My Life in Valencia

Sometimes unexpected change of plans lead to spontaneous adventures. It has been a challenging start to the new academic year, and a lot of work. So what better way to disconnect and recharge ones batteries than getting out into nature and enjoying the beautiful surroundings not far from Valencia? It has been a while since I have done anything outside of the city and so it was a pleasure to get out of Valencia with my Valencia family Vivian and Beat. We had a wonderful day hiking el Aqueduct Peña Cortada in the morning and then heading to the nearby town of Chelva to walk through the ¨three cultures in Chelva¨ and the Ruta de aguas.

First stop El Acueducto Peña Cortada

A truly amazing site consisting of more than 28km of old water canals and a roman Aqueduct that stretch between the towns of Tuéjar, Chelva, Calles y Domeño. The roman aqueduct that remains is beautiful…a wonderful rose color and is a sight to see itself. However, once you cross the aqueduct the adventure (and hike) is just beginning. The hike itself is through canals and tunnels in the rock. It’s truly amazing! To think this is how water flowed…

Chelva: Ciudad de tres culturas y la ruta de aguas

While I have been to Chelva before, I have never explored it or its surroundings. People always talk about it and now I know why. It is truly a charming village filled with history. It is called the City of Three Cultures because there are three well preserved and distinct neighbourhoods from the 14th century-Muslim, Christian and Jewish-communities all of which lived together in the same city at the same time.Walking through the city is a historical tour back in time. The streets that are all colourfully decorated is leftover from their city’s festival that occurs at the end of August. Beautiful street art, plants and handmade crafts still line the streets. Chelva is also the home to the Ruta del Aguas (water route). As you can imagine from the aqueduct, water is treasured in this area and Chelva is at the centre of it. With the Chelva river running just down below the city….wherever you look there seems to be a well or a fountain and running water throughout the city. Following the Ruta del Auguas takes you through the historical city and down to the river which winds around and and opens up to a small beach for swimming. It also has old tunnels and canals. While we did not walk them all we walked quite a bit and stopped at the beach for a picnic lunch. Truly a lovely day in nature!!!