If you feel like getting out of Valencia for a day, putting on your walking shoes and spending a few hours somewhere properly green and quiet, this is one of our favourite trips.
We’ll pick you up in Valencia and drive towards Bejís, in the mountains of Castellón. From there, we’ll leave the car behind and continue on foot, following the Río Palancia towards its source.
And we mean we.
Your driver for the day is also your hiking guide, so you’re not dropped at the beginning of a trail with a map and told where to meet later. We walk together.
The Hike
The route follows the Palancia through forest and mountain terrain, with the river beside us for much of the walk.
There are clear pools, small cascades and plenty of places where you’ll probably want to stop for photos. As we get closer to the source, the landscape becomes rockier and the valley narrows towards Estrechos del Cascajar.
Depending on how much water there is, we may be able to continue further into the narrow section. Sometimes this means getting your feet wet — so don’t wear the trainers you desperately want to keep white.
We don’t treat this as a race.
It’s a private hike, so we can stop for a rest, take photos, spend some time beside the water and adjust the pace to the group.
The exact route can also change slightly depending on the weather, water level and trail conditions on the day.
Then Comes the Barbecue
After a few hours of walking, food tastes considerably better.
Once we’re back, we’ll settle down in the Los Cloticos area for an outdoor meal.
When local fire regulations allow it, we’ll prepare a barbecue. The food is already included in your experience, so there’s nothing extra to book or pay for.
We’ll eat, relax for a while and enjoy being in the mountains before heading back to Valencia.
If fire restrictions mean that a barbecue isn’t permitted that day, we’ll prepare an outdoor meal without using fire instead.
You Don’t Need to Be a Serious Hiker
You don’t need hiking experience for this trip, but you do need to be reasonably comfortable walking for a few hours.
This is a natural mountain trail rather than a prepared tourist path. Expect uneven ground, stones, some climbing and potentially wet or slippery sections close to the river.
Good walking shoes are important.
In warmer weather, bring a towel and swimwear if you’d like. And a spare pair of socks is never a bad idea here.
Your Day
We’ll pick you up directly from your accommodation in Valencia and drive together to the Bejís area.
From there, your driver joins you for the hike and guides you along the Río Palancia route towards the nacimiento and, when conditions allow, Estrechos del Cascajar.
After the hike, we’ll have our included barbecue or outdoor meal, take some time to relax and then drive you directly back to Valencia.
No need to find the trail yourself, organise transport or worry about driving home after several hours in the mountains.
What’s Included
- Private return transport from Valencia
- Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
- Private vehicle for your group
- Driver and hiking guide
- Guided Río Palancia hike
- Nacimiento del Río Palancia area
- Estrechos del Cascajar when conditions allow
- Barbecue or outdoor meal
- Bottled water
The experience is private, so we won’t add other travellers to your group.
One Last Thing
Don’t come dressed for Instagram.
Come dressed to walk.
There’s a good chance your shoes will get dusty, your feet might get wet and you’ll be hungry by the time we’re finished.
That’s rather the point.
We’ll take care of the driving, the route and the food.
You just come and spend the day in the mountains with us.
PRIVATE EXPERIENCE · HIKING GUIDE · BARBECUE INCLUDED
BOOK YOUR RÍO PALANCIA DAY
Prefer to Drive Yourself?
Explore at your own pace with car hire through Travel to Valencia, from €50 per day.
Send us your dates to find out which cars are available and get a quote.
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Prices depend on the vehicle, rental dates and availability. Car hire does not include the tour or attraction tickets.
