What to see in Serra
Serra is the natural gateway to the Sierra Calderona Natural Park, and it's where a lot of Valencians go to breathe in the pines, hike and switch off barely half an hour from the city. The village has a mountainous setting, springs and viewpoints, so it works as a nature outing any time of year.
What to see
The main monument is the Porta Coeli Charterhouse (Portaceli), a Carthusian monastery founded in 1272 under the patronage of Andrés de Albalat, Bishop of València and confessor to James I of Aragon. Gothic in origin, it was remodelled over the centuries in Renaissance, Mannerist, Baroque and Neoclassical styles, and it still has a 15th-century Gothic aqueduct. Above the village stands the Castle of Serra, of Islamic origin, and the Mirador dels Rebalsadors is where most people walking the area end up: on clear days the view stretches across the whole bay of València. Along the way there are historic springs and the old Rebalsadors ice house, a snow well from 1706.
Getting there from València
By car it's about 33 km, around 35-40 minutes via the CV-310 and CV-25. Metropolitan bus lines also connect with the area.
Local tip
The Charterhouse is still an active enclosed monastery, so you can't just walk into the interior, but the façade and surroundings are worth the walk, and that's where the Rebalsadors trails start. Bring water and hiking shoes. Pair Serra with more nature: check out our free plans, the day trips from València and other villages in the province such as El Puig.
What to see in Serra
- Castillo de SerraCastle · FREE~1.1 km from the Town Hall
A Moorish-era castle (8th-11th centuries) on a ridge above 500 metres, its great tower and crenellated wall still standing.
- Mirador dels RebalsadorsViewpoint · FREE~2.4 km from the Town Hall
This is a viewpoint on the Sierra Calderona, atop the Rebalsadors peak, with 360-degree views over the natural park and the sea beyond.
- Iglesia parroquial de Nuestra Señora de los ÁngelesChurch · FREE~250 m from the Town Hall
A neoclassical church begun in the late 18th century and completed around 1800 to a design by master builder Francisco Pechuán.
- Ermita de San José y el CalvarioChurch · FREE~200 m from the Town Hall
A simple 1894 hermitage with a white façade and gabled roof, sitting atop a calvary completed in 1893.
- Ventisquer de RebalsadorsMonument · FREE~2.4 km from the Town Hall
At 785 metres above sea level, at the head of the Barranc de la Nevera, stands this circular snow well built in 1706 with a capacity of…
- Torre del Senyor de la VilaMonument · FREE~250 m from the Town Hall
In the heart of the old town, on the Cantó de la Torre, stands this 9th-century Islamic defensive tower built of rammed earth and lime…
- Torre de RiaMonument · FREE~150 m from the Town Hall
This nearly square watchtower was raised between the 8th and 9th centuries in the Andalusi period using stone and rammed earth coated with…
- Torre de SatarenyaMonument · FREE~1.4 km from the Town Hall
Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, this square rammed-earth tower lined with lime was part of Serra castle's alert and surveillance…
- Torre de l'ErmitaMonument · FREE~200 m from the Town Hall
Crowning the Calvary, beside the Sant Josep chapel, stands this 9th-century Islamic watchtower with a square plan, built of rammed earth…
- Llavador dels CastelletsMonument · FREE~400 m from the Town Hall
At the entrance to the village, beside the CV-310 road arriving from València, stands this public washhouse built in 1938: a long…
Around Serra
- Cartuja de Porta Coeli~4.0 km from the Town Hall
- Coveta de Santa Inés (de la Venerable Inés de Moncada)~3.5 km from the Town Hall
- Aqueducte gòtic de Porta Coeli~4.0 km from the Town Hall
- Acueducto de la Cartuja de Portacoeli~4.0 km from the Town Hall
Compare all towns by transport →
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Serra from València?
There's no train. By public transport, take Metro Line 1 to Bétera, then the Edetania bus (line 133) to Serra, via Nàquera. At night there's a direct link from València, line 133N. By car, take the CV-35 and then the CV-310, also via Nàquera.
How long does it take from València to Serra?
By car, about 35-40 minutes to cover the 33 km. By public transport, counting the metro to Bétera plus the connection with bus 133, it usually runs between 1 hour and 1.5 hours depending on the timetable.
What is there to see in Serra?
The Castle of Serra, of Islamic origin, above the village, and the Porta Coeli charterhouse with its Gothic aqueduct, in a nearby valley. The church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, the Torre del Senyor de la Vila and the viewpoints toward the Rebalsadors peaks are worth a stop too.
Is Serra worth visiting with kids?
Yes. It's a handy base for walks in the Sierra Calderona, and the climb to the castle is doable for families. You get hiking, pine woods and heritage in one half-day or full-day trip from València.
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