Best day trips and excursions from Valencia

Very close to the city of Valencia you have towns and regions frankly charming for its history, its festivals and its natural landscapes. Medieval castles, unspoiled coves, rocky caves and adrenaline-filled festivals await you for a day trip.

Coves of Xàbia

On the north coast of the province of Alicante is one of the favorite destinations of the Valencians. The coves of Xàbia form a paradisiacal enclave on the Costa Blanca, with natural beaches of rock and stone, among which the Arenal stands out. You can snorkel and scuba dive or relax on the shore under an umbrella. The waters are turquoise, very transparent and crystalline. Nearby is the beautiful town of Jávea or the port of Xàbia, surrounded by picturesque houses.

By public transportation you can take the Alsa bus or the train, both trips last 2 hours and 30 minutes. By car, 1 hour and 30 minutes by highway.

The hanging bridges of Chulilla

Just 60 km from Valencia is the town of Chulilla, a small town in which its main attraction is the route of the hanging bridges. It is a combination of forest and rocky landscapes that make up a true natural paradise, with elevated wooden bridges so that hikers can move in total comfort and have the best views of the Turia Canyon. Other interesting areas are El Charco Azul, Las Canales, El Remanso de las Mulas and the views from the Mirador de La Muela.

The best option for a day trip to Chulilla is to go by car and arrive in 50 minutes. There is public transportation, by trains and buses, but it is a tedious seven-hour trip.

The castle of Peñiscola

Peñiscola is a coastal enclave with long beaches and great rice restaurants. But the main attraction is its castle, which stands out in the old town, built by the Templars on the ruins of a mosque and was the official seat of Pope Luna. It forms a real fortress, with a set of walls that served to protect the city from attacks. It is a perfect getaway to walk and get lost in this medieval neighborhood. At the foot of the castle stretches the beach, with 3 km of coastline with pristine coves and many options for swimmers.

You can get to Peñíscola from Valencia by AVE high-speed train in three hours or by car on the highway in half the time.

The white houses of Altea

Another of the most charming towns on the Costa Blanca is Altea, in the north of the province of Alicante. It stands out for its cliffy coastline, the old town with its narrow cobblestone streets, the number of viewpoints facing the sea and its white houses. At the top of the town stands the Church of Consuelo and the city has two ports, a marina and a fishing port. It also has a promenade that goes from the port to the old fishing village. Altea can be reached by car in a one and a half hour trip or by bus of the Alsa company in a two and a half hour trip.

The walled town of Morella

In the north of the province of Castellón is located this medieval jewel that captivates tourists from all over the world because it is a completely walled village. The castle is one of the most impressive buildings in Morella, in addition to the convent of San Francisco, the archpriestly church and the medieval porches. From here you can make many hiking trails in the area on paths full of caves, hermitages and many natural charms. The best option to escape to Morella for a day is by car, a trip of about two hours. Public transportation also arrives, but it takes four hours.

Alfubera Natural Park

Nature and gastronomy go hand in hand in this natural setting just 10 km from the city of Valencia. An environment of beautiful sunsets, rice fields and forests, where you can taste the original Valencian cuisine, as it is the place where the famous paella was invented. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a full-day getaway, with six different and very well marked itineraries within the natural park, for a walk to discover native plant species and birds. You can go by car or by public transport with the Valencia Tourist Card.

La Tomatina of Buñol

The town of Buñol is located 38 minutes by car from Valencia and one hour by bus or train and is famous for its Tomatina, the festival in which thousands of people walk through the streets dressed in white and throw tons of tomatoes. It is a unique festival that attracts national and foreign tourists every August 31. Tickets can be purchased as single tickets or in packs that include official clothing, paellas, drinks and checkroom access. An ideal getaway for lovers of adrenaline and verbena fun.

Autumn in Tenencia de Benifasar

If you are in Valencia during autumn, a good day trip is to go to the Natural Park of Tenencia de Benifasar, located in the north of the province of Castellón. In autumn, this forest of conifers and Mediterranean trees acquires a variety of ocher, yellow, red and orange colors that will be a delight for your eyes and your photographs. A perfect place for long and pleasant walks in the forest and with many hiking trails to enjoy as a couple, with friends and family. There is no public transportation to get there from Valencia and the only option is by car, a trip that takes about two hours.

The castle of Xátiva

In the south of the province of Valencia is located this region that holds one of the most historic towns in the area. It is presided over by an imposing castle that still preserves a valuable artistic heritage, which is why the entire town of Xàtiva was declared a Historic-Artistic Site a few decades ago. We recommend visiting the castle and then stroll through the old town passing by the Hospital Reial, the Plaça de la Trinitat, the Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria and the Church of Sant Feliu. Xàtiva can be reached by car in 50 minutes or by regional train C2 in one hour.

The caves of Sant Josep

Within the city of Vall d’Uixó is a unique natural enclave in the region: Les Coves de Sant Josep, which are the gateway to the Natural Park of the Sierra de Espadán. In this getaway you can visit the longest navigable subway river in Europe, with 2750 meters long and, in the same route, an interesting path through caves that keep strange shapes and prehistoric sites with cave paintings. The general admission ticket costs 13,40 € and includes a 40-minute visit, during which you will travel 800 meters by boat and in the middle of the caves, always accompanied by an experienced guide. The rest is done on foot.