Picture this: It's my third trip to Valencia, the air thick with orange blossom and paella smoke wafting from somewhere below. I'm standing at the base of these massive medieval gates, heart pounding from the heat and anticipation. Wondering which to climb first? I'd asked myself that exact question two years prior, and now, sweating through my shirt, I was about to tackle both in one afternoon. Spoiler: It's not just about the views (though they're killer). It's the sweat, the history humming under your feet, and that "I conquered this" buzz that lingers for days.

Valencia's old city walls once stretched for miles, but these two towers – Serranos and Quart – are the stars tourists flock to for a legit climb. No elevators, just stone stairs twisting up like a dragon's spine. I've dragged friends, family, and solo-traveled my way up both multiple times since 2018. In 2026, with fresh restorations wrapping up, they're primed for your bucket list. Which offers the better experience? Let's break it down like I'm sharing over a cold horchata on Plaza de la Reina.

Serranos: The Easy(ish) Wow

I still remember my first ascent like it was yesterday. It was a sticky July morning in 2019, backpack stuffed with camera gear, and I eyed the Torres de Serranos looming over the Turia Gardens. This beast anchors the northern edge of the old walls at Carrer de Serranos, 1, 46005 València (GPS: 39.4802° N, 0.3811° W). Built in the 14th century by King Pedro IV, it was the VIP exit for royalty – think queens in gowns clopping over the drawbridge. Today, it's Valencia's most climbed tower, and for good reason.

The entrance is right off the street: €2 for adults (kids under 12 free in 2026, per latest council updates), open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm (closes early Mondays; verify via valencia.es for festivals). Allow 45-60 minutes total. It's not a casual stroll; narrow treads slick from tourist feet, no handrails halfway up, and that medieval echo amplifying every pant. But oh, the payoff.

Emerging onto the battlements feels like stepping into a time machine. To the north, the vast Turia park unfurls like a green ribbon where the old riverbed used to rage. Swing east, and bam – the Mediterranean sparkles 5km away on clear days. Cityscape? Modernist gems like the City of Arts and Sciences poke up like sci-fi sculptures amid terracotta roofs. I once timed a climb for golden hour; the whole plain glowed apricot. Sensory overload: salty breeze mixing with jasmine from below, church bells tolling faintly. It's the family-friendly pick hands-down – wider landings let kids catch their breath, and the views distract from tired legs. My niece, 8 at the time, declared it her "castle top adventure." Downside? Crowds peak weekends; go early.

Pro tip born from regret: Wear grippy shoes. I slipped once in sandals – zero stars. Post-climb, wander 200m to La Pepica for bombas (spicy potato bombs, €1.50 each) at Paseo Neptuno, 6 – beachside bliss.

Quart: The Underdog's Quiet Thrill

Two days after Serranos wrecked me, I limped south to Torres de Quart, wondering if it would feel worlds apart. Nestled at Carrer de Guillem de Castro, 5, 46001 València (39.4744° N, 0.3789° W), this one's from 1441, slimmer and stealthier amid the university buzz. It guarded the western flank, fending off invaders with catapults from its crenellations. Less touristy, more locals – I felt like I discovered a secret.

Tickets: Same €2 adult, free for under-12s in 2026; hours mirror Serranos (Tue-Sun 10-2, 4-8pm; check site for uni events). Walls close enough to brush shoulders, dust motes dancing in light shafts. I climbed at dusk once, pulse racing as shadows lengthened. Midway, graffiti from the 1700s etched in stone – "Viva el Rey" – history whispering.

Views? Intimate powerhouse. Westward, the Turia snakes again, but closer to Quart's arty neighborhood. South: Barrio del Carmen's labyrinth rooftops, perfect for spotting street art. East catches Serranos peeking back, a fun "rival sighting." No sea vista like Serranos, but sunset paints the ceramics district fiery orange – prime for dramatic climbs. Families? Trickier; tighter stairs spook claustrophobics, less space up top. My buddy's toddler freaked at the echo, but teens love the edgier vibe. Post-climb reward: 300m away, Casa Montaña at Calle de Jesús, 2 – try the pickled anchovies (€3 tapa), a 1870s tavern oozing authenticity.

Panorama Showdown: Serranos or Quart?

Okay, gloves off. I've sized these two up a dozen times. Table time for clarity – pin it for your trip!

Serranos edges it for all-out panoramas. But Quart's rawer, less posed. 2026 upgrades: Serranos gets interactive AR history via app (scan walls for battles); Quart adds glow-up lighting for evening jaunts post-Fallas renos.

My Verdict: Why Climb Both (Start Here)

Climb both. But start with Serranos. It's the gateway wow that hooks you – accessible entry to the magic. Quart rewards the bold as the perfect sequel. Families, stick to Serranos; adventurers, double-dip. I once raced a storm up Quart – thunder rumbling, rain pattering battlements – pure adrenaline. Budget €5 total, 2-3 hours. Combo ticket rumor for 2026? Fingers crossed.

Humor me: My worst climb? Serranos with a hangover – never again. Best? Quart at solstice sunset, solo with vermut. Whatever you pick, it's Valencia magic unfiltered.

Insider Hacks for 2026 Tower Takers

Train up: Wall sits, calf raises. Hydrate – fountains sparse. Accessibility? Neither wheelchair-friendly (stairs only), but ground-floor exhibits free. Nearby: Post-Serranos, Mercado Central (Av. de Borassà, 46001; 8am-2:30pm daily) for fresh oysters. Quart side, dive Horchatería Daniel (Carrer dels Suecos, 1; daily 7:30am-midnight) for tiger nut bliss (€2.50).

Snap your summit selfie, tag me @AlexRiveraTravels. Valencia's towers wait – huff, puff, and conquer.