Red sandstone, river landscapes and historic buildings give Vilamarxant several distinct sides. Those looking to focus on nature and local history during their stay will find paths, distinctive landscapes and traces of different centuries in the municipality.

Nature Trails and Landscapes along the Túria

Les Rodanes was designated a municipal natural area in 2002 and covers approximately 600 hectares. Siliceous red sandstone rocks shape the landscape, and a wide variety of trails offers opportunities for active tourism. The Senda adaptada Les Rodanes runs through the Bassa Barreta area. It is a pedestrian-only trail adapted for people with reduced mobility. It is one kilometre long and 1.5 metres wide, and has boardwalks, bridges and access ramps. Three information panels cover the area's fauna, vegetation and geomorphology; additional educational panels focus on the vegetation found there.

At the Arboreto i Rocalla, footpaths run for 120 metres through seven sections. More than 40 taxa grow there, with approximately 200 plants in total. The species are labelled with their common names in Spanish and Valencian, as well as their scientific names in Latin. Information is also available in Braille. The signage also makes a visit an opportunity to explore plants through different naming systems.

Another natural area along the Túria is La Pea. The 450-hectare mountain and the entire stretch of river within the municipality were incorporated into the Túria Natural Park; riparian vegetation predominates in this area. Paths invite visitors to walk, and there are also opportunities to observe river birds. Examples include the great cormorant, grey heron and booted eagle. Barbel and eel are listed as native fish; however, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. La Pea is associated with the Ruta Violeta de l’Aigua and the Ruta Roja de la Pea, as well as a footpath along the riverbank.

The routes along the Túria also differ in their focus. The Parc Fluvial del Túria is an approximately 30-kilometre natural trail along the riverbed, running from the municipality of Vilamarxant to the river's mouth in the city of Valencia. A riverside multi-use trail starts at the Vilamarxant visitor centre and can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The IE-031 equestrian route, Ruta del Turia, starts in Vilamarxant and leads to Parque de Cabecera. The PR-CV 175 hiking trail starts at the municipal cemetery, where there is parking for leaving cars safely. Four information panels stand along the route.

Local History and Traditions

In the old town, visitors can see the restored 15th-century Arab cistern. Its underground vaulted chamber consists of three interconnected rooms. Another historic landmark stands at the highest point of the town centre, in the old town district: the castle ruins, including an 11th-century Arab defensive tower. The remains were listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2001.

The Puente de Hierro also tells the story of an earlier transport link. The surviving railway bridge belonged to Valencia's former C-4 suburban railway line, which served Vilamarxant from 1889 to 1969; the bridge was built in the 19th century. Les Rodanes also has trenches built between 1938 and 1939 to counter a possible direct attack on Valencia by Nationalist troops. They formed part of the “La Inmediata” defensive line. A path leads from Bassa Barreta to Rodana Gran, and the trenches in Les Rodanes can also be visited.

The Cova de les Rates Penades offers another, archaeology-focused view of the area: the cave extends 552 metres underground and reaches a depth of 57 metres. It contains an archaeological site dating to the end of the Upper Palaeolithic.

For a stay focused on local traditions, the dates matter. The Dansa dels Pastorets is performed every year on 25 December as a traditional Christmas dance by four dancers. The Sant Antoni celebration takes place on 17 January or, usually, the following Sunday. After Mass, animals are blessed, and traditional Sant Antoni bread, a symbolic piece of carob and a holy card are distributed. If your trip depends on this celebration, check the exact date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Museros, Torrent, Cofrentes, Atzeneta D'albaida, Genovés, Estivella, Alpuente, Picanya.

For the overview of the wider destination: Valencia.