Hint: Get Out of There
Valencia in summer can feel like stepping into a steam bath with 70% humidity, but don’t worry — you can still have a great time. After visiting a friend who moved to a small town near Valencia, I was determined to explore the best things to do when the heat is too much. From enjoying the local food scene to escaping to beautiful beaches, natural parks, and scenic mountain viewpoints, here’s how you can cool off in Valencia during the hottest days.
What to Do in Valencia – Cool Activities in the City
City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia's Futuristic Architecture
* Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, designed by world-renown architect Santiago Calatrava, really does look like something out of a sci-fi movie. The buildings are sculptural and surreal — part museum, part spaceship. It’s a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and anyone looking to take some Instagram-worthy shots. We went around sunset, which I highly recommend — the heat eases up, the light is softer, and honestly, magic hour makes everything (and everyone) look better.
Food Lover Tour – Discover Valencia's Hidden Tapas Spots
* I joined the Food Lover Tour, which took us to a handful of family-owned restaurants in the city. It was a fun way to try local tapas I wouldn’t have known to order on my own — and the bonus was chatting with other travelers over wine, beer, and a very good local vermouth. I’m not usually into guided food tours, but this one felt easygoing and genuine. I’m glad I did it.
Escaping the City – Day Trips Near Valencia
We rented a car for the day trips — driving around Valencia was easy and felt totally safe. It made everything more flexible and let us explore on our own terms.
Xàtiva Castle – The Ultimate Mountain Castle
Just an hour’s drive from Valencia, Xàtiva Castle sits high on a mountain, offering stunning views. Despite the heat, the medieval fortress — with roots in Roman, Moorish, and Iberian history — is definitely worth the trek. After all, a hot castle is still a castle!
Mirador de Garbí – Escape to the Cool Mountain Air
One morning we drove up to Mirador de Garbí in Sierra Calderona Natural Park, hoping for some cooler mountain air. The drive up CV-3342 was beautiful — winding road, pine trees, and the occasional cyclist powering uphill. From the parking area, it’s about a 1 km walk to the viewpoint, and the air really did feel fresher up there, scented with pine and whatever other plants grow wild on the slopes. The view was wide and peaceful — a good spot to breathe, sit quietly, or have a picnic. On the way back, we took a slower drive down through Serra and Náquera, and the landscape was just as lovely.
Albufera Nature Reserve – Birds, Rice Fields, and Paella
We escaped the city heat and drove about half an hour south to Albufera Nature Reserve. It’s known for its rice fields, bird watching, and of course, paella — this is where the dish originally comes from. We stopped at the bird watching center, walked a bit by a quiet lake, climbed viewpoint Torre mirador del Tancat de Mília and made it out to Playa Lago Saler, a wild dune beach. We had lunch in El Palmar, a small village surrounded by the rice fields, where we had the traditional paella.
If you don't have a car book a tour:
Montanejos – Natural Pools to Cool Off
If you're looking for a proper cool down, Montanejos is the spot — about 1.5 hours north of Valencia. The cool, fresh natural pools are as clear as they get, and while you soak, tiny fish come over to give you a free (and slightly ticklish) pedicure.
We parked here, took the path to the right, and walked about a kilometer to reach the pools.
We went on a Sunday, which — in hindsight — wasn’t the smartest move. The place fills up quickly. But we arrived early enough to enjoy the peace and the water before it got too busy.
Tip: Book a tour to Montanejos on Viator if you don’t have a car:
Puebla de Arenoso – A Scenic Village and Delicious Lunch
After the cooling off at Montanejos, we kept driving east on a scenic forest route and ended up in the tiny picturesque town of Puebla de Arenoso. We took a little walk, then had a lunch at La Puebla, a simple restaurant with food cooked over an open fire and a breathtaking view of the lake.
On the way back, we followed CV-207, a winding mountain scenic road that took us through Los Calpes and Fuente la Reina — two picturesque, authentic villages tucked into the mountain slopes. The scenery was magnificent, with terraced hills, stone houses, and green fields stretching below.
Playa De Las Dunas De Pinedo – "Natural" Beach
Another morning we drove about 30 minutes out of Valencia to Playa De Las Dunas De Pinedo. As we walked in, a local man mentioned that it was a “natural” beach — meaning nude. The vibe was relaxed, very European. We spent a calm, easy morning there, enjoying the sea and the quiet.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Cool Around Valencia
So yes, Valencia in summer is hot — like "boil an egg on the sidewalk" hot. But, with a little planning (and a lot of water), you can still experience all the hidden gems around the city. From cooling off in natural pools to relaxing at secluded beaches, there are plenty of places to escape the heat. Valencia may be sizzling, but with a car and a sense of adventure, you can stay cool while enjoying the best of this beautiful region.