Discover 24 Valencian villages with fewer than 100 inhabitants on a unique rural route

The Region of Valencia invites you to embark on a different journey across the Route 99, a road trip linking 24 municipalities with fewer than 100 inhabitants, spread across Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante. Designed for those seeking rest, roots, and authenticity, the offering encourages tourists to stamp a virtual passport in each town, exploring it on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle, or with family. This experience offers an immersion in unique landscapes, rural heritage, and a calm way of life that deeply connected to nature. Route 99 was created with the desire to revitalize depopulated inland areas, introducing both travelers and residents to some little-known sites. From Famorca, in Alicante, to Herbés, in Castellón, the tour weaves an invisible thread through valleys, mountain ranges, and historic centers that have retained their true essence. This initiative from the Valencian Government promotes rural tourism, boosting the local economy without altering the gentle pace of its inhabitants’ lives. 24 communities and a passport Each visitor can download a digital passport to be stamped upon arrival at each of the 24 participating villages. Upon completion, they’ll not only receive a symbolic certificate but also the knowledge that they’ve explored some of the most genuine corners of this region, from Carrícola to Villores, passing through breathtakingly authentic villages.

Carrícola, in the province of Valencia, is one of the villages included on Route 99 © Shutterstock

This route can be explored in multiple ways: from hikers making their way along historical paths to cycle tourists linking up the villages through mountains, motorcyclists enjoying the panoramic roads or families organizing stages according to their preferences. This flexibility allows travelers to personalize the journey, extend it over a series of weekends, and discover the diverse landscapes and cultural wealth of inland Valencia at their own pace. Cultural heritage and local gastronomy In each town, Route 99 offers the opportunity to admire centuries-old churches, solitary hermitages, castles, and vernacular architecture revealing centuries of history. On top of all this, there’s a real culinary richness: traditional dishes prepared with ultra-local products, from artisanal sausages to mountain stews, almond sweets, and local wines that reflect the essence of each community. Tasting these delicious recipes becomes part of the journey: a sensory experience that complements explorers’ visits to heritage sites. Villages to discover In Castellón, this route delves into Castell de Cabres, Espadilla, Fuente la Reina, Herbés, and Villores. Valencia, meanwhile, contributes gems such as Carrícola, Puebla de San Miguel, and Sempere, while Alicante adds stunning destinations like Benillup, Benimassot, and Tollos. Each of these stops represents the chance to come face to face with traditional architecture, local flavors, and the warmth of communities striving to keep their roots alive.

Aerial view of the church of Benillup © Shutterstock

Beyond the physical itinerary, Route 99 seeks to reconnect with the memory and identity of these lands. Each tour allows you to discover stories passed down through generations, uncover an almost untouched nature, and understand the value of preserving populations that, despite their size, hold immense cultural and human wealth.