The most beautiful town in the Valencian community has been revealed – and it’s nowhere near the coast. Eugene Costello reports…
The most beautiful town in the Valencian community has been revealed – and it’s nowhere near the coast. Other much-fêted spots such as Chelva, Ademuz and Ayora have been pipped to the post by one village in the heart of the Sierra Calderona Natural Park. Just a short distance north of Naquera, it is close to Valencia at 30kms distance, and should be on your must-visit list.
Serra came in first in the Valencian Community as the most beautiful village in the region in a competition organised by España Turismo.
A natural enclave in the Sierra Calderona
Serra is located in a privileged natural setting within the Sierra Calderona Natural Park, says Noticias Ciudadanas, a protected area that covers part of the provinces of Valencia and Castellón. Surrounded by mountains, forests and hiking trails, Serra is a popular destination for nature lovers looking to disconnect from the urban hustle and bustle and enjoy breathtaking scenery, it says.
This environment is not only an attraction for tourists, but also a haven for those seeking tranquillity and direct contact with nature. Hiking, bird watching and mountain biking are some of the most popular activities for visitors, who take advantage of the park’s numerous routes and trails.
A village of history
One of Serra’s greatest attractions is its cultural and historical heritage. The castle of Serra, a medieval fortress, is an outstanding monument which, together with the four watchtowers that surround it, offers a window into the Islamic and Christian era of the municipality. Two of these towers are located within the town centre, while the other two are situated in rural areas, forming part of an ancient defensive system.
Fiestas and food
Serra is not only known for its scenic beauty, but also for its traditions and cultural events that attract hundreds of visitors every year. One of the most important of these is the Fira de la Calderona, declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in the Autonomous Community. This fair celebrates the local customs, crafts and gastronomy of the region, with a focus on local products such as honey and almonds, key ingredients in Serra’s cuisine.
Another outstanding event is the Calderona Chamber Music Festival, a meeting that brings together chamber musicians in a unique natural setting, making Serra a reference point for classical music lovers. In addition, the gastronomic days of the pumpkin, which are held in October, highlight the local cuisine with competitions of traditional dishes, such as pumpkin stew, a typical dish of the region.
A sense of civic pride
The recent election of Serra as the most beautiful village in the Valencia Region reinforces its position as an inland tourist destination. The mayoress of Serra, Alicia Tusón, expressed her gratitude to all those who voted for the municipality, highlighting the importance of this recognition for the promotion of tourism in the town.
Just the beginning?
After winning the regional competition, Serra will now compete at national level to become the most beautiful village in Spain. At this stage, it will be up against other winning municipalities from their respective regions, in a competition that seeks to highlight the richness and diversity of villages across the country.
This new challenge is a great opportunity for Serra, which hopes that its victory in the regional phase will increase tourist interest and highlight its natural environment and cultural offerings on a national stage.