Adventure sports

Are you the sort of person that likes to have thrilling experiences out in the middle of nature? 

If you are in Valencia for tourism, you should know that adventure sports are also an interesting option to put on your 'check list' of experiences. You just need to choose your favourite activity and, of course, find the ideal place to do it. 

We have selected several areas - not far from the city - for canyoning, climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and bungee jumping. 

Are you up for it? 

For the more adventurous: places to go canyoning   

Canyoning is done in canyons or river ravines; trekking, walking, jumping... it's a very complete exercise! In the Comunitat Valenciana there are several spectacular canyons, but probably the most important in the province is the Nacimiento canyon (in Millares – an hour and a quarter from Valencia), with its 60-metre abseil to finish off. 

You also have the well-known Gorgo de la Escalera, a starter canyon suitable for all ages located in the town of Anna (about 50 minutes from Valencia); and in Buñol, the Barranco de Turche or the Río Juanes (about 35 minutes away), a descent full of siphons, caves and abseiling that will not fail to impress you. Valencia Adventure, Tronkos y Barrancos, Atrévete Aventuras and Trail Natura, are all outstanding companies that will help you get involved in this adventure sport. 

And once you are in the province of Castellón - but only an hour and 15 minutes from the city of Valencia - Somos Aventura includes the Chillapájaros water canyon (in Montanejos - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Valencia).   

For lovers of water sports: a corner for kayaking  

Kayaking, a variety of canoeing with many fans, is another of the adventure sports we recommend. Las Hoces del río Cabriel (in Venta del Moro- 1 hour and 10 minutes from Valencia) is a natural space of high ecological value, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2019, and whose river can be descended by kayak, but also by inflatable boat (rafting) or even Stand-Up Paddle (SUP). If you want to explore the area, the Ruting, Avensport, Kalahari Aventuras and Kiko Park companies have plenty of proposals.   

Other alternatives to experience kayaking are: the crossing of the Cova Tallada, (in Denia, Alicante - an hour and 15 minutes from Valencia); the Escalona reservoir (in Navarrés - just an hour away); or the Cortes ll or La Muela reservoir, in Cortes de Pallás, 20 minutes from Valencia. If you want to go kayaking on the river, there are also various options on different stretches of the River Túria, such as those organised by Tronkos y Barrancos.  

If you think this is the sport for you, Valencia Adventure offers its star activity: kayaking on the River Túria, 5.8 and 12-kilometre routes. It is perfect if you go with children, as it is an initiation river and can be done from 5 years of age.

For lovers of two wheels: mountain biking trails (MTB)

The Sierra Calderona is a large natural park that is very close to the city of Valencia. And as such, it has some unique natural areas of high value and an extensive network of trails for mountain bikes, a two-wheeled modality that is becoming increasingly popular.  

But if you want to get even closer, the Natural Park of the River Túria, l'Albufera or Les Rodanes, in the municipality of Vilamarxant, are always a good choice.   

You can count on Esport Actiu, specialised in leisure and recreational activities such as MTB.  

For the more daring: areas where you can try bungee jumping   

Bungee jumping (or 'puenting', as we would say in Spanish) is an activity that attracts some people and scares others, because of the idea of throwing yourself from a great height attached to an elastic rope.   

And an activity with as much adrenaline as bungee jumping, where can you do it? In the town of Calles (45 minutes from Valencia). To make it an unforgettable experience, it should always be done with officially registered companies and professionals, such as Somosaventura. With them you can enjoy the only water bungee jumping in which you can enjoy more metres of fall, with a unique view of the inside of the canyon as you go down, and in addition, canoraft jumping, with which you can paddle or swim out of the jump. Pure thrill! 

For those who want it all: multi-adventure circuit  

Many of the 'adventure' companies offer the possibility of a circuit, which consists of a combination of different activities. For example: canopy, zip-line, monkey bridge, Tibetan bridge, archery, orienteering test... All of this is designed to combine different sports according to the needs of the client, as is the case of Ruting, whose main location is the Río Cabriel. 

Where do you want to start?