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Day Trips from Valencia: Best destinations for every traveller
Discover the best day trips from Valencia by train, car, or bus. Find top spots for food, beaches, culture, and families, with routes and travel tips.
Day trips from Valencia are one of the easiest ways to see more of Spain without changing hotels. From historic castles and seaside towns to nature reserves and wine regions, there’s a wide range of places to visit near Valencia, all within a couple of hours from the city by car or train.
This guide helps you choose the right destination based on your interests, the season, and how much time you have.
You’ll also find practical tips on how to get there by train, car, boat, or bus, and how to stay connected throughout your trip with a Holafly eSIM for Spain.
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Best day trips from Valencia by train
Many of the best day trips from Valencia are easily reached by train, making them perfect for travellers without a car. These routes connect you to historic towns, quiet nature spots, and coastal escapes, all within 90 minutes of Valencia.
Here are the best day trips from Valencia by train:
Xàtiva: Historic castle and old town
Xàtiva is one of the most popular day trips from Valencia by train, especially if you’re after history, architecture, and a slower pace.
Just one hour from Valencia, Xàtiva is a small town offering breathtaking views, a well-preserved medieval fortress, and a walkable centre filled with cultural landmarks.
Top things to do in Xàtiva:
- Visit the Castle of Xàtiva: A hilltop fortress with panoramic views and centuries of Roman, Moorish, and Christian history
- Walk along La Albereda: The city’s central promenade, once tied to King Jaume I’s royal path
- Step inside the Gran Teatre: A neoclassical theatre that remains a cultural reference point
- Explore the old town: Cobbled streets, quiet plazas, and family-run cafés offer a glimpse of local life.
Gandia: Beaches, palaces, and local life
Gandia is one of the easiest coastal day trips from Valencia by train, especially if you want to combine beach time with a dose of local culture. Trains run regularly from Valencia Nord and get you there in just under an hour.
Top things to do in Gandia:
- Unwind at Gandia Beach: A wide, clean stretch of sand with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
- Tour the Ducal Palace of the Borja: A former seat of the Borgia family, full of art and history
- Explore the old town: Local bakeries, small shops, and quiet plazas give you a feel for everyday life
- Walk the seafront promenade: Ideal for lunch or drinks by the sea
Best day trips from Valencia by car
If you have access to a car, your day trip options from Valencia open up even more.
A short drive can take you to medieval seaside towns, inland wine regions, or scenic mountain villages that are harder to reach by public transport.
Peñíscola: Seaside castle and beach
Peñíscola is one of the most iconic coastal towns in eastern Spain, known for its hilltop castle and sea-wrapped old town. It’s about 1.5 hours north of Valencia by car, making it a rewarding full-day trip with history, views, and beach time all in one.
Here are the top things to do in Peñíscola:
- Visit the Papa Luna Castle: A 14th-century fortress built by the Knights Templar, perched on a rocky peninsula
- Walk the historic old town: Narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and Mediterranean views at every corner
- Relax on the beach: Clean, wide, and perfect for a swim or a seaside lunch
- Try local seafood: Restaurants along the seafront serve fresh catches and rice dishes.
Requena and Utiel wine region
The Requena-Utiel wine region is just an hour from Valencia. It’s one of the best places to visit near Valencia by car for wine tasting, scenic drives, and a deeper look at traditional inland Spain.
Top things to do in Requena and Utiel:
- Tour local vineyards: Book a wine-tasting experience at a bodega and learn about one of Spain’s oldest wine regions
- Visit the wine caves: Requena’s historic cellars date back centuries and offer cool underground tours
- Walk through Requena’s old quarter: Cobblestone alleys, stone churches, and local artisans
- Stop for a long lunch: Traditional dishes paired with local wine in quiet village restaurants
Best day trips from Valencia by boat
Some of the most relaxing day trips from Valencia involve getting on the water. From quiet lagoon tours to coastal escapes, these boat-friendly destinations offer a fresh perspective and a slower pace.
Albufera Natural Park boat tours
Albufera Natural Park is one of the best day trips from Valencia for nature and local culture, and the boat rides are what make it special.
You can drive from the city or take a train to Sollana (about 30 minutes), then continue by bus or taxi into the park. The full trip takes under an hour, and it’s well worth the effort.
Once there, you can take a boat trip through the calm lagoon and rice fields with a local guide to enjoy a perfect, calm day in nature.
Here are some other things to do in Albufera:
- Try traditional Valencian paella in El Palmar village, the birthplace of the most famous dish in Spain
- Walk or cycle the nature trails for birdwatching and quiet views
- Catch the sunset from a wooden pier overlooking the wetlands
Coastal excursions from Valencia Port
If you’re looking to explore beyond the city while staying close to the sea, Valencia Port offers boat trips along the coast.
Booking a boat trip is one of the best things to do in Valencia, which allows you to:
- Relax on deck during a catamaran or sailboat tour
- Stop for a swim in nearby coves or clear open waters
- Enjoy onboard meals or drinks with a sea view
- Catch a sunset cruise for a calm, scenic end to your day
Best day trips from Valencia by bus
Taking the bus from Valencia is a budget-friendly way to explore nearby towns, beaches, and cultural sites.
Routes are regular and reliable, often connecting directly to central points in smaller destinations.
Valencia to Sagunto and Cullera
Both Sagunto and Cullera are among the best day trips from Valencia, with frequent buses departing from Valencia Bus Station.
Travel times are around 30 to 45 minutes, making them ideal for families or travellers on a tighter schedule.
Here is how to get from Valencia to Sagunto and Cullera by bus:
- To Sagunto: Take a bus with AVSA (Grupo Hife) from Valencia’s main bus station. Buses run regularly throughout the day.
- To Cullera: Use Alsa or Metrobus services, or take a regional train from Estació del Nord if timing works better.
Both towns offer easy access to beaches, castles, and local dining, without needing to book in advance or spend much.
Valencia to Peñíscola
If you’d rather not drive, you can still reach Peñíscola by bus. It takes a bit longer, around 2 hours, but it’s a comfortable ride with views of the coast.
Here is how to get from Valencia to Peñíscola by bus:
- Direct buses with Hife leave from Valencia’s main bus station and arrive within walking distance of the old town and beach.
- Book your ticket online in advance, especially during weekends or holidays when demand is higher.
Getting to Peñíscola by bus is a great option if you’re planning a full-day trip and want to relax during the journey.
How to plan your day trips from Valencia
Planning day trips from Valencia is about more than picking a destination; it’s about timing, transport, and knowing what fits your travel rhythm.
How many days in Valencia is enough?
If you stay in Valencia for 2 days, you’ll have just enough time to explore the city’s highlights before heading out on a nearby day trip. Add a third or fourth day, and you can slow down, enjoy local food and festivals, and venture further to the coast or countryside. It all comes down to your pace and what you want to experience.
Which transport should you choose for day trips from Valencia?
Valencia is well-connected, so you can easily take day trips by train, bus, car, or even boat. Trains work well for historic towns, buses are affordable for nearby beaches, and car hire offers flexibility if you’re travelling with others or heading inland.
If you’re planning to travel to Spain without renting a car, Valencia is one of the easiest cities to navigate.
What is the best seaside town near Valencia?
If you’re looking for Mediterranean charm, Altea and Calpe are worth the extra distance for their beach cafés and sea views.
Closer options like Sagunto and Cullera offer coastal promenades and a slower pace, perfect if you want to explore what it’s like to live in Valencia for a day.
What are the best day trips from Valencia with kids?
Oceanogràfic and Bioparc Valencia are two of the best options for a day trip from Valencia with kids; they are educational, interactive, and centrally located.
For a more relaxed outing, head to Cullera, where kids can enjoy the beach and a gentle hike up to the castle. If you’re travelling during the Las Fallas Festival, plan your days early to avoid the busiest crowds.
Stay connected wisely during your trip in Valencia
Holafly’s eSIM for Valencia gives you unlimited data from the moment you arrive, with instant activation and no roaming fees or physical SIM swaps needed.
You can choose a daily or monthly eSIM plan to suit your itinerary, whether you’re exploring Valencia’s old town or heading out on day trips.
And if your travels continue, there’s no need to switch. Your Holafly eSIM stays active in over 200+ destinations, including the rest of Spain, Europe, and more.
From Valencia to your next stop, take your connection wherever the journey leads.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
