The 14 most beautiful day trips from Valencia (and how to get there)
When visiting Valencia for a longer period of time, exploring its surroundings is definitely something you should consider. The region has some real gems to offer. After exploring this area for half a year, we have put together the ultimate list with the 15 most beautiful day trips from Valencia!
TIP
Spain is a large, expansive country where, unfortunately, you cannot easily get everywhere by public transport. However, the app BlaBlaCar is widely used in Spain. It allows you to ride with someone who is already driving in a certain direction for a small fee. Sem and I have used this app a lot in Spain and we have been very pleased with it each time. If you are a student or staying in Valencia for a longer period of time and you want to do one of these day trips, you can also go with an organization like Happy Erasmus. They organize day trips including transportation to the most beautiful places. In fact, we did some of these day trips with Happy Erasmus!
Altea
Altea is a charming little town, full of white houses. It actually gives a little Mamma Mia vibes full of white washed houses and flowers everywhere! Take a stroll through the old city, from the beach up to the top of the hills. I can guarantee that the views are amazing!
How to get there: You can get to Altea by bus. Take the bus to Benidorm and get off at Altea, this will take you close to 4 hours. If you go by car, the journey will be 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Calpe
Calpe is mainly famous for El peñon de Ifach, a 332 meter high rock protruding from the sea. This one is definitely worth a visit! You can also climb the rock, as Sem and I did. But be aware, it is not the easiest route. Calpe also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain.
How to get there: You can get to Calpe by bus. Take the bus to Benidorm. Here you change to the bus to Calpe. This journey takes about 3 hours. If you go by car, it will take you 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Xàtiva
During your day trip to Xàtiva, you absolutely must visit its beautiful castle. The castle is located on a double-peaked hill. Enjoy the beautiful views, interesting history and delicious lunch at the restaurant. When you go down into the centre, you can follow the Water Route, as the city is known as the city of a thousand fountains.
How to get there: You can get to Xàtiva by train, which is only 35 minutes. If you want to go by car, this will take you 45 minutes.
El Castell de Guadalest
El Castell de Guadalest might be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The cute little village has a lot of authenticity, a couple of lovely museums and insane views to offer. If you enjoy hiking, I would definitely recommend the Embalse de Guadalest.
How to get there: You can only visit El Castell de Guadalest by car. This is a 1 hour and 50 minutes’ drive.
Les Fonts d'Algar
Another one of Spain’s most beautiful places is Les Fonts d’Algar. This natural park is full of the most beautiful waterfalls where you can admire the beautiful nature or even swim in the pure and crystalline waters.
How to get there: You can only go to Les Fonts d’Algar by car, which takes you around 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Chulilla Ruta de los Calderones
Chulilla will, just like Guadalest, take your breath away. This absolutely magnificent hiking spot is one of our favorites! The deep blue waters and beautiful nature will make you feel as if you are in another world.
How to get there: You can only go to Chulilla by car, which is a 45 minutes’ drive.
Montanejos
Montanejos is a beautiful and famous spot for people from Valencia. In the charming Spanish mountain village, you can eat delicious, authentic food, hike through the mountains and swim in the hot springs.
How to get there: You can only get to Montanejos by car, which takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Peñíscola
Peñíscola is a nice town for a day trip from Valencia. The city has a lot of history, which is noticeable everywhere. Visit the Castello de Papa Luna, walk through the castle gardens, go to Plaza de Santa Maria and end your day at the beach.
How to get there: You can get to Peñíscola by train, which is around 1 hour and 10 mins. In the summer months, take the train to Benicarló-Peñíscola. Here, you can get on the bus to Peñíscola. In winter, take the train to Vinaròs and then take the bus to Peñíscola.
Castellón de la Plana
Castellón is a somewhat larger city where there is a lot to do. Some nice sights are Plaza Mayor, La Lonja Del Cáñamo, Plaza Marcadillo and the park Parque Ribalta. There are also many churches in Castellón.
How to get there: You can easily get to Castellón by bus, which is a 1 hour ride, or by car, which takes 50 minutes.
Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona
A visit to the Parque Natural de la Sierra Calderona is a wonderful change during your stay in the city. The natural park is one of the closest to the city of Valencia. You can take beautiful walks here, drive around by car and go from one viewpoint to the next or cycle a challenging mountain bike route. There are also several ruins and castles to admire and around the natural park there are many lovely villages.
How to get there: You can only get to the natural park by car, which will take you 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Jávea
Jávea is one of the most authentic Spanish villages around Valencia. The town has the most beautiful beaches, the most delicious Valencian food and you can still find a lot of history here. In La Villa, for example, you can find remains of piracy. There are also nice museums and markets to visit.
How to get there: By bus, the trip will be around 2,5 hours. By car it will be 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Dénia
The narrow Moorish streets that meander through the centre show that Denia is a town with a special history. A visit to the Baix la Mar district full of coloured, traditional fishermen’s houses is definitely worthwhile. You can also enjoy a delicious meal there.
How to get there: You get can in Dénia by bus, this is a 1,5 hour ride. You can also go there by car, which takes you 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Gandia
Gandia is mainly known for the Palau Ducal, a beautiful palace and one of the most important buildings of Valencian architecture. A visit to the church of Santa María Iglesia is also worthwhile. At 2 km from the city you reach the beach, where you can eat and enjoy the clear blue sea.
How to get there: You can get in Gandia by train, which is just under an hour. If you go by car, it will be a 50 minute ride.
Parc Natural de l'Albufera
The nature reserve Albufera offers the most beautiful hiking trails. You can go for a boat trip on the lake, walk through the dunes, visit the rice fields or simply enjoy the sea. Make sure to visit the villages of El Palmar and El Saler for the best paella in Spain! Tip: sit by the lake during sunset. It truly is the most magnificent view to watch a sunset.
How to get there: From Valencia, you can easily get to the natural park by taking bus 24 or bus 25, which only costs you around €1.50.
If you want to learn more about the beautiful city of Valencia itself, make sure to check out our blog here!
