Best Day Trips from Valencia

Visiting Valencia is a great experience in itself, but it can also be a great opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Find out what are the best excursions from Valencia

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best Day Trips from Valencia

Valencia Cathedral | © AndreaCastello

The city of Valencia is a place that has a lot to discover, but if you travel with enough time, a good plan is to take the opportunity to visit many interesting places located in its outskirts. Among the many options for day trips you can visit places like the island of Tabarca, enjoy a day of hiking in Pena Cortada or visit a winery and enjoy the best wines.

Below I will give you the information so that you know why a day trip is one of the best things to see and do in Valencia, and you will know in detail each of the alternatives. Without a doubt, an excellent idea to make your stay in Valencia even more special.

1. Explore the Caves of San José

Caves of San José| ©Jorge Alberto
Caves of San José| ©Jorge Alberto

A short journey from the city of Valencia is the village of Vall d'Uixo, home to the natural treasure known as the Cuevas de San José. These natural caves are immersed in one of the most extensive underground rivers in Europe.

On this excursion you will travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the village, where you will have free time to take a tour at your leisure, and a stop for lunch or a drink. Afterwards, you will board a boat with your guide, who will take you to the famous caves and tell you all about them.

This is an unforgettable experience that you should not miss. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the natural beauty of the landscape.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 64 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 4 hours.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus, then on the experience a boat.
  • Advantages of this option: perfectly organised to make the most of the time.
  • Disadvantages of this option: if the minimum number of tourists for the group is not reached, the activity is cancelled and rescheduled. The caves may not be suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia.

Book your excursion to the caves of San José from Valencia

2. Spend the whole day in Peñíscola and Sant Mateu

Peñíscola| ©Nigel Swales
Peñíscola| ©Nigel Swales

Peñíscola is listed among the most beautiful villages in Spain, with its beach of crystal clear waters and its emblematic castle, located in the middle of a walled fishing village, it is a place worth visiting. Close to this village we find Sant Mateu, a town with a great historical legacy full of medieval buildings.

From Valencia you have the opportunity to take an excursion to get to know these two picturesque places. You'll spend a full day touring the area and see places like the Peñíscola lighthouse, the old town, the Mare de Deu dels Angels Chapel and the Archpriestly Church of Sant Mateu.

You'll have free time to wander around and explore at your own pace, and even spend some time sunbathing or swimming at the beach. In the area around the Archpriestly Church you will also find numerous gastronomic establishments where you can try the typical dishes of the area.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 75 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 11 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus with Wifi.
  • Advantages of this option: plenty of free time to enjoy on your own.
  • Disadvantages of this option: lunch is not included in the cost of the excursion.

3. Day trip to Tabarca Island

Tabarca Island| ©Andres Figueroa
Tabarca Island| ©Andres Figueroa

Enveloped by the Mediterranean Sea and in front of the city of Alicante, you will find the island of Tabarca. A day trip from Valencia will take you to Santa Pola, from where a boat taxi will take you to this dream island.

Once you set foot on the island, you will have about 6 hours to enjoy it at your leisure, whether it be lying on the beach sunbathing, swimming in the waters or strolling through the colourful streets.

This is a completely relaxed plan and probably one of the best things to do in Valencia in summer, to take advantage of the privileged temperatures and the proximity of the city to this beautiful island.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 85 euros per person.
  • Duration: the tour lasts around 8 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: private minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: the time on the island is completely free.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the cost only includes transport, meals and drinks are on your own.

4. Get to know the Hanging Bridges of the Turia Canyon and the village of Chulilla

Hanging Bridges of the Turia Canyon| ©Enrique Domingo
Hanging Bridges of the Turia Canyon| ©Enrique Domingo

This is a plan that combines hiking with an interesting natural and historical route. You will be taken from Valencia to the Hanging Bridge of Chulilla, where you will have access to the entrance of the Turia Canyon, to go to the Loriguilla Reservoir and the Vallfigueras Ravine.

Along the way you will be able to see cave paintings, which date back to prehistoric times, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.You will alsohave some free time to visit the Castle of Chulilla, the town or even take a dip in the Charco Azul.

The tour is done in small groups and with an experienced guide, who can even give you a hand if you have difficulties on the hiking route, so you have no excuse to miss out on this amazing experience.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 133 euros per person.
  • Duration: between 9 and 11 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: private minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: includes soft drinks, tea and coffee.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart conditions.

5. Hiking day on the Peña Cortada Water Route

Peña Cortada Water Route| ©Antonio Marín Segovia
Peña Cortada Water Route| ©Antonio Marín Segovia

The ancient Roman aqueduct of Peña Cortada stretches between the municipalities of Tuéjar, Calles, Chelva and Domeño, and you can book an excursion from Valencia to discover it. On this tour you will discover the history of the Romans' passage through Iberian lands, as well as the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The excursion is ideal for learning about the history and culture of the place, thanks to the fact that it has an expert guide. The tour is a leisurely walk, where you will pass an aqueduct that is over 2000 years old, go through old tunnels, see the white town of Chelva and see old abandoned mills along the river.

On the way through the town of Chelva, you will be given time to rest and enjoy a coffee or a traditional lunch in some of the best local restaurants, although these expenses are at your own expense.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 75 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8 and a half hours in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: groups are usually small.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart conditions.

6. Excursion to Bocairent and the Islamic Labyrinth

Bocairent| ©Rubén Molina
Bocairent| ©Rubén Molina

Enjoy Bocairent, an ancient and picturesque village built by the Berber and Amazigh population in the Islamic period, within the Valencian Community. With this excursion you will have the opportunity to explore the characteristic architecture, the monuments, the medieval quarter and the Moorish caves.

A guide will lead you through the labyrinthine streets of the medieval quarter, where you will see houses full of history, half carved into the stone surface of the land. You will see the Parish Church of the Assumption of Our Lady, which stands out as one of the most emblematic buildings in Bocairent, whose foundations belonged to an ancient Moorish castle.

Finally, you can take a break to taste a good liqueur or eat one of the many delicacies of the local gastronomy. Undoubtedly one of the best experiences from the city of Valencia to get to know the mark of the Arab people in Spanish history.

Details of interest

  • Price: around 147 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus
  • Advantages of this option: activity with great cultural and historical content.
  • Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

7. Visit the famous Requena winery

Hoya de Cadenas Winery| ©Antonio Calero
Hoya de Cadenas Winery| ©Antonio Calero

If you like to enjoy fine wines, this is an experience not to be missed. On the outskirts of Valencia you will find Requena, a well-known city dedicated to wine production. Visiting it you will be able to learn about the wine tradition in the region and all about its production.

You will get to know the inside of the renowned Hoya de Cadenas Winery, and you will have the opportunity to taste its best internationally renowned products. But it's not all about wine, this is also an interesting trip through the Valencian countryside, where you can also explore the village and get to know its wonderful old town.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 64 euros per person.
  • Duration: the tour lasts between 6 and 7 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: private minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: the groups are small so the experience is personalised.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the activity is not adapted for wheelchair users.

8. A day in the historic centre of Xàtiva

Xàtiva| ©Rafa Ibañez
Xàtiva| ©Rafa Ibañez

Xàtiva is a city with a special charm, with an extremely picturesque historic centre and a Moorish quarter that invite you to explore them. This excursion will allow you to learn about thousands of years of history in an enjoyable way, with a local guide, while you walk through its traditional cobbled streets.

Getting to know the city of Xàtiva on an excursion is one of the best things to do with children in Valencia, as the little ones will be fascinated to see its castle and fortress, and will be able to let their imagination run wild by recreating the battles that took place there.

This is an experience with a great cultural and historical content, where you can also get to know the traditional local gastronomy by tasting the best food and drinks typical of the area.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 200 euros per person.
  • Duration: between 5 and 10 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: the groups are usually small, so the experience is almost personalised.
  • Disadvantages of this option: some parts of the tour are not suitable for wheelchair users, and the walk can be a little long.

9. Tour of Albarracín

Albarracín| ©Victoria Rivas
Albarracín| ©Victoria Rivas

The city of Albarracin is very small in terms of population, but very large in terms of the variety and beauty of its landscapes. The nature and the enormous historical-cultural legacy of Albarracín make it a place with a lot to know, one of those places that are worth spending time in.

On this guided tour from Valencia you will get to know the best of Albarracín, places like its Cathedral, which is part of the historical-monumental complex of the city, the Plaza Mayor, the great wall and its library. You will be able to stroll along the Calle de Santiago, and see why it is considered the most beautiful street in this town. You will also have some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

You will see that Albarracín is a real gem of Spain, located on one of the meanders of the Guadalquivir River, on a hill. Like much of the region, it has a past of Moorish occupation. The remains of the ancient fortress bear witness to this.

Interesting details

  • Price: prices start at 210 euros per person.
  • Duration: estimated at 5 to 10 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: the activity is suitable for all types of travellers.
  • Disadvantages of this option: drinks and meals are not included.

10. Spend the day in Alicante

Alicante| ©Conall
Alicante| ©Conall

The port city of Alicante stands out for its enormous beaches, its historical monuments, its architecture, its museums and the famous Santa Barbara Castle, among many other beautiful spots.

Booking this excursion from Valencia, you can spend a full day in this attractive city and fully enjoy everything it has to offer its visitors. On the itinerary, your guide will take you to places such as the Marina, the Basilica Santa Maria, the Paseo de la Explanada, the Co-cathedral Sant Nicolau de Bari d'Alacant and the Central Food Market.

As always, you will also have some free time to explore the city or take a break and sit on a terrace to enjoy a drink or some tapas. Although I recommend that you dedicate that time to its wonderful beaches.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 641 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: activity suitable for everyone, with no restrictions of relevance.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the tour can be a little long. Refreshments are not included.

11. Visit the Montanejos thermal baths

Montanejos thermal baths| ©Sakandarra
Montanejos thermal baths| ©Sakandarra

The Montanejos thermal baths are located just an hour's drive from Valencia, in the village with which they share their name. The waters of these hot springs are kept at a temperature of 25 degrees all year round, which together with the incredible natural surroundings, make it an inviting place to relax.

The tour begins with a stop for a cup of coffee, before taking a guided walk of approximately 11 kilometres, accompanied by a guide. On the way you will cross rivers and canyons that will leave you speechless. Don't forget to bring your camera or smartphone, the pictures here are not to be missed.

At the end of the walk, you can take a dip in the hot springs, which are extremely beneficial for your health. In addition, you will see the ancient Arab baths dating back to the 12th century and the abundant vegetation that frames the site.

Although this activity can be done at any time of the year, it stands out among the best things to do in Valencia in winter, as many claim that the temperature to enjoy the walk is much better in this season than during the hot summer days.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 79 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus with Wifi.
  • Advantages of this option: ideal activity if you are looking for a place to relax to the maximum.
  • Disadvantages of this option: does not include drinks or food.