Valencian gastronomy is one of the most popular outside of Spain, with paella as its flagship dish. This fame is due, among other things, to the quality of the products found in the Horta of Valencia region, in the surroundings of La Albufera and the Turia river.
In this article we tell you how to plan a road trip through the Horta of Valencia and the surrounding towns and villages, to discover, at the same time, the best of its nature and its gastronomy.
The route through the Horta of Valencia that you cannot miss
The best way to visit the municipalities of this region is to rent a car in Valencia with OK Mobility to move freely from one town to another and, if you like one of them, be able to go back. Let's take a look at the most outstanding places along this route in more detail.
Alboraya
The first stop on the route through the Horta of Valencia is Alboraya, considered by many as the birthplace of horchata. This is due to the fact that the Valencian tigernut is grown in the fields of Alboraya, the tuber from which traditional Valencian horchata is obtained.
In fact, you can reach Alboraya through a pedestrian path called the Xurra Greenway, which goes through different fields and orchards. Undoubtedly, it is a paradise for lovers of horticulture that culminates with the visit, at the end of the Carraixet ravine, to the Ermita del Miracle dels Peixets.
Godella
Another town that is part of the Horta of Valencia is Godella, and here you can visit the market where products are sold directly from local farmers. It is, in fact, one of the best exhibitions of quality of the typical products from the Horta of Valencia.
Burjassot
This municipality is also found in the Horta of Valencia. Here, in addition to sampling the gastronomy, it is worth a stroll through the streets of its historic centre, the municipal market or the university residence, which was formerly a medieval castle. In addition, you can visit the silos, ancient subterranean storage facilities typical of this area.
Vinalesa
Continuing along the route of the Carcaixet ravine, you reach Vinalesa, where the old Silk Factory today houses the town hall and other municipal buildings, acting as the town’s central hub. In this town, you can also walk through the Real Acequia de Moncada, one of the oldest hydraulic systems in the region.
Almàssera
This small town is a classic enclave in the Horta of Valencia, and it maintains a more original essence. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 70% of the municipal land is cultivated, offering views of vast areas of orchards and crops next to the ravine.
Catarroja
In this case, we move to l'Horta Sud, the southern part of the region, as we reach Catarroja. This small town, although it has undergone a major industrialisation process, still maintains a very lively agricultural essence. In fact, it is popularly known for all i pebre, a traditional Valencian stew with garlic and paprika accompanied by potatoes and fish.
La Albufera
Our route ends in what is perhaps the most characteristic enclave of the whole area, La Albufera. It is a freshwater lagoon completely surrounded by rice fields, believed to be the birthplace of paella. Declared a Natural Park, you can spend a whole day here enjoying the surroundings, nature and leisure.
Here, in addition to a stroll, you can take a boat ride or delve into the world of bird watching at the Racó de la Olla Interpretation Center. And, if you prefer to lose yourself among the natural corners of La Albufera, you can’t miss its wetlands and beaches. And, to finish off, you can go to the Lonja del Palmar, a place with a great history, considering that fishing in the Albufera dates back to the 13th century.
How to visit the towns and villages of the Horta of Valencia
If you decide to go to Valencia and want to visit all these towns, the easiest option is to rent a car. You can move freely and without depending on timetables between one place and another, dedicating more time to the ones you like the most.
At OK Mobility, we can help you choose the vehicle that best suits your family’s needs, requirements and budget. This way, you can take care of what really matters, spending quality time with your loved ones.
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