Ancient Tree Trail in Castellón, Valencia and Alicante

Plan an ancient tree trail through the Region of Valencia and you’ll find yourself in landscapes where history, greenery and the quieter side of the countryside all meet. It’s a lovely way to explore nature at your own pace across Castellón, Valencia and Alicante.

Where can you find ancient trees in the Region of Valencia?

If you’re looking for the best ancient tree trails in the Region of Valencia, you’ll find them scattered from inland mountain areas to broad, open valleys. And the trees are only part of the appeal: most stand in places with plenty more to explore, with routes that make them easy to reach.

Which are the best-known ancient trees in the Region of Valencia?

Which ancient trees can you see in Castellón?

Castellón is a good place to start if you want to seek out some of the Region of Valencia’s oldest trees:

• The thousand-year-old olive trees of Canet lo Roig: here, ancient olive trees rise from traditional terraces in one of the area’s most characteristic landscapes. Follow the route through the groves and, while you’re there, make a day of it with an olive oil tourism experience and a taste of the local produce.

• The Culla Holm Oak: this Quercus ilex stands around 20 metres tall and has become one of the natural landmarks of the area. Once you’ve seen it, carry on into Culla itself and lose yourself for a while in the narrow streets of its old quarter, whose layout still bears traces of its Arab past.

Which ancient trees can you visit in the province of Valencia?

There are several worthwhile stops in Valencia:

• The ancient tree route in Vallanca, in El Rincón de Ademuz: the Chopo de Negrón, Carrasca de Somonegrón and Sabina de El Plano are three standout specimens in the countryside that are made for walking. Vallanca is also a great choice if you fancy adding some hiking to the day.

• In the city of València, pretty parks and gardens are home to some truly enormous trees. Viveros Gardens are one of the places you can explore, with trees as fascinating as the ginkgo, which is often described as a living fossil, here.

Which ancient trees can you visit in Alicante?

If your route takes you through Alicante, these two stops are well worth adding:

• The huge ficus in Canalejas Park in Alicante is hard to miss. It also sits just a short distance from the sea, so its location is a delight.

• The Palm Grove of Elche in Elche includes several monumental specimens that you can discover on a guided tour. The sheer size and unusual shapes of some of the palms are part of what makes this landscape so memorable in a city with three examples of heritage recognised by UNESCO.

Which are the best-known ancient trees in the Region of Valencia?

In Elche, make sure you see the Imperial Palm with its five arms and extraordinary shape. It is one of the most recognisable trees in this historic landscape of palm groves.

What ancient tree trails are there in the Region of Valencia for families with children?

The city of València is a particularly good option for a family walk among ancient trees. At the Viveros Gardens, children will also find facilities designed with them in mind, including a miniature road-safety circuit and a large aviary. Start planning your getaway – it promises to be tree-mendous!