With its narrow winding streets and whitewashed houses stacked high above the narrow gorges of the River Turia, Chulilla Valencia is definitely one of the prettiest villages in Spain.
And the beautiful and unique landscape of Los Calderones Municipal Natural Park in which it is located, make it a must visit for anyone who loves being active outdoors.
Chulilla Valencia
In this guide we’re going to give you all the information you need to plan an awesome trip. Including how to get there, all the best things to do in Chulilla, where to eat and where to stay.
Chulilla Valencia really was one of our favourite places that we’ve visited in Spain. Read on and we think it’ll be easy to see why.
Interesting Facts
- Chulilla Valencia has more climbing routes than it does residents.
- Despite being popular with tourists, the main economic activity is still agriculture.
- In Valencian the name is Xulilla, but the local language is Spanish, not Valencian.
- The flood that destroyed Valencia in October 1957 started here in Chulilla.
How To Get To Chulilla Valencia
By Car | The easiest way to get to Chulilla is by car and it’s just 50 minutes from Valencia. And whilst there isn’t much accommodation with private parking, there’s plenty of public parking.
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By Bus | From Valencia, Transvia GO have a bus service that goes to Chulilla on request. It is the Valencia – Sot de Chera route and you need to buy tickets before 6pm the previous working day.
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Things To Do In Chulilla
Charco Azul
Roughly translated as blue puddle, Charco Azul is a swell in the River Turia that was left over from a 12th century Moorish weir that was built to irrigate orchards. These days it’s one of the main tourist attractions in Chulilla Valencia.
It’s a popular wild swimming spot in summer. But whilst the jetty is safe, the dilapidated walkways around the edge are not. To get there it’s a short picturesque hike into the gorge and along the river. Or you can visit as part of the Hanging Bridges hiking route.
Hanging Bridges of Chulilla Valencia
The original Hanging Bridges of Chulilla were constructed in the 1950’s to create a shorter route to work for the workers constructing the Loriguilla Reservoir. But after being destroyed in a catastrophic flood in 1957 access wasn’t possible until they were rebuilt again in 2013.
The aim being to attract more tourists to the Los Serranos region. You can either descend into the gorge and just walk there and back to the hanging bridges. Or there’s a longer hiking route that takes in some ancient cave paintings.
We always travel with a filter water bottle. Not only does it stop us getting ill, but it means we’re not killing the planet or wasting money on plastic bottles. The GRAYL Geopress is hands down the best on the market & makes water from virtually any source safe to drink.
Cave Paintings
Just south of the town in the Valfiguera Ravine is where you’ll find Chulilla’s 6000 year old Palaeolithic cave paintings. Located on a vertical wall that is somewhat tricky to access means the display of human and animal figures are really well preserved.
Only discovered in 1998, there’s a protective barrier around them. Access to them is signposted as ‘Pinturas Rupestres’ from the PR-CV 77 chulilla hiking trail.
Chulilla Castle
The walled remains of this 15th century Moorish castle crown the highest hill in the town, aptly named Cerro del Castillo (Castle Hill). Access is behind Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles Church. It which was built on top of a mosque after the end of Moorish rule.
It is signposted from town as ‘Castillo’ and although steep is less than a 10 minute walk from the centre of town. Designed as a residential palace, over the centuries it has been used as a military fortress and an ecclesiastical jail.
Chulilla Valencia Festivals
Rich in cultural heritage, Chulilla holds a number of traditional festivals throughout the year. On the first weekend of May is ‘La Enrama’ which celebrates the arrival of Spring. It involves a game where participants create human towers to reach prizes held aloft on tall poles.
The weekend after Ash Wednesday is also a carnival weekend where elaborate costumes mask identities in a parade from the castle to the main square, where the “Dotora” is burned.
Then the weekend closest to the 15th September is the Fiestas del Cristo del Perdón. This is a religious celebration during which the town is adorned in elaborate crosses. There’s more serious religious processions, but also street parties, community dinners and fireworks.
Swimming in the River Turia
The two most popular swimming spots In Chulilla are Charco Azul and a section of the River Turia between the Hanging Bridges. The water is still cold at the height of summer though so do take care. Especially in the river, which although shallow in that part has strong currents.
Travel towels are insanely versatile, doubling up as everything from a beach rug or yoga mat to a sarong. This one’s lightweight, super absorbent, quick-drying & soft on your skin, don’t hit the road without one.
Rock Climbing
Especially over the colder months of the year, Chulilla Valencia becomes a haven for rock climbers. With walls reaching up to 160m in some places over a 4km stretch, the Hoces de Chulilla canyon has more than 1000 climbing routes.
We To Eat In Chulilla Valencia
The main square in Chulilla is called Plaza de la Baronía. You’ll see it marked on signposts along the trail routes. There’s a few bars and restaurants here. We ate at La Ruta which was very good.
Alternatively there’s Restaurante Hoces del Turia or La Cañadeta which are a few minutes walk away. There’s also Goscanos on your way out of town too.
Chullila is such a small place you could literally walk around them all within 20 minutes though. So our advice is just have a wander and see what’s open and what takes your fancy.
Where To Stay In Chulilla Valencia
So we actually stayed in our campervan in the area opposite the entrance to the Hanging Bridges hiking houte. We were there a couple of nights and it was very quiet. Nobody bothered us. But we were also visiting during the week, out of season.
There are, however, lots of options in Chulilla. With choices of apartments, hostels, large holiday homes and hostels. Here’s a few of the top rated ones to check out.
Casa del Herrero | Holiday Home
This detached property with mountain views is in a central but quiet location with parking close by. Spread over four floors, Casa del Herrero sleeps 6. There’s three bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine.
Amenities include air-conditioning, heating and an abundance of hot water. Recent guests rave about how comfortable and sparkling clean the accommodation is. There’s Netflix and a good wifi connection. But without a doubt the icing on the cake is the gorgeous roof terrace.
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La Baranda | Guest House
A modern stylish guesthouse with a fantastic continental breakfast, this place to stay in Chulilla is a firm favourite for couples. There’s double and twin rooms, each with a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. But there’s also a shared lounge and games room.
Amenities at La Baranda include air-conditioning, heating, and a lift. But the star of the show is the tranquil spa facilities with sauna and relaxation area. There’s also a beautiful sun terrace with a bar where you can enjoy a drink overlooking the view of the mountains.
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El Pozo | Hostel
Conveniently located, rooms in this Chulilla hostel are bright and spacious with views of the nearby church and castle. At El Pozo there’s a choice of double, twin or triple, quadruple, each with heating, air-conditioning, a TV and private bathroom with bath or shower.
A lovely bonus is the on site restaurant serving delicious typical regional dishes. Very welcome after a day hiking or climbing in Los Calderones Municipal Natural Park. What’s more, guest reviews consistently state how welcoming and helpful the hosts are.
Click here for photos, prices & availability
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Yorkshire born & bred, Sarah is a professional blogger who loves to travel. Pushing her boundaries with new adventures is her jam, so you likely won’t find her in one place for too long. Also a serious Marmite addict.
