The Valencia Region is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean — a place where golden beaches, green mountains, and centuries of culture come together. But behind its natural and cultural beauty lies a growing commitment to sustainability.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Valencia, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience while protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and embracing responsible tourism. Here’s how to make the most of your summer in Valencia — the sustainable way.

1. Travel Smart: Choose Eco-Friendly Transport

Getting around Valencia sustainably is easier than you might think. The region offers efficient, eco-conscious transport options that help reduce your carbon footprint.

• Take the train: The high-speed AVE and local trains connect Valencia, Castellón and Alicante quickly and comfortably.

• Use public transport: In cities like Valencia and Alicante, you’ll find reliable buses, trams and metro lines that reach beaches, cultural sites, and nearby towns.

• Go by bike or electric scooter: Valencia city is one of the most bike-friendly in Spain, with over 150 km of cycling paths and rental services like Valenbisi.

• Walk whenever you can: Many old towns — like Altea, Xàtiva or Morella — are best explored on foot. You’ll discover details you’d miss from a car window.

Travelling sustainably not only reduces emissions but allows you to connect more deeply with local life.

2. Stay Cool, Stay Green

Valencia’s Mediterranean summer can be hot, but there are many ways to enjoy it responsibly.

• Choose shade over air conditioning: Many cafés, parks and promenades offer natural shade. Opt for open-air terraces instead of energy-intensive indoor spaces.

• Stay hydrated the sustainable way: Carry a reusable water bottle. Public fountains are common in cities, and the tap water is perfectly safe to drink.

• Avoid single-use plastics: Bring your own reusable cup or bag when shopping or picnicking by the sea.

When you adopt small daily habits, you help preserve the region’s beauty for future visitors — and for locals who live here year-round.

3. Support Local Food and Producers

One of the best ways to travel sustainably is through local gastronomy.
Valencia’s cuisine is rich, seasonal, and deeply connected to the land and sea.

Try to:

• Eat at family-run restaurants that use local ingredients.

• Visit traditional markets like Mercado Central in Valencia or Mercado de Denia.

• Enjoy dishes made with regional produce: rice from the Albufera, oranges from La Ribera, olive oil from Castellón, and wines from Requena-Utiel.

• Choose catch-of-the-day seafood, not overfished species.

By supporting small local producers, you help sustain traditional agriculture and fishing — vital parts of Valencia’s identity.

4. Explore Nature Responsibly

From mountain trails to marine reserves, the Valencia Region’s natural landscapes are among its greatest treasures. Summer is the perfect time to explore them — but always with respect and care.

• Stick to marked paths when hiking in natural parks like Sierra de Espadán, Montgó or Mariola.

• Avoid loud noises and don’t disturb wildlife.

• Bring your waste back with you, and if possible, pick up what others may have left behind.

• Respect local flora: Wildflowers are beautiful to admire, not to pick.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life when swimming or snorkelling.

Remember: sustainable travel is about leaving places as beautiful as (or better than) you found them.

5. Enjoy Sustainable Beaches

The Costa Blanca and Costa del Azahar are famous for their crystal-clear waters and family-friendly beaches — many of them Blue Flag certified for environmental quality and safety.

Here’s how to make your beach days more eco-conscious:

• Take only photos, leave only footprints.

• Avoid disposable items like plastic cups or straws.

• Use eco-friendly sun protection to reduce chemical pollution.

• Choose quieter beaches or visit early in the morning to avoid overcrowding.

• Respect local regulations and lifeguard instructions — they also help protect marine ecosystems.

Try less crowded but stunning spots like El Albir, Granadella Cove, or La Devesa Beach near the Albufera Natural Park.

6. Participate in Local Culture and Community

Sustainability isn’t only about nature — it’s also about people.
The Valencia Region has a strong cultural identity, and taking part in local traditions helps sustain it.

• Visit small inland villages such as Bocairent, Chelva or Vilafamés to support rural communities.

• Attend local festivals and cultural events — from La Tomatina in Buñol to the Feria de Julio in Valencia.

• Buy locally made crafts instead of mass-produced souvenirs: ceramics from Manises, textiles from Morella, or handmade fans (abanicos) from Valencia city.

These choices keep traditional craftsmanship alive and ensure that tourism benefits local families directly.

7. Choose Responsible Activities

Many tour operators now offer eco-certified experiences focused on sustainability and education:

• Guided hikes that promote conservation.

• Kayak or paddleboard tours that respect marine life.

• Workshops on local products like rice cultivation or olive oil tasting.

• Birdwatching in wetlands like the Albufera or Marjal de Pego-Oliva.

Opting for these experiences allows you to enjoy Valencia’s nature and culture responsibly — while learning about its unique ecosystems and traditions.

8. Visit Off the Beaten Path

One of the best ways to travel sustainably is to avoid over-touristed areas and discover hidden corners.

Explore lesser-known gems like:

• Requena, famous for its wine cellars.

• Villajoyosa, with colourful fishermen’s houses.

• Ayora, surrounded by olive groves and honey farms.

• Sagunto, where Roman ruins meet the sea.

By visiting these places, you help spread tourism benefits more evenly and experience the authentic soul of the region.

9. Think Long-Term: Be a Conscious Traveller

Being a sustainable traveller doesn’t end when your holiday does. Share your experiences, recommend eco-friendly businesses, and inspire others to travel responsibly.
Small individual actions, multiplied by many visitors, can make a big difference.

Valencia is more than a destination — it’s a living ecosystem of culture, nature, and people. Travelling sustainably means being part of its story.

A Summer that Cares

A sustainable summer in Valencia is one that combines joy and responsibility. You can swim in turquoise waters, hike in pine-covered mountains, and taste world-class cuisine — all while protecting what makes this land so special.

Travel slowly. Respect deeply. Enjoy fully.
That’s how you’ll experience the true essence of Valencia — and ensure it thrives for generations to come.