A day trip to the towns around Varen——Bocairent

🌿 A Quiet Hilltop Gem: A Lesser-Known Town Near Valencia (Perfect for Slow Travel) If you’re craving a low-key day trip—no crowds, gentle hikes, and local charm—this tiny town near Valencia is a hidden winner. Here’s what to know: 🚗 Basics: Getting There & Parking Drive time: 75 minutes from Valencia—easy, not tiring. Parking hack: Park at the red-lined area . We went on a Monday and found plenty of spots. Avoid the narrow inner streets—city hall area has tons of cameras (we accidentally drove in, panicked, and backed out fast!). 🏞️ What to Explore (Slow & Steady) The main draws are two hilltop spots: a church and a cave. Hike up: From the parking area, follow the path . It’s a leisurely 1-hour climb (we stopped to take photos, play with our dog, and admire flowers—mildly tiring but manageable). Church & Cave: Both were closed on Monday, so we just snapped pics at the church. The cave costs €4 (free for under 12s) and has more details on the town hall website (hiking routes, family activities—great for deep dives). Dog note: The lower path is off-limits to pets, so we stuck to the upper trails. 🍯 Local Finds: A Sweet (and Savory) Surprise Minutes after parking, we met a friendly local (uncle) selling town specialties. His shop is a treasure trove: Tastings: His sister brought out a huge platter of dips—all delicious! We bought a slightly salty one (small €5, large €10—get the big jar, the small runs out fast). Liqueurs: Creamy sweet wines in flavors like rice and loquat (my favorite—light, fragrant, and leaves a fresh aftertaste). €10 per bottle. More goodies: Olive oil, red wine, and even Chinese-made bags. Pro tip: The shop closes 14:00–17:00—time your visit! 🍴 Lunch: Plan B in Ontinyent Monday = slim pickings in the town. The open spot was “filling but nothing special,” so we drove to nearby Ontinyent—way more options! Restaurante Gambosi 🍤 A pleasant surprise: €13.5 set menus (with dessert) + add-ons like lobster rice (€12/person) and crispy fried shrimp (not on the menu—ask for it, so good). Steak is extra, but portions are generous (we asked for more bread multiple times!). 5 of us spent €130—full and happy. ✨ Why Go? This town is for you if: You like gentle hikes (no intense climbing) You crave quiet, uncrowded views You love stumbling on local treats (and friendly sellers) It’s not flashy, but that’s the charm—slow, authentic, and full of small joys. #ValenciaDayTrips #QuietTowns #SlowTravel