Valencia, Spain, 8th May 2025— A group of over 100 Scientologists from the United States, Italy, Mexico, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and other countries came together in late April for a powerful journey through the cities of Valencia and Alicante, revisiting the historic locations where their religion’s founder, L. Ron Hubbard, once walked and worked. More than just a sightseeing tour, this four-day event became a spiritual and cultural pilgrimage — connecting past and present, belief and heritage.
Spain is fast becoming a remarkable destination for religious tourism, not only for its centuries-old Christian heritage, but also for contemporary spiritual movements whose historical roots in the country are beginning to attract global attention. One such movement is the Church of Scientology, whose founder, L. Ron Hubbard, spent time in Spain in the 1950s, ‘60s and ’70ies. His presence has left an enduring legacy that today inspires pilgrimages and spiritual journeys by Scientologists from across the world.
It is now becoming traditional that groups of Scientologists from around the world travel to locations in Spain where Mr. L. Ron Hubbard lived, worked, or passed through. Their itinerary has already included the Canary Islands, Seville and now Valencia, where Hubbard is known to have developed parts of his religious philosophy during his maritime period. These travellers are not mere tourists; for them, it is a form of spiritual reconnection — a way to walk in the footsteps of their founder and deepen their understanding of his teachings.
Rediscovering Valencia’s Role in Scientology’s History
The experience began in Valencia, where participants — staying at the elegant Only YOU Hotel — attended an opening briefing on L. Ron Hubbard’s visit to the city in the late 1960s. Valencia occupies a unique place in the history of Scientology: it was here, aboard the ship Royal Scotman docked in the city’s harbor, that some of the highest spiritual levels of Scientology available at the time were delivered. Parishioners from across the globe came to study these advanced teachings, and the legacy of that era still resonates deeply within the Church today.
The tour then took the group through the heart of Valencia, beginning with the medieval Serranos Towers and continuing through the city’s many iconic churches and historic sites. For many participants, the architecture, history, and vibrant atmosphere of the city offered a striking contrast to the inner contemplation that often accompanies spiritual journeys.
Celebrating a Spiritual Legacy by the Sea
On the second day, the group gathered at the Duna Puerto restaurant at the Valencia harbour for lunch. This was no ordinary venue — the harbour is the very place where the Royal Scotman docked in 1968. A group photo commemorated this significant moment, as the visitors honoured the historical role Valencia played in their movement’s development.
That evening, celebrations continued at the elegant Masia Xamandreu estate. A lively program of flamenco dancers and Spanish performers set the tone for an unforgettable evening, complete with a traditional Spanish dinner.
Alicante and the Spirit of Continuing Exploration
On Sunday, the group travelled to Alicante, another coastal city tied to the journey of the Apollo, which moved there for three months in 1968. Participants visited the hotel where many Scientologists once were hosted during that time, taking a group photo in front of the site to honour its role in Scientology’s expansion.
Following a traditional lunch at La Dársena restaurant on the marina, the tour moved to the Santa Barbara Castle, offering panoramic views of Alicante and the Mediterranean. The evening closed with a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant just below the castle — a fitting end to a day of reflection, history, and fellowship.
An Emotional Closing in Albufera
The final day brought the group to the Natural Park of l’Albufera, just south of Valencia. At La Barraca del Palmar — a traditional Valencian hut surrounded by orange groves — attendees enjoyed a rustic lunch with a real paella and quiet contemplation. The emotional highlight of the day came with the arrival of Emilio M., a local man who had worked as a steward aboard the Apollo in 1968. Emilio shared vivid stories of caring for L. Ron Hubbard’s cabin and interacting with the Captain during his three-month stay. Though now elderly, his memories were filled with warmth and reverence, offering the group a powerful first-hand account of a pivotal moment in their history.
Religious Tourism in Spain: More Than History
Events like this underscore the broader value of religious tourism in Spain. The country has long been a destination for spiritual travelers — from pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago to visitors exploring Moorish mosques, Gothic cathedrals, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and, increasingly, modern spiritual sites tied to newer religious movements. Religious tourism enriches local economies and fosters cross-cultural understanding, especially as visitors like these Scientologists engage with Spain’s historical and cultural heritage while deepening their own faith journeys.
Humanitarian Work in Valencia, Spain
The international Scientology pilgrims where also informed of the impact their donations and their local coreligionists had in the latest disaster that hit Valencia at the end of 2024 through the beginning of 2025. It was a vivid example of this commitment during the devastating DANA storm (uncontrolled floods) that struck Valencia in October 2024. As torrential rains led to serious flooding and disruption across the region, the Scientology Volunteer Ministers — identifiable by their bright yellow shirts — quickly mobilized in coordination with local and international rescue organizations.
In partnership with the renowned Mexican search and rescue team “Los Topos,” the Volunteer Ministers provided support in the hardest-hit areas of Valencia and its surroundings. Their work included clearing debris, assisting elderly residents, distributing supplies, and providing spiritual support to those traumatized by the event. Their presence was noted in various press and local community reports, and praised by affected citizens who saw in them a reliable and caring force in the midst of disaster.
Beyond this specific event, the Volunteer Ministers continue to serve in various humanitarian efforts throughout Spain, upholding their motto: “Something can be done about it.” Whether offering help to communities during crises or assisting individuals in day-to-day challenges, their role as an active expression of Scientology’s values was echoed throughout the pilgrimage, as many attendees shared personal accounts of their own service as Volunteer Ministers.
A Journey Etched in Memory
As the tour concluded, participants left with more than photographs and souvenirs. They carried with them a renewed appreciation for the spiritual roots of their movement, a sense of global community, and deep memories of the places and people that shaped their faith. In revisiting the paths of L. Ron Hubbard through Valencia and Alicante, they not only honored history — they made it live again.
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Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
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Walking in the Footsteps of L. Ron Hubbard: Scientologists Revisit Historic Sites in Valencia and Alicante
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