Best Day Trips from Valencia

Visiting Valencia is in itself a magnificent experience, but it can also be a great opportunity to tour its surroundings. Learn more about 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 know, but if you travel with enough time, a good plan is to take the opportunity to visit many interesting places located in its periphery. 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 delight yourself with the best wines.

Below I will give you the information so you know why a day trip is one of the best things to see and do in Valencia, and know in detail each of the alternatives. Undoubtedly, an excellent idea to make your stay in Valencia even more special.

1. Enter the Cuevas de San José (San José Caves)

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

A short trip from the city of Valencia is the village of Vall d'Uixo, a place that houses this natural treasure known as the Cuevas de San José (San José Caves). These natural caves are immersed in one of the most extensive subway 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 get on 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 for anything. 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: minibus with air conditioning, then a boat.
  • Advantages of this option: perfectly organized 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 will be cancelled and rescheduled. The caves may not be suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia.

Book your excursion to the caves of San Jose from Valencia

2. Spend the whole day in Peñiscola and Sant Mateu

Peñíscola| ©Nigel Swales
Peñíscola| ©Nigel Swales

Peñiscola is listed among the most beautiful villages in Spain, with its crystal clear beach and its emblematic castle, located in the middle of a walled fishing village, it becomes 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 visit these two picturesque sites. You will spend a full day touring the area and visit places such as the lighthouse of Peñiscola, the old town, the Ermita de la Mare de Deu dels Angels and the Archpriestly Church of Sant Mateu.

You will have free time to explore at your own pace, and even spend some time sunbathing or swimming at the beach. Also in the vicinity of the Archpriestly Church you will find numerous gastronomic establishments, to taste the typical dishes of the area.

Interesting details

  • Price: from 75 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 11 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: minibus with air conditioning and Wifi.
  • Advantages of this option: you have 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 excursion 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 Tabarca Island. From Valencia you can visit it on a day trip in which you will be taken to Santa Pola, and from there a boat cab 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, either lying on the beach to sunbathe, swimming in its waters or strolling through its colorful 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.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 85 euros per person.
  • Duration: the tour lasts about 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 transportation, meals and drinks are on your own.

4. Visit the Hanging Bridges of the Turia Canyon and the town 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 tour. 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.

During the journey you will be able to appreciate cave paintings, which date back to prehistoric times, and enjoy dreamlike landscapes.You will alsohave free time to visit the Castle of Chulilla, the city 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 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 disease.

5. Hiking day on the Peña Cortada water route

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

Between the municipalities of Tuéjar, Calles, Chelva and Domeño extends the ancient Roman aqueduct of Peña Cortada, and from Valencia you can hire an excursion to get to know it. In this tour you will discover the history of the passage of the Romans through Iberian lands, in addition to the natural beauties of the environment.

The tour is ideal for learning about the history and culture of the place, thanks to the expert guide. The tour is done through a walk at a leisurely pace, where you will pass through an aqueduct over 2000 years old, go through old tunnels, know the white city of Chelva and you can see old abandoned mills on the banks of the river.

In passing through the town of Chelva, you will be given some time to rest and enjoy a coffee or a traditional lunch in some of the best local restaurants, it should be noted that these expenses are at your own expense.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 75 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours and a half in total.
  • Means of transport: air-conditioned minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: groups are usually small.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it is not an activity 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 tour it and get to know its characteristic architecture, 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 excavated in the stone surface of the ground. You will visit the Parish of the Assumption of Our Lady, which stands out as one of the most emblematic buildings of Bocairent, whose foundations belonged to an ancient Arab castle.

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

Details of interest

  • Price: the price is 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 good wines, this is an experience not to be missed. On the outskirts of Valencia is Requena, a renowned city dedicated to wine production. Visiting it you will learn about the tradition of wine in the region and all about its production.

You will get to know inside the renowned Hoya de Cadenas Winery, and you will have the opportunity to taste its best products of international renown. Although it is 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.

Details of interest

  • 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 personalized.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the activity is not adapted for people who use wheelchairs.

8. A day in the historic center of Xàtiva

Xàtiva| ©Rafa Ibañez
Xàtiva| ©Rafa Ibañez

Xàtiva is a city with a special charm, with an extremely picturesque historic center and an Arab 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 cobblestone streets.

Knowing the city of Xàtiva through an excursion is one of the best things to do with children in Valencia, as the little ones will be fascinated to know its castle and fortress, and they can let their imagination fly by recreating the battles that took place there.

This is an experience with a great cultural and historical content, in which you can also get to know the traditional local gastronomy 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 personalized.
  • Disadvantages of this option: some parts of the tour are not suitable for people using wheelchairs, and it can be a bit long.

9. Tour 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.

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

You will see that Albarracín is a true jewel of Spain, located in 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 are a good example of this.

Details of interest

  • Price: prices start at 210 euros per person.
  • Duration: estimated between 5 to 10 hours in total.
  • Means of transport: minibus.
  • Advantages of this option: the activity is suitable for all types of travelers.
  • 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 huge beaches, its historical monuments, its architecture, its museums and the famous Santa Barbara Castle, among many other beautiful places.

Hiring this excursion from Valencia, you can spend a full day in this attractive city enjoying everything it has to offer to its visitors. In the itinerary, your guide will take you to places like 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 walk around 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.

Details of interest

  • 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, no restrictions of relevance.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the tour can be somewhat extensive. Refreshments are not included.

11. Visit the hot springs of Montanejos

Montanejos Hot Springs| ©Sakandarra
Montanejos Hot Springs| ©Sakandarra

The Montanejos hot springs are located just an hour's drive from Valencia, in the town with which they share their name. The waters of these hot springs are kept at a temperature of 25 degrees all year round, which added to the incredible natural environment, make it a place that invites you to relax.

The tour begins with a stop for a cup of coffee, before taking a guided hike of approximately 11 kilometers, 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 hike, 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 from 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: minibus with air conditioning and 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.