Best Day Trips from Valencia

The city of Valencia, located on Spain's eastern coast, doesn't lack things to do. Whether you're looking for incredible food, fascinating historical monuments, lively culture, or great beaches, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied in this remarkable city. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Valencia, and you'll soon see that there's more than enough to do here to keep you occupied for a weekend, a week, or more.

But once you're done exploring the best museums in Valencia and sampling the incredible food, there's lots more to do in the region to keep you entertained. Day trips from Valencia can take you from Spain's third largest city to the narrow cobbled streets of a pretty coastal town, the ancient city walls of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the raw beauty of some beautiful parks. So make time to enjoy at least one of the best day trips from Valencia, and see more of this fascinating region while you can.

How to get out of Valencia

Valencia's Estacio Nord is the city's main train station and functions as a transportation hub for the city. Valencia has a good public transportation network, and you can read more about how to get around the city here. But the network of regional and intercity trains is also a great way to get around, especially if you plan on hopping from one city to another.

Valencia also has a ferry terminal, and it's possible to sail from here to multiple locations throughout Spain and beyond, including the famous Balearic Islands. The ferry journey to Ibiza from Valencia takes more than five hours, meaning it's not really suitable for a day trip. But it is a good option to bear in mind if you want to travel a little more in Spain.

Finally, there's always the option of renting a car. Some of the more remote locations for the best day trips from Valencia are only reachable this way, so if there's something you particularly want to see and you know public transport won't get you there, this is an option worth considering.

From Valencia to Albufera Natural Park

Just south of Valencia city is the Albufera Natural Park, a large area of wetlands that is home to an abundance of different wildlife. The park is also an important stopover point for many migrating birds, so it's a great place to come if you're interested in birdwatching.

There are several different ways to explore the park, but one of the most popular is by taking a boat tour from El Palmar. These boat trips typically last around two hours and will take you out onto the lake to see the flamingos and other wildlife up close. Plus, a boat ride always makes for a fun day trip.

If you're feeling active, there are also numerous hiking and cycling trails criss-crossing the park, which are perfect for exploring on a day trip from Valencia.

How to get to Albufera

It's less than an hour from the center of Valencia to Albufera Natural Park. You can drive or take the city bus to get there, making this an excellent half-day trip that lets you get away from it all without traveling too far.

From Valencia to Peniscola

The coastal town of Peniscola is located just over two hours north of Valencia, making it the perfect day trip if you're looking to escape the city for a while. The town is built atop a rocky promontory that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea, and it's surrounded by walls that date back to the 14th century.

One of the best things to do in Peniscola is simply to wander around and explore. The old town is incredibly picturesque, with narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and pretty flowers tumbling out of window boxes. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can stop for lunch or a coffee break, as well as plenty of shops selling souvenirs and local produce.

How to get to Peniscola

You can drive from Valencia to Peniscola in about an hour and a half. It's also possible to reach the town by public transit from Valencia by taking the train to Castello de la Plana and then a bus from there. However, this will take over three hours.

From Valencia to Cuenca

Cuenca is a city located in the mountains inland from Valencia, and it's famous for its unique architecture. The city is built on high cliffs overlooking a gorge, and many of the houses appear to be clinging precariously to the edge. Known as the hanging houses, these buildings are famous throughout Spain and beyond. It's no wonder that Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are several churches and museums to explore in Cuenca and plenty of winding streets lined with shops and cafes. And if you want to get away from the city for a while, several hiking trails lead out into the surrounding countryside.

How to get to Cuenca

You'll need a car for this one. The journey takes around two and a half hours by car, and there's no train station at Cuenca.

From Valencia to Alicante

Alicante is a large city located on the southeast coast of Spain, and it makes for a great day trip from Valencia. There's plenty to see and do here, including visiting the castle which overlooks the city, strolling along the beautiful promenade, or simply relaxing on one of the many beaches.

If you're feeling active, there are also several hiking trails leading up into the mountains surrounding Alicante. And if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the city, there are numerous museums and galleries to explore.

Alicante is a town that has been popular with international ex-pats and holidaymakers for decades, so you'll find it a welcoming place to visit with plenty to do. Undoubtedly one of the best day trips from Valencia if you want to explore another Spanish city, Alicante has a very different atmosphere from Valencia but is no less enjoyable.

How to get to Alicante

You can take the train from Valencia to the center of Alicante in about two hours. There's also a bus service, but it takes longer. Alternatively, driving will take around two hours too.

From Valencia to Tabarca

Tabarca is a small island located just off the coast of Alicante, and it's a popular day trip destination from Valencia. The island was once home to a penal colony, but nowadays, it's a peaceful place where you can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

There are several beaches on Tabarca, as well as a few restaurants and cafes. However, the main attraction here is simply the opportunity to get away from it all and enjoy some time on a quiet island. You can take a boat trip over from Alicante, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Reachable by a boat ride from Alicante, Tabarca is close enough for a great day trip, but feels a long way away.

How to get to Tabarca

It takes around an hour on the boat to get from Alicante to Tabarca. Add on around two hours to reach Alicante, either by train or by car.

From Valencia to Sagunto

This Roman city is one that fans of history and culture shouldn't miss, and one of the best day trips from Valencia if you want to dive into the ancient history of Spain. Sagunto is located just a short drive from Valencia, and it's home to some impressive Roman ruins.

The city walls are one of the most impressive things to see, as they date back to the 2nd century BC. There's also an extensive archaeological site, which includes a theatre that combines Roman and Moorish elements, an amphitheater, and several temples. If you want to learn more about the history of Sagunto, there's also a museum onsite.

This is a fascinating and atmospheric place to visit, and history lovers shouldn't miss the opportunity to take this great day trip and step back in time.

How to get to Sagunto

It's only around a 40-minute drive to Sagunto, making this one of the best day trips from Valencia if you're short on time. It's also possible to take the C6 bus all the way to the Roman city if you don't want to drive.

From Valencia to Madrid

Of all the day trips from Valencia you could take, this is definitely one to consider. Madrid is Spain's capital, and it's located just over two hours from Valencia by train.

There's so much to see and do in Madrid that you could easily spend a week here and still not see everything. Highlights include the Prado Museum, one of the best art museums in Europe; the Royal Palace, a beautiful building that was once the home of Spanish royalty; and the Retiro Park, a huge green space in the center of Madrid where you can relax or take part in one of the many activities on offer.

Madrid is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with plenty to offer visitors, making it an excellent choice for a day trip.

Perhaps the only issue with day trips from Valencia to Madrid is that a single day isn't enough to properly explore this huge and sprawling city. You might be better off planning to stay at least one night in Madrid so that you can make the most out of Spain's capital.

How to get to Madrid

Thanks to Spain's high-speed intercity train network, it's possible to reach Madrid in under two hours. Compare that to driving the same distance, which will take you closer to four hours and is easy to see that the train is probably a better way to go.

From Valencia to Cullera

Cullera is a small town located just south of Valencia, and it's a great place to enjoy some time by the sea. The town has a long sandy beach, as well as a number of restaurants and cafes.

If you're feeling active, several hiking trails lead up into the mountains surrounding Cullera. And if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the area, there are numerous museums and galleries to explore. You can also take a walking tour of the historic heart of the city and learn more about the history and culture of this beautiful and laid-back town.

How to get to Cullera

You can reach Cullera by train or by car. Located about an hour south of Valencia, this is one of the easier day trips from Valencia you can take; however you choose to get there.

From Valencia to Javea and Denia

Javea and Denia are both located on the Costa Blanca, and they make for great day trips from Valencia if you're looking to enjoy some time by the sea. Javea is a small town with a beautiful sandy beach, while Denia is a larger resort town with plenty of amenities.

Both Javea and Denia offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the coastline. There are also several restaurants and cafes in both towns, as well as a number of shops selling souvenirs and beachwear. If you're feeling active, you can also try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing.

These two towns make for great day trips if you want to enjoy some time by the sea, and they're both easily accessible from Valencia.

How to get to Javea and Denia

It's a little over an hour's drive to Denia from Valencia and only a few minutes more to Javea. You can also take a two-hour bus ride to Denia and travel from one town to the other, but these buses can get crowded during summer.

Conclusion

Valencia itself has plenty to offer. But with so many locations for memorable day trips in the surrounding area, it would be a shame not to see them. These day trips from Valencia can show you another side of Spain and make for an even more enjoyable vacation. Whether you travel by public transport or by car, you'll have an easier time if you leave your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage, so drop off your things and enjoy these incredible day trips from Valencia.