A driver’s paradise just outside Valencia. And those views!

Valencia is renowned for its gastronomy, architecture and vibrant, spirited Spanish culture. Not far from the city, however, lies a true driver’s paradise. Take the wheel and experience it for yourself.

5. 5. 2026 Lifestyle

Just half an hour from Valencia begins a driving experience you will surely one day recount with the same passion as the local cuisine. It is the CV-25 road, which cuts through the Serra Calderona mountain range. This mountainousstretch, just under 50 kilometres in length, naturally separates the provinces of Valencia and Castellón. Its highest point, El Gorgo, reaches 909 metres and is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts.

The quiet road winds through the countryside like a serpent

The CV-25 itself can be driven in under an hour. Expect hundreds of entertaining corners on often very wide roads, combined with a variety of terrain profiles. Along the way, you will pass through several picturesque villages, such as Olocau and Gátova, which exude a friendly atmosphere and Mediterranean tranquillity. The road ends in the town of Altura, but the experience need not stop there. Simply turn onto the CV-245 at your destination and enjoy another rewarding drive along the northern side.

Smooth tarmac, engaging corners. This is where the Škoda Fabia 130 feels right at home.

The diverse Mediterranean landscape invites you to explore

The origin of the area’s name is equally intriguing. Calderona is not a natural formation, but a reference to a woman. María Calderón, also known as La Calderona, was one of the most celebrated actresses of 17th-century Spanish theatre. King Philip IV of Spain fell head over heels in love with her, and their relationship resulted in an illegitimate son. Following his birth, the king is said to have compelled María to enter a convent. According to legend, however, the free-spirited woman escaped and sought refuge in these mountains, where she is even said to have joined a band of outlaws.

Part of the mountain range was declared a natural park in 2002