Looking for the best day trips from Valencia Spain? There are so many beautiful places to explore nearby and with the fast train, you can even get to the capital in only a couple of hours!
Whether you’re on a weekend break in Spain spending one day in Valencia and choosing to go on a day trip on your last day, or you’re staying in Valencia for a longer period and want to explore the surroundings, there are plenty of wonderful options.
Valencia is perfectly located on the east coast of Spain and is well connected by public transport. However, you can also drive to most of these places for a day trip. If you’re campervanning in Spain and prefer using Valencia as your base for a while, you can easily get around.
However, there are some organized day tours from Valencia Spain if you prefer the commodity. But don’t worry, I’ll cover it all in this post.
With no further ado, let’s dive into some of the most epic day trips from Valencia.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I’m Linn Haglund, the face behind Brainy Backpackers. I’ve been based in Spain for the last 10+ years, and travel locally and abroad whenever I have a chance. I’m passionate about responsible travel, slow and off the beaten path travel, and outdoor activities, especially hiking. I’m currently slow traveling in my van Persistence (Persi among friends) with my fiancée Mohammed and rescue puppy Atlas. I’m excited to help you explore this planet responsibly!
MORE FROM SPAIN
- Reasons to visit Madrid in winter
- Day trips from Madrid by train
- Valencia 2 day itinerary
- Is Valencia worth visiting?
- Valencia in winter
- Fun bike tours in Valencia
- Best places to visit in Spain for first-timers
- Best coastal towns in Spain
- Weekend breaks in Spain
- Spain off the beaten path
- Andalucia road trip
- Mallorca road trip
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Best day trips from Valencia Spain
Madrid
One of the best day trips from Valencia by train is by far to Spain’s capital city, Madrid. The fast train takes 2 hours each way and trains run frequently throughout the day, but you should leave early to make the most of the day.
Spending one day in Madrid gives you plenty of time to explore the main sites and eat lots of great food – and fellow vegan travelers, get ready for a wealth of options!
The first sight that will meet you coming out of the train station is Plaza Mayor, one of the grandest squares in Spain.
Make sure you make time to visit the Royal Palace in the morning and enter the cathedral which is situated right in front of it. There are guided walking tours that include the Royal Palace which I recommend taking to get the most out of your trip.
Not far from there, you can even explore Egyptian remains at the Temple of Debod, which for me was truly a top attraction in Madrid, as the sucker I am for ancient civilizations.
The rest of the day you can easily spend shopping, strolling around the streets (don’t miss out on Gran Via,) and taking in the beautiful architecture – which are reasons enough to visit Madrid.
Peñiscola
Peñiscola makes one of the most epic one day trips from Valencia. The drive is around one and a half hours but if you leave early, you won’t regret it.
The walled city is crowned by a castle overlooking the coastline and you’ll come across multiple filming locations for Game of Thrones and other movies throughout the old town.
Talking about the old town, strolling through the quaint streets with whitewashed walls draped in green pot plants is one of the best things to do in Peñiscola.
If one building stands out, it has to be the house of shells. Which is exactly what it sounds like. A house covered in shells. With Arabic-style windows, it’s a wonderful tourist attraction in itself.
But don’t forget to visit the castle early so you don’t lose yourself in the old town and get there after closing hours – talking of experience.
If you don’t drive your own vehicle, you can join a full-day tour from Valencia to Peñiscola.
Chelva
One of the most underrated day trips from Valencia is the incredible town of Chelva, just a 50-minute drive from the city.
There are so many things to do that just a day trip might not even be enough. The town is super old and charming with a prominent Moorish quarter with cute old streets and alleys weaving their way up and down the hillside. Traditional potplants line the streets and decorate the whitewashed walls.
Also the Jewish quarter is worth a visit, though it’s a lot smaller, you find some cool corners worth seeing like the bluepainted hermitage which once was a mosque.
Next to Chelva, you can hike to a 1st. century Roman aqueduct and a trail that takes you through tunnels in the mountainside. We did a whole day hike when we visited Chelva during our van travels in Spain, but you can easily do the shorter version for the highlights and walk back when you’ve seen enough.
Buñol and Turche Cave
By Melissa of Illumelation (Updated by Linn Haglund after visiting in June 2024)
Less than two hours away from Valencia sits Turche Cave in Buñol, one of the most underrated day trips from Valencia.
You’ll be met by a stunning waterfall with a turquoise lagoon where you can explore caves, go for a swim, and have a picnic. If you’re brave enough, you can even rappel down the rugged rock face!
If you want to spend the day hiking, Ruta del Agua of Buñol takes you to several stunning waterfalls which can easily be done in 3-4 hours plus swimming stops.
Besides the waterfalls, it is well worth visiting Buñol town too, the castle and the castle grounds are unique as they are still inhabited. I also enjoyed the street art, churches, and strolling around the old town.
To get to this slice of paradise from Valencia City, I recommend taking this guided day trip as it includes transport, time in the town, and a hike to the waterfalls.
Alternatively, you can take the train from Estació del Nord to Buñol (the journey takes around 50 minutes.)
From there, Turche Cave is 5km away on foot – so I’d suggest taking a local bus or taxi from the station to drop you off.
If you’ve got a car, Turche Cave is only a 45-minute drive away from Valencia City, and there’s a dedicated car park off the CV-425.
Chulilla
Less than an hour’s drive from Valencia, you find a wonderful little pearl of a village. Chulilla is super picturesque with its hilltop castle overlooking it.
But the main draw of Chulilla is the nature surrounding the village. The most famous hike is the Ruta de los Puentes Colgantes which takes you through a majestic gorge and over a set of hanging bridges.
Besides, you find the idyllic Charco Azul swimming hole at the bottom of the gorge, which is a 15-20 minute hike from the bottom of the village.
There are even prehistoric cave paintings that were discovered in 1998. This is another great hike which takes about 2.5 hours there and back.
If you feel adventurous, explore all these sites in one day hike and venture out on the Ruta de Los Pontaneros.
If you don’t have a car, join this guided tour from Valencia which includes highlights like the hanging bridges, the Charco Azul, and the castle.
Alicante
Alicante is one of the best Valencia day trips at only a 1 hour 50 minutes drive. The fast train is 2 hours and 9 minutes, or you’re looking at around 2.5 hours for the normal train.
As one of the most popular coastal cities in Spain there is plenty to do in one day in Alicante. For starters, the city boasts epic urban beaches where you can enjoy the sun and a swim.
The 9th-century hilltop castle, Santa Barbara Castle, towers above the city overlooking the coastline and is the top attraction in Alicante.
Stroll around the narrow streets of the old town, people watch at one of the café terraces on the promenade and search for street art (only 2-3 blocks from the promenade.)
I also recommend taking a peek inside the Basilica of St. Mary of Alicante, it’s located a bit off the main tourist trail at the tiny Plaza de Santa Maria.
You can go on a private walking tour to see the highlights of the city in 3 hours, I highly recommend it when visiting for only a day.
Denia
By Sanne of Spend Life Traveling
Denia is a great option if you’re looking for an easy day trip from Valencia Spain to a coastal city with a rich history.
Denia is located on the beautiful Costa Blanca, just a 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Valencia.
This small city is easy to explore on foot yet has plenty to keep you entertained for a full day. Denia offers a nice blend of history, natural beauty, and Mediterranean allure, with different areas to explore boasting different vibes.
Start by visiting Denia’s standout attraction, the remnants of its imposing castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town, offering beautiful panoramic views of the sea and city.
Continue by wandering through the historic center’s charming streets, with countless shops and cafes to stop at. Don’t miss Calle Loreto, which is one of the most beautiful streets in the historic center and a great place to stop for lunch.
The third area to explore is the marina. Take a stroll around the beautiful yachts, take in the view back towards town, and enjoy an ice cream.
If you have enough time, you could even book a sailing cruise to enjoy the beauty of the Costa Blanca from the water.
Denia is a great day trip any time of year because, unlike some of the other towns on the Costa Blanca that are bustling with tourists in summer and die down in winter, Denia remains lively all year round.
Instead of driving, you can also take a bus to Denia from Valencia’s central bus station. The buses are operated by ALSA and take between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on which bus you choose.
The first bus to Denia generally departs at 6:00 or 8:00, and the last bus back will be either at 21.30 or 23.30, depending on the day of the week. But check here for bus times and online bookings.
Calpe
By Martina and Jürgen of PlacesofJuma
Calpe is a beautiful town on the Costa Blanca and one of the most unforgettable day trips from Valencia Spain.
This coastal town is about 120 kilometers away, and the best way to get there is by rental car in about 1.5 hours. It is also possible to get there by bus. However, this is not recommended due to the long journey time (up to 3 hours).
One of the real highlights of Calpe is certainly the breathtaking coastline of the town. You can sunbathe, swim, and do water sports on incredibly beautiful beaches such as Playa de la Fossa or Playa del Arenal Bol.
A special feature that differentiates Calpe from Valencia is the 332-meter-high Peñón de Ifach. This imposing rock in the sea is a nature reserve and the town’s main landmark.
In addition to its great beaches and natural treasures, Calpe is also a city of cultural beauty. There is a pretty, colorful old town with many monuments and romantic squares.
You can also visit Roman excavations in Calpe, and there is a salt lake with pink flamingos right in the city, which is truly unique.
Villajoyosa
By Maria of LifestyleTraveler
Villajoyosa is a cute coastal town less than a 2-hour drive away and one of the most charming places to visit near Valencia.
It is known for its lovely old houses painted in different bright colors. You won’t find another colorful place like this anywhere nearby.
There is a beautiful beach and a promenade walk with cafes and restaurants. Parking is available at both ends of the promenade, including an underground garage near the colorful buildings of the Old Town.
Make sure to walk around the streets leading to Carrer Santa Marta – that’s where these colorful buildings are. On your way back, walk along the riverbed.
Villajoyosa is pretty tiny and you can easily combine it with a trip to Altea or Guadalest.
But if you have time to make a full day out of it, consider visiting the Valor Chocolate Museum. By this time you’ve probably seen Valor cafes along the coast as well as their chocolates in supermarkets. The museum is also home to the factory where they are produced.
Sierra Calderona Natural Park
By Alex of PeakDistrict
Sierra Calderona Natural Park, located just a 30-40 minute drive north of the city, encompasses an 18,019-hectare area ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
The park’s landscape, rich in history, features ravines, caves, and forests of pines and cork oaks, presenting captivating natural beauty perfect for day trips. While it’s possible to take a bus to the nearby town of Serra, accessing the park by car is recommended for exploring its entirety.
Among the key attractions, you find Cartuja de Valldecrist. Nestled in the foothills of Sierra Calderona, this site is renowned for its rich architectural heritage and is a must-visit for those interested in the region’s monastic history.
The Monastery of Santo Espíritu del Monte is another highlight. Located in the picturesque town of Gilet, this spiritual sanctuary is notable. Its inn, open to the public, provides a unique opportunity for exploration.
Castell de Serra is located 536 meters above the Turia Valley, this historic fortress offers panoramic views. Access is free, and parking is available in the layby at the base of the castle.
The natural park is also home to some amazing hikes near Valencia, among the best ones, Cruz de Montepicayo. A 6.6km circular trail leading to Mirador Monte Picayo (Viewing Point), which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Valencian coast.
Another epic hiking route is Pico de l’Àguila. This short 3.5km scenic route gently ascends towards Segart, with an optional detour to the peak of l’Àguila.
Benidorm
By Vicki of Vicki Viaja
Benidorm is one of those destinations that divides opinion. Some love the city on the Costa Blanca; others avoid it at all costs. In any case, it’s worth visiting this place and deciding for yourself.
You can reach Benidorm from Valencia by bus or car within 1.5 hours making it one of the easiest day trips from Valencia by public transport.
Benidorm is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Valencia region. With turquoise waters and a long coastline, Benidorm is perfect for a beach trip from Valencia.
Probably the best place to enjoy the view over the beach and the long stretch of coastline is the Balcó del Mediterrani.
You can reach the small terrace on the Mediterranean via a staircase. It’s best to come here early in the morning, as the balcony is one of the most popular photo spots in the city.
From here, you have a fantastic view over the Benidorm skyline – one reason this place has become so popular.
La Fuente de Los Baños de Montanejos
By Steff of JustTravelous
Just a short 1-hour drive north of Valencia is the serene thermal baths of La Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos.
The locals will tell you these thermal baths are fountains of youth with year-round temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.
The baths are free to enter, which means they can get crowded during the summer, so explore off-season to enjoy these beautiful baths without the people.
The baths are located at the foot of a canyon. It is a great day trip from Valencia. Park your car in the parking lot and walk the short 100 meters down to the baths.
Once you enter the water, go to the edges of the canyon to feel the increase in temperatures. Swim to your left to explore a small cave.
There are bathrooms and changing rooms next to the baths, so it is easy to spend the whole day relaxing here. Pick up sandwiches in the nearby town of Montanejos on your way.
The water is safe to drink, and the locals will come and fill up their bottles at the fountain because of its healing properties.
If you don’t drive, join a tour to explore the thermal baths including a hike to get there.
Albufera Natural Park
By Annelies of Travelers & Dreamers
After enjoying all the wonderful sights, beaches, and some vegan paella in Valencia, you might be looking for a retreat in nature to escape the buzz of the city for a while.
Enter Parc Natural de l’Albufera, a wonderful place located just a few kilometers south of Valencia.
Albufera Natural Park is primarily a wetland with a large lake at its heart. It is surrounded by rice fields, the most important crop of the area because Valencia is known to be the birthplace of traditional Spanish paella.
The ecosystem of the park boasts a rich biodiversity, especially birdlife. It’s an important stopover and nesting site for many bird species, making the park a superb place for birdwatching.
The entrance to the park is free, however, if you want to make a boat trip on the lake, this comes with an extra charge.
Albufera Natural Park is in easy reach from Valencia. Bus 24 and 25 run from the center to the park, however, a great way to discover the park is by renting a bicycle and making your way to the park by following the coastline.
If you want to avoid the hassle of arranging transport, there are tours available that offer an Albufera day trip including a boat tour.
Altea
By Sonia of Happy Little Traveler
Altea is a peaceful seaside town located in the heart of Costa Blanca and makes for one of the loveliest day trips around Valencia.
It’s famous for its charming old town full of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, the iconic blue dome of the town’s main church, and several beaches with calming sea views perfect for sunbathing.
Altea is also a paradise for artists – there you’ll find numerous small art galleries, workshops, and craft shops selling various handmade items. All of it comes together perfectly.
Some of the best things to do in Altea include wandering among the picturesque maze of old town streets, visiting the town’s viewpoints, strolling along the seaside promenade with some bold sculptures, visiting the Russian Orthodox Church, and relaxing in the garden of the senses – Jardín de los Sentidos.
Oh, and of course you can’t miss hitting the beach during the hot days!
Altea is located about 130km from Valencia and the best way to get there on a day trip is by car which takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
A trip by bus will take between 2.5-4 hours, depending on the route, so I wouldn’t recommend it for a day trip as it eats up a lot of the day. However, should you decide to take the journey by bus, there are frequent buses each way, just make sure you catch the fastest route and don’t waste your day on the bus.
Xativa
By Kristin of Growing Global Citizens
If you’re looking for an easy and close day trip from Valencia by train, head to the town of Xativa and tour its amazing castle.
Xativa is only 60 kilometers southwest of Valencia and easily reachable by train. The route is a regularly scheduled cercanías route and a roundtrip ticket only costs 9 euros.
Once you arrive in Xativa you’ll have a 45-minute uphill walk to the castle. During peak tourist times there is a shuttle bus available for those that don’t want to walk.
Make sure to check their website ahead of time if you are planning on driving because on many days they don’t allow cars to drive all the way to the top because of a lack of parking.
Xativa’s castle has a very unique saddle shape and an entrance in the lower part in the middle. This means there are amazing views of the castle and the surrounding area from either side.
Before you leave Xativa, check out La Collegiata Cathedral and the Plaça del Mercat Square. For art buffs, don’t miss the Casa de L’Ensenyament Art Museum which houses works by Ribera and Goya.
Xativa makes a fun and easy day trip with some of the best views in Spain!
Getting around on Valencia day trips
Getting around is easy on Valencia day trips. If you have a rental car, you can easily reach all of the above day trips from Valencia except Madrid, which is only reasonable to go for the day by fast train.
You can check rental car deals here.
That said, going on day trips from Valencia by train and bus is a breeze. It’s true, there are some destinations that are hard to get to by public transport or it just takes too long for just the day. But there are still plenty of options, usually more budget-friendly than by car.
Check bus and train departures and prices here.
Reflections on day trips from Valencia
Summing up the best day trips from Valencia, there are plenty of fun choices for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a foodie and want to explore the big cities or you prefer the peace of quiet of small towns. Besides, nature lovers are spoilt for choice with the natural park nearby.
I hope this post has helped you find the perfect Valencia day trip for you.
Happy travels!