Spain has a lot to offer hikers and active travellers, and that's absolutely the case if you head to the Region of Valencia, where hiking, cycling and water sports lie in wait.
In fact, there's a place that deserves special attention if you're seeking adventure on Spanish shores, and it’s one that can sometimes be overlooked for other options. Do so, however, and you'd be making a mistake...
We’re talking about Peñíscola and the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, which you’ll find on Spain's east coast in the Region of Valencia.
The natural park itself only gets around 75,000 visits per year and there are multiple reasons why this area is a perfect getaway for some autumn sun.
For a start, there’s a perfect mix of mountains, beautiful coastline and sea (more on that later), but there’s also an enviable amount of culture. And that’s before we’ve even mentioned the food and weather!
Below, we’ll outline why Peñíscola and the Sierra de Irta Natural Park is worth considering for your next adventure…
There’s an adventure for everyone
Due to its proximity to the sea, this part of Spain is a prime spot for lots of different activities.
The natural park is a gift for the eyes. It runs parallel to the coast, meaning mountainous terrain and pockets of greenery give way to azure blue seas in a colourful spectacle.
A network of well-maintained hiking trails crisscross the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, taking you between shrub-covered hillsides, tree-lined paths and enchanting hidden coves.
Outside of the natural park, you’ll also find more great hiking a short drive away in the Tinença de Benifassà natural park (north of Peñíscola), Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona (south) and at the 1,813m-high mountain of Penyagolosa.
Head back to Peñíscola, though, and you’ll have plenty of other activities right on your doorstep, including diving and snorkelling, kayaking.
The scenery is incredible
Peñíscola itself is a handy base for exploring this part of Spain, and the town itself serves up a visual feast. The beaches are golden, the water welcoming and the historic architecture fascinating.
Step beyond its walls, though, and you’ll find yourself in another paradise altogether. The Sierra de Irta Natural Park is on the southern doorstep of this pretty town and is defined by rocky enclaves, splashes of green and a near constant view of the sea.
The province of Castellón, which houses the natural park, is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal villages, however, it's the second most mountainous province in Spain, so it's suitably rugged and ripe for exploring.
There’s still plenty of sunshine
This region benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year.
In autumn the temperature averages around 18°C, which is ideal for hiking and other activities.
It’s warm enough that you can still feel the heat on your face when looking toward the sky, yet not so hot that your pores are drenching your base layer in sweat.
It’s the birthplace of paella
As you will very much be aware, hiking, cycling and other adventure sports work up a damn big appetite.
The good news is that, as well as being blessed with succulent seafood and the Mediterranean’s largest orchard, the Region of Valencia is also the home of paella.
This rice-based dish is one of Spain’s most famous, but also one of the most tasty. Paella Valenciana has a traditional recipe with very specific ingredients, though there are many different rice recipes across Spain that are cooked with products from the garden and the sea, depending on the area.
Taste is ridiculously good and you’ll also benefit from a big hit of protein and carbs to help with recovery from the day’s exploits.
Of course, this isn’t the only dish you’ll find tantalising your tastebuds, as tapas is also likely to be on most menus.
It’s easy to get to
Peñíscola and its neighbouring Sierra del Irta National Park are mercifully easy to get to from the UK, with the airports of Castellón and Valencia just a short drive away.
There are direct flights into Castellón (less than one hour from Peñíscola) from London Stansted with Ryanair, with prices available from around £40.
Flights into Valencia (around two hours from Peñíscola) are available for a similar price, departing from UK airports including Birmingham, London Stansted, Manchester and London Gatwick.
If you don’t want to hire a car, you’ll be able to make use of the region’s affordable train network.
Discover what else the region of Valencia has to offer by heading to the official website.