Rural Holidays In Spain
Relax and restart
Discover Rural Holidays in Spain: Sierra de Espadán near Valencia
Looking for an authentic and peaceful escape in Spain? Just 45 minutes from the vibrant city of Valencia lies one of the country’s best-kept secrets: the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. This 31,000-hectare protected area offers dramatic mountain views, dense cork oak forests, and a quiet atmosphere that’s perfect for a rural holiday in Spain.
Unlike the busy beaches and city squares of Valencia, here you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming villages, and endless hiking and biking trails. From climbing Pico Espadán to cycling parts of the famous Via Verde Ojos Negros, adventure blends effortlessly with relaxation.
You can also explore thrilling activities such as mountain biking, rafting, 4×4 driving, or visiting the underground river system in the caves of San Jose. In the north, the thermal river of Montanejos invites you for a soothing swim in natural hot springs. Whether you’re active or after tranquility, Sierra de Espadán truly captures the spirit of rural holidays in Spain.
Flavours of Rural Spain: Discover Gastronomy in Sierra de Espadán
A rural holiday in Spain isn’t complete without tasting the local flavours. Sierra de Espadán offers a rich gastronomic experience rooted in tradition and authenticity. From cozy village restaurants to artisan producers, the region’s culinary scene is as genuine as its landscapes.
In the charming village of Altura, near Segorbe, you’ll find the renowned La Farola, known for its refined yet regional cuisine. Nearby in Gaibiel, both El Porvenir and La Mecedora de la Abuela serve traditional Valencian dishes in warm, rustic settings. Looking for a hidden gem? Gastrodisctus in Segorbe offers creative multi-course menus in a leafy courtyard tucked behind the cathedral.
After a peaceful walk among the cork oak trees in Almedíjar, stop by the artisanal cheese farm Quesería Artesana Los Corrales, where local goat and sheep cheeses are naturally aged. To complete your rural culinary journey, don’t miss a visit to Bodegas El Celler de la Ibola for organic wines produced right in the heart of the Sierra.
Stay in the Heart of Rural Spain
Masia de Matuta
Since September 2023, Masia de Matuta has been lovingly run by Bas and Sara. Tucked away in the stunning Sierra de Espadán Natural Park, this traditional Masia (Spanish farmhouse) is located on a 300-year-old olive estate spanning more than 27 hectares of peaceful nature.
After years of dreaming of their own rural hospitality business, they found this hidden gem and knew it was meant to be. They left their life in the Netherlands behind to create a place where guests could truly unwind. With no roads nearby, only birdsong and breathtaking sunsets fill the air. It’s a truly serene destination for anyone looking for rural holidays in Spain.
Bas and Sara also honour the age-old tradition of olive picking. Each autumn, they hand-harvest olives from their groves — often with help from nature-loving guests. The resulting home-pressed olive oil is available for purchase on site. It’s a slow, meaningful activity that perfectly captures the spirit of life at Masia de Matuta.