Go Local – A Guide to Valencia Getaways
Dreamy and environmentally-friendly places to stay during a weekend getaway near Valencia, Spain.
Needless to say, COVID had people around the world, simultaneously wanting to get outta town and hibernate until all of the dust settled. Travel has gotten back to normal in most respects and one benefit the world got from the pandemic, was a renewed appreciation for finding gems in your own backyard….the most sustainable type of travel.
Our Go Local Series will show you amazing destinations you can travel to without going far from home. Now, more than ever, we believe supporting local communities through tourism is critical for both the economy and the planet.
Casas Benali sits one and a half hours south of the city of Valencia
For those that are/were locked down in urban centers, this series is especially for you. We are all eager to get outside and enjoy the outdoors and we’re starting with four amazing destinations outside of Valencia, Spain. Avoid the crowds in the city parks and take yourself somewhere where you can dive into nature, right outside of Valencia city. Think hiking, waterfalls, natural springs, and of course, soaking up some Spanish sun.
Although Valencia ranks as Spain’s third largest city, it feels more like a small town. Due to its flat landscape, it is a city that easy to navigate by foot or bicycle. We love exploring the charming old town early in the morning and then hopping on our bikes to spend the afternoon at the beach. Ahhh, Valencia. It truly has it all. The land of tapas, inexpensive glasses of vino, easy-going locals and 300 days of sunshine equals pure bliss not only in the capital city, but throughout the surrounding region where you can find varied ecology, waterfalls, mountains to explore and beautiful beaches.
Each of our recommended picks for a Go Local Valencia getaway, have been created with sustainability and design in mind, prioritizing low impact travel in natural environments. They have been personally vetted and meet the “GOOD TRIPS” standards for social, ethical and environmental responsibility. In addition, you can rest easy knowing that your hotel is prioritizing COVID-19 health and safety precautions.
Mar de la Carrasca – Castellon
A Magical mountain experience
Mar de la Carrasca looks like a beautiful treehouse built right into the mountains of Castellon. It feels like home the moment you step foot on the property and you will be welcomed as family by your hosts, Alberto and Isabel.
Mar de la Carrasca features a rural house with private rooms and shared bathrooms as well as two separate, completely self-sufficient apartments. La Casa Flotante and El Barco are some of the most unique and dreamy spaces in which we have had the privilege of sleeping. Enjoy the silence of nature and sit in awe of incredible views as you sip coffee on your terrace. We especially love to set out on foot on day hikes through the surrounding mountains. This is the Spain we love. For dining, you have options. You may choose to prepare all your meals in your private, fully-equipped kitchen or request for special meals to be prepared by Alberto. All ingredients are organic, and so local that you’ll find Alberto foraging for them on the property. You will be nourished from the inside out during your time away at Mar de la Carrasca.
GOOD TRIPS Drool-Worthy Tip:
Reserve our favorite room, La Casa Flotante
This is as romantic as it gets. Bring your lover or a best friend and enjoy a magical weekend getaway.
Find out more about this magical stay here.
Casas Benali – Valencia
Ecotourism and Eco Farming
Taking care of one’s health and planet is top priority at Casas Benali. Paired with their eye for design and details, this is one of our favorite options for a family eco experience in the countryside of Valencia. Casas Benali offers a variety of accommodations on their 100% ecological farm. You’ll feel at home in this casual environment whether you opt for a private “hotel-style” room or one of their glamping tents. One thing we love about this property is how remote it feels. You won’t see another structure or power line for miles.
Martine has put just the right design touches to create a space that feels at the same time rustic as it does contemporary minimalist. We enjoyed Casas Benali as a couple’s getaway and again as one for families. The kids will love running around the farm, looking for Norma the pig, swimming in the pool, and hiking through the woods.
Although you cannot go wrong with any of the rooms, we of course we have our favorite accommodation.
GOOD TRIPS Drool-Worthy Tip:
Reserve one of the Holiday Houses if you’re a group of 6 or more. Socially distance with the best of them and prepare all your meals in your private kitchen. Dine indoors or outdoors on your private terrace. Don’t feel like cooking? Your organic meals or tapas can be delivered right to your terrace picnic table. No need to leave. Just sit, back, relax and enjoy your getaway.
Enjoy 15% off your stay at Casas Benali with the discount code, GOODTRIPS.
Valid for stays between September 1st, 2020 and May 31st, 2021. (Glamping and camping pitches excluded). Learn more about Casas Benali here.
Mar de Fulles – Castellon
The dining experience at Mar de Fulles is not to be missed. Fine dining with a casual vibe.
Food and Wine, people. Food and Wine.
Escape the city for a few days and head to Mar de Fulles, in Castellon, for a breath of fresh air or for an amazing bite to eat. As Europe’s first 100% self-sufficient hotel, Mar de Fulles has you covered when it comes to designing a relaxing holiday for the modern day traveler. From its simple, clean, natural building materials, to its solar energy, and zero-kilometer philosophy, we were excited by the owner’s attention to detail. The beauty of this hotel lies in the simplicity of its design, prioritizing mindfulness of its impact on the planet and a minimalist aesthetic. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the saline pool, strategically tucked into the mountainside. No chemicals here, folks.
Double room at Mar de Fulles with a private terrace.
The hotel owners, Juanma and Mariajo, have been working non-stop to create a safe, healthy experience for their guests so that you can enjoy your time away without worrying about a thing. They’ve recently brought in a chef out of New York City who will prepare anything you fancy according to your dietary needs. Bonus: If you are traveling from Valencia City, you can take the train or a bus to Moncofa where you can grab a cab that will have you on the property in only ten to fifteen minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll know why we recommend Mar de Fulles. Check out more details here.
Consolación
Rent a “Kube” at Hotel Consolación and enjoy a dip in a bath with a view.
Design and Nature
While Hotel Consolación is not in the Valencia Community, it is easily reachable from the city and well worth the 2.5 hour drive. The hotel is situated in Aragon in a lesser-known, yet beautiful province of Spain. If you’re looking for stunning natural scenery, amazing locally inspired and sourced food, exciting architecture, and romantic vistas, you’ve found your place.
Consolación consists of a restored hermitage, baroque church, and passively designed “Kube” houses, perfectly placed to absorb the views. Whether you’re into historical renovations, or the most contemporary of design, you can find your place here. There’s a restaurant on site, a pool cut into the mountainside, trails that connect to the Camino de Santiago, and great social opportunities in the communal areas, if you so please. Nearly every guest room and space at the hotel has a fireplace. We think Consolación is a great spot to snuggle up on cold nights and would highly recommend a fall/winter stay.
GOOD TRIPS Drool-Worthy Tip:
Reserve your own 36 square meter kube house complete suspended fireplace, in-ground slate bath with views, and private balcony overlooking the mountains. For families, rent kubes 9 and 10, which are connected.
Use code CONSGOODTRIPS at booking for a complimentary welcome drink and flexible check-in / check-out when available.
Hotel Consolación is an award-winning architectural feat in the mountains of Teruel.
We are so excited to have so many wonderful GOOD TRIPS hotels in and near the Community of Valencia, especially in times where travel is uncertain and often restricted. Now is the time to support your local community and hospitality providers. Reserve your room and start dreaming of your best staycation. Remember to share about your experience with us on instagram, @goodtripstravel.
XO,
The GT Team
All recommendations featured in this story are hand-picked by GOOD TRIPS and meet our standards for service, design, and sustainability. We may earn a commission through affiliate links.