Reimagined Travel Guide to Beautiful Towns in Alicante, Valencia and Castellón

1.Polop de la Marina (Alicante)

Just 12 kilometers from the lively Benidorm, the province of Alicante hides one of its loveliest towns: Polop de la Marina. History, culture and nature merge in places that leave visitors moved, including the Muslim-origin fortress that stands as a cultural landmark and the Gabriel Miró House Museum, where the author spent nine years writing. Polop invites travelers to wander its roots, exploring a setting that feels like a warm home away from home.

2.Peñíscola (Castellón)

The seaside jewel of Peñíscola sits proudly on the Costa del Azahar, with an old town perched on a 65-meter hill and crowned by the Papal Luna Castle. Beyond its scenic hills, the town offers wide beaches and sheltered bays along the Levante coast, making it a magnet for visitors seeking sun, sea and history in one place.

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3.Morella (Castellón)

Morella captivates visitors with a palpable sense of history. The town, the capital of Els Ports, bears marks from Iberians, Celts, Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians and Arabs, shaping a distinctive identity within its Historical Artistic Set. A place where every corner seems steeped in stories waiting to be discovered.

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4.Chulilla (Valencia)

Inside the Valencian Community, Chulilla is a charming rural city embraced by nature. Its magnificent river basin views and endless hiking routes—such as the Calderons Route or the Blue Puddle—invite explorers to stroll through narrow, medieval streets that whisper of the Middle Ages.

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5.Altea (Alicante)

Altea stands as a Mediterranean gem on the Costa Blanca. Its white houses, flowering balconies and cobbled lanes exude calm and character. The Church of Our Lady of Consolation with its iconic blue dome crowns the town’s skyline, a fitting symbol for a hilltop sanctuary that feels like a living postcard.

6.Culla (Castellón)

Culla hides a remarkable natural landscape and a touch of medieval charm. Wandering its cobbled lanes, visitors encounter ruins of old times, including an Arab castle and the Parish Church of Salvador. Outdoor activities reveal sweeping views of l’Alt Maestrat, inviting longer stops and deeper exploration.

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7.Vilafamés (Castellón)

Vilafamés sits atop a hill between almond and olive groves. Its timeless houses and winding streets create a quintessential interior landscape, where rural roots and a carefully preserved environment invite travelers to slow down and notice the details that make this corner of Castellón special.

8.Finestrat (Alicante)

Finestrat has become a favorite for many travelers who want a peaceful retreat with both beach and mountain settings. Proximity to Benidorm adds convenience, and the surrounding terrain offers numerous activities and plans that suit all ages and interests.

9.Montanejos (Castellón)

Montanejos is famed for its pristine waters. Local tales speak of its healthful springs, with more than fifty fountains and hot springs drawing visitors seeking relaxation and refreshment in a scenic valley on the edge of Teruel’s borders.

10.Ares del Maestrat (Castellón)

Ares del Maestrat invites a deep breath and a slow pace. With fewer than 200 residents, this interior Valencian town embodies calm, quiet, and close proximity to nature, making every moment here feel restorative and memorable.

11.Castellfort (Castellón)

Perched 1,180 meters above sea level, Castellfort charms with stone-walled houses and a thoughtful, rustic aesthetic. Nearby Rambla Celumbres Nature Park and the rocky landscapes of Sierra dels Matxos offer plenty to explore for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

12.Villafranca del Cid (Castellón)

Bordering Aragon, Villafranca del Cid blends tradition with modern touches along its well-kept streets. Caves, rivers and mountain scenery provide a rich backdrop for a rural getaway that pairs culture with outdoor adventure in the interior of Castellón.

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13.Chelva (Valencia)

Chelva in Los Serranos is a place where tradition and culture coalesce. River views, narrow lanes and a medieval ambience create a travel experience that feels like stepping back into another era.

14.Guadalest (Alicante)

Set on a rock at 595 meters, Guadalest preserves the essence of inner Alicante towns. The fortress and houses carved into the rock overlook a lush valley, a scene so picturesque it earned recognition as a Historical-Artistic Complex in 1974.

15.Bocairent (Valencia)

Known as a mountain village, Bocairent’s northwest position on the Sierra Mariola offers dramatic views and historic charm. Covetes del Moros and the old town are must-see highlights, and the town was acclaimed as one of Spain’s rural wonders in recent years.

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16.Jalance (Valencia)

Jalance sits in the heart of the Valencian Community with tranquil natural beauty and abundant springs. Nearby Jucar Canyon and natural pools along the river provide places to refresh and reconnect with nature.

17.Alpuente (Valencia)

This medieval village rests in a distinctive landscape. Its surrounding natural beauty blends with a strong historical footprint, and the Paleontology Museum hosts a notable collection of dinosaur fossils from the region.

18.Xàtiva (Valencia)

Xàtiva is a city rich in history. Its Black Cave and important Paleolithic remains tell a story of ancient life, and the Xàtiva Castle dominates the skyline, offering sweeping views and a glimpse into the past.

These towns across the Valencian Community and its neighboring provinces offer a tapestry of beaches, mountains, ancient streets and vibrant culture. Whether travelers seek coastal escapes or inland adventures, the region delivers a variety of experiences that resonate with many visitors who call this corner of Spain home away from home. (Attribution: Spain Tourism Board)