Let’s explore more of the Valencian Community through day trips from Valencia city! While the vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere can sometimes feel overwhelming, the good news is that you can escape the ordinary with these local day trip ideas and discover more of the region and its hidden gems.

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20+ Amazing Day Trips From Valencia by a local

Visiting Valencia and exploring the region

If you’re planning a weekend in Valencia, don’t limit yourself to just the city—be sure to explore the entire region of the Valencian Community. I’ve called the province of Valencia home for over 15 years, giving me the chance to experience every existing day trip the region has to offer. Here’s my ultimate recap of the amazing places you can visit from the city of Valencia. Additionally, at the end of this post, you’ll find more helpful articles and itineraries for the Valencia region.

  • Book top Valencia activities and day trips with my 5% discount code ‘ATC5‘ / excludes combos and bundles (check availability)

The Best Day Trips From Valencia

1. Port Saplaya and Alboraya

Colorful villages in Spain Port Saplaya
Port Saplaya

Visiting Port Saplaya and Alboraya on a day trip from Valencia takes just 20 minutes by bus 112 or by car. Port Saplaya is one of the most colorful places in Spain, making it an ideal spot for a seaside lunch or a boat tour.

Right next to Port Saplaya is the village of Alboraya, famous as the birthplace of horchata, a traditional local drink made from ground chufa nuts (tigernuts). The most famous place to try it is Horchatería Daniel, though most bars and cafés in town also serve horchata. In the summer, it’s common to order a mix of horchata and granizado de limón, or simply a granizado de horchata (an iced horchata drink). Here are a few top-rated tours in Port Saplaya:

2. Albufera

weekend in Valencia Albufera
Albufera
Barraca - a traditional Valencian adobe house in Albufera, near Valencia, Spain
Barraca – a traditional Valencian adobe house in Albufera

Albufera is a popular day trip for an authentic experience of the Valencia region’s traditions and gastronomy. It offers a glimpse into what life was like in the Valencian Community before Valencia became Spain’s third-largest city. To reach Albufera, you can take city buses 24 or 25, drive, or book a guided tour. The must-do activities include a boat tour and trying the authentic paella.

Here are a few popular tours to Albufera:

3. Sagunto

Sagunto 1 scaled
The Castle of Sagunto

Visiting Sagunto on a day trip from Valencia is a great option for fans of Roman ruins in Spain. This town is known for its rich history and stunning views. The ancient Sagunto Castle reflects a blend of Roman, Moorish, and medieval influences. Sagunto is also home to one of the oldest Jewish Quarters in Spain, filled with architectural remnants of the once-thriving community. Sagunto is easily accessible from Valencia by train, car, or through guided tours.

4. Coves de San Josep

Coves de Sant Josep are the most famous caves in the Valencia region, located in the small town of Vall d’Uixó. They are also close to Sagunto, so some tours may combine both destinations, though not always. The caves are renowned for having the longest navigable underground river in Europe (so the tour involves a unique bout tour). To visit, you can either drive there or book a guided tour:

In addition, Coves de Sant Josep is one of the most unique places for kayaking in Spain. However, this activity is only offered a few times per month, and you need to book it in advance. If your dates align, I highly recommend it.

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Caves of San Josep – one of the coolest places for kayaking in Spain

5. Xativa

The Castle of Jativa near Valencia, Spain
The Castle of Xativa

Xativa (also called Jativa in Spanish) is one of my favorite day trips from Valencia, thanks to its rich history and unique connection to the famous Borja (or Borgia) family. History enthusiasts will enjoy learning more about Xativa‘s role in the rise of one of the most influential dynasties in Renaissance Europe. Two popes, Calixtus III and Alexander VI, were introduced to Vatican religious and political life by the Borja family. On a more personal note, during my first day trip to Xativa I felt intrigued to explore the castles and origins of this scandalous family, especially since much of what is widely known about them relates to their Italian era.

For those who want to dive deeper into this topic, renting a car and following La Ruta de los Borja (or The Borja Route) is highly recommended. This itinerary connects various historical sites linked to the Borja family across the Valencian Community.

You can easily reach Xativa by train from Valencia, or rent a car to explore things at your own pace, while including a few other Borgia landmarks into your itinerary. Check out more about Xativa in this post.

Alternatively, you can book a tour to Xativa to avoid any hustle with planning:

6. Hiking in Chulilla

Nature and hiking in Chulilla, near Valencia, Spain
Hiking in Chulilla
Chulilla Puentes Colgantes hikes in Valencia
La ruta de los puentes colgantes de Chulilla

Most people visit the Province of Valencia in search of beautiful beaches and charming villages. However, you might be surprised to learn that Valencia also offers many incredible hikes that nature lovers shouldn’t miss. The route of the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla is undoubtedly one of them.

When you decide to take a day trip from Valencia to escape the city’s buzz, you might not expect to stumble upon a hidden oasis of greenery in the province—at least, I certainly didn’t. It contrasts sharply with the general plain and dry landscape.

Yet, the Province of Valencia is full of surprises, hidden gems, and undiscovered places. One of the most exciting hikes in Valencia is the Hanging Bridges of Chulilla, or La ruta de los puentes colgantes de Chulilla in Spanish. For more details and tips, read this post. Also, keep in mind that this hike can get quite crowded on weekends. If you prefer quieter walks in nature, consider hiking in Castellón, or choosing any other lesser-known hike in Valencia. (Blog subscribers, don’t forget your freebie: the ultimate Valencia Region Hiking Checklist!)

If you do not plan to rent a car, you can book one of the organized tours:

7. Gandia

Ducal Palace of Gandia
The Ducal Palace of Gandia

Gandia is another popular day trip from Valencia. This small town is known for its beautiful beaches, charming old town, and the Ducal Palace of the Borjas. The 14th-century Gothic-Renaissance palace, once the residence of the powerful Borgia family, boasts impressive architecture and artwork. You can learn more in this post.

To visit The Ducal Palace of Gandia you can book one of these tours:

  • Gandía: History, Beach & Albufera Natural Park Private Tour with a pick up in Valencia or Benidorm (check availability)
  • Ducal Palace Entry Ticket with Audio Guide, if you travel to Gandia on your own by car (check availability)
  • Gandía: History, Beach & Albufera Natural Park Private Tour (check availability)

8. Anna

The Palace of the Counts of Cervello in the secret village of Anna, near Valencia, Spain
The Palace of the Counts of Cervello

The small town of Anna, near Valencia, is known for its hidden palace and a hike featuring waterfalls. The Palace of the Counts of Cervelló is often referred to as Valencia’s secret Alhambra (though that might be an exaggeration, it’s still well worth a visit). Keep in mind that if you’re visiting on your own, you’ll need to book your visit to the palace in advance by contacting Anna’s Tourist Office, as only guided tours are allowed. We were lucky to book just a day in advance, but that was during the off-season. Here are a few popular tours to Anna:

9. Manises

edificio el arte manises valencia day trip spain

Fans of Spanish ceramic pottery should not miss a day trip to Manises from Valencia. This small town, recognized as a UNESCO Creative City, is a popular stop on any road trip from Madrid to Valencia, and the Valencia airport is actually located in Manises.

For over 700 years, Manises has been a hub for traditional ceramic crafts in Europe. The town is particularly famous for its golden and blue pottery from the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as polychromatic earthenware and tiles from the 19th and 20th centuries. I was surprised to spot ceramics from Manises in the Musée de Cluny during my recent getaway to Paris.

You can read more about Manises day trip in this post.

10. Montanejos

montanejos spain
Visiting Montanejos in November (for the record, I was the only one swimming, as most Spaniards consider anything outside the summer months too cold

Montanejos is a beautiful natural area known for its thermal waters, which maintain a temperature of around 25 ºC. Long ago, it was chosen by the Arabs as an ideal leisure spot for building their thermal baths. Since 1863, locals have been able to enjoy the Montanejos hot springs year-round. Additionally, Montanejos offers one of the most popular hiking trails in Castellon.

To visit Montanejos without renting a car, you can book one of the tours:

11. Navajas

The Jump of the Bride Waterfall in Navajas, Spain
The Jump of the Bride Waterfall in Navajas

Another must-visit for nature lovers in the Valencia region is the village of Navajas, known for its waterfall, the Jump of the Bride (or Salto de la Novia in Spanish). This 60-meter-high waterfall is associated with a Spanish love legend that has a somewhat eerie twist, leading many to consider Navajas one of the mysterious and haunted places in Spain. You can read more details in this post.

12. Benicassim

Beautiful Serradal Beach in Benicassim, Spain
Serradal Beach in Benicassim

Benicassim is a perfect destination for a relaxed day trip from Valencia, offering a mix of beautiful beaches and small town charm. Beyond the sandy coastline, Benicassim is known for its Desierto de las Palmas natural park, ideal for hiking and enjoying panoramic views, as well as Via Verde trail, connecting Benicassim with Oropesa. In addition, the town houses charming villas from the early 20th century and a few iconic festivals, like FIB and the child-friendly Rototom Sunsplash. You can read more about my long weekend in Benicassim in this post.

13. Fanzara

Fanzara - a Spanish village for graffiti and street art lovers
The streets of Fanzara

Fanzara is one of the top villages to enjoy street art in Spain. Home to more or less 300 people, Fanzara was about to make it to the list of “Spain’s dying villages” until its streets were converted to an open-air museum. Around 15 graffiti artists were invited by the young generation of locals to transform the village. Thanks to their amazing works the small village gained its unique identity and became an ultimate stop for the art lovers of the region You can read more in this post.

14. Peñiscola

The views from the Castle of Pope Luna in Peñiscola, one of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain
Views from the Castle of Pope Luna in Peñiscola

One of the coolest Valencia day trips to combine history with the beach vibes is definitely Peñiscola. Recently, it was one of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Spain, which brought a lot of international fans to this small Spanish town.

The Peñiscola Castle is one of the top dreamy Spanish castles. Rising 67m above the Mediterranean, it was the residence of Pope Benedict XIII (Papa Luna) from 1417 to 1423. You can check more details here.

Also, if your dates overlap, set your eyes on the nearest small town of Benicarlo and its Artichoke Gastronomic Weeks (from January to March). If traveling with the kids, do not miss Jardin de Papagayo in Benicarlo.

You can reach Peñiscola by car or book one of the tours:

15. Morella

The castle of Morella in Castellon, Spain
Morella

The city of Morella is definitely one of those fairy-tale places in Spain that feel straight out of a storybook. While this is a very personal opinion, if I had to pick one place to visit from Valencia, I’d choose Morella. The only drawback is that Morella is at least a 2-hour and 10-minute drive away. Rising 984 meters above sea level and fortified by 2 kilometers of walls, Morella has always held great strategic importance throughout history. Today, it is one of the most charming medieval towns in all of Spain. You can read more about my visit in this post.

Morella is often combined with Peñíscola, but it really depends on whether you prefer a fast-paced itinerary or a slower travel experience:

16. Teruel

Lovers of Teruel Spain
The Lovers of Teruel while visiting Teruel on a day trip from Valencia
Teruel Spain tower
Mudejar architecture – one of the top things to see in Teruel

Visiting Teruel on a day trip from Valencia offers a unique opportunity to explore lesser-known gems in Spain. The city is known for its stunning examples of Mudejar architecture and the Lovers of Teruel, one of the famous Spanish romantic legends. Also, if traveling with kids do not miss the Dinopolis of Teruel, it is one of our favorites. You can read more about things to do in Teruel in this post.

The best way to visit Teruel from Valencia is to travel by car. Here are a few popular activities to book in Teruel:

17. Requena and Utiel

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Cuevas de la Villa in Requena – one of Valencia hidden gems
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The tiny Silk museum, one of the secret Spanish museums in the region of Valencia.

The small towns of Requena and Utiel, used to be Valencia hidden gems, but both are currently growing their popularity for the international visitors. Requena is known as La Rioja of Valencia. Utiel is a smaller village right next to Requena, famous for it wineries alike. Also, another nearest town of Pedrones houses a small cheese factory.

Additionally, in Requena you can not miss Cuevas de la Villa, a complex of 22 caves from the times of the Arab presence in Spain (abandoned in the XVIII century and rediscovered only in the 70s) and the tiny Silk museum, one of the secret Spanish museums in the region of Valencia.

Here are a few top-rated tours to visit Requena from Valencia:

18. Bocairent

Beautiful villages of Valencia Region - Bocairente village
Bocairent is one of the most beautiful villages near Valencia
Beautiful villages of Valencia Region - Bocairente
The Moorish caves in Bocairent

Bocairent (in Valencian, also called Bocairente in Spanish) could also be a great Valencia day trip idea for the fans of the small town charm in Spain. It´s hard to reach by public transport, so to visit Bocairent, you either need to travel by car, or book an organized day tour. You can check out more details from my visit in this post.

19. The small towns of Alicante – Altea and Villajoyosa 

Colorful Villages Villajoyosa Alicante colorful villages spain
Villajoyosa is one of the most colorful places in Spain

The small towns of Alicante are popular stops on any Valencia to Alicante road trip. However some of these coastal gems can be visited on a day trip from Valencia, like Altea and Villajoyosa. The first one is a charming white-washed Mediterranean town, and the last one – one of the most colorful places in Spain. In my opinion, these small towns are best combined with an Alicante itinerary or Benidorm getaway (since it is quite a drive from Valencia and back). Nevertheless, I cant skip mentioning Altea and Villajoyosa on this list of day trips since both villages are so charming and 100% worth visiting.

20. Moraira Coast

costa blanca cliffs things to see and do in benidorm
Beautiful cliffs of Costa Blanca

If you enjoy hiking along the Spanish cliffs, head to the small town of Moraira. In this village you will find a popular trail to hike the steep limestone coast and enjoy spectacular views on the go. The itinerary takes you across tiny bay-shaped harbors, called calas, like Cala Llebeig and Cala del Moraig. During the warmer months you can even enjoy a dip in the crystalclear waters, but I would not recommend going with the summer hear, since theres no shadow on this trail (check the details on Wikiloc).

21. Roman Aqueduct of Peña Cortada Hike

peña cortada hikes in valencia spain
Roman Aqueduct of Peña Cortada – one of the most popular hikes near Valencia

Roman Aqueduct of Peña Cortada is one of the most popular hikes near Valencia. By following the trail you walk across an authentic ancient Roman aqueduct and later on enter the impressive mountain tunnels. You can check the videos on my IG stories.

This route can be found between the small towns of Chelva and Calles. The best way to visit is to go by car or with an organized tour from Valenica. In my experience, most of the visitors reach Chelva and then follow a local unpaved road with indicator Peña Cortada towards the parking (also marked on Google maps). It will take you only 15 min of walking to reach the Roman Aqueduct and the tunnels (no wonder this area is always busy). Nevertheless, only a few visitors go on with the route, after enjoying the Spanish Roman Ruins – most visitors turn back after the landmarks.

More Valencia Day Trip Ideas

Here are a few other day trip ideas from Valencia that I personally wouldn’t plan for a single day, as I believe they deserve a separate weekend getaway. Plus, all of them have own epic day trips. Nonetheless, it’s great to know all the options available from Valencia.

22. Alicante

one day in Alicante things to see
1-day itinerary for Alicante

While I wouldn’t recommend it due to the distance, many may consider visiting Alicante on a day trip from Valencia. The drive between the two cities is also full of interesting places to explore, such as Javea, Denia, Mediterranean garden in Pedreguer, Guadalest, Calpe, the Pink Lake of Torrevieja, Benidorm, Novelda, Elche, and Atalaya Castle in Villena. Check out more landmarks in my Alicante post and follow this 1-day itinerary for Alicante.

23. Madrid

Madrid is a popular day trip from Valencia due a high-speed train connection, so it only takes 1h52min to reach Spain´s capital from Valencia. You can find lots of tips and itineraries for Madrid on my blog under this hashtag.

24. Cuenca

The same high-speed train to Madrid makes a stop in Cuenca, one of the top gems of the Castile La-Mancha region. The city is mostly known for its stunning cathedral and the Hanging Houses. You can read more in this post and even follow my recent Cuenca road trip.

cuenca hanging houses spain madrid to valencia
The Hanging Houses of Cuenca – one of the most unique Spanish landmarks

25. Valencia Hidden Gems

If it is not your first time in Valencia, you can find even more day trip ideas with no tourists on the radar within my blog series Valencia Hidden Gems.

Discover more local tips for visiting Valencia:

  • How to Spend an Epic Week in Valencia (read it)
  • Valencia With Kids (read it)
  • Breakfast in Valencia – Cute Cafes You´ll Love (read it)
  • Spanish Eating Habits – Almuerzo in Valencia (read it)
  • Valencia Day Trip to Manises (read it)
  • Valencia Hidden Gems Blog Series (read it)
  • The Coolest Hikes near Valencia (read it)
  • Beautiful villages of Valencia – Bocairente (read it)
  • Top Valencia Day Trips by train (read it)
  • Madrid To Valencia Road Trip (read it)
  • Fun & Adventurous Things to do in Valencia (read it)
  • An Ultimate 7-day Valencia Road Trip Itinerary (read it)
  • Unique Valencia Gifts to Get Right Now (read it)
  • Hiking to Penyagolosa: one of the Highest Peaks of Valencia (read it)
  • The Borgia Sights in Valencia (read it)
  • An Ultimate 3 days in Valencia Itinerary (read it)

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