Best Day Trips From Valencia Spain 2023 – Most Within 90 Minutes

5 Incredible Day Trips From Valencia Spain - Most Are Within 90 Minutes!

Valencia is a beautiful city in Spain with a lot to offer for visitors. But if you’re looking for a change of scenery, or looking to explore the Valencian Community further, there are plenty of amazing places to visit from Valencia.

In this blog I’ll share with you five great day trips you can take from Valencia to help you plan your next day trip effortlessly by car or by public transport! There’s so much to see, and some places are within a 90 minute ride.

*Bonus*! Because I am a fan of not driving and I just discovered all the wonderful places the regional train ‘Cercanías’ can take us, I added to the list some extra day trips accessible by public transportation at the end of the article. 

3 Best Day Trips From Valencia, Spain - By Public Transport

1. Sagunto – Easy Valencia Day Trip 2023

Sagunto is a beautiful town located about 30 km north of Valencia. It is a popular destination due to its well-preserved Roman ruins, its castle, and its beautiful beaches. It makes a fantastic day trip destination all year round. 

To get to Sagunto from Valencia, you can take the RENFE ‘cercanías’ train from Estación del Norte (Valencia North station). The journey takes about 30 minutes, and roundtrip tickets cost about 8 euros.

Once in Sagunto, you can visit the Roman ruins, which boasts the roman theater, an amphitheater, and a forum. You can also climb to the top of the castle for stunning views of the town and the surrounding area.

You may also consider to spend part of your day in one of the town’s beaches. I personally recommend “Playa de Canet”; a nice sandy beach with clear blue water. We visited this beach early July. We did rent a car that time. It was a 35 minute ride, and parking was very easy to find. 

2. Albufera Natural Park – Considered One Of The Most Popular Day Trips From Valencia

The Albufera Natural Park is a stunning wetland located about 15 kilometers south from Valencia city. It is a favorite destination for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and those who simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The natural beauty of La Albufera has been a source of inspiration for generations of artists, including painters Joaquín Sorolla, José Benlliure, and writer Blasco Ibañez. 

Note: I highly recommend visiting the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia first to see Sorolla’s art pieces, before visiting La Albufera. It is pretty amazing to see his art work in real life!

To get to La Albufera Natural Park from Valencia, you can take Line 25 of the EMT bus from the City of Arts and Sciences, a 35 minute ride.

Once in the park, you can go for a boat tour on the lake in the typical boats called ‘albuferencs’, visit the Visitor Center to learn about its history, or go hiking or biking in the surrounding area. I suggest booking the boat ride at sunset. It’s such a lovely and peaceful experience. 

Not only this peaceful side of Valencia is known for its nature, but is known as well for its long history of rice cultivation. If you are a true paella fan, do not miss the unique experience of eating the best paella in this magical place.

Eating paella at La Albufera is a great way to experience Valencian culture and cuisine. It is also a great way to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Make sure to make reservations in advance. These traditional restaurants are popular, and they can get busy, especially on weekends.

Tip: If you love eel, you have to try Albufera’s most authentic dish, ‘All i pebre’. The name of the dish means “garlic and pepper” in Valenciano. It is made with eel, potatoes, garlic, and paprika. The dish is thought to have originated centuries ago, when eels were abundant in this region. 

3. Xàtiva – Pleasant Day Trip Near Valencia

Xàtiva is a beautiful town located about 70 kilometers from Valencia. It is a popular day trip destination due to its well-preserved medieval architecture, its stunning views, and its delicious food. 

To get to Xàtiva from Valencia, you can take the RENFE ‘cercanías’ train from Valencia North station. Travel time is about 50 minutes, and the views on the journey are pretty nice! 

Once in Xàtiva, you can visit the town’s impressive cathedral, its 14th-century castle at the top of the hill, and its narrow streets and alleyways. You can also enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding area from the top of the castle. Walking the old town, you will see plazas and fountains everywhere. It is a lovely town to spend the day.

A Day Trip From Valencia To Madrid Or Barcelona?

This is a hard one! I guess it depends on the time of the year. For example, I wouldn’t visit Madrid in August, it would be too hot. I would rather be somewhere near the beach. In the case you are considering a day trip in the summer, I would pick Barcelona hands down. But if you are wondering this any other time of the year, the answer is both! 

The easiest way to travel to Madrid is taking the fast train. Note that two new low cost trains (OUIGO and Iryo) are now available in some cities in Spain, Valencia being one of them. This makes traveling to Madrid affordable and efficient.

Note: Worth mentioning that if you don’t have much time, I would pick Madrid given you can take the high-speed train gets there in less than two hours each way, so less travel time. Currently there is no AVE high-speed train from Valencia to Barcelona, and vice versa. 

To me, the perfect day trip to Madrid is this one:

  • Leave Valencia early in the morning. Arrive around mid-morning, and have a ‘almuerzo’, a light snack, and a ‘tinto de verano’ in any traditional ‘cafetería’ in Barrio de La Latina (my favorite neighborhood). 
  • Walk around the city, immerse in the neighborhoods and local markets during the day. Visit Park El Retiro and go on a boat ride. 
  • Have lunch at Hotel RIU’s rooftop. Entrance before 5pm costs 5 euros. After 5pm it costs 10 euros, but the views are so worth it. 
  • In the evening, go to the theater (I personally love Teatro Lara, it’s a small and intimate theater) and enjoy a live performance. 
  • Head back to Valencia at night after a fun day in Madrid! What an underrated luxury! 

 

This is just a suggestion, of course, you can tailor your day to your own interests.

To me, the perfect day trip to Barcelona looks like this:

  • Take the train or bus (for the latter from Estación de autobuses de Valencia) early in the morning. Arrive in Barcelona at noon. 
  • Go for lunch at Mercat La Boqueria to enjoy all the options from the different food stands, and pair it with a traditional vermut. If you are looking for a more traditional cuisine, I highly recommend an authentic Catalan rice dish, such as Arroz Caldoso or Mar y Montaña. The region’s best examples of these dishes can be found in traditional restaurants around El Born area or near the seafront. It’s one of the best ways to taste the local flavors of Barcelona.
  • After lunch, visit the iconic Basilica of Sagrada Familia, a still work in process of Antoni Gaudí. This is one of the best architectural sights, not only in Barcelona, but in the entire world.  
  • Later, take the short metro journey to Park Güell, another of Gaudí’s creations. Stroll through this enchanting park with its beautiful mosaic structures, and enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona.
  • Head back to Valencia, and given travel time is around 3:30 hours make sure you bring a book or download your favorite shows to watch on the way back. 

2 Best Day Trips From Valencia, Spain - By Car

1. Montanejos, Castellón de la Plana – Great If You Need To Get Away From The City

Did you know that there is a Spa town in the Valencian Community? Yes, Montanejos is a small town located in the country side of Castellón. This is one of the best short trips to include on your travel planner.

Montanejos is a popular destination due to its thermal springs, and its many outdoor activities. Back in the days when the Arabs ruled Spain, this spring water was used by them to stay healthy, and for their women to stay young and beautiful.

The water is said to have healing properties, and is good for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, arthritis, and muscle pain.

The town is located in the Sierra de Espadán mountains, and it is surrounded by stunning scenery. There are several hiking trails in the area, and the town is also fantastic for rock climbing and canyoning.

We visited ‘Fuente de los Baños’ in mid-July, and it took us about 1:20 hour to get there from Valencia city center by car. The path going down to the thermal spring is gorgeous, and worth mentioning, wheelchair accessible! The views are amazing! Once we made it to the thermal spring, I was expecting the water to be warm given all the information I read online, but to my surprise it was super cold. Though, it was a hot summer day and it was really refreshing. 

Tip: If you are planning on visiting the thermal spas, be sure to get your tickets in advance and plan to get there early (before noon) to be able to find parking. In the kiosk, tickets costs about 3.50Є versus purchasing online for 3Є. The thermal springs can get busy during the summer, especially on weekends, and it closes at 6pm.

2. Altea, Alicante – One Of The Best Day Trips

Only 1:30 hour away, this in one of the best coastal towns in the Alicante province. This picturesque town is famous for its old quarter, it’s cobbled streets and white-washed houses. 

Start your day early by taking a relax morning walk around Altea’s Old Town. Begin at the ‘Plaza de la Iglesia’ and explore the winding alleys that radiate from there. The white-washed houses adorned with brightly colored flowers are a photographer’s dream and an Instagram favorite!

Once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll find the iconic blue-domed Church ‘Nuestra Señora del Consuelo’.

It’s one of the best examples of Mediterranean architecture, offering panoramic views over the Bay of Altea and the surrounding mountains. Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views! 

Go for a swim in any of the clear blue water beaches! I personally love ‘Platja del Cap Negret’, a beautiful and secluded beach. 

As the day winds down, find a cozy café in the Old Town for some merienda (an evening snack). Try some local sweet treats like ‘turrón’, a traditional almond nougat, or a slice of ‘tarta de almendra’, an almond tart.

End your day trip on a high note by visiting the viewpoint at the top of Altea’s Old Town one more time. Because one time is not enough! The sight of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the town is magical.

For art lovers, Altea is home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, artisan shops, and the famous Altea School of Fine Arts. A stroll through the town’s arts district offers an opportunity to appreciate local creativity.

What To See In Valencia, Spain In One Day?

Are you considering making Valencia a day trip from another city in Spain? There’s quite a few things for you to squeeze in a day! And a plus, you don’t need a car! 

Start your day in Mercat Central, Europe’s largest municipal market. While in the Mercat neighborhood, check out the ‘Lonja de la Seda’, 15th-century silk exchange. The building is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and it is still used for commercial purposes today.

Walk the old town, and stop at Tasca Angel for the best authentic tapas in the city. Then, visit the City of Arts and Sciences, the modern side of Valencia.

On your way there, make sure to walk the Jardines del Turia, (Turia Gardens). Turia is a popular spot for locals and travelers alike, and they offer a variety of attractions, including playgrounds, walking and bike paths, fountains, and sculptures.

End your day with a ‘Paella Valenciana’, which is made with rice, saffron, chicken, rabbit, among other ingredients.

Tip: Avoid eating paella in the city center. These are not the greatest and fair to say they don’t do any justice! Go further the city. My favorite paella spot is ‘Restaurante Casa El Famós’. It was recommended to us by locals, and we noticed the difference immediately!

*Bonus Day Trip Suggestions From Valencia By Public Transportation:

1. Cullera – One Of The Most Beautiful Destinations Around Valencia

If you’re looking for a beach day, I highly recommend Cullera. Cullera is a beautiful coastal town located about 30 kilometers south of Valencia. The ride from Valencia Nord to Cullera is less than an hour, about 40 minutes, and so worth it.

Cullera is home to the historical landmark, Castillo de Cullera (amazing views), the botanical garden, and many other cultural attractions. With a total of eleven well-preserved beaches to choose from, this town makes a fabulous day trip especially during the summer. 

Besides its stunning beaches and castle, Cullera is also home to Aquopolis water park. Late in June we took a day trip to Aquopolis water park using RENFE ‘Cercanías’ train. It was a total of 23Є for roundtrip tickets for my husband, our son and myself.

Once we made it to the Cullera train station, a private service bus took us to Aquopolis for free, making it a hassle-free experience. The same private bus will take you back to the train station at 6pm, the time the water park closes.

2. Requena

If you are a wine lover, you can’t miss this town. Requena is a beautiful town located in the interior of the Valencian Community. It is makes a great destination for wine enthusiasts, as it is home to a number of wineries and vineyards.

Requena is known for its Tempranillo and Bobal, which are both full-bodied and flavorful. I highly recommend visiting ‘Palacio del Cid’ museum that exhibits the history about winemaking. 

Note: This museum only accepts cash, so make sure to bring 2Є in cash to be able to experience it.

If you are in Valencia between late August and early September, do not miss the wine festival that celebrates grape harvest, ‘Feria y Fiesta de la Vendimia’. This festival is packed with so many events honoring wine, that it is an experience one must have at least once in a lifetime.

Feria Requenense del Vino (FEREVIN) is a market that runs alongside the traditional events in Requena. Local wine and cava producers sell their finest products in this market. These events and market are a great opportunity to sample different wines, learn about winemaking, and enjoy live music.

Interesting fact: Spain’s wine production is number three in the world, so make sure to indulge yourself while in Spain. 

To visit Requena from Valencia, you can take the RENFE ‘Cercanías’ train from Valencia North station. The journey takes about 45 minutes.

Whether you prefer the beach, history, art, nature, or the ‘pueblo’ experience, with so many towns in Spain, these day trips offer something for everyone. So, pick your next adventure and hit the road (or the train), and happy travels from your friends at Simplify Abroad!

Is Valencia Near Madrid?

Yes! Valencia is near Madrid. You can take a car, bus, train, or plane.

Car: It takes 3/3:30 hours to get there.

Plane: It is a short and cheap flight under one hour.

Bus: It can take roughly 6 hours.

Train: You can get into Madrid in about 2 hours. We have only been to Madrid by train. It is the cheapest and easiest way in my opinion. 

P.S. Here at Simplify Abroad we have got different articles and videos done by a family of 6 (and three dogs), a family of 3 (and one dog) and a recent retiree. If you want to see more articles from us click here.

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