Simat de la Valldigna can be explored through a wide range of themes: the architectural history of the Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de la Valldigna, historic churches and mosques, and hiking trails ranging from a local summit route to a route more than 90 kilometres long. When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider whether your stay will focus mainly on heritage sites, hiking, or both.
Monastery and historic buildings
The Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de la Valldigna was founded in 1298 by King Jaume II El Just and remained inhabited until 1835. Its architecture combines Gothic features from the 14th century with Baroque sections from the 17th and 18th centuries. The different building periods give the monastery a layered architectural history: Gothic and Baroque elements represent distinct eras.
During a guided tour, participants learn about everyday life in the monastery and its historical and artistic value. Check before your trip whether the tour is available on the date of your visit. Another way to explore Simat is Els Tresors de Simat: independently with an audio guide from the Tourist Information Office, or accompanied by a local guide. Check with the Tourist Information Office to find out whether the audio guide is available.
The Antiga Mesquita de la Xara also tells of different historical uses. It was built around the 15th century and later converted into a church dedicated to Saint Anne. It is considered one of the most important mosques in the Comunitat Valenciana and a testament to the Muslim religion in the former Kingdom of Valencia. The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel is also located in the centre of Simat de la Valldigna. This 17th-century Baroque church was built over an earlier mosque. Together, the two buildings reveal different historical and religious layers of the region.
Hiking: from local trails to a long-distance route
The Camí dels Burros (PR-CV 51) starts at the Font Gran in Simat and leads to the summit of Penyalba. The 7.9-kilometre hike is listed as taking three hours and 30 minutes and as being of moderate difficulty. The distance and time estimates help you gauge how long the hike will take; check the trail conditions before setting out.
The PR-CV 50 Senda del Toro offers a different kind of route: the 11.80-kilometre trail is a circular route. It follows traditional paths through the Sierra del Toro to its main summits and offers views across much of the Valldigna Valley. Unlike the Camí dels Burros, it combines a circular route with a trail through the Sierra. Trail conditions and signage can change, so take both into account when planning a hike.
The hiking section of the Ruta dels Monestirs is the GR-236. This route, which is more than 90 kilometres long, follows historic paths, starting at Gandia railway station and ending at Alzira railway station. The Ruta dels Monestirs is also a tourist itinerary linking the Santa María de la Valldigna monastery in Simat with La Murta in Alzira, Aigües Vives in Carcaixent, Sant Jeroni de Cotalba in Alfauir, and Corpus Christi in Llutxent. In addition to trails around Simat, you can choose longer regional routes and a route connecting several monasteries as different hiking options.
Recreation area, water route and coques
Font del Cirer is laid out as a recreation area with tables, information boards and a viewpoint overlooking the Valldigna Valley. Its facilities give the site a different focus from the hiking routes: the emphasis here is on a viewpoint and a place to relax. As facilities can change over time, it is advisable to check their condition before visiting.
In 2024, an information board with general details about the Ruta de l'Aigua and nine interpretive signs were installed at key points along the route: Fontarda, Llavador, Gorg de l'ast, Brolls, Arcades del Cirer, Font del Cirer, Font de l'Escudella, Molí Company and the partidors de les séquies. These stops provide several named points of interest along the water route. Before visiting, check whether the signs are in the condition you expect for navigation.
Regional cuisine is also part of the Valldigna experience. Traditional coques are among its most typical culinary traditions, including coca de mestall, coca de dacsa and coca de puntilla. These three named varieties offer a specific culinary connection to the region and complement the choice of architectural history, hiking and nature themes.
Discover more destinations: Benagéber, Bufali, La Pobla De Farnals, Cortes De Pallás, L'alcúdia, Vilamarxant, Xeraco, Dos Aguas
For the broader travel overview: Valencia.
