Tuéjar between river landscapes, history and festivals

Tuéjar is located in the province of Valencia and combines river landscapes, historic buildings, lively festivals and a distinctive regional cuisine. Anyone weighing up nature experiences, culture and a rural town in Valencia’s inland region will find several different themes here. Via the CV-35 expressway, Tuéjar is about 50 minutes from Valencia.

Natural surroundings along the Tuéjar River

The Nacimiento del Río Tuéjar municipal nature area is located within the municipality of Tuéjar, in the province of Valencia. It was designated in 2013 and covers 600 hectares. Within this protected natural area, the Riberas del Río Tuéjar plant micro-reserve was established in 2002.

A special perspective can be enjoyed from the Mirador Peña del Mediodía viewpoint near the source of the Tuéjar River, at an elevation of 787 metres. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the El Azud natural area, stretching from the Puente de Tudela to the striking cliffs of La Lácaba and the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) nesting sites established there in 2011.

Water, picnics and trails

El Azud has tables and shaded areas for picnics. The Pozo de las Escaleras lagoon near El Azud is suitable for swimming during the summer months. At Fuente del Saz, the river forms several shallow pools that are suitable for cooling off in summer. Those who prefer a route by the water can follow the Ruta del Azud, a trail that begins at Fuente del Saz and runs along the Tuéjar River.

La Lácaba can be reached from the El Azud recreation area via a route of about 4 km along a forest track.

Historic buildings and cultural heritage

El Cubo is a restored Muslim watchtower that was later repurposed as a container for wine production. Its summit offers panoramic views of Tuéjar and the surrounding area. The town is also home to the parish church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, built in the second half of the 17th century on the town’s main square. The Portal de los Santos was the most important gateway to the medieval settlement of Tuexa and features ceramic altarpieces on both sides depicting Saint Joseph and Saint Roch.

Notable examples of cultural history can also be found outside the town centre. The rock paintings in Shelter II near Corrales de Silla are recognised as an Asset of Cultural Interest and have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the designation “Rock Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula”. The Nevero de la Lácaba was built in the Middle Ages as a circular snow storage structure in a shaded location for storing snow and is now part of the cultural heritage.

Festivals and regional cuisine

Festivals are held in Tuéjar every year on 15 August and 8 December. The festival on 8 December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, the patron saint of Tuéjar. Every five years, the major festivities known as the “gordas” take place. They include a procession, performances of the Entramoro and the “rodá”, or waving of the flag.

Tuéjar’s local cuisine includes Olla de pueblo with potatoes, cardoons, beans and pork, as well as Gazpacho tuejano made with flatbread and shredded rabbit and chicken. The culinary profile is rounded off by meat and cured products, along with traditional sweets such as Mantecados and Muégados of Arab origin.

More places to help plan your regional itinerary

If you would like to discover more places in the region alongside Tuéjar, you can continue your selection with Gestalgar, Ador, Zarra, Catarroja, Faura, Burjassot, Segart and Mareny Blau.

For the higher-level travel overview: Valencia.