The new year often brings … a spark for fresh adventures in 2023. If you’re already dreaming of a getaway, dive into the Valencian Community and discover places worth a weekend escape. Here are some of the most remarkable towns and coastal gems you shouldn’t miss this year.
The most amazing towns in the Community of Valencia
The Valencian Community is brimming with scenic corners just waiting to be explored. Altea, Calpe, Guadalest, Peñíscola, and Morella stand out as must-sees for any traveler seeking culture, views, and unforgettable experiences.
The nine best-known fishing villages in the Valencian Community
Altea, known as the Pearl of the Costa Blanca, carries a sailor’s romance in its whitewashed lanes and the blue-domed church that guards the old town. Narrow streets invite wandering, and several viewpoints crown the hill for sweeping sea panoramas.
From the historic center to the lively promenade, Altea blends bohemian charm with modern cafés and craft shops. The town’s heartbeat is its simple elegance and the way light plays on its walls as the day softens toward evening.
Calpe and its iconic rock are among the most photographed scenes along the Alicante coast. Yet Calpe offers far more—from the ancient wall remains and the Church of the Virgin Mary of Snows to quiet plazas where locals linger over coffee and conversation.
Beyond the centerpiece red wall, the architectural work of Ricardo Bofill has shaped a distinctive urban landscape that attracts photographers and designers alike, making the zone a modern landmark that’s grown into a must-see stop on any coastal itinerary.
The coastline’s crown jewel, the Peñón d’Ifach, rises dramatically as the sea breathes around it. A stroll along the promenade at sunset provides one of the most serene and dramatic moments on the coast, where the sky and water seem to pause just for you.
Guadalest, perched in the mountains of Alicante, is a quintessential hill town whose fortress and walled streets create a timeless setting. Its fortifications, the narrow lanes, and the lake basin below combine into a scene that feels almost cinematic to visitors.
This town makes for a perfect day trip—a blend of rural charm, dramatic viewpoints, and a castle that holds court over the surrounding countryside. A walk through the gate and up to the fortress reveals a unique panorama of the valley and reservoir below.
Guadalest is also a place to linger. If you’re up for a longer excursion, a nearby trail rewards hikers with fresh perspectives on the town and its surroundings, and offers a different angle on the same spectacular landscape.
Morella, a hidden treasure in Castellón, seems suspended in time. This small medieval village invites visitors to step through ancient gates and along perfectly preserved walls. The castle and the Basilica of Santa María la Mayor stand as proud witnesses to centuries of history, while the town’s cobbled streets pulse with craft stalls and local fare.
A stroll along the main street reveals a trove of authentic keepsakes and a chance to pause at viewpoints that overlook the surrounding countryside. A trip here feels like stepping into a living storybook—one worth planning around to see the changing light at dawn or dusk.
To escape the bustle, many travelers head to the hilltop routes and the outer walls that encircle the old town. The experience blends culture with nature, and the memories linger long after leaving the gates behind.
The gorgeous town of Alicante, named one of the best in Spain by The Times
Alicante’s coastal allure is undeniable. The medieval streets, the landmark fortifications, and the lighthouse combine to form a tapestry of history and sea air that’s hard to resist. Its old quarter holds a maze of narrow lanes where you’ll find intimate tavernas and vibrant markets, each corner telling a story as the sun climbs higher.
The town is famous for its unique viewpoints, where the city’s sprawl meets the Mediterranean, and for its gastronomic offerings that appear in the many taverns and eateries lining the historic lanes. The mix of old and new makes Alicante feel both rooted and lively, a place where every visit adds a fresh layer to its character.
Peñíscola, with its famous fortress at the water’s edge, anchors the Castellón coast as a dramatic jewel. The fortress, perched above the urban maze, frames sunsets that glow across the medieval streets and the sea beyond. The city’s walls, the Pope Luna Fortress, and the surrounding promontory create a complete, unforgettable landscape.
The historic center’s winding streets shelter a foodie scene that thrives in tiny squares and tucked-away courtyards. Local cuisine and regional specialties invite lingering, turning a visit into a full sensory experience rather than a quick tour.
Further inland, Morella offers a close-to-fairy-tale moment with its towering walls and ancient gates. Standing atop the walls, visitors gain a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside—an invitation to explore more of Castellón’s storied past.
A walk along the town’s primary thoroughfare reveals artisans and shops where handcrafts and keepsakes wait to be discovered. The experience multiplies when you climb to the walls for a different vantage point and a sense of time standing still.