although it was formerly a coastal lagoon.
It is also one of the best quality wetlands in the entire Mediterranean due to the immense biodiversity it houses as a result of the water that flows from the surrounding rivers. It is also an important rice-growing area.
Chera-Sot de Chera
You can explore all 6,400 hectares of this natural geological park, which has many places and natural features worth visiting. It is, in fact, the first Geological Park of the Valencian Community. What makes it particular interesting is that it is located within a tectonic trench surrounded by peaks, which makes it one of the most mountainous in the community.
Among the biggest attractions are the Hoz ravine, the Buseo reservoir, the Sot de Chera Anticline and the Toscas waterfalls, among others.
Turia Natural Park
Turia is another of the most important natural parks of the Valencian Community, following the course of this river and occupying more than 4,600 hectares. Here, the diversity of its flora and fauna is its most characteristic feature, with 1,200 different species of vegetation.
History buffs will also get a kick out of places like the fort of Valencia la Vieja, from the Visigoth period, or the Lloma de Betxí, a site dating from the Bronze Age.
Salines de Santa Pola
The Salines de Santa Pola natural park in Alicante is another of the natural spaces that you cannot miss. It extends over 2,470 hectares, and is characterised by several salt works. In fact, more than 8,000 flamingos gather in this park, forming a beautiful sight during the breeding season.
The best time to visit the natural parks in the Valencian Community
If you are thinking of taking a tour of the natural parks of this autonomous community, the best times are spring and autumn. During these months, the temperatures are very pleasant and they are less crowded than in summer. Although, in truth, the temperatures during the winter in this area are quite mild as well.
In any case, whenever you decide to visit, OK Mobility will provide you with the rental car that best suits your family's needs. This means all you have to worry about is enjoying one of the most beautiful natural areas in Spain.
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