TOP 5 day trips from Valencia: stunning destinations nearby

The Valencia region is packed with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From stunning natural parks to charming towns steeped in history, there's no shortage of incredible day trips from Valencia, capital of the province of the same name. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or wine enthusiast, there's something for everyone.

To help you choose amongst the variety of options, we’ve selected our 5 favorite destinations for a day trip from Valencia, Spain. Let's hit the road and discover some of the best-kept secrets this region has to offer!

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5 best day trips from Valencia

1. Albufera Natural Park: a stunning wetland paradise

First up, we have the breathtaking Albufera Natural Park, a wetland paradise that's just a stone's throw away from Valencia city. This is hands down one of our favorite day trips and a must-visit for any nature enthusiast.

One of the best ways to experience Albufera Natural Park is by exploring its many hiking trails and boardwalks. As you wander through the park, you'll be surrounded by lush vegetation, vibrant birdlife, and serene waterways. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the park's most famous residents, including flamingos, herons, and even the occasional otter. It's a wildlife lover's paradise.

However, no adventure to Albufera Natural Park is truly complete without experiencing the magic of a boat ride. As you drift along the tranquil waters during your Valencia day trip, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

There are docks at Gola de Pujol and in the ports in Catarroja, Silla, Sollana and El Palmar. You will travel in a type of handcrafted boat known as an albuferenc, and the rides usually last around 40 minutes.

After a day of exploring the Natural Park, there's no better way to refuel than with a delicious plate of traditional paella in the nearby town of El Palmar. This charming fishing village is famous for its paella restaurants.

You can get to the park on EMT city bus numbers 24 and 25. From the center of Valencia, the number 24 will take you to El Palmar and the number 25 to El Perellonet, in less than an hour.

2. Port Saplaya: Valencia's Little Venice

Often referred to as Valencia's Little Venice, Port Saplaya is a picturesque marina town just a short drive from the city center.

As you step into Port Saplaya, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking sight - rows of vibrant houses in every color of the rainbow, hugging the edges of the marina. These picture-perfect dwellings, with their charming balconies, are an Instagrammer's paradise.

As you wander through the small town, you'll also come across a series of tranquil canals that wind their way through the streets. It's easy to see why this place has earned the nickname of Valencia's Little Venice.

One of the best things to do in Port Saplaya is simply to take a leisurely stroll along the marina. As you walk, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the boats bobbing gently in the water. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, where you'll stumble upon quaint shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants.

You can do this day trip from Valencia by bike. The journey through Albufera's chufa fields and along the beaches is a delight.

3. Requena: a journey through wine and history

If you are a wine lover, your Valencia day trip itinerary isn't complete without a stop in Requena. This charming town situated in the renowned Utiel-Requena wine region is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates delectable wines and captivating history.

Make sure you taste some of the famous Bobal grape wines. This unique grape variety is native to the region and produces some of the most delicious and complex wines you'll ever taste. You can also taste fantastic white wines and great cava.

Discovering a place to sample the local wine in the Utiel-Requena region is effortless, thanks to the abundance of wineries and tasting rooms. 

But there’s more to Requena than its wines. From ancient ruins to majestic monuments, every corner of this enchanting town tells a story of its rich past. Starting by Cuevas de la Villa, an underground network of caves that have been here for centuries.

Another must-see spot is the Plaza de la Villa, a charming square in the heart of the old town. Here you'll find the impressive Church of Santa Maria, which dates back to the 13th century and features some stunning Gothic architecture.

4. Sagunto: where Roman ruins meet modern charm

History lovers, buckle up. Sagunto is a town that seamlessly blends its Roman past with modern charm, making it a must-visit day trip from Valencia.

The impressive Sagunto Castle is a fortress that dates back to the 5th century BC and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. It's a moderately easy walk up from Sagunto's city center, and the complex is pretty vast, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Halfway up the hill to the castle is another major sight, the well-preserved Roman Theater. This controversial landmark among Valencians dates back to Roman times and is still used for performances today. While the restorers didn't exactly honor Roman building styles, it seats 8,000 people and maintains its functionality.

In addition to its Roman ruins, Sagunto also has a charming old town that is perfect for wandering and exploring. The town's narrow streets and colorful houses give it a distinctly Mediterranean feel, and there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to discover along the way.

Visitors can also check out the town's many churches and museums, which offer a glimpse into Sagunto's rich history and culture. Don't miss the Via del Pòrtic Museum and the Domus dels Peixos Museum.

If you get hungry while exploring, Sagunto is home to a Michelin Star restaurant, Arrels Restaurant, the only female-run restaurant in Valencia to hold this accolade.

5. Cullera: beach and history on the Costa del Azahar

Cullera, a popular beach town on the Costa del Azahar, is an ideal destination for those seeking for day trips from Valencia with a mix of relaxation and adventure. Its long, sandy beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun, while the Cullera Castle offers stunning views of the coastline.

The town is an incredibly easy place to visit as a day trip from Valencia, about 50 km away from the city. You can take the C1 Cercanias train and be in Cullera in about 35 minutes. Then there are frequent buses that will carry you directly from the train station to the beach in 10 minutes or so.

However, if you're up for the walk, we recommend strolling from the station, through the town and up to Cullera Castle before you hit the beach. You can visit the central market and the Church of Saint John along the way.

Cullera’s beaches range from family-friendly ones with full amenities to quiet coves that are perfect for snorkeling, as well as beaches offering water sports.

Other destinations for day trips from Valencia

• Gandia
• Peñiscola
• Alcossebre
• Xàtiva
• Castellón de la Plana
• Buñol
• Alboraya
• Tavernes Blanques
• Sant Josep Caves
• Albaraccín
• Guadalest
• Teruel

Getting to your Valencia day trip destination

Valencia's central location and excellent transportation links make it easy to embark on a day trip. The city's main train station, Estación del Norte, offers regular services to many popular destinations, while the extensive bus network provides convenient access to nearby towns and villages.

If you plan on going on many day trips from Valencia, you can get an Abono ticket which allows for unlimited travel on the Cercanias trains. These are the suburban trains that will take you from downtown Valencia to most of the day trip locations. You can purchase this ticket from Renfe machines inside the train station.

Download the Renfe Cercanias App so that you can check train times and see exactly where you can go with your Abono ticket.

For those who prefer the flexibility of driving, Valencia is well-connected by highway to the surrounding region. This is a good option for getting to some of the more remote day trips from Valencia.

Enjoy many day trips from Valencia as a volunteer

Did you know that you can stay in Valencia for free and live like a local while enjoying the city and its surroundings? By exchanging work for accommodation and other perks through Worldpackers, a collaborative travel platform, you’ll be able to travel on a budget and have a transformative experience.

By being a Worldpackers volunteer you’ll get to know locals and other travelers, which allows you to uncover many recommendations beyond typical tourist attractions. It’s the best way to have an immersive cultural experience, learn Spanish and get out of your comfort zone while having a lot of fun.

There are several volunteering opportunities available in Valencia with different types of hosts, from hotels and hostels to animal shelters and holistic centers. 

For more information on this type of trip, read our full guide on How Worldpackers works.

Check out some exciting volunteering opportunities in Valencia

• Help a non-profit animal sanctuary with animal care, social work, farming, building and repairing for 5 hours per day, with 2 days off per week. More information here.
• Live with a local family and enjoy the beach in Cullera and get free accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner, fast internet access, use of their equipped kitchen, free laundry and other benefits. Click here for more info.

“I felt very comfortable from day 1, Laura and her family made me feel at home. Lau cooked vegetarian meals every day especially for me!! Sharing the tasks with the other volunteers made everything easier and we rarely had to work the stipulated 5 hours. The volunteers' dormitory had privacy, and schedules were always respected. I leave with the best memories, feeling very loved and with a special bond for life! Thank you very much Lau for welcoming me into your home!!!” said the former volunteer Ana Laura, from Uruguay.

• Collaborate with a beautiful hostel by helping guests with check-ins and check-outs, promoting parties and social activities, cleaning and housekeeping. In exchange, you'll get 3 days off per week, breakfast, use of the kitchen, free laundry, free tours and more. Click here to apply.

“I had a great time at the hostel! Work was as expected and provided great opportunities to work on language skills. The employees and fellow volunteers were a great support as I learned the ins and outs of the job. Not to mention the layout and atmosphere of this place are excellent! Very good for first time volunteers like me and for those with a little more experience!” said Will, from Canada.

There are also dozens of other positions available for volunteering in other parts of the Comunidad Valenciana and all around Spain. Use the platform’s filters to narrow down the results according to your preferences.

Now that we’ve explored some of the most incredible day trips from Valencia, we hope you're excited to start planning your own adventures. Create your free profile on Worldpackers right now, start saving your favorite opportunities to your wish list and get ready for the experience of a lifetime!