Valencia, Spain: Natural Pools, Waterfalls & Slow Travel Adventures
Valencia is a charming and relaxing city on Spain’s east coast, blending history, culture, and easy access to natural escapes. I only stayed for a few days, but even in that short time, I fell in love with the city’s vibrant energy and nearby landscapes, and I wish I could have lingered longer to fully explore everything. A few days was definitely not enough.
Getting from Barcelona to Valencia (My Travel Mishap 🙃)
I took the train from Barcelona to Valencia — and let’s just say, it didn’t exactly go smoothly. (We love a good travel mishap, right?)
Somewhere between the two cities, I dozed off and woke up thinking we had arrived in Valencia. Instead, the train was stopped in the middle of nowhere. Apparently, the intense summer heat had caused train track issues (yes, even small fires!), which meant long delays.
We sat there for what felt like hours, with no clear idea of when we’d move again. Finally, a small group of travelers and I decided to split a taxi to Valencia. It was a bit chaotic at the time, but now it makes for one of those classic travel stories you laugh about later.
Tip: If you’re traveling between Barcelona and Valencia in the summer, be prepared for possible delays. Trains are usually the most efficient way to go, but a bus or rideshare like BlaBlaCar can be a solid backup option.
Day Trip to Montanejos
During my visit, I booked a day trip excursion through Get Your Guide to Montanejos, a stunning area known for its natural swimming holes. The shuttle ride took about one to two hours, giving me time to relax and anticipate the adventure ahead.
At Montanejos, you’ll find crystal-clear pools surrounded by tall cliffs, creating a dramatic and serene environment. Some pools are deep enough for swimming, while others are perfect for lounging in the sunshine. After exploring these sites all day, we ended up having a late lunch (included in the price) overlooking the natural beauty that Montanejos!
One highlight was spotting what’s called a “vertical waterfall”, cascading down the cliffs with lush greenery all around.
Tip: Bring a waterproof phone bag so you can take photos while swimming. The water is so clear it looks like a postcard!
Between swims, you can sip on sangria on tap, which is just as refreshing as it sounds. It’s the perfect balance of fun and relaxation, floating in turquoise water with a cold drink in hand.
There’s also a short guided trail around the area, which offers a chance to hike and enjoy different views of the pools and cliffs.
Where I Stayed in Valencia
For this trip, I opted to stay in a central Airbnb instead of a hostel. You can check it out here.
The apartment was cozy, well-designed, and close to plenty of shops and restaurants — but most importantly, it gave me the privacy and relaxation I was craving after weeks of being social in hostels. Sometimes, solo travel means knowing when to recharge in your own space, and this stay was exactly what I needed.
Reconnecting with Travel Friends
Even though I was enjoying some quiet time, solo travel always has a way of bringing people back together. While in Valencia, I reconnected with my friend Georgia, who I had met while kayaking in Costa Brava earlier on my trip.
This is one of my favorite things about solo traveling: you meet incredible people in unexpected places, and then your paths cross again in completely new cities. Valencia felt extra special because of that — not just for the sights, but for the friendships woven into the experience.
