Looking for the best day trips from Valencia, Spain? In this post, a travel expert and Spain local has detailed the top excursions and destinations that you must experience when taking day trips from Valencia.
Valencia is the birthplace of paella and a Spanish coastal city boasting stretches of sunny beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and plenty of things to see and do.
While Valencia is worth visiting for at least a few days, the city is also a gateway to several exciting day trip options that will take you to some of Spain’s most stunning and diverse landscapes and landmarks.
From medieval castles and rugged mountains to charming towns and big capital cities, the following day trips from Valencia will leave you captivated and enamored with Spanish culture and history.
Note: If you only have time for a half-day excursion, this shorter tour makes for a great quick getaway before diving into the full 11 day trips from Valencia outlined in this detailed post.
Where to Stay in Valencia
One great thing about Valencia is that it’s an incredibly walkable city. This means that, regardless of where you stay, you’ll be “close” to it all.
But when finding the perfect base for your stay, Ruzafa and Ciutat Vella are great places to start. Here are a few suggestions of the best places to stay in these two neighborhoods depending on your budget:
Budget: THE VENUE Hostel Boutique (currently €36/night)
Mid-Range: Parker The Urban Flats (currently €135/night)
Luxury: Hotel MYR Palacio Vallier (currently €260/night)
Note: Hotel prices vary depending on the room type, availability, and time of year.
Booking.comBest Day Trips from Valencia
1. Beach Fun in Altea
Altea is a hidden beach town just a few kilometers away from Valencia. It’s home to cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and a historic Old Town on a hilltop. The city’s coastline has pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Wander through the streets of the historic city center, and you’ll find plenty of artisanal shops and quaint cafes to enjoy.
While slightly outside the city center, Restaurante Columbus 1492 is one of the best places to stop for Mediterranean bites and sea views.
How to Get to Altea
Without a car, the cheapest and fastest way to get from Valencia to Altea is to take a bus from Valencia to Benidorm (about an hour and a half) and then catch a local train to Altea (15 minutes).
In total, the trip should cost between €15-20 one-way. Check Rome2Rio or Busbud for bus schedules and prices.
2. Old Castles in Xàtiva
Xàtiva, a small city just under an hour’s drive south of Valencia, is home to a treasure trove of historic monuments and landmarks. The highlight of a day trip to Xàtiva from Valencia is visiting the fortresses and castles.
The Castle of Xàtiva, known locally as Castell de Xàtiva, is a perfect example of the region’s architectural prowess.
Originally built during the Iberian times, this castle has witnessed several centuries of conflict, from Roman, Visigoth, and Muslim rule to the Christian reconquest.
How to Get to Xàtiva
Trains run from Valencia to Xàtiva roughly every 20 minutes (unless there’s a strike or delay) and will take you close to the city center in about 45 minutes.
Look for the RENFE C-2 line when departing from Valencia — the regional trains should cost under €5 one-way, but if you have to book an intercity train, expect to pay up to €25.
3. The Thermal Springs of Montanejos
Montanejos is a beautiful village just north of Valencia known for its renowned thermal springs. These natural hot springs are popular for their therapeutic qualities, thanks to their high mineral content.
Hike through the Maimona Canyon, swim through the turquoise waters, or simply let yourself float down the river Mijares.
Regardless of what you decide to do, Montanejos’s clear waters and rocky landscape offer visitors a great way to reconnect with nature.
How to Get to Montanejos
Getting to Montanejos from Valencia is most accessible via Segorbe. You can take a train or bus, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Once in Segorbe, book an hour-long bus ride with Autobuses Herca to get to Montanejos.
However, because there are only three buses daily from Segorbe to Montanejos, driving from Valencia to Montanejos is usually better. If you don’t feel comfortable driving in Spain, look into BlaBlaCar.
TIP: You could take an organized day trip from Valencia to Montanejos. This way, you could hike through the mountains along the Mijares River to the Chorro waterfall and thermal pools with a guide.
4. Requena: A Wine Lover’s Haven
This historic region is renowned for producing some of the finest wines in Spain, with a wine-making tradition that dates back to the Roman Empire.
One of the best things to do in Requena is to book a vineyard tour to explore local wineries such as the Dominio de la Vega, which offers wine-tasting sessions showcasing some of the rarest wine varieties of the region.
However, no visit to Requena is complete without trying its legendary sweet wine, Fondillón. Sip a sample of the vino while exploring the quaint, cobbled streets of the city’s old town and ancient walls.
How to Get to Requena
The quickest and easiest way to get from Valencia to Requena is to take the train. If you take the RENFE, you’ll get there in about 23 minutes and can find one-way tickets for as cheap as €8 (although most are between about €13-30 depending on the time of day).
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5. Urban Wonders in Castellón de la Plana
Castellón de la Plana is the perfect day trip destination from Valencia for those who want to experience the rich history of an ancient Spanish city — it was founded in 1253.
The main attraction here is the city’s central square, Plaza Mayor. Another popular plaza is the Plaza de la Independencia, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful buildings that look more Portuguese or Italian than Spanish.
For history lovers, visit Castellón’s most notable historical site, the Gothic Concatedral de Santa Maria, where you can witness the unique El Fadrí, an octagonal-shaped bell tower.
How to Get to Castellón de la Plana
Trains run frequently from various Valencia train stations to Castellón de la Plana. Most take about 45 minutes, with some taking up to an hour. Depending on the time of day, expect to pay anywhere between €5-20 one way for a trip to Castellón de la Plana.
6. Gandía’s Golden Beaches
With 7 kilometers of fine, golden sand and crystal-clear water, Gandía beaches will surely capture your heart. They’re a great place for watersports during the summer, including kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing.
History lovers won’t want to miss the chance to visit the majestic historical palaces, such as the Palau Ducal de Gandía, a Renaissance-style palace built in the 15th century.
While the architecture is impressive, the exquisite interior artwork and tranquil gardens are equally captivating.
How to Get to Gandía
While there are trains from Valencia to Gandía, trains don’t currently depart daily from Valencia. While some sources will say there is one train daily, you’ll find sites like Trainline selling tickets for trips every other day.
Instead, look for ALSA or FlixBus tickets online — the trip should take about an hour and cost you roughly €8–15 one way.
7. The Coastal Charm of Peñiscola
Perched along the Mediterranean Sea, Peñiscola is a historical city home to a Dubrovnik-like castle perched high atop a rocky outcrop.
Speaking of Dubrovnik, fans of Games of Thrones will love that the Spanish city’s 13th-century castle had a starring role in the iconic HBO series.
If you’re looking for relaxation, the town’s sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, especially during the summer — they’re nowhere near as crowded as Valencia’s beaches!
If the weather’s not ideal for a dip in the sea, a stroll through the old town reveals a maze of narrow streets and picturesque plazas.
How to Get to Peñiscola
You have to pass through Castellón de la Plana to get to Peñíscola, which makes the latter a great add-on to a two-day trip from Valencia if you have time.
Take the bus if you want to head straight to Peñiscola from Valencia. Hife services this route, which takes two and a half to three hours and costs about €15 each way. If you rent a car, you can get there in under two hours and enjoy the drive along the Balearic coastline.
8. Fun Times in Alicante
Located just two hours south of Valencia, Alicante is a beautiful city on the Costa Blanca that boasts stunning beaches, an impressive castle, and a more laidback, quiet atmosphere than what you find in Valencia.
Start by visiting the Castle of Santa Barbara, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re interested in exploring Alicante’s waterfront, head to the marina and then hop over to the nearby El Carrer dels Bolets, a whimsical street full of colorful mushroom statues.
End your day trip with an exploration on foot — the famous Rambla de Méndez Núñez, lined with trendy shops and cafes, beckons savvy shoppers after everything from souvenirs to clothes.
How to Get to Alicante
Alicante is a major city, which means there are several simple ways to get there from Valencia. The easiest and quickest way to arrive without a car is by train. It takes just over two hours and costs between €8–15 for a one-way ticket.
Booking in advance or traveling mid-afternoon are great ways to snag the cheapest ticket prices.
9. The Rocky Wonders of Chulilla
If you’re an adventurous traveler seeking an adrenaline rush, Chulilla is a perfect day trip destination from Valencia. It’s home to some of the best rock-climbing routes in Spain, thanks to its unique and impressive rocky terrain.
If you’re not a rock climber, several hiking trails offer equally spectacular views and challenging trekking experiences.
Admire the jagged, red sandstone cliffs and the sparkling Turia River as you delve into the canyon. Closer to the city center, the bucolic charm of Chulilla’s cobbled streets and traditional houses will transport you back in time and provide insight into Spain’s historic charm.
How to Get to Chulilla
Buses are a great way to get from Valencia to Chulilla, but there are only buses five times weekly. If that fits your schedule, you can book the one-hour journey for just €6 via Autocares La Hispano Chelvana. Otherwise, it’s best to rent a car and drive to Chulilla.
Tip: You could also book an incredible full-day private hiking tour to Los Puentes Colgantes de Chulilla’s hanging bridges, Loriguilla Reservoir, and the Turia River Basin near Valencia. With included transportation and an expert local guide, you’ll explore these magnificent natural areas and landscapes surrounding Valencia.
10. The Buzzing Life in Madrid
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Although it is slightly further away, a day trip to Madrid from Valencia is worth the effort. Madrid is home to several attractions you can’t miss when visiting Spain, including the Royal Palace and art galleries home to masterpieces by Picasso, Goya, and Dalí.
Visit the city’s two main plazas, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, before stopping for churros at Chocolatería San Ginés. Shop and stroll along Gran Vía, catch a sunset atop a terraza, and indulge in some of Spain’s best flamenco and tapas.
End your day by listening to the soothing sounds of Spanish guitar as the sun sets over the Templo de Debod. Really, there’s no way to go wrong with a visit to the Spanish capital city (especially if you book your trip during one of the best months to visit Madrid).
How to Get to Madrid
As the capital city, Madrid is well connected by several major train routes from Valencia. The trip takes just under two hours, with trains leaving regularly from Valencia’s Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station — you shouldn’t have to pay more than about €11 for a one-way ticket.
11. Medieval Beauty in Morella
Morella is a medieval hilltop town with a well-preserved fortified wall that once served as defensive protection against invasions. The 13th-century castle still dominates the city’s skyline, while the Castle Church is a must-see for architecture lovers.
Take time to explore Morella’s city center while you’re here. Take note of the fortified houses’ unique wooden balconies and wrought-iron details.
Plan your visit during a market day to enjoy the local market, taste the gastronomy, and take home handcrafted items.
How to Get to Morella
Trains from Valencia take about three and a half to five hours to arrive in Morella, as it’s a remote municipality and not a larger city. If you don’t mind taking the bus, the 4.5-hour drive is pretty scenic (note that you’ll have to transfer to Castellón de la Plana, though). A one-way bus ticket to Morella should cost about €12–28.
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This is a post by Guest Contributor Timon
Author’s Bio: Timon is the curious traveler behind TravelSpain24. Living in Spain for 5 years, he’s gathered tons of tips and hidden spots. If you’re up for day trips from Valencia, he’s got you covered.
