RELIEF

The most emblematic mountain of the Valencian Community is the Penyagolosa, in the Alcalatén area. It is widely thought to be the highest peak with 1,813 m, but actually the highest peak is the Calderón (1,839 m) located in the Rincón de Ademuz, a Valencian exclave between Aragon and Castilla–La Mancha. The most emblematic mountain in the southern part of the territory is the Aitana (1,558 m).

The rather thin coastal strip is a very fertile plain mainly free of remarkable mountains except those around the Cap de la Nau area in northern Alicante province and the Peñíscola (Peníscola) area in the Castellón province. Typical of this coastal area are wetlands and marshlands such as L'Albufera close to Valencia, El Fondo in Elche (Elx) and Crevillent, La Marjal near Pego, Albufera of Gayanes in Gayanes or El Prat in Cabanes, also the former wetlands and salt evaporation ponds in the Santa Pola and Torrevieja area. All of them are key RAMSAR sites which make Valencia of high relevance for both migratory and resident seabirds and waterbirds.

There are many important coastal dunes in the Saler area near the Albufera and in the Guardamar area, both of them were planted with thousands of trees during the 19th century in order to fix the dunes, thus forming now protected areas of remarkable ecologic value. In addition to mainland Valencia, the Valencian territory administers the tiny Columbretes Islands and the coastal inhabited islet of Tabarca.

HYDROGRAPHY

There are only two major rivers: the Segura in the Province of Alicante, whose source is in Andalusia, and the Júcar (Xúquer) in Province of Valencia, whose source is in Castilla–La Mancha. Both are subjected to very intense human regulation for cities, industries and, especially, agricultural consumption.

The river Turia (Túria) is the third largest and has its source in Aragon. Most rivers in the area, such as the Vinalopó, are usually short, have little current (due to agricultural usage, climatic reasons or both) and are often completely dry during the summer. Other Valencian rivers are the Serpis and Sénia.

ITINERARIES ON FOOT

One of the best ways to discover the area is walking on any of the easy routes to be found in the region.

The Region of Valencia has six long-distance (GR) walking routes, that you can enjoy as you stroll amidst aromatic plants such as rosemary, thyme and lavender. You will also love the sound of birdsong - this region is chosen by a huge variety of migratory birds in search of warmer climes.

A good option is to do the GR7, a route that will show you some of the most beautiful nature areas in the Region of Valencia and the rich cultural heritage to be found there. The trail runs for more than 500 kilometres. It is especially long because it covers the Region's three provinces (Castellón, Valencia and Alicante) completely, from north to south.

The first vital stop on the route is Morella, protected by its old defensive walls and its castle. Close by, still in the province of Castellón, you will love the prehistoric paintings to be found in Cova Remigia Cave (Ares del Maestre). Not much further on you will also find the Cova dels Cavalls de Valltorta site (Tirig). They both have the UNESCO World Heritage designation.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

One of the best ways to discover the area is walking on any of the easy routes to be found in the region. The Region of Valencia has six long-distance (GR) walking routes, that you can enjoy as you stroll amidst aromatic plants such as rosemary, thyme and lavender. You will also love the sound of birdsong - this region is chosen by a huge variety of migratory birds in search of warmer climes.

A good option is to do the GR7, a route that will show you some of the most beautiful nature areas in the Region of Valencia and the rich cultural heritage to be found there. The trail runs for more than 500 kilometres. It is especially long because it covers the Region's three provinces (Castellón, Valencia and Alicante) completely, from north to south.

The first vital stop on the route is Morella, protected by its old defensive walls and its castle. Close by, still in the province of Castellón, you will love the prehistoric paintings to be found in Cova Remigia Cave (Ares del Maestre). Not much further on you will also find the Cova dels Cavalls de Valltorta site (Tirig). They both have the UNESCO World Heritage designation.