trip naar valencia

Visit Valencia

Through artificial intelligence.

System messages

WHAT YOU CANNOT MISS

A selection of plans and visits that will make you fall in love with our city.

Valencia European Green Capital 2024

10 Essential places to visit

Valencia Tourist Card, the best way to experience the city!

You can visit Valencia in three days! Follow us!

Getting around: transport, cards and season tickets

Where to get a good paella

Tickets & Tours

Guided tours, shows, tourist attractions ....

Package deal City of Sciences, Biopac and Valencia Card

Tickets City of Arts and Sciences

Boat trip and Paella in the Albufera

Bioparc Valencia Tickets

Museums and monuments tickets

Explore the Valencia CF stadium with the Mestalla Forever Tour

Valencia Essential

There’s a lot for you to see in valencia but there are 10 tours that are essential , valencia does not stop, and you neither, festivals, culture, sport, gastronomy....

Find out about everything that's going on in Valencia with our events calendar.

exhibitions

The IVAM celebrates its 35th anniversary with the exhibit “Making a Landscape”

Dalí Cibernético exhibition at Bombas Gens Centre d'Arts Digitals

urban festival

10 Senses, the most spectacular festival of living arts

parties and traditions

Schedule of events for the Feast of Our Lady of the Forsaken

What's on in Valencia

There are times when valencia is a must-see, do not miss them, the best plans, make your trip an unforgettable experience..

Tips for restless culture vultures

Foodies, welcome to the flavours of the Mediterranean

Going shopping in Valencia, a huge variety

Kilometers of nature and fun

Sport in Valencia, 365 without excuses

A city for little tourists

Cannot be missing in your trip.

Sustainable tourism

Discover the city taking care of the planet.

Reduce emissions as you get around in Valencia

Practise ecotourism in Valencia

Shop locally

Tips for a responsible trip

Environmental volunteering

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Do not miss the best plans in Valencia!

© VISIT VALÈNCIA 2024 | FUNDACIÓ VISIT VALÈNCIA

A Solo Woman Traveling

Boutique Travel Guides & All-Female Luxury Tours

Ultimate Guide for Solo Travel in Valencia Spain

If you are here for tips on solo travel in Valencia , you have come to the right place! I spent 3 weeks traveling alone in Spain, one week exclusively in Valencia!

In this post, I will share all the crucial information for solo travelers (especially, the ladies) in Valencia and surrounding areas of Southeastern Spain!

Get ready for an all-inclusive summary of my visit to one of my all-time favorite cities in Spain!

Human-written content, by me, and nearly all original images, unless stated. Posts could have affiliate links to help offset the cost of maintaining this blog. When you click on a link, we receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

Feeling Hestiant to Travel Alone to Spain?

If this is your first solo trip or first time to Spain alone you could be feeling a bit anxious. I know I did when I made my way over the Atlantic by myself.

It is totally normal to feel a little uneasy about making such a big trip solo.

I want to assure you that there are so many benefits to going solo that you might not even be thinking of. My advice is to take it one day at a time and go with the flow.

Still have questions? Contact me !

What I Experienced Alone in Valencia

I really enjoyed my time solo in Valencia, Spain. Even if for just a day trip, you need to visit. Of course, I will argue you need much more than just one day here .

Valencia makes such a great solo destination as it is action-packed with so many things to do!

I spent an entire week in Valencia and I was able to see quite a bit of the city.

Alternatively, you could come for 3 nights and see a lot of the city.

For this guide, I will include all the must-see attractions and travel tips in order of importance.

Female Solo Travel in Valencia Essentials

🚗 Best rental car company in Valencia Spain is Discover Cars !

❤︎ Save money and free entrance to museums, public transport, and discounts at shops and restaurants with the Valencia Tourist Card !

🚲 See all of historic Valencia solo on this 3-hour small group Bike Tour !

🚶‍♀️Explore Valencia by joining a small group Walking Tour !

Looking for a Solo Female Travel Community?

Are you looking to be part of a tribe of like-minded travelers ? As a solo travel expert since 2009, I share my travel hacks and tips inside my exclusive FREE Facebook Group . Join today!

What Is Valencia Known For?

I was thoroughly impressed when I visited Valencia. This coastal city is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture.

It’s home to the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of architectural masterpieces designed by Santiago Calatrava that includes an opera house, a science museum, and more.

The city has a variety of restaurants and bars that serve up traditional Valencian cuisine such as paella.

For art lovers, there are several museums and galleries displaying works of renowned Spanish artists like El Greco and Picasso.

Valencia is also known for its festivals such as Las Fallas or the annual celebration of fire that takes place in March.

❤︎ SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL TIP TO SAVE MONEY : Get The Valencia Tourist Card

Where is Valencia Located?

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is located on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Nearby islands include Ibiza and my favorite for solo travel, Mallorca !

It lies on the Mediterranean Sea, about 200 kilometres (120 mi) south of Barcelona and 330 km (210 mi) north of Madrid.

Valencia’s location makes it a great destination for beach-going , as well as exploring the vibrant city and its culture.

Its proximity to other major cities, such as Alicante, Madrid, and Barcelona makes it the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway.

With its sunny climate, which I love, and stunning beaches, Valencia is one of Spain’s most popular destinations for female solo travellers.

📲 Downloadable Map of Valencia

📍 Download my pre-pinned Google map of all the best locations in this post!

My favorite restaurants, bars, hotels and top sights are all saved and ready to use!

👩🏻‍💻 Need Help Planning Your Trip? Get a customized itinerary !

Is Safety a Concern for Solo Travelers in Valencia?

Valencia is generally a safe destination for female solo travelers . I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe.

However, as with any city, it’s important to take basic safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night.

I always do my research when booking my accommodations and make sure to stay in a central location in the historic centre.

In new places, it is also smart not to overdo it when drinking alcohol, especially on a solo trip. When dining in Valencia I would limit myself to two drinks max.

To stay safe in Valencia, it’s best to carry only the necessary items. I recommend leaving at least one of your credit cards at the hotel safe along with your passport. I always just have a picture of my passport in my phone if should ever need it.

Additionally, make sure to dress appropriately and avoid flaunting expensive items. In other words, leave the fancy handbags at home!

I much rather travel basic and not worry about any of my belonging being a target or something I have to worry about.

Pro Safety Tip: Don’t let your cell phone battery die when traveling. Always have an external battery charger with you! Google Maps will suck your battery dry fastest than you are expecting!

What is the Best Way to Get Around Valencia?

I primarily got around the historic old town of Valencia on foot . However, Valencia has a clean and efficient public transportation system which includes buses, trams, and metro lines.

The city also has a bike-sharing system called Valenbisi with over 300 stations throughout the city.

Public Transport Valencia

If you have an iPhone, I recommend you download the free EMT Valencia Transit App .

This app has all the information you need to use public transportation in Valencia.

You can use the app to plan out your trip and track where the bus is at any given time.

Valencia Solo Travel Tip: Download Offline Google Maps before your trip!

What are Some TIPS for Solo Travelers in Valencia?

• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts when it comes to safety.
• Dress appropriately and avoid flaunting expensive items.
• Carry only the necessary items such as your phone, a little cash, one credit card, and a photocopy of your passport .
• Use public transportation or opt to walk around the city instead of taking taxis alone .
• Research restaurants and cafes before visiting to ensure that they are in safe neighborhoods for female solo travelers .
• If possible, try to stay in a hotel or hostel in a safe area close to the city center .
• When visiting attractions, try to go with a group and avoid going alone at night .

Solo Female Travel Safety Gear

Secondary Lock

Feel extra secure in your accommodations with this affordable secondary lock.

Portable Safe

Want to protect your valuables anywhere? This portable safe will do the trick!

Portable Wifi

Being connected makes me feel safe! Get a portable Wi-Fi device and have the internet everywhere!

Travel Insurance

I don’t care how safe the city is, things happen. I always get travel insurance anytime I travel!

Travel Apps for Women

Download 13 must-have travel apps for women

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Number in Europe : Dial 112 & Emergency Number in the United States: Dial 911

How Many Days Do You Need in Valencia?

Valencia is a charming and vibrant Spanish city that you can easily explore within 3-4 days .

Since it’s relatively small in size compared to other Spanish cities, such as Madrid or Barcelona, it won’t take up too much of your time.

On the other hand, if you want to really get to know Valencia fully and immerse yourself in the culture, you may need up to a week or more .

I found that there are so many amazing things to see and do in Valencia that it was difficult to narrow down my itinerary to less than a week.

The city is full of incredible architecture, museums, art galleries, markets, and festivals throughout the year.

Depending on your interests, you can also spend time lounging on the beach, exploring nearby towns, or going on a hiking trip into the mountains.

Best Time to Visit Valencia

The absolute ideal time to visit Valencia, Spain is between March and June.

Not to say it is the only time to book a solo trip, but it is the best time. I find that Valencia truly comes alive during the springtime.

It’s the perfect time to see the cherry trees bloom and enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of extreme overheating.

The temperature is mild and the days are long with plenty of sunshine. The nights may get cooler so it’s recommended to pack a light jacket or shawl for those evenings out.

Valencia is also known for festivals during this time of year including the Fallas Festival in March. The festival celebrates the arrival of spring with parades, fireworks, and beautiful art displays throughout the city.

Valencia’s Top Attractions To Do Alone

Join a Walking Tour of Old Town Valencia

Exploring the old town of Valencia solo is a must-do activity when visiting the city. This vibrant area is full of sights and sounds, making it a great place to wander around for hours.

Here you will find the stunning Cathedral de Valencia and its towering bell tower, as well as a variety of interesting shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

After a day of exploring, you can relax in the Plaça de la Reina, where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy some tapas and drinks with friends.

Be sure to take your time in old town Valencia, as there is plenty to discover in this lively area of the city.

When I visited I decided to join a walking tour so that I could meet new people and tour the city with a local guide.

It is a good idea to book your tour at least a couple of days ahead to ensure you get a spot.

The best walking tour to join for solo females is the Valencia Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas in an 11th-century Monument !

Visit the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia

One of the many things to do in Valencia is visit the most beautiful historical landmarks. The Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady was quite impressive.

Also referred to as Valencia Cathedral , it is located near Plaza de la Virgen. Built-in 1238 and has been an important site for worship since then.

The building itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, with tall towers and an impressive bell tower at its entrance.

Shop At The Valencia Central Market

When solo in the exciting city of Valencia, a visit to the Central Market is an absolute must! This iconic market holds over 1000 of years history, and Spanish culture and has been preserved in its current form.

Located near La Seu, it features two floors of colorful stalls overflowing with fresh produce from the region. If you have a kitchen at your accommodation it’s the perfect spot to pick up some local delicacies and have a taste of Valencia.

You can find anything from seafood, vegetables, fruits, meat, and cheeses to olives, nuts, and local beverages like horchata or even wine.

This market is the perfect example of Valencian culture at its best. The atmosphere is always lively with locals bargaining for their products while visitors take in the sights and sounds.

Don’t hesitate to interact with the local stall owners, as many of them are more than happy to share their knowledge about the products they offer. Not everyone will speak English as Spanish is the language of the county, but it’s worth a try.

I also found lots of souvenirs and plenty of unique items like traditional pottery, jewelry, and handcrafted items.

Check Out the Mercado de Colón

Visiting the Mercado de Colón is a great opportunity for female solo travelers to immerse themselves in an authentic Spanish experience.

The friendly atmosphere, affordable prices, and wide range of offerings make it a great place to find souvenirs and sample some local cuisine.

Make sure to check out the Mercado de Colón’s annual food festival for a taste of what Valencia has to offer.

Visit the Modern City of Arts & Sciences

No Valencia travel guide is complete without a mention of The City of Arts & City Center.

Visitors to Valencia should definitely explore the City of Arts and Sciences which features impressive architecture, a 3D planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and more.

This architectural masterpiece, located on the old Turia riverbed of the Turia River, was designed by Valencian architects Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. It spans an area of 350,000 m², making it one of the largest complexes of its kind in Europe.

The City of Arts and Sciences is divided into six impressive attractions, each offering a unique experience:

• Hemisfèric ( IMAX Cinema )
• Umbracle ( landscaped terrace garden with plants and sculptures from around the world )
• Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe ( the science museum with interactive exhibitions and activities )
• Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia ( performing arts center for operas, ballets, and concerts )
• L’Oceanogràfic ( Europe’s largest oceanarium )
• Agora ( a large rectangular open-air space for cultural events )

🎟️ Tickets for Oceanografic, the largest sea life center in Europe: Check Availability

Climb a Tower for A Great View

If you are looking for a great view of Valencia you can climb either the Miguelete Bell Tower or the Quart Towers.

Miguelete Bell Tower

The El Micalet “Miguelete Tower” is the bell tower of the Valencia Cathedral. To climb to the top you will need to pay 2 euros. It is worth the small fare for the sweeping views of the city of Valencia!

Hours of Operation: Summer from April to October, daily from 10:00 to 19:30. Winter from November to March, Monday to Friday 10:00 to 18:30, Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00, and Sundays from 10:00 to 13:00 and 17:30 to 19:00.

Quart Towers

The Quart Towers of Valencia is a must-see for any female solo traveler visiting the city. The towers, built in the 12th century, were once part of the old city and are now two of the most visited tourist attractions in Valencia. From their imposing height, visitors can enjoy sweeping views over the city and out to sea.

The towers also have a rich history. Originally built as part of the defensive wall of Valencia, they were used to guard the city and protect it from attack. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the towers and learn more about their past.

Visitors who climb to the top can also enjoy stunning views over the old city and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The experience is unforgettable and a great way to take in all that Valencia has to offer.

Hours of Operation: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 19:00 and Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 14:00.

Visit Museums of Valencia

Museum of fine arts valencia.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia is located in the historic center of the city. This museum houses some of Spain’s finest collections from artists like El Greco and Goya.

Spend a day checking out the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics, and other artworks representing the best of Spanish art.

The building itself is also a stunning sight, with its beautiful neo-classical facade and stunning interior details. Located in Plaza del Museo, it’s easy to get to by bus or walking.

As you approach the museum, you’ll notice its lush gardens, and once inside, explore the massive collection of artworks on display.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia also hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from international artists that are sure to delight with their beauty and creativity.

With its impressive collections, stunning architecture, and special exhibitions, this museum is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for any female solo traveler.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 to 20:00, closed Mondays.

Boutique Museo Lladro

This unique museum is located directly in the heart of the city, making it an ideal spot to learn about local culture and art. Here you can explore a vast collection of hand-crafted porcelain figures from Spanish artist brothers Juan, Jose, and Vicente Lladro.

The museum offers guided tours of both the main building and its exhibition rooms, where you can see over 3,000 pieces from the brothers’ extensive catalog.

You’ll also be able to purchase your own porcelain figures from the gift shop onsite. In addition, the museum provides educational programs for visitors, such as special activities for children and family-friendly workshops.

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 16:00.

Ceramic Museum

Valencia is home to many museums, but one of the most interesting for any female solo traveler is El Museo Nacional de Ceramica y de las Artes Suntuarias Gonzalez Marti .

This museum houses a collection of ceramics from various periods and locations in Spain. It features works by famous Valencian potters such as Juan de Larrea, Francisco Cabezas, and Vicente Acero.

Many of the pieces in the collection are decorated with traditional Valencian motifs and colors, making this museum a must-visit for any art enthusiast or anyone interested in learning more about Valencian culture and history.

The permanent exhibition includes pieces from all over the Mediterranean, and visitors can also take part in educational workshops to learn about the techniques used to create them.

Hours of operation: 9 am-3 pm Tuesday – Saturday and admission is free for anyone under 25 or over 65.

This makes it an ideal choice for a budget-friendly day trip during your solo travels in Valencia.

Spend Solo Time At The Beautiful Beaches

My solo trip to the incredible city of Valencia included some time enjoying the sun! If relaxing on the fine golden sands of the city beach sounds fun, I would highly recommend checking out La Malvarrosa Beach!

From the historic old town, the beach is roughly a one-hour walk! That is a bit far of a walk for most, so you can consider taking public transport.

On the bus, you can reach La Malvarrosa Beach in just 20 minutes. If you don’t feel like sunbathing, enjoy the palm tree-lined promenade and boutique-lined avenues.

✈️ Are Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!

Join a Bike Tour to See Valencia

If you are looking to make new friends on this tip, the best way to do it is by joining a tour ! I had a great time on this affordable bike tour that takes you around the city centre.

The tour is around 3 hours, so you don’t have to commit your whole day. Visit the most popular site’s truly fantastical collection of buildings , such as the Valencia Cathedral.

Other highlights include the Turia River and the beautiful garden, Palau de la Musica, and the gigantic playground of Gulliver. You will also make a stop at the City of Arts and Sciences.

❤︎ BIKE TOUR: Check Rates & Availability

Top Rated Spain Solo Tours To Book

• Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas in 11th Century Historic Monument
• Tuk Tuk Valencia – Complete Tour (Center – Arts – Marina – Beach)
• Discover Valencia Bike Tour

Where to Eat Solo in Valencia

When I first started solo traveling I used to be uncomfortable eating alone. But now, eating delicious food by myself is one of my favorite things about traveling alone.

I love the freedom of ordering whatever I want and either spending a long time or a short time dining.

Valencia Spain is also the birthplace of Paella, so it’s a must try in my opinion! It was actually the first place I have ever had Paella, and I have been dreaming of it ever since.

Overall, Spanish cuisine is my favorite, so dining alone in a city such as Valencia was a real treat.

Below are some of the best wine and tapas bars I found in Valencia!

Best Restaurants for Solo Dining in Valencia

Karak is a great place to enjoy an upscale meal on your own. This restaurant has creative European cuisine with tasting menus. I highly recommend you get a reservation if you plan to dine here.

Navarro is where I had my first-ever Paella! Sadly I do not have photos since my phone battery failed me after I got seated.

I would fly back to Valencia just to eat here again. You can get reservations by booking online, which I highly recommend.

Casa Montaña

If you are looking for great food and a traditional tapas restaurant , then you should make a stop at Casa Montaña. It is one of the oldest restaurants in Valencia.

I am a huge fan of Patatas Bravas, and Casa Montana did not disappoint!

Best Wine Bars in Valencia

On my solo trip to Valencia, I found the best wine bars! There are too many to list, but my top three favorites are listed below:

Vinostrum Bodega

I had the best time at Vinostrum Bodega , located in Plaça de Mossén Sorell. You can beat their selection of Spanish red wines and tapas.

Taberna La Sénia

If you are looking for a cozy little wine bar, Taberna La Sénia is the place for you. A charming wine bar I just happened to stumble upon by accident.

The section of wines changes often, or else I would recommend something. It is a very small place, but worth putting on your itinerary!

Bodega Albarizas

Bodega Albarizas boasts a casual and laid-back atmosphere and some of the best wines I had in Valencia!

A must-visit if you are looking for a wine bar in the city center of Valencia!

Where to Stay Solo in Valencia

I have a lot of thoughts when it comes to where to stay in Valencia and booking hotels and hostels when traveling alone as a woman.

My biggest piece of advice is to spend the money to stay somewhere comfortable and safe . If this means you have to save a little bit longer than normal, that’s ok.

People will tell you that it’s just where you are sleeping, you don’t spend much time there, so it doesn’t need to be fancy. In my solo travel experience, it needs to be a little fancy , as well as quiet and comfortable.

If your accommodations are less than great, it can impact your time at a destination.

For this reason, I am going to recommend the boutique hotels in Valencia I personally stayed at and checked out.

Pro Tip:  Even though I found Valencia to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting   travel insurance  to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time.

MYR Marqués House

The rooms at the MYR Marques House are perfect for the solo traveling lady. These rooms are modern, and clean, and are in a great neighborhood in Valencia.

Located in the city center, this hotel and spa are highly rated among guests. Check rates & availability

If you are looking for a boutique hotel with a pool in Valencia, look no further! The Caro Hotel is pure luxury, and has the most incredible mattress! Is this hotel expensive? Yeah, a little bit, but it’s so worth it!

Located a 4-minute walk from the Valencia Cathedral, it is the perfect place to stay solo. Check rates & availability

Cosmo Hotel Boutique

In the heart of Valencia is the Cosmo Hotel Boutique ! A perfectly located hotel just 700 metres from Norte Train Station.

It is a 3-star hotel that features private rooms, a terrace, a bar, and an onsite restaurant! A great hotel for any solo female traveler! Check rates & availability

Where to Travel Solo From Valencia?

If you are solo in Spain and are looking for smaller cities to travel to from Valencia, you should consider Granada! Granada is located in southeastern Spain, approximately 5 hours away by car .

When I visited Granada from Valencia I decided to save time and fly. There is also a train to Granada, but the journey is around 8 hours.

So the choice of how to get to Granada is up to you! Be sure to research and plan your time in Granada ahead.

Seville, Spain is also a great place for solo female travel from Valencia! If you find yourself in Seville you can do a tour to Granada easily.

If visiting Seville in the summer months, I suggest you find a hotel with a pool . Seville gets incredibly warm!

Conclusion: Spain Solo Travel Valencia

In conclusion, Valencia is an amazing destination for female solo travelers . With its vibrant culture, stunning historical attractions, and vibrant nightlife scene, there’s never a dull moment in Valencia.

I found it to be a very safe city with plenty of activities and transportation options tailored to solo women travelers .

Whether you are looking for some adventurous activities or want to just relax, Valencia is the perfect destination for your solo female travels.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful city as I did and may you come home with unforgettable memories and experiences!

FAQs Valencia Solo Travel

Yes. It is safe for solo females to take the bus or metro from Valencia Airport to the city center. The travel time should be around 25-30 minutes on both.

If you are traveling alone to Valencia with a lot of luggage, you should plan to take a taxi to the city center. The cost is around 21 euros and takes around 20 minutes.

The best time for a solo trip to visit Valencia is in the late spring to early fall. The weather will be warm and the city will be buzzing with excitement. The most popular festivals in Valencia happen in the summer months.

Looking For A Solo Travel Community?

It’s all about community! There is something here for everyone, whether you are just getting started or consider yourself a veteran solo traveler.

Find support, inspiration, and friendship by joining our community!

Love the Valencia Travel Guide? Pin it for later!

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

Related Posts

Are Solo Trips to Greece Safe For Women? The Truth From Female Travelers

If you are wondering “is Greece safe for solo female travellers” you’ve come to the right place. I have been taking solo trips to Greece for the past 10 years! It’s definitely a safe place for women to travel. In 2023, I moved and found a new home in Athens, a place where I’ve always…

Foolproof Copenhagen 3 Day Itinerary For First Timer’s + Map

Three days in Copenhagen will go by in the blink of an eye, so you want a well-thought-out itinerary. There is so much to see in Copenhagen from the famous Nyhavn Harbor, historic Tivoli Gardens, and the infamous Freetown Christiania. And without proper planning, you could miss something! While 3 three days in Copenhagen may…

Ultimate Guide For a Safe Solo Trip to Amsterdam + Map

So you are thinking of doing a solo trip to Amsterdam? Right on, Amsterdam is awesome. But is the city safe? An important question to ask for sure. Let me give you some assurance, YES! Amsterdam is safe. Take it from me, someone who’d spend hours searching “Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travelers?” reading…

The Complete Day Trip to Verona Itinerary & Guide + Map

Let me take you on a day trip to one of my favorite Italian cities, VERONA! I’ve been to this picturesque town twice in the last few years! It is one of the easiest places to reach from nearby destinations such as Milan, Florence, and Bologna! Depending on where you are in Northern Italy, Verona…

The 5 Reasons & Life-Changing Benefits of Traveling Alone

Traveling alone is a life-changing step towards achieving inner confidence and strength. Once I started traveling, my world began to open up, and what I wanted for myself began to change rapidly. With each trip I took, I learned something new, and my life goals adjusted. I want to share my story and talk about…

The Top 5 Concerns For Solo Female Travelers

So you are planning on traveling solo? Hi, I’m Melissa, a single woman traveling alone for over a decade now. I’m very familiar with the questions should you be asking yourself about traveling by yourself. This whole site is a dedicated resource and guide to all things solo female travel. Once you declare your adventurous…

What are you looking for?

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives reviews. The detailed review of my vacation…

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly…

+7 luxury resorts you must stay in Danang, Vietnam

Where to eat in Nha Trang? — 27+ budget, best places…

Where to go & what to do in Varanasi? — 15+…

What to buy in Indonesia? — Top +9 famous gifts, souvenirs…

What to buy in Kyoto? — 31+ must-buy Kyoto souvenirs, gifts…

What to buy in India? — 29+ best gifts from India…

How to prepare for trekking in Nepal? — 10+ Nepal trekking…

India trip tips — 9+ things to know before going to…

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

What to eat in Singapore? — 10+ must-eat & best street…

Must eat in Nha Trang — 45+ best street food in…

Must eat in Hong Kong — 7+ must eat & must…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Valencia travel blog — the fullest valencia guide for first-timers.

Dubbed the Orange City, Valencia – the Spain’s third largest city has its own a strange charm: Not too big to make you tire and not too small to make you bore. Valencia balances for a weekend trip, while also filling you up for a long vacation with many memorable experiences: Pristine beaches, wonderful climate, unique and vibrant culture, stunning architecture, delicious food, cheap cost… Exploring Valencia will definitely not disappoint you. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Valencia – the vibrant coastal city of Spain for the first-time? Let’s check out our Valencia travel blog (Valencia blog) with the fullest Valencia travel guide (Valencia guide, Valencia tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• Valencia itinerary 4 days — How to spend 4 days in Valencia perfectly?
• What to buy in Spain? — Top +18 souvenirs & best things to buy in Spain
• What to buy in Barcelona? — Top 15+ must-have souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in Barcelona
• Ronda blog — The fullest Ronda travel guide for first-timers
• Barcelona itinerary 1 day — How to spend 1 day in Barcelona & what to do in Barcelona in one day

Valencia travel blog: Overview of Valencia

Valencia (or València as the locals call it) is a city located in central and to the east of Spain, next to the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Valencia is one of the few Mediterranean cities that still keep its language and long cultural traditions, music, dance, cuisine, handicrafts and unique local festivals. This is also home to attractive tourist attractions with many imprints of an ancient city with beautiful, winding cobblestone streets, a towering medieval fortress.

This place was originally built as a resting place for Roman soldiers after battles. Throughout its more than 2,000-year history, Valencia passed through the Roman period and from time to time was under the ruling of the Moors and the Spanish. This gives the city a special interference in architecture, cuisine, culture… Today, you can easily see Muslim buildings next to Christian buildings. Valencian cuisine also “remains” somewhere with the taste of the Moors, but not completely disappeared.

Once an independent country, Valencia has its own language that is still preserved today. If you know Spanish, listen to Valencian people talking to each other but don’t understand anything, plz don’t doubt your level! It’s not the dialect, they’re talking in Valencian.

Valencia travel blog: 5 reasons to visit Valencia

These are the 5 biggest reasons you should put Valencia on your travel “blucket list”:

• The year-round warm climate is the first reason many travelers choose to come to Valencia. Winters are still cold, but not as harsh as most other parts of Europe thanks to its prime geographical location next to Mediterranean Sea.
• The “divine” Spanish Paella dish originated in Valencia. Here you will enjoy the purest and most delicious Paella that is hard to find elsewhere.
• Vibrant festivals take place throughout the year. The most famous one is Las Fallas with giant effigies erected throughout the city. In addition, the weird tomato-throwing festival called La Tomatina in the nearby town of Buñol is a famous festival known around the world.
• Valencia has well-preserved, thousands and hundreds of years old heritage sites. Besides, there are super modern buildings – great gifts for those who love architecture.
• Unlike Madrid and Barcelona, ​​traveling to Valencia is quite cheap and very safe, a good choice when you are fed up with insecurity and expensive in other big cities (perhaps because the city is not too big, so pickpockets “do not like” this place too much, LOL).

Valencia travel blog: When to go?

With 300 sunny days a year, it can be said that it is always a good time to visit Valencia. However, the midsummer months (July and August) are very hot, the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius. You should avoid going to Valencia during this period.

In terms of climate, the months of spring to early summer (April – June) or late summer – autumn (September – October) have beautiful weather, the temperature not too high, warm enough to swim in the sea but not too harsh, it is the best time to visit Valencia.

In the middle of March, although it is still a bit cold, the very unique Las Fallas festival will take place, it is worth to wearing warm clothes to wandering around streets at midnight and take part in this unique exciting festival.

Valencia belongs to Spain. Spain belong to the Schengen area, so international tourists need a valid Schengen visa to come here. If you are living and studying in countries in this bloc, you can go without any matter!

Valencia guide: How to get to Valencia?

The fastest and most popular way to get to Valencia is by train from Madrid or Barcelona. Train tickets can be bought on the Renfe website of the national railway company. You can also travel from some other cities as shown in the table below:

Train ticket price list to Valencia:

Train lines depart from Madrid will running through Cuenca. If you have time, you should combine visiting this city with its impressive hanging houses!

If taking the high-speed trains (AVE), you will arrive at Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station. From here, you can walk to Jesús metro station or catch a transfer bus (free) to the Nord Station.

Other trains will stop at Nord Station, located next to the old town, which is very convenient to travel. From here you can catch the metro or bus to other areas.

If the train ticket is too expensive, you can travel to Valencia by bus, although it is slower but the price is quite cheap:

Avanza ( www.avanzabus.com ) / Tel: +34 902 02 00 52: Running 10 trips/day on the Madrid – Valencia route, costing about €17-35. Traveling time is about 4 hours. The traveling time of express and normal buses on this route are not much difference, just different in terms of amenities and ticket price.

ALSA ( www.alsa.es ) / Tel: +34 902 42 22 42: There are more than 15 bus trips per day on the Barcelona – Valencia route, the fare is about €6-35. Yes, only about €6 (if you buy early) you can comfortable to travel between these two cities. Traveling time is about 4-5 hours. Route Alicante – Valencia with more than 20 trips per day, fare €5-25, running time about 2 and a half hours. This bus company also operating buses from Almería, Benidorm, Granada, Málaga, Murcia, Sevilla and France (Marseille, Paris, Toulouse).

While Autobuses Jiménez, Bilman Bus, Hife, Autobuses Buñol, La Concepción, Autocares Herca, Travicoi connect Valencia with other cities and small towns.

Flixbus, Linebús, Eurolines and Starbus operating international routes from Portugal, Andorra, France, Belgium…

All buses stop at Valencia Bus Terminal (Estación de Autobuses de Valencia). From here, you can walk to El Carmen area or take bus no. 8 to get to the city center.

Blablacar and car

Blablacar rideshare service from Madrid and Barcelona to Valencia for about €15-30. Travel time from both cities is about 3-4 hours.

If you want to self-driving, Valencia has a modern network of motorways connecting to other cities:

• Highway A-3 Madrid – Valencia.
• The Mediterráneo AP-7 highway running from south to north along the length of the Mediterranean coast to Barcelona and then connects to the French motorway network.

The two ferry companies Trasmediterránea and Baleària operate ferries to Valencia from Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Algeria:

Unless you want to try a new experience, you should take the ferry because it is both time consuming and rarely offers promotions like flying. You can check ferries timetables, routes here .

There are many daily cheap flights from other cities in Europe and also from Morocco in Africa to Valencia. You can go to flight ticket hunting sites like Google Flight , Kayak , Skyscanner or Momondo to find tickets, very easy.

If there is no flight to Valencia from your stay, you can find a flight to Alicante, Barcelona or Madrid and then take a train or bus to Valencia. Although it will take more time, but you can take advantage of visiting these 2 cities.

Note: There is currently no direct flight from Vietnam or other Southeast Asian countries to Valencia. You can fly to major cities in Europe and then fly to Valencia.

Getting from airport city center

Valencia has only one airport called Aeroport de Valencia (VLC), about 10Km from the center. When searching for airline tickets, you just need to fill in the name of the city, no need to worry about buying the wrong ticket to other distant airports.

There are two easiest ways to travel between the airport and the city center are bus and metro:

• Bus: Bus no. 150 runs between the airport and the city center in about half an hour. The two main bus stops in the center are Ángel Guimerà and Avenida Barón de Carcer, 26. Ticket price is €1.45.
• Metro: Metro lines 3 and 5 connect the airport and the city center in about 20 minutes. There is a trip every 15 minutes. The single ticket price is €3.90 but you should not buy this ticket but should use the TuiN card for only €2 or go for free with the Valencia Tourist Card. The main metro stations in the center are Ángel Guimerà, Xàtiva and Colón.

For more details about vehicle types, stations, timetables, prices… you can refer here .

Valencia travel blog: Getting around Valencia

Most of the main attractions are located in the old town. So, even though it is the 3rd largest city in Spain, you can fully explore Valencia on foot or by bicycle. If you want to rent a bicycle, you can refer Valenbisi rental service at a very economical rental price.

3 popular public transport when traveling to Valencia are bus (EMT), tram and metro. To buy tickets, you need to buy a Móbilis Card and then “top-up” the tickets you want to use.

To get to the sea and harbour, the best way is to take a combination of metro and tram. Single ticket price of €1.50. If you traveling by metro and tram a lot, you should buy a 10-journey ticket Bonometro (10-trip ticket) (€7.60) or a top-up TuiN Card (each trip in zone A only costs €0.76).

If you want to go to Albufera to watching sunset, you can take bus number 24 or 25 (these two routes are the same, only in the last section is divided into two different directions). Bus fare is €1.50/way, Bonobús 10-journey ticket costs €8.50.

Also, you can take the Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour for 24 or 48 hours. This bus tour will take you to main tourist attracions with unlimited travel times within its time frame.

• Valencia: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

To be able to use a combination of bus, tram and metro, you can buy a 10-journey ticket Bono Transbordo (€9.00) or a Valencia Tourist Card.

Valencia Tourist Card

With this card you can travel for free with all Valencia public transport (bus, tram, metro) and get discounts to access, visit many tourist attractions, shopping, restaurants, and tourism services in Valencia. Cards cost €15, €20 and €25 respectively for 24, 48 and 72 hours. The 7-day pass, excluding transportation, costs €12. If you travel, visit or shop a lot, you should consider using these cards to save money.

• Valencia: 24, 48, or 72-Hour Valencia Tourist Card

Buy online to get 10% off card price. To learn more about Valencia Tourist Card and buy it online, you can refer here .

Valencia travel blog: Where to stay?

When renting an accommodation in Valencia, you can choose the following areas depending on the purpose of your trip:

• If you traveling to Valencia by plane, you should find accommodation near the stops that metro lines 3 and 5 pass, especially the 3 stations of Ángel Guimerà, Xàtiva and Colón. These stations are located close to the old town, so it is very convenient to travel and visit.
• The areas around Ciutat Arts I Ciencies (City of Arts and Sciences) are for travelers who love the modernity. However, this area does not have metro, you can only use bus or taxi.
• Area near the sea: Of course for visitors who want to sunbathe and swim in the sea. There are many restaurants, bars and pubs suitable for partygoers. From here you can take tram or bus to the city center.
• Albufera area: Quite inconvenient for travel, only bus lines 24 and 25 connect to the center. However, there are many beautiful scenes here, wild beaches and even nude beaches. Albufera is also the place to watch the most beautiful sunset in Valencia.
• The Cabanyal area is being cleared, so it is quite complicated, you should not rent accommodation in this area.

In terms of cost, the room rates in Valencia is quite cheap, from only €12 you can find beds in hostels. Double rooms cost from €30 with a convenient location, not too far away like other big cities.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Las Arenas Balneario Resort ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Venecia Plaza Centro ( Booking.com ).
• Hotel Ilunion Aqua 4 ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Kramer ( Booking.com ).
• Hotel Melia Valencia ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top rated and best hotels in Valencia on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Valencia blog: What to to and where to go?

Old town and plaza de la virgen (valencia cathedral).

Wandering around the old town will give you the feeling of stepping back in time with its well-preserved hundreds of years old buildings. The most prominent of these are probably Valencia Cathedral of Plaza de la Virgen. It is the soul of the city, with a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical architecture. Not only a church, this place is also a museum with many special masterpieces.

Visiting Valencia Cathedral, do not forget to find a small chapel inside the cathedral that preserved the original of the Holy Grail (The Holy Chalice of Valencia), which is said to have been used by Jesus at the Last Supper and if you climb up 207 steps of the Miguelete belltower, you will be able to enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the city.

One of the Cathedral’s treasures are the Renaissance frescoes of the main altar, which were rediscovered ten years ago by removing the Baroque vaults that covered them.

Address: Plaça de l’Almoina, s/n, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain Architect: Pere Compte Opened: June 23, 1262

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences)

In stark contrast to the ancient look of the old town, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias complex with super modern architecture will overwhelm visitors. Splendid, magnificent, unique works make you think of sci-fi movies about the future. But everything here is real, you can see, touch to feel with all the senses. It includes a cinema with widescreen, planetarium and laser light projection room.

The project was inaugurated in 1998 by architect Santiago Calatrava – a Valencian resident. The cinema L’Hemisferic with 13,000m² is twice as large as Europe’s largest planetarium, the fancy design is modeled on the model of a giant eye, with the cinema room as the pupil. L’Hemisferic’s dome has an eyelid-like structure that can be closed or opened. This cinema officially opened in 1998 to serve exhibitions on science and art of the city of Valencia.

This complex is an open area, you can walk around for free. Only when you want to enter the buildings do you have to buy tickets.

Address: Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain

Experience 2 World Heritage Sites

Valencia owns 2 World Heritage Sites that you cannot miss in your Valencia trip:

La Lonja (Silk Exchange Market): A group of buildings with Gothic architecture from the 16th century. This was once the largest silk trading market in Europe.

Water Court: Intangible cultural heritage from the 8th-13th centuries, still taking place regularly every week.

Garden of the Turia

The Jardines del Túria (Garden of the Turia) was once a river but has since been transformed into a huge park. You can take a walk or cycling along this park to reach the complex of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

Address: Av. de Manuel de Falla, s/n, 46018 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: Open 24 hours

From the center, you can take the tram to reach Malvarrosa or Cabanyal beach. These are 2 beaches near the city, so there are all services to serve visitors. Because of this, these 2 beaches are always overloaded in the summer, so I don’t like it very much.

To avoid crowds, you should take a bus to the southern beaches outside the city like Autocine, El Saler, which are very deserted and clean. Note that in addition to the fresh water shower, there are no restaurants here, so you need to bring your own food and water.

Valencia National Ceramics Museum

González Martí National Museum of Ceramics and Decorative Arts is housed in a 15th-century palace that has been reconstructed in the Rococo architectural style. The entrance in front of the door is highlighted by a statue of the Virgin Mary, water gushing from the statue’s hands. The museum houses and introduces visitors to traditional ceramic products from different locations, including Greek, Arabic, Roman and prehistoric times.

Address: Carrer del Poeta Querol, 2, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: 10AM–2PM, 4–8PM/Monday: Closed Founded: February 7, 1947

Bioparc Zoo

If you are a nature and animal lover, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Bioparc Zoo. This zoo was built in 2008 and is located along the Turia gardens. Currently, this zoo is the habitat of many different animals, including many rare and precious wildlife species native to Africa.

Address: Av. Pío Baroja, 3, 46015 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: 10AM–7PM Notable animals: Hope, Ebo, Vito, Mohr, Apollo, Juanita

Plaza de Ayuntamiento

A place that is considered the heart of Valencia city that you should visit is Plaza de Ayuntamiento Square. This is a beautiful large square located right in the heart of city center. Surrounding the square are many important structures and buildings such as the Cinematography Institute and Teatro Rialto (Rialto Theater), Valencia City Hall and the post office, etc. In the middle of the square is a circular fountain, a statue of the hero of Valencia, Francesc de Vinatea. This square also where regularly takes place many important events and exciting festivals in Valencia. Therefore, this is always one of the busiest and busiest areas of Valencia city.

L’Oceanografic Aquarium

Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe. It’s a Valencia tourist attraction that shows true homage to our planet’s sea and ocean. L’Oceanografic Outdoor Oceanographic Institute in water lily-shaped architecture covering an area of 110,000 square meters with glass tunnels, containing more than 11 million gallons of water, gathering 45,000 marine life of 500 species, such as sharks, white whales, seals, dolphins, penguins… The aquarium is divided geographically into ten different parts, from the North Pole to the equator.

• Oceanogràfic Valencia Entrance Ticket

Address: Carrer d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain Hours: 10AM–6PM

El Cabanyal Neighborhood

As a famous tourist attraction located on the coast of La Malvarrosa. It is located on the east side of the city, where houses are clustered with colorful ancient architecture and impressive paintings on the walls.

Central Market

Valencian cuisine has much to be proud of and you can find it all at the Central Market with full of local products from fruit, seafood to crafts, souvenirs as well as Mediterranean flavors.

Albufera National Park

The most perfect place to enjoy nature when traveling to Valencia is the Albufera National Park. This is an area with large lakes, deserted beaches, rice fields and a place to watch stunning sunset. Albufera is also the cradle of legendary dish Paella, come and feel the fatty taste of this unique dish!

Bologfera Natural Park is 10 km from the city, here you can watch the dreamy sunset, take a boat ride. Like an oasis surrounded by rice fields and forests. You should visit it if you want to learn the origins of Valencian cuisine.

Visit El Palmar and try some of the typical dishes, such as all-i-pebre and llisa adobada. Enjoy food in a new way by learning about its origins. Stroll along six of the possible walking routes in the nature park, spot birds and aquatic plants, and have a real fishing experience in the largest lake area in Spain.

Address: mata de l’antina,, Valencia, Spain Established: July 23, 1986

Las Fallas Festival

Las Fallas, the biggest festival in the city, takes place in mid-March every year. Ninots of all sizes erected throughout the city from March 15 to the night of March 19 will be burned. The festival attracts many visitors from all over the world.

If you like festivals, noise and bustle, you should go to see Las Fallas, and if you like quiet, you should stay away because it is super noisy. Some Valencians even have to move away to avoid noise during festival time.

If you do not have the opportunity to go to Valencia in time for Las Fallas, you can go to the Museo Fallero (Fallas Museum) to admire the works that are kept every year.

Valencia travel blog: What and where to eat?

Like everywhere else in Spain, restaurants in Valencia are open very late. Lunch time at 2pm and dinner time at 9pm. Restaurants and bars open about 1 hour before this time frame. Some restaurants that cater to tourists open all day, but you should not eat at these places because the food are quite expensive and not very tasty.

The tap water in Valencia is said to be potable, but it’s usually hard to drink because it tastes weird. You should buy large bottles of water at supermarkets at a very cheap price of only €1/8l bottle, then extract it into a small bottle, bring and drink it gradually.

Must-try dishes in Valencia

Legend has it that Valencia is the birthplace of the famous Paella, a type of rice cooked with seafood or chicken and rabbit. I really like this dish. A lot of eateries in Valencia serve paella, but the quality is vary. People often say “Paella in Valencia is both delicious and has the best taste” and often forget the following sentence “but that doesn’t mean paella in other places is bad and every restaurant in Valencia is good”. Therefore, you should research carefully to find the best place to eat.

You can try paella at Barraca Toni Montoliu , Casa Roberto or Casa Carmela with “confirmed” quality.

A variation of paella, prepared similarly but replacing rice with small pasta is also loved by many locals.

Horchata (orxata)

A famous Valencia specialty drink made from chufa tubers grown right in the surrounding fields. Traveling to Valencia in the summer without trying this drink is a big omission. In terms of form and method of making, it is quite similar to make soy milk in Vietnam. Spanish love sweets, so horchata is usually added a lot of sugar and so sweet. Personally, I prefer unsweetened horchata because it has a very good taste, not overwhelmed by the sweetness.

Do not drink horchata from street food vendors because it is not very tasty, go to stalls specialize selling horchata called horchateria to enjoy. If you don’t mind going far, head to Alboraia, where the best chufas are grown with many famous horchaterias.

Agua de Valencia

Agua de Valencia is a popular local drink, made from water, cava (sparkling wine), orange juice, gin and vodka, quite attractive.

Tinto de verano

Tinto de verano is not a typical drink of Valencia, but in the middle of a hot summer afternoon, sitting at a restaurant by the beach, sipping its sweet and passionate taste, it is worth a try.

Where to eat?

The secret to eat cheap and delicious when traveling to Valencia in particular and the whole of Spain in general is to find lunch sets (called Menú del Día) for only about €10 including 2 main dishes, drinks and dessert. Make sure to eat full and sit in a restaurant.

The place with the most restaurants and the most affordable prices is the Barrio de Carmen area. Here there are many shops with different styles for you to choose from.

If you are tired of Western food, you can go to the Chinese area (on the “side” of the Valencia Nord station) to find Asian food at very cheap and diverse food.

Some restaurant I really like:

Mattilda (Carrer de Roteros, 21, 46003 Valencia): This restaurant has a pretty good paella lunch menu, but it only serves from 2 people or more.

Restaurante Taberna Gallega (Gran Via de les Germanies, 9, 46006 Valencia): This restaurant specializes in Galician region cuisine. It looks ugly from the outside but the food is extremely delicious, the price is super cheap, only €10 for a set meal (dinner with the same price as lunch). Moreover, this price includes wine. And really good wine, not a booze that doesn’t want to be tasted. The first time I ate at this restaurant, I was so fascinated that dinner, I came back to eat again in the evening, and continued drinking because it was irresistible.

Horchateria Toni (Carrer Colon, 11, 46120 Alboraia): Easily accessible by metro. The horchata and ice cream here are delicious.

Horchateria Toni (Av. l’Horta, 1, 46120 Port Saplaya): The same owner as the shop above, so the quality of horchata is the same. This shop is quite far when reach by bus, but it has a very good location close to the beach and right next to the small Venice area – Port Saplaya is very beautiful. My favorite dish in this shop is not horchata but super delicious chestnut ice cream.

Some tips to save budget when eating in Valencia

When traveling to Valencia, you can temporarily forget about buying home-cooked food to save money. The reason is that food in Valencia is very cheap and varied, it can be said that you can find food at any price. These are 2 most economical ways but you can still enjoy local cuisine:

Takeaway shops are very popular with people. These places often have Plato del Día (dish of the day) for only about €2.5. Other dishes are usually from €3-4/part and guarantee full. However, these stores are not located in the center, but only in residential and student areas, most of which are in Bernimaclet. If you see a place where food is displayed in a glass cabinet with the word “Para Llever” (takeaway food), you can go in and eat delicious and cheap right away.

If you want to saving more and more, you can go to supermarkets to find ready-made meals for only €2/box, with all kinds of food. Take it home to warm up in the microwave for a few minutes and you will have a delicious hot meal. It’s not great, but it’s not bad.

Valencia travel blog: Entertainment and nightlife in Valencia

Valencia has a wide variety of entertainment activities with live music, theatre, events, sports, cinemas… You can find daily updated information at the tourist offices or via websites: Love Valencia , AU, Hello, Cartelera Turia .

Valencia’s two main football teams are Valencia CF and Levante UD. If you like football, you can go to the Mestalla stadium or the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia to watch a match to satisfy your eyes.

Valencia blog: Traveling cost

As you can see above, the cost of traveling to Valencia is inexpensive. Except for the tickets to get to Valencia, every day here you only need to spend about €40 to be able to explore comfortably. The longer you stay, the more benefits you get with daily and weekly tickets. If you only eat with food buy from supermarkets or takeaway food and don’t use transportation, it can be even cheaper.

But anyway, don’t save too much, sometimes spending money to have fun is also bring memorable experiences.

Valencia travel blog: Some notes before you go

• Although it is a safe city, vigilance is needed. Don’t leave your belongings careless or careless about money.
• If you ride a bicycle, lock it properly. Repeat: Lock your bike well. Although it’s safe for visitor, but vehicle is not safe at all, be careful.
• Choosing a place to stay that suits your needs, tourists often stay near the old town for easy sightseeing.
• Always keep your travel tickets carefully to avoid losing them. If found without tickets or invalid tickets will be fined up to €100.
• Most attractions are closed on Mondays, so if you come to Valencia on this day, you should go to the beach or head to Albufera area.
• Don’t be afraid to communicate with strangers. Valencia is quite safe and the people are very friendly, so don’t worry too much when someone starts a conversation. As long as you are not too gullible, you will be fine, sometimes you will even find new friends.

Valencia blog: Summary of budget tips when traveling to Valencia

• Book in advance for all pre-bookable services to get the best price: Air tickets, trains, accommodation, Valencia Tourist Card…
• If you only take the metro/tram, use the TuiN Card.
• Buy 10-journey tickets, daily tickets or Valencia Tourist Card to save on travel costs.
• Maybe consider taking a taxi or Uber if traveling in a group.
• Rent a Valenbisi bike and change your bike every 30 minutes instead of renting by day.
• If you go in a large group, you can try AirBnB with family apartments.
• Take advantage of visiting places for free. Lots of attractions are free on Saturday and/or Sunday mornings before 2pm.
• If you visit a lot, you should buy a Valencia Tourist Card to get a discount on ticket prices. Remember to buy online to get 10% off.
• Buy meals at the supermarket or at takeaway stores.

Above are my “secrets” to have an economical trip to Valencia and many memorable experiences. Hope this article helps you get the best information to plan your trip. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment!

Valencia blog: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Valencia you can refer to

• City of Arts and Sciences Tickets in Valencia
• Valencia Old Town Walking Tour With Tapas Experience
• Valencia Segway Tours
• Bike Tour in Valencia
• Valencia City of Arts and Sciences Tour with Rooftop Wine and Tapas
• Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Swim Stop
• Valencia: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Sparkling Wine
• Valencia: Sunset Catamaran Crusie with Cocktail
• Valencia: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour
• Valencia: 48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus & Oceanogràfic Ticket
• Valencia: Pub Crawl With Free Shots
• Valencia: Catamaran Cruise with Drink

Are you looking for more top things to do in Valencia: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here . And Spain here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Where to go & what to do in varanasi — 15+ places to visit & best things to do in varanasi, what to buy in indonesia — top +9 famous gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in indonesia, what to buy in kyoto — 31+ must-buy kyoto souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in kyoto, what to buy in india — 29+ best gifts from india & best things to buy in india.

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous & best things to buy in Korea

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA & best things to buy in USA

What to buy in Italy? — 19+ top souvenirs & best things to buy in Italy

What to buy in Guangzhou? — 11+ best things to buy in Guangzhou & best shopping places in Guangzhou

What to buy in Tibet? — Top 9+ tibet souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in Tibet

Editor picks.

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives reviews. The detailed review of my vacation...

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly...

POPULAR POSTS

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous &...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1462
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Food + Drink 211
• Thailand 209
• Coasts + Islands 193
• Vietnam 169
• South Korea 168
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

15 best things to do in Valencia: art, culture, and nightlife

Nov 23, 2021 • 8 min read

From exploring by bike to getting the most of the city's nightlife, here are the top things to do in Valencia © martin-dm / Getty Images

More than 2000 years of history have shaped Valencia 's eclectic barrios , where atmospheric music bars and inventive restaurants are now springing up. Valencians are proud of their paella and passionate about politics, a fervor that ignites the city during Las Fallas festival in spring. But Valencia is far more than just a pitstop for partygoers – it packs a cultural punch too. Here are the top 15 things to do in Valencia.  

1. Admire avant-garde architecture in the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias

Futuristic and otherworldly, this cultural complex designed by renowned local architect Santiago Calatrava underpins Valencia’s reputation for innovative design. Begin with a guided tour of the Palau de les Arts , the towering white opera house that cantilevers over an azure pool, then track down the answers to any burning questions about the world in the science museum . Its "Chromosome forest" does a great job of explaining how genes work. 

2. Discover Valencia by bicycle

Flying along the extensive network of cycle lanes is the most practical – and enjoyable – way to get to grips with Spain’s third-largest city. Navigating is easy; much of Valencia is organized around a grid system and the wide boulevards are mercifully flat. The city also has its own bike sharing scheme, Valenbisi , which allows users to hire a bike and return it to different spots around the city. Once you’ve hired a bicycle, wheel toward the Jardines del Turia, a 5.6-mile (9km) stretch of greenery that curves around the eastern flank of the city.

3. Picnic in the Jardines del Turia

Best free thing to do in valencia.

When a flood devastated Valencia in 1957, urbanists decided to reroute the river away from the low-lying city center and transform the riverbed into a garden. The Jardines del Turia links the Bioparc – a zoo full of African wildlife – with the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias. In the afternoon, the park is an ideal spot to esmorzar (to lunch in Valencian) beneath the palm trees or return on rollerblades at sunset to cut shapes with the young crowd who skate to reggaeton.

4. Head to the beach

With nearly 12.5 miles (20km) of long, sandy beaches to choose from , it is no wonder that the city decamps to the coast at the weekend. Busy Playa de las Arenas , a delightful freeway of soft, muscovado-colored sand just north of the port, is the city’s most accessible stretch of shoreline. 

This is where friends gather around a cool box of cervezas and where grandparents on deckchairs keep a watchful eye on children happily building sandcastles. So grab a cocktail from a chiringuito (beach bar) and lie back on your deckchair. Further north, Platja de la Patacona is more low-key. Only the seagulls will disturb you here – and the occasional cheer from the beach volleyball courts.

5. Taste a traditional paella

Valencia is the home of paella and feasting on the saffron rice dish at lunchtime is a Sunday ritual. Eat your fill at La Pepica – Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spot – or venture out of town to El Saler, a village by the L’Albufera natural park. It was these floodplains where the Moors grew rice in the 8th century, paving the way towards the creation of Spain’s most famous dish. Traditionally, ingredients in a paella are sourced from the land, so be prepared to swap the seafood for rabbit and snail. 

6. Explore the old haunt of painter Joaquín Sorolla

Sun-soaked El Cabanyal is Valencia at its prettiest. Situated next to the ocean, this working-class barrio of low-rise, tiled houses was once a fishing village. The impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla was born here too. His former home – Calle de las Mantas, 8 – has a small plaque outside. Crane your neck outside Carrer del Mediterrani, 37 to see a mosaic of an oxen dragging a fishing vessel out of the ocean. It is reminiscent of the scene the Sorolla painted in Sol de la Tarde (Afternoon Sun). 

Slightly dilapidated but utterly charming, the quarter is a favorite with locals, unlike more gentrified parts of the city. Let your hair down to live music at La Fábrica de Hielo , a former ice factory. A few blocks away, the gourmet food trucks at Mercabanyal attract the cool kids, so get ready to join the line – even on a Sunday.

7. Experience old Valencia in the historic center

The Ciutat Vella ("Old City") is Valencia’s soul. Wind through tranquil plazas towards the cathedral , a 13th-century masterpiece that was once a mosque and before that, a Roman temple. Inside, great stone archways draw the eye upwards to a glorious fresco that depicts frolicking cherubs in gold leaf. After the baking heat of the city, the cathedral’s sacrosanct depths are something of a balm, for mind and body. Climb up the El Miguelete bell tower for one of the best views in Valencia. 

Not enough Gothic architecture for one afternoon? Imagine Valencia as it was during the Golden Age inside La Lonja – the old silk exchange that was at the heart of the city’s wealth in the 15th century. Indeed it was a Valencian banker who coughed up the funds for Christopher Colombus’ voyage to the Americas.

8. Celebrate creativity at Las Fallas and Festival de les Arts

The arrival of spring brings Valencia’s biggest, boldest fiesta . Las Fallas is an unbridled display of creativity, color, and endless fireworks, with a political twist. The fiery frenzy lasts for 19 days and finishes with the Cremà ; when figurines of political figures called ninots (Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un have featured in the past) are set ablaze. 

Valencia lights up again in June during the Festival de les Arts, an epic weekend of bands and electronic music held in the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias.  

9. Try tapas by a Michelin-starred chef at the market

No trip to Valencia is complete without a trip to the Mercat Central , an arresting modernist building that dates back to 1928. Peruse the food stalls in the morning then stop for gourmet boccadillos (sandwiches) and tapas at Central Bar . The buzzy, zero-kilometer eatery is run by Ricard Camarena , a mega-chef on the Valencian culinary scene whose restaurants have won Michelin stars. Prices here are higher than elsewhere in the city but worth paying. 

10. Wander around Ruzafa

With its picturesque townhouses and new-wave coffee shops, this barrio is popular with Valencia's growing expat community. The former working-class district now buzzes with young people who are drawn to its fusion restaurants, wine bars, and late-night spots. 

Hints of Ruzafa’s roots remain in the market, housed in a squat building in the central square. The neighborhood is sleepy during the day, then livelier come nightfall. If you are looking to meet people, this is the place to visit. Try Gave Mx for cocktails then head to La Escuela de Ruzafa for live music and flamenco. 

11. Eat at a traditional bodega

There is a reason why Casa Montaña has been around since 1836. Now one of the city’s best-known restaurants, food here is consistently excellent and the dark wood interior transports you to old-world Spain. Try the anguila ahumada (smoked eel), typically hauled out of the L’Albufera, a freshwater lake. Wash it all down with a glass of Bobal, a light, fruity regional red.

12. Listen to jazz in El Carmen

Best thing to do at night .

If you are looking for things to do once the sun goes down, head to the El Carmen barrio. The meandering alleyways are frequented by a bohemian bunch and the neighborhood is home to several music bars. Jimmy Glass is one of the best, with a stellar line up of Spanish and international groups and a jazz festival in the fall. Clap along to jam sessions at L'Ermità or shimmy to rock, folk, blues, and more at Peter Rock Club .

13. Ponder the artworks of Spanish Masters

Culture vultures should not miss the Museo de Bellas Artes , the second largest art gallery in Spain and easily recognizable by its splendid cerulean dome. Mull over artworks by Joaquín Sorolla, Francisco Goya, and El Greco, plus one of only two self-portraits that Diego Velázquez ever painted.

14. Visit Benimaclet in the evening

Away from the main square, Benimaclet lacks the heritage architecture found in other parts of the city, but the district’s lively spirit makes up for it. In any one of the numerous bars that spill onto the pavement, try Agua de Valencia , a deceptively lethal cocktail composed of orange juice and various alcohols. For dinner, share small plates at La Pata Negra or nibble pinchos at El Carabasser. La chufa (tiger nuts) are grown near here too. The superfood is the key ingredient in horchata , the sweet, milky drink served in Valencia’s horchaterías .

15. Visit one of Europe’s largest aquariums

To the southeast of the city center, the Oceanogràfic rises from the former Turia River bed like a monster from the deep. This curved, hyperbolic shell-like museum was once Europe's largest aquarium until Nausicaá , on the Boulogne-sur-Mer seafront in France, was expanded. 

Home to dolphins and sharks as well as the continent’s only pod of beluga whales, it's easy to lose an afternoon here. Your ticket money helps to fund conservation research and a rescue program for stranded marine life. However, it is worth noting that research suggests keeping cetaceans in captivity is detrimental to their welfare.

You might also like: The 12 top free things to do in Valencia Find the day trips from Valencia that were made for you    Best parks in Valencia: how to go green in the Spanish city   

Explore related stories

May 10, 2024 • 9 min read

From cities to countryside to high mountain peaks, experience the best of Germany with these top things to do.

May 10, 2024 • 5 min read

May 9, 2024 • 9 min read

May 8, 2024 • 6 min read

May 8, 2024 • 11 min read

May 9, 2024 • 6 min read

May 9, 2024 • 5 min read

10 Praktische tips voor een stedentrip Valencia

Start je stedentrip valencia goed door slim te boeken, vanaf het vliegveld naar centrum valencia, huur een fiets tijdens je stedentrip valencia, valencia tourist card, verblijf in de leukste wijken van valencia, plan je stedentrip valencia buiten de vakanties, eten en drinken in valencia, hoeveel dagen heb je nodig voor een stedentrip valencia, tips voor de leukste dingen om te doen in valencia.

Valencia is één van de leukste steden van Spanje voor een stedentrip. Het is een bruisende stad met een boeiende historische binnenstad, mooie moderne architectuur en natuurlijk strand.  Het is een perfecte bestemming voor een stedentrip want je kunt er heerlijk fietsen en lekker eten. Maar waar is het leuk om te verblijven, hoe reis je hier met het openbaar vervoer en hoe zit het met drukte en reisperiodes? Met deze 10 praktische tips ga je goed voorbereid richting Valencia, bespaar je geld én weet je wat je moet doen om het beste uit je weekend naar Valencia te halen! 

Dagelijks gaan er vanuit Nederland meerdere vluchten naar Valencia, dus dat betekent dat je kunt kiezen hoe laat je vliegt. Het spreekt misschien voor zich, maar als je een korte stedentrip naar Valencia op de planning hebt staan dan haal je het meeste uit je stedentrip als je een vroege vlucht boekt. Je moet dan wel even vroeg opstaan, maar een paar uur later zit jij al voor de lunch op een lekker terras bij te komen in het zonnetje. Check ook zeker de opties om vanaf verschillende vliegvelden te vliegen om meer keuze uit vertrektijden en prijzen te hebben. Hou er dan wel weer rekening mee dat áls je een vroege ochtendvlucht boekt, dat je op dat tijdstip wel op de luchthaven kunt komen. Niet vanuit elke stad rijden nachttrein naar Schiphol. Natuurlijk kan je dit makkelijk oplossen door de avond ervoor al bij Schiphol te overnachten in een van deze 5 goedkope hotels bij Schiphol .

Vanaf het vliegveld is het ongeveer 30 minuten rijden naar het centrum van Valencia.  Een taxi is de makkelijkste optie, maar niet de goedkoopste. Zorg dat de taxi op de meter rijdt en dan zal een ritje rond de €20 euro kosten. Je kunt ook met het openbaar vervoer naar het centrum reizen.  Het openbaar vervoer in Valencia wordt soms verwarrend genoemd en vooral de metro kan in het begin even ingewikkeld zijn, maar vanaf het vliegveld kun je metrolijn 3 – Rafelbunyol-Aeroport (rood) en metrolijn 5 – Aeroport-Marítim Serrería (groen) nemen om in het centrum te komen. Een enkeltje kost ongeveer €4. 

De bus is het goedkoopst en vanaf het vliegveld kun je ieder half uur (let op, niet op zon- en feestdagen) een bus naar het centrum nemen. De bus stopt bij Paseo de la Pechina, Avenida del Cid, Barón de Carcer en Angel Guimerá, dus kijk even bij welke halte jouw hotel het dichtbij ligt. Een kaartje kost ongeveer €1,50 en koop je in de bus bij de chauffeur. 

Ook nog handig om te weten:  Je kunt de EMT Valencia APP downloaden om je route met de bus te bepalen maar dat kun je ook heel gemakkelijk met de app van Google Maps doen (die laat alle beschikbare opties van bus, tram en metro zien). 

Valencia is super goed per fiets te ontdekken en de meeste Nederlanders zie je hier dan ook overal rondfietsen! De stad heeft weinig heuvels dus je kunt hier zonder al te veel inspanning lekker rondfietsen. Ook de combinatie van stad en strand is erg leuk. Je kunt een fiets huren bij Baja Bikes om zelf lekker op pad te gaan of een fietstour met gids doen. In een paar uur ontdek je de stad en fiets je met een groep langs veel bezienswaardigheden. Best of both worlds kan ook: doe met het fietstour + fietshuur pakket eerst een fietstour met gids en huur daarna voordelig een fiets voor de overige dagen om nog meer van de stad te ontdekken. 

Als je veel met het openbaar vervoer denkt te gaan reizen tijdens je stedentrip Valencia dan kan het onhandig zijn om steeds voor bus, metro of tram losse kaartjes te kopen. Het is daarom interessant om de Valencia Tourist Card te kopen bij aankomst in Valencia, want hiermee reis je onbeperkt met alle openbaar vervoer en met deze kaart krijg je ook de mogelijkheid om meer dan 20 musea, monumenten en attracties gratis of met korting te bezoeken. 

Gratis kun je naar alle gemeentelijke musea of monumenten waaronder bijvoorbeeld Lonja de la Seda, de torens van Serranos en Quart, het Fallasmuseum of de Almoina. Korting krijg je bijvoorbeeld op Stad Van Kunsten en Wetenschappen (10% korting), Bus Turístico (12% korting) en paleis van de Marqués de Dos Aguas (50% korting).  Je koopt een Valencia Tourist Card voor 24, 48 of 72 uur en dat kost je €15, €20 of €25 euro. 

De leukste wijken van Valencia, welke zijn dat dan? Er zijn drie leuke wijken om te verblijven in de stad: het bruisende historische centrum Ciutat Vella, de iets rustigere (maar wel hippe) wijk Rufuza en een leuke wijk aan het strand. Afhankelijk van waar je zin in hebt tijdens je stedentrip kun je de wijk kiezen. Wil je dichtbij bezienswaardigheden zitten of kom je juist voor het strand? Je reisgezelschap kan de keuze ook nog beïnvloeden, want met vrienden ga je misschien andere dingen doen dan wanneer je op een romantische stedentrip bent. Neem dus even de tijd om in de verschillende wijken te duiken. In ons artikel met tips voor  de leukste wijken in Valencia lees je meer over deze wijken en onze favoriete hotels voor een stedentrip Valencia.

Als je hebt besloten om een paar dagen naar Valencia te gaan dan is het goed om rekening te houden met drukte tijdens vakantieperiodes en prijzen van vliegtickets en hotels. Het is altijd beter om Nederlandse vakantieperiodes te vermijden en een lang weekend weg met Pasen of Pinksteren kun je beter ook niet doen als je niet teveel wilt betalen voor je stedentrip. Je reist goedkoper als je doordeweeks gaat, maar houd dan wel rekening met de Spaanse feestdagen – op die dagen reizen de Spanjaarden zelf ook en winkels zijn dan vaak gesloten. De beste reismaanden buiten deze vakantieperiodes zijn mei, juni en september, omdat de temperaturen dan het meest aangenaam zijn. 

Een ding weet je zeker als je naar Spanje gaat: lekker eten gaat hier lukken! De tapas en paella staan hier dagelijks op het menu, maar wist je dat je voor de échte paella in Valencia op de juiste plek bent? Volgens veel mensen is de paella nergens zo lekker als hier, omdat dit gerecht namelijk hier zijn oorsprong vindt. Dus die moet je ten minste een keer proberen tijdens je stedentrip Valencia.

Ook handig om te weten is dat de Spanjaarden laat eten, veel later dan we normaal in Nederland gewend zijn. Ze lunchen vaak pas tussen 14.00 en 15.00 uur en daardoor schuift het diner ook op naar een tijdstip na 21.00 uur. Ga dus lekker met het ritme van Valencia mee en schuif wat later aan voor lunch en diner. 

Budget tip: Als je graag wat goedkoper wil eten dan is het handig om in restaurants het menú del día (dagmenu) in de gaten te houden. Dit is vaak een goede deal. Vanaf zo’n €8,- eet je dan op doordeweekse dagen een driegangenlunch. 

Het is natuurlijk zonde om snel door een stad heen te moeten omdat je te weinig tijd hebt. Met een fietstocht kun je op een snelle manier veel zien, maar het leukste is om op je gemak door de oude straatjes te kunnen slenteren, bezienswaardigheden te bezoeken en ook nog even op het strand te genieten. Het meest ideaal is om voor je stedentrip minimaal drie volle dagen in Valencia te verblijven. Meer dagen is altijd leuker, want je hebt dan meer tijd om echt van Valencia te proeven. Je kunt dan vaker een terrasje pakken, een dagje naar het strand, lekker lang lunchen of uitgebreid de tijd nemen in een museum.

Er is genoeg te doen in de stad: ‘s ochtends dwaal je door oude straatjes, in de middag nip je van sangria tijdens de lunch en na het eten kun je nog even naar het strand. De combinatie van stad en strand maakt Valencia een fijne plek om te zijn voor een stedentrip en we hebben al eerder 10x de leukste tips voor Valencia voor je verzameld. We tippen je daarin de bezienswaardigheden, de leukste restaurants en waar te verblijven in de stad. En natuurlijk delen we onze favoriete adresjes!

Over de auteur

Hi! Wij zijn Greg & Irene Twee doorgewinterde reizigers die gek zijn op avontuurlijke reizen. Gewapend met een camera en drone verzamelen we sinds 2014 de beste tips voor reisbestemmingen van over de hele wereld en bundelen deze in handige artikelen. Zo wordt het plannen van jouw reis een stukje makkelijker en leuker.

What's next

Ontdek meer avonturen.

Start met typen en klik op zoeken

Road Trip from Barcelona to Valencia

Follow the paths of the Roman Empire, the Caliphates of Al-Andalus, and the Spanish Kingdoms in this incredible European road trip. This adventure of a lifetime is packed with history, culture, beautiful landscapes, and some of the best food on the planet.

The 370-km road trip from Barcelona to Valencia will take 4 hours and 30 minutes to drive nonstop. You'll visit Barcelona, Tarragona, Sitges, Sant Salvador, Reus, Castellon de la Plana, Sagunto, Montserrat Monastery, Lleida, Mora d'Ebre and Morella.

This incredible journey will take you through unlimited historical hotspots and cultural gems. Not to mention, some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. Read on to learn about the best routes, places to stay, and things to see and do along the way.

How far is Valencia from Barcelona, and how long will the road trip take?

The city of Valencia is only a few hundred kilometers from Barcelona and there are two beautiful routes that will take you between the two cities if you have a little extra time to spend on the road.

The Coastal Route will take you along the stunning Costa Dorada (Golden Coast) of the Mediterranean Sea. You'll drive 370 km in 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The Inland Route is longer, at 570 km and 7 hours and 50 minutes. Although you won't be on the coast as much as the Coastal Route, you'll get to see 11th-century monasteries, ancient ruins, mountain vineyards, and epic Spanish towns surrounded by Mediterranean forests.

Regardless of which route you choose, we recommend spending at least two days on this journey. Continue on to learn more about the two routes, where to stay, and what to see along the way.

Best road trip route from Barcelona to Valencia

This trip is packed full of old and new cultures and beautiful scenery. In both routes, you will experience ancient Roman ruins and 11th/12th-century Monasteries, many of which are still active today, as well as huge cathedrals and basilicas.

Besides this, you will experience Catalan, Valencian, and Spanish culture and taste amazing cuisine that changes dramatically based on the region you are in. You will gaze at beautiful rocky mountains or incredibly pure and beautiful beaches, depending on which route you take.

The Coastal Route will take you down the famous Costa Dorada (The Golden Coast). It gets its name from the seemingly endless stretches of golden sand, warm waters, and incredible views.

You will pass through many small coastal towns such as the beautiful Sitges (a beautiful coastal town known to be a world leader in protecting LGBTQ+ rights and known as the gay capital of Europe), Villanova (known for beautiful coastal walks), and Sant Salvador. You will surely get an authentic taste of Spanish life.

The culturally rich Inland Route will take you through many amazing sites such as the 11th-century monastery at the top of a mountain known as Montserrat. Also along the way are epic cathedrals and churches and romantic Spanish towns and villages.

You will have time to experience some of the beautiful Catalan landscapes before heading south through many National Parks and rejoining the coast just before Valencia.

The Coastal Route

From the city of Barcelona, head south along the beautiful coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. Continue along the coast of Catalonia to the charming historic city of Tarragona.

Continue on through the orange tree and palm-lined coastline. Make a stop at the ancient walled city of Peniscola. After soaking up the historical charm of Tarragona, continue south along the coast. You'll pass charming towns and small fishing villages.

Continue on into the town of Sagunto. Drive further south until you get to your destination of Valencia.

The Inland Route

From Barcelona, head west to the historic town of Lleida. Here you can marvel at the cathedrals and monasteries of old Spain. From here continue on through the windy mountains of Catalonia. Make a small detour to Mora d' Ebre.

Drive southwest through the mountains and forests of Park Natural du Ports. Drive further into the historic town of Morella.

Continue on through the twisting mountain passes of the old world mountain highway until you get to the modern A-23. Continue on to the coast and the fantastic and beautiful city of Valencia.

Best places to stop between Barcelona and Valencia

With so much to see and do along the way, you're sure to have a busy schedule and need a break. Below are our favorite places to stay the night and things to do and experience in them.

Escape into the history of Tarragona

About one-fourth of the way along the Coastal Route is the beautiful city of Tarragona. The location is great for breaking up the journey and hosts plenty of beautiful architecture, Roman ruins, and ancient culture.

Tarragona is an ancient port city and famous for its delicious seafood, fun festivals, and incredible beaches that are considered some of the best in Spain.

There are plenty of museums and things to explore in the area. First off is the Amfiteatre de Tarragona, an ancient Roman amphitheater which is remarkably well-preserved.

Next up is the National Archaeological Museum of Tarragona. This is a must-see for those interested in Roman artifacts and art. Another historical gem is the Cathedral de Tarragona. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful Spanish-style cathedral with large rounded windows and beautiful sculptures.

Close by is the Mercat de Tarragona. This market is famous for being a classic Spanish indoor food market where you can taste local delicacies.

Once you reach Tarragona, we recommend resting at the luxurious Hotel SB Express Tarragona. This beautiful hotel has a modern design and easy parking close by so you can arrive and not have to worry about leaving your car behind as you explore this stunning city on foot.

Enjoy an excellent cafe, light meals, and breakfast on site before heading out to explore. The hotel is just walking distance to the historic center of the city. The Roman ruins are just 1 km away as well as PortAventura, the biggest Theme Park in Spain.

Take in the Catalan culture in Lleida

About 2 hours in on the Inland Route is the calming town of Lleida. This is a great place to stop after spending the day at Montserrat Monastery.

Lleida is a beautiful city with authentic Catalan culture and beautiful architecture. The city is famous for its agricultural and textile industries and wine. Here, you can cozy up with some Spanish wine and enjoy the beautiful scenery and various outdoor activities.

There are plenty of things to check out, like the La Seu Vella. This old cathedral still stands tall and proud today and towers over the city, providing excellent views of the surrounding area and a glimpse at the region's past.

If you love history, a visit to the Lleida Museum is in order. This interesting museum tells the story of the area through art, clothing, furniture and archaeological findings. Another historical treasure to visit is the Castell de la Suda.

Once you make it to Lleida, we recommend staying at Parador de Lleida . This luxurious hotel is set in an old 17th-century convent so you can immerse yourself in the culture of the area.

Inside, you'll enjoy exquisite Spanish architecture and comfortable amenities. There's private onsite parking available so you can arrive, park, and get straight to relaxing.

The hotel is close to the historic center of town and within walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and historical sites. You're also just a short distance away from the famous Caritas Internationalis, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and community projects.

Where to stay when you reach Valencia

Once you reach your destination, stay at the relaxing and luxurious Hotel Puerta Serranos. Enjoy the beautiful decor and city views in this highly rated hotel.

Take advantage of the hotel's amenities, including room service and continental breakfast. The friendly staff will make sure to help you plan your stay or answer any questions you have about the city.

The Hotel Puerta Serranos is close to major attractions like the Basilica de la Virgen de Los Desamparados, Jardines de Monforte, and Turia Gardens. You're also just a short walk from the city center and some of the most famous bars and restaurants in Spain.

Things to see on a road trip from Barcelona to Valencia

There will be plenty of things to see and do, including many small, non-touristy towns to explore, as well as places to experience Spanish traditional music and dance. You will also pass through many national parks and forests depending on which route you take.

Below, we've listed our top destinations for you to explore along the way to get the most out of this mesmerizing region.

• Roc de Sant Gaieta - This pretty little town is perfect for a lunch stop at the marina to break up your drive and to stretch your lef
• Arc de Bera - Ancient Roman triumphal arch dating back to the 1st century BC. Make sure you bring your camera to take photos, as this arc is known to be very picturesque.
• PortAventura World - The largest theme park complex in Spain and one of the largest in Europe. There are many parks within for anyone to enjoy.
• Buho - A vibrant bar where they often host local music and flamenco dances
• Platja del Torn - Perfect for those wanting to tan all over. This nudist beach is one of many along the coast and is a place you can feel safe to bare it all.
• Ebre Delta - Take a cruise along the river to experience the beautiful landscapes of the delta and the wildlife and civilizations it provides.
• Tortosa Cathedral - Gorgeous gothic cathedral that is worth going slightly out of your way for. A very different style from most cathedrals you may have seen.
• Peniscola Castle - This is a gigantic fortress sitting right in the water. You can take a tour to learn the history, or just wander around and soak in the history/incredible ocean and city views.
• La casa de las Petxines - This beautifully designed and eclectic building stands out from the rest of the area. This house has a very interesting history that will be fun for you to learn about.

• Parc de Torreblanca - 19th-century garden with beautiful walking paths with a romantic feel and views of Barcelona.
• Montserrat Monastery - Beautiful 11th-century active monastery sitting atop the mountain with the same name. From here you will experience stunning views of the surrounding areas. Can be done as a hike or you can take the funicular to the top.
• Santes Creus - Large 12th-century Monastery Complex with beautiful architecture.
• Monestir cisterna de Santa Maria de Vallbona - Beautiful monastery with incredible sculptures and detailed design.
• Monasterio de Santa Maria de Poblet - 12th-century monastery with guided tours giving information on the history of the site.
• Roca els Moros - Prehistoric art museum with various exhibits from both inside and outside of the area.
• La Fontcalda - Natural spa with hot springs, perfect spot to stop for some relaxation and much deserved R&R,
• Castell de Morella - Beautiful castle watching over the town from a large rock formation.
• Esglesia de Santa Maria la Major - Basilica built in a traditional Spanish style with large archways and grand doorways.

Best time to go on a road trip from Barcelona to Valencia

Valencia is the perfect year-round destination with very mild winters and pleasantly hot summers. There are many festivals happening all year and there are also many indoor activities for those rainy days.

Summers in Valencia are beautiful and the city really comes alive during this time of year, with events and festivals happening weekly. Temperatures sit from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius with some occasionally scorching days but mostly pleasant.

Valencia is very mild in winter, with temperatures sitting around 14 to 17 degrees in the day, and even some days reaching as high as 20 degrees. This season brings in many tourists to escape the winter frost in other areas of Europe, but it won't be too busy.

Spring/fall are great times to visit Valencia, with warm days and many activities. Temperatures will sit around 18 degrees Celsius and will slowly fluctuate as it approaches and departs from summer. Temperatures are steady and fluctuate little.

Spain is known globally to be a country that loves festivals, and Valencia is no different. There are literally hundreds of things happening throughout the year, with a unique event/festival almost every weekend. Here are some of the most important and popular festivals to enjoy throughout the year.

Las Fallas - the biggest ‘fiesta' in the city, the largest street party in Europe and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Mid-March (book hotels well in advance if traveling at this time, it is the busiest time of the year for tourism)

In winter, there is the Parade of the Three Kings in January. Spring brings the Maritime Holy Week and Easter.

Summer and Fall are when the city gets cooking. The Valencia Pride Festival is in June, the Great Valencian Fair in July, the International Festival of Pyrotechnics in September, and the Moor and Christian Festival in October.

The most famous summer festival is La Tomatina, the giant tomato fight close to Valencia. It happens every August and draws in thousands of visitors every year.

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

Home > Spain > Valencia > Valencia Hikes

The Best Hikes Around Valencia, According to A Local Guide

Hi, I’m Kevin, and I would like to share my knowledge of some of the best hiking you can do within an hour and a half of Valencia .

I am from England and have lived in Valencia for 12 years. I love exploring the trails around the Valencia region. There is much on offer, from mountain routes to coastal ones. In the summer months, there are lots of opportunities to swim in the rivers and natural pools on these hikes. And in the winter months, you may get the trail all to yourself!

Here are some of my favorite routes in order of level of difficulty.

If you don’t want to drive or are unsure of finding the correct routes, you could choose one of my private guided tours. Check them out at differentvalencia.com .

La Devesa de l’Albufera 

• 💪 Difficulty: Easy
• 🚙 Distance from Valencia: 15 minutes
• 📏 Hike Length: 2-3 km

This is the easiest and closest hike to Valencia. It starts by the car park of Albufera Lake just south of Valencia.

Albufera is Spain’s largest lake and supplies the water for the irrigation system to grow the paella rice in the surrounding fields. 

Fun fact: Several hundred years ago, the lake actually used to be 10 times larger. It extended as far as Ruzafa in Valencia! Just imagine all that vast area of flat land used for farming the rice covered in water.

Check the lake out before your hike by going to the viewpoint with the wooden jetties just from the entrance to the car park on the main road. Then head back to the car park and find the trail leading towards the sea on the left side.

The trail passes through the forested natural park of Albufera.

You will come to a small lake just meters from the shoreline but separated by high sand dunes. It looks natural but is artificial. It was made in the 1960s when the council planned to build a port with living flats like Port Saplaya, north of the city. Thankfully, it did not materialize, so the beautiful nature reserve remains.

If you want to bring a picnic, there are shaded areas around the lake. You can walk around the lake too. A sand dune path connects the lake to a nice beach. The beaches just south of Valencia by El Saler are better than the beaches to the north of the city. 

• Why not combine your walk with a paella lunch in El Palmar? The village is just 10 minutes’ drive from La Devesa. Rather than an actual village, it is several streets of paella restaurants, literally the home of paella. Make sure to book in advance.
• Rather than drive, you can hire a bike and cycle there. Bike lanes go from Valencia, past Pinedo and El Saler and connect onto La Devesa through the nature reserve forest trail.

Los Acantilados de Benitatxell

• 🚙 Distance from Valencia: 90 minutes
• 📏 Hike Length: 4 km

Situated between Jávea and Calpe, is the amazing coastal cliff walking route by Benitatxell. The trail is situated between two pristine beaches .

You can park in the large lot by Cala Moraig . A "cala" is a rocky/pebble beach surrounded by cliffs. This beach has brilliant turquoise water and an interesting cave formation called Les Arcs, which you can walk into.

The walking route is 80m above the sea, actually within the cliffs . It affords fantastic views of the Mediterranean. There are various old stone huts along the route, which have been used in the past by fishermen or smugglers. The path is wide and perfectly safe.

It leads to a quiet beach called Cala Llebeig. This beach can only be accessed by walking trails, so it is more secluded. Here you can swim, relax and sunbathe and explore the old fishing huts.

If You Go Between June and September :

These are months when people choose to swim in the sea (unless you like it on the cold side). That’s great because you can snorkel and see some fish.

But in July and August, be warned . The beaches on that coast get very busy as everyone migrates to the water to escape the heat, particularly on the weekend or any day in August.

Be prepared to park on the road much higher up the cliff, as spaces will be taken by late morning. You will have a steep walk down and up along the pavement. 

• If you decide to go in July or August, be prepared for a very hot hike . Go in the afternoon and take a picnic. Swim on the first beach and do the cliff walk wet, then stay on the second beach until evening. Then have a sunset cliff walk back to the car when the temperature has dropped and the colors are reflecting off the sea.

If You Go Between October and May:

You could still swim up until mid-October or from the middle of May on a warm day. It depends on the person.

The big advantage is the walk can be done in cooler temperatures and there are far fewer people. If you go from December toMarch, you may well be the only one on those beaches, which adds an extra wow factor.

• Check out the scenic viewpoint in the area called el Cabo Negre , which is a 20-minute drive away from Cala Moraig.
• Drive to another very s cenic beach called La Granadella . This beach gets voted the most beautiful beach in Spain. But avoid in July-August due to it being overly crowded.

Montanejos and the Thermal Springs

• 💪 Difficulty: Medium
• 🚙 Distance from Valencia: 80 minutes
• 📏 Hike Length: 9 km, 3.5hr, circular, 400m elevation.

Easier Alternatives

You can consider hiking the family trail ("ruta familiar") instead. It is 5 kilometers (2 hours) and suitable for kids from seven years old and up. Just ask at the tourist center.

Or skip the hike entirely and head straight to the thermal springs.

The village of Montanejos and the surrounding mountains are beautiful indeed, covered with pine forests, vegetation, and the fresh air those provide.

There are many hiking trails around Montanejos but the most spectacular is the 9-kilometer trail which follows the river Maimona and its impressive canyon. It is called the route of La Bojera . 

Best would be to park in the village or just outside by the petrol station as you approach. Have a coffee in one of the village bars and visit the tourist information center to get a hiking map and ask any questions about the route.

The entrance to the trail starts just next to the petrol station . If you go in the weekend in summer season and parking is difficult, you can actually drive up the entrance to the trail which looks like it is just for walkers. It takes you above the petrol station, where you can park your car.

Make sure to look at the signpost at the start of the trail by the main road, which will tell you the color coding for your route . Rocks and trees are painted along the way to guide you at points where the route deviates. These are made easy to follow with the intention of helping first-timers.

The trail starts quite steep, getting you above the village with great views. The canyon is a highlight, which you pass along. Then you descend through forest to the bottom of the valley. You cross the small river/stream of Maimona on stepping stones, then ascend again through forest back towards Montanejos village.

The Springs

The thermal springs of Montanejos maintain a constant temperature of 25°C all year round. You can relax by sunbathing on the shore and taking a swim in the crystal waters.

You can choose to have lunch in one of the local village tapas restaurants (recommended!) before the springs or take your picnic with you. The best part of the springs is across the high bridge and along the path down to the river. Walk about 8 minutes up the river to where the large pools are. There are toilets, changing rooms, and a kiosk there in the summer months.

If you swim around the bend of the lagoon you will find a deeper part past the overhanging trees. Then you will walk again through shallow water. Just past this, there is a deeper pool where you can jump off a 3m rock into the lagoon. Nice.

• Like any natural watering hole in southern Spain that you can swim in, it gets very busy in July and August. Be prepared for a lot of people on the weekend and any day in August. In fact, you will need to buy an entrance ticket (3 euros each) to the springs for July and August, which controls the number of people allowed in. Best to buy online , but you can also buy at the entrance on the day.
• Bring some water shoes if possible, for the springs have small pebbles.
• Avoid the La Bojera hike from June 15 to September 15 unless you like it HOT! Or arrive there very early, like 8.30am. If it’s very hot, choose the family trail instead. It is nearly all covered by pine forest. The good thing is the area is inland and 700-1,200 meters above sea level, so it is a little cooler and less humid than Valencia.

Ideal Timings

• 9:00 – Leave Valencia.
• 10:20 – Arrive at Montanejos. Take a coffee and get a map from the tourist info. 
• 11:00 – Start the trail. 
• 14:30 – Return to Montanejos and head to a restaurant for lunch (book ahead).
• 16:00 – Head to the thermal springs.

Extra Cool Things to See:

After the springs, head back to the car and drive only a few minutes up the mountain road, passing through two tunnels. Just after exiting the second tunnel, there is an area to park. Walk down the path for a few minutes and find something quite unusual:

A massive horizontal water jet (El Chorro) made from the Arenoso dam.

Cool down with the water spray and take some cool photos. Then drive up the road for a minute to the dam and have some great views of the reservoir in the early evening before returning home. 

The Best Months to Go

September, October, November, April, and May are not too hot for the hike and not busy at the springs.

You can still swim in the thermal springs in the winter months as they are 25°C all year round, but bring a warm top and coat to warm up afterward. The reward is you may have the springs all to yourself!

Chulilla Canyon Trail

• 🚙 Distance from Valencia: 50 minutes
• 📏 Hike Length: 17 km, 4.5hr, circular.

The route has an inspiring combination of gorges, valleys, vertical cliffs created by the Turia river, hanging bridges, forest, green vegetation, a reservoir, and the blue lake.

It really is a unique route and considered special in the Valencian region. The hike finishes at the beautiful village of Chulilla. 

You can park in the designated car park at the end of the village past the main square (small parking fee at busy times of the year). If full, park on the roadside leading up from the lot or in one of the off-road parking areas.

Walk into the village and head to the central square. Have a coffee before the hike in one of the bars.

Find the sign post leading to the Charco Azul (blue puddle) in the main square. Follow it down the valley and follow the river Turia upstream until you arrive at the Charco Azul which is about 20 minutes from the village. There is a newly constructed jetty which you can walk on to get some great photos.

Then walk back the way you came, following the river. This time, do not go back up to the village but continue the path around the hill and castle. Continue along the path away from the village, crossing the river and up into the hills. With this route, whenever you have a choice of left or right, always choose the right option , going in a circular fashion. The way is also marked by paint lines at these forks.

Be sure to look out for the sign indicating some 5000-year-old cave paintings about 40 mins after passing the village. The paintings are quite hidden in the rocks. To find the wooden steps that take you up to them, look for a little collection of mounted stones and pebbles someone has made to indicate their location.

After several more kilometers, you will begin to see the reservoir Loriguilla in the distance as you walk closer to it. When you reach the reservoir, take the road path towards the canyon.

You will then have several kilometers of spectacular canyon trail with interesting vegetation along the river. You will cross two hanging bridges, one 5 meters and the other 15 meters above the river. Then it takes 30 minutes to walk back to the village. 

Fun fact: The hanging bridges are replicas of the original hanging bridges, which were constructed in the 1950s to allow access for the workers to build the dam. In 1957 those bridges got washed away when the dam burst in the great flood which ravaged Valencia and led to the decision taken to divert the river around the city. The new bridges were only rebuilt in 2013 to promote tourism in the area. An excellent idea indeed, as the canyon trail route was not possible before. 

In the village , you can stop for a feel-good beer in a bar after the hike. If you have any energy left, you can walk up to the castle ruins , which sit above the village. It was occupied by the Romans and then the Moors. Or, if you started the hike early enough, you could have lunch in one of the restaurants. 

Easier Alternative

The circular hike is only suitable for a minimum of 12 years. A shorter kid-friendly hike can be chosen instead—minimum age of 8 years.

From the village, head the other direction toward the hanging bridges. Five minutes minutes up the road from the village car park, there is a sign on the left side where the trail starts. Go to the bridges then come back (1.5 hours). If you want, then go down to the Charco Azul from the main square (20 minutes each way).

• Do not do the long circular route in July and August. It will be too hot and there is not enough shade cover. But if you still want to do it, make sure you start the trail no later than 8:30. The cooler months are ideal for this route. It can get busy at the weekend on the hanging bridges canyon part in October, March, April, and May. Take plenty of water.
• You can take a picnic. A good spot for lunch is the valley of rocks where the cave paintings are.
• Book restaurants well ahead for weekends in busy months.
• 8:30 – Depart Valencia.
• 9:20 – Arrive at Chulilla and have a coffee.
• 10:10 – Start hiking.
• 14:45 – Return to the village in time for lunch. This is not late for Spanish people. Book ahead. Also note that lots of restaurants are closed mid-week.

The ‘Chains’ Route Up to El Garbí (Ruta de la Cadenas/Canal del Garbí)

• 💪 Difficulty: Medium Hard
• 🚙 Distance from Valencia: 35 minutes
• 📏 Hike Length: 8 km, circular, 3hr, 500m elevation.

This one is a lot fun and very rewarding with the spectacular views over the region.

It is classified as hard because it is very steep, taking you up a cliff. Some parts have chains attached to the rock to help you up. Saying that, you do not have to be a serious climber . Anyone who is in reasonable fitness can do it. I have seen families take their young teenage kids up, so don’t be intimidated.

Park by the village Segart and walk back down the road for a few minutes until you see the sign on the left-hand side indicating the start of the route. It will be signed "Ruta de la Cadenas" or "Canal del Garbí." The ascent will be marked with red and white paint lines on the rocks. 

Once at the top, walk along the cliff top toward the famous lookout called El Garbí . There is also a car park if you want to drive there without the hike, which most people do. From here, 600 meters above sea level, you can see Valencia, Sagunto and its castle, the Mediterranean and on a clear day the Albufera lake behind the city. 

Heading back down is rather tricky, so I recommend the path, which is the GR10 to Segart por la Pedrera . You will find this sign if you walk along the top of the cliff where you climbed up but in the other direction to the viewpoint. Using an online map route would help with this. It is a 1-hour descent (3km) back to your car.

• If you want to eat a traditional paella in a mountain restaurant , try El Chapparal . They cook their paellas on traditional open fires and have a lovely terrace surrounded by pine forest. Book early, as it is always popular. Also, it is only open at the weekend. Try their specialty drink called "cremaet": coffee with brandy, cinnamon, and citrus spice. 

Happy Hiking!

These routes have been tried and tested by Kevin Lane, the owner of the day tours company differentvalencia.com . Reach out to him with any questions about these or other hikes around Valencia.

Read This Next:

Where to Eat in Valencia: Our Favorite Restaurants, Bars, and Cafés

Valencia Off the Beaten Path City Guide

Valencia Day Trips: Ranking Our 7 Favorite Getaways

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

Tips Valencia: een relaxte stedentrip van drie dagen (met veel eettips!)

De Spaanse stad Valencia is voor mij de perfecte citytrip . Een mix van oud en nieuw, lekker eten, strand en natuur vlakbij, street art en een lekker vakantiesfeertje…ideaal voor een weekendje weg. Ga je ook naar Valencia en wil je het meeste uit je citytrip halen? Dan zijn dit mijn tips voor Valencia in drie dagen.

Tips voor Valencia

Dag 1: dwalen door historisch centrum valencia.

Neem een zo vroeg mogelijke vlucht , zodat je uiterlijk rond de middag in Valencia aankomt. Gooi je bagage af in het hotel en wandel naar de Mercado Central, de grootste overdekte markt van Europa en één van de leukste bezienswaardigheden van Valencia. Ik vond geweldig om te zien wat hier allemaal verkocht wordt. Van enorme hammen tot het lokale drankje horchata (gemaakt van amandelen, water en suiker) en van sappig fruit tot verse vis. Tegenover de markt vind je de Lonja de la Seda, een soort gotisch kasteel met een prachtige pilarenzaal en een mooie tuin met sinaasappelbomen.

Uitzicht vanaf de Torres de Serranos

Duik vervolgens het oude historische centrum in en geniet van de sfeervolle smalle straatjes van Alamedo en Colón. De Plaza de la Virgin en de Plaza de la Reina mag je natuurlijk niet missen, net als de enorme kathedraal en basiliek. Je kunt eventueel doorlopen naar de Torres de Serranos en naar boven klimmen voor een mooi uitzicht over de stad. Rond de Plaza de la Reina vind je volop restaurants en cafeetjes, dus neem vooral de tijd om lekker een terrasje te pakken en te genieten van de zon.

Lekker eten in Valencia

Zin in zoet? Kies dan het leuke café Llépol aan de Carrer de Navellos 10, waar je lekkere taartjes en geode koffie kunt krijgen. Wil je echte Valenciaanse paella eten, ga dan naar Palace Fesol aan de Heran Cortes 7. Dit sfeervolle restaurant bestaat al honderd jaar en je kunt hier de beste klassieke Valenciaanse gerechten proeven. Wij aten naast paella verse inktvis en een salade met tonijnfilet. Aanrader!

Shoppen in Valencia

Wandel aan het eind van de middag even door de winkelstraten van Colón, bekijk het prachtige postkantoor en ga daarna ergens iets drinken. De Valencianen eten vaak pas vanaf 21.00 uur, dus het duurt nog even voordat je kunt eten. Een leuke plek om iets te drinken is Mercado Colón, een overdekte voormalige markt in Gaudí-stijl. In het gebouw zitten nu volop leuke cafés en restaurants, waaronder het hippe fusionrestaurant Ma Khin Café . Wil je Valenciaanse biertjes proeven, dan is Mi Cub aan Carrer de Jorge Juan een leuk tentje.

Tips Valencia

Dag 2: fietsen door modern valencia en naar het strand.

Valencianen ontbijten niet veel, maar als je toch een bodempje wilt leggen, dan is La Rollerie aan Convento de Santa Clara 7 een fijne plek. Goede koffie, een kaart vol lekkere ontbijtjes en een gezellig sfeertje: wij gingen er niet voor niets twee keer ontbijten. Ik ben zelf dol op pan con tomate , een warm doorgesneden stokbroodje met een prutje van verse tomaat en olijfolie.

Fiets huren in Valencia

Na het ontbijt is het tijd om een fiets te huren. Het oude centrum van Valencia hoef je met de fiets niet in, dat schiet niet op in die smalle straatjes. Maar voor de Stad van Kunst en Wetenschap (Ciudad de las artes y las ciéncias), de Jardines del Turia en het strand is er geen beter vervoersmiddel. Wij huurden voor 10 euro per persoon goede fietsen in de stad . We fietsten door de Jardines del Turia naar de Stad van Kunst en Wetenschap, een mooie rit. De negen kilometer lange Jardines del Turia zijn aangelegd in de bedding van een voormalige rivier en het is een prachtig park waar je heerlijk kunt fietsen, wandelen, skaten en sporten.

Wil je liever een fietstour doen? Kijk dan eens naar de fietstochten van Baja Bikes .

Futuristische architectuur

De Stad van Kunst en Wetenschap is geweldig. Dit futuristisch aandoende complex met helderwitte gebouwen en blauwe vijvers omvat onder andere het Operagebouw, de tuin L’Umbracle, het aquarium L’Oceanogràfic en een IMAX-bioscoop. Wij gingen nergens naar binnen, want fietsen door deze hypermoderne stad vonden wij al leuk genoeg. Vergeet vooral niet om L’Umbracle door te wandelen, want deze tuin met hoge palmbomen is erg fotogeniek.

Fietsen naar het strand van Valencia

Na de Stad van Kunst en Wetenschap is het tijd voor het strand van Valencia. Je fietst over het voormalige Formule 1-circuit zo naar de boulevard die langs het brede strand van Patacona loopt. Fiets de hele boulevard af naar het hele leuke La Mas Bonita, aan Passeig Marítim de la Patacona 11. Hier zit je op een gezellig terras aan het strand en geniet je van de lekkerste smoothies, salades, broodjes en andere gerechten. Op de terugweg naar het centrum is het leuk om de oude visserswijk El Cabanyal door te fietsen. De felgekleurde gevels met gietijzeren balkonnetjes geven je even het gevoel dat je in Latijns-Amerika bent.

Tips voor leuke restaurants Valencia

Wil je ’s avonds uitgebreid eten, dan heeft de hippe wijk Ruzafa heel wat te bieden. Vegetarisch Restaurante Copenhagen schijnt bijvoorbeeld heel goed te zijn. Wij aten bij Entrevins aan de Carrer de la Reina Na Maria 3 en dat was geweldig. We kregen een selectie van heerlijke tapasgerechten, prachtig gepresenteerd en gemaakt van de meest verse ingrediënten. We aten onder andere kleine pittige taco’s, malse inktvis, cannelloni met kip en champignons, toast met verse vis en groenten, alles voorzien van bijpassende witte en rode wijnen. Het toetje was een brownie met aardbeien en truffelroom. Om je vingers bij af te likken. Mocht je nog op stap willen, dan zit je in Ruzafa goed: hier stikt het van de leuke tentjes.

Dag 3: tips Valencia: street art in El Carmen

Het duurt even voordat Valencia wakker wordt op zondagmorgen. Wij liepen na het ontbijt naar El Carmen, de oudste wijk van Valencia. Deze wijk heeft mooie smalle straatjes, maar ook een beetje een rauw randje. Als je de zijstraatjes induikt en goed om je heen kijkt, spot je regelmatig gave streert art. We wandelen vervolgens de stadspoort uit en bezochten de Jardin Botánico, waar vooral de tuin met cactussen een aanrader was. Vanaf de botanische tuin is het niet ver naar het museum voor moderne kunst, het Institut Valencià d’Art Modern.

Lekker eten in Valencia: tapas en pinxtos

De middag brachten we door met eten en drinken. We liepen terug naar het de kathedraal en aten een lekkere Italiaanse pasta bij La Papparella aan de Calle Bordadores 5. Wil je liever wat kleiners eten, probeer dan Pintxo di Trago aan de Plaça Redona 9, waar je tapas en pintxos (kleine bargerechtjes) kunt krijgen. Na de lunch wandelden we door de mooie straten van Valencia naar de leuke wijk Ruzafa. Daar brachten we de rest van de middag door in het gezellige Ubik Café, een hippe bar/café/bibliotheek. Wijntje, biertje, kaasplankje met Spaanse kaasjes: een prima afsluiting voordat we weer naar het vliegveld moesten. Valencia was zonder twijfel voor herhaling vatbaar!

Maak een dagtrip naar Albufera Natural Park

Heb je nog een dagje extra in Valencia? Fiets dan naar Albufera Natural Park, met haar enorme zoetwatermeer omringd door rijstvelden. In het dorpje El Palmar kun je de beste lokale paella eten.

Tips Valencia: praktische informatie

• Plan je een weekend Valencia? Je vliegt vanaf Schiphol of Eindhoven Airport rechtstreeks naar Valencia .
• Het vliegveld van Valencia ligt op een twintig minuten rijden van het het centrum. Je kunt vanaf het vliegveld een taxi pakken, met de metro gaan of de bus nemen. De bus is de goedkoopste optie.
• Vlieg je vanaf Schiphol en kom je met de auto? Dan kun je voordelig lang parkeren vlakbij de luchthaven. Met de bus ben je vervolgens in vijf minuten op de terminal. Kijk op parkerenschiphol.nl voor meer informatie.
• Valencia heeft een prima OV-systeem. Met de Valencia Tourist Card kun je voordelig bus, tram en metro gebruiken en krijg je een flinke korting op een groot aantal bezienswaardigheden.
• Op zoek naar een leuke reisgids voor Valencia? Ik vond Time to momo Valencia echt een aanrader, vol leuke adresjes en eettentjes.

Leuke hotels in Valencia

Bij een stedentrip hoort natuurlijk een fijn hotel. In Valencia zijn dit leuke plekken om te overnachten:

• Soho Boutique Turia is een fijn boutiquehotel op een goede locatie in de stad. Ook het ontbijt is erg goed.
• YOURS Boutique Stay : hip kleinschalig designhotel met zwembad. De locatie is ook top.
• Het gezellige Casa Clarita ligt in het centrum, heeft fijne kamers en een prima ontbijt.

*Dit artikel bevat affiliatelinks. Hier lees je er meer over.

Meer lezen over leuke stedentrips in Europa?

• Tips Porto: om het meeste uit je weekend te halen
• Wat te doen in Lille: tips voor een gezellige stedentrip
• Doen in Bologna: tips voor stedentrip van drie dagen

Ik ben Karlijn en reizen en reisfotografie zijn mijn grote passies. Ik ben gek op actieve rondreizen, citytrips en verre bestemmingen. Op mijn blog deel ik mijn persoonlijke reistips, reisverhalen en reisfoto's.

Avontuurlijke boottocht van Coron naar El Nido met Tao Philippines

Roadtrip griekenland: tips voor een mini-rondreis vasteland en santorini, ook leuk om te lezen, fotogids: de mooiste plekken in lissabon om te..., tips voor een auto huren in portugal +..., 10x de meest fotogenieke uitzichtpunten van porto, portugal, tips óbidos: wat doen in het mooiste stadje..., het andere puglia: tips voor schiereiland gargano in..., een auto huren in puglia: dit moet je..., 40 reacties.

Herkenbaar weer. Je had net wat eerder moeten gaan, dan had ik je tips meegenomen :) Maar zelf ontdekken is ook erg leuk.

Haha! Misschien is dat nog wel leuker ;) !

Lijkt me een heerlijke bestemming. Fijne tips!

Dank je Eva!

Ik vond Valencia ook erg leuk. Het is de perfecte mix van alles. Je kunt trouwens ook makkelijk met de trein naar het stadje Xativa, met een prachtig gelegen kasteel op een hoge rots.

Dat klinkt ook goed! Volgende keer, want ik hoop echt nog eens terug te gaan naar deze geweldige stad :)

Wauw, dit ziet er zo leuk uit! Perfect voor een weekendje volgens mij. Bedankt voor je tips!

Graag gedaan :) ! Valencia is echt ontzettend leuk!

Wauw, had niet verwacht dat Valencia zo tof zou zijn eigenlijk. Ook nooit zoveel verhalen over gehoord. Misschien toch leuk om een keer heen te gaan. :-)

Valencia is zeker een bezoek waard! Ik had wel verwacht dat het een leuke stad zou zijn, maar dat het een van mijn favorieten zou worden kwam toch als een verrassing. Echt een aanrader!

Superleuk artikel Karlijn. Deze print ik uit en neem ik mee als mini-gids wanneer we in Valencia zijn later dit jaar. “Entrevins” gaan we zeker en vast een tapas-avond-bezoek brengen. Merci & groetjes ;)

Dank je Jempi :) ! Heel leuk dat jullie ook naar Valencia gaan, het is zo’n geweldige stad! Hopelijk heb je ter plekke wat aan mijn tips :) Met Entrevins zit je zeker goed!

Wat een fijne tips! Lijkt me echt een heerlijke stad!

Is het ook echt Rowan :) !

De trip staat geboekt voor April en we gaan zeker gebruik maken van je tips, dank voor het delen.

Graag gedaan Fried, alvast heel veel plezier gewenst in Valencia! Dat moet goed komen :)

Leuke tips! Ik heb ze opgeslagen. Dankjewel!

Graag gedaan :) !

[…] Wil je tijdens een citytrip vooral lekker eten, dan zit je in Valencia goed. Van leuke ontbijttentjes tot sterrenrestaurants, het is er allemaal. Natuurlijk kun je tapas eten zoveel als je wilt, maar ook de paella van Valencia is wereldberoemd. Houd je van zoet, dan is Valencia ook je stad. Overal vind je bakkertjes met de lekkerste taartjes, koekjes en cakes. Valencia heeft bovendien heel veel hippe, leuke restaurants. In Mercado Colón bijvoorbeeld, en in de wijk Ruzafa. Mijn cityguide met leuke tips vind je hier. […]

Leuke blog Karlijn! Wij vonden het ook alleen al tof om bij de Stad van de Wetenschap en Kunsten te kijken. Er is zoveel te zien qua architectuur!

Helemaal mee eens! En heel fotogeniek :)

[…] post die het meeste gelezen werd, was ‘Cityguide met tips voor een relaxed weekend Valencia’. Deze post werd heel vaak gedeeld op Facebook, […]

[…] vergeten: het grootste deel van het jaar zonnig weer! Ik postte vorige week al een cityguide voor drie dagen in Valencia en nu is ook ons filmpje klaar. Hopelijk vinden jullie ‘m […]

Ik vertrek morgen naar Valencia en neem je tips allemaal mee!

Wat leuk dat je naar Valencia gaat, ik vond het zo’n fantastische stad! Geniet er enorm van en ik hoop dat je iets aan mijn tips hebt :)

Ik ga over twee weken met Henriette naar Valencia. Wat een heerlijk uitgebreide post met goede tips! Ik ben heel benieuwd naar deze stad!

Dank je Denise! Wat een fijn vooruitzicht, Valencia is heerlijk. Heel veel plezier daar!

Dank je, Karlijn, voor al je toffe tips ! Volgend jaar in april ga ik met 5 vriendinnen naar Valencia… als ik jouw blog lees, kan ik bijna niet wachten om mijn valiesje te maken ??… Ik wou een fietstocht reserveren, maar na jouw verhaal te lezen, weet ik niet of ik het nog ga doen met een organisatie … Ik zou misschien eerder zelf een route uitstippelen. In ons hotel hebben we toch gratis fietsen ter beschikking … Nog eens een dikke merci !

Hoi Mieke, graag gedaan en leuk dat jullie naar Valencia gaan! Het is een hele gave stad. En je kunt inderdaad prima zelf fietsen in Valencia, een tour is niet nodig :)

Hoi Karlijn, we zijn net 2 weken terug van onze citytrip naar Valencia, en wat een prachtige stad. We hebben voornamelijk jouw 3-daagse reisverslag gevolgd, en zijn ogen en oren tekort gekomen. Wat is er veel te zien! En fietsen maakt het helemaal af. We hadden zulk goed weer, (18 gr) in december niet verwacht, we konden zelfs aan de boulevard buiten eten! Bedankt voor al je tips!.

Hoi Nan, wat leuk om te horen! Fijn dat jullie iets aan mijn tips hadden én dat jullie zo’n goed weer hadden. Heerlijk om in december op een terras te kunnen zitten, daar zou ik nu ook wel zin in hebben!

Leuk verslag! Spanje kon me altijd al bekoren. Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, de bergen in het noorden, .. Hoogtijd om ook eens Sevilla aan te doen.

Sevilla en Valencia zijn allebei aanraders! Spanje is gewoon een heerlijk vakantieland :)

Hoi Karlijn wat een leuke blog. Vorig jaar zijn wij naar Valencia geweest en dat is ons zo goed bevallen dat we 6 september weer gaan. Veel al gezien, maar toch nog leuke tips uit jouw blog gehaald. Dat gaat een mooie week worden voor ons. Dankjewel Ria

Hoi Ria, bedankt voor je leuke bericht en wat heerlijk dat je weer naar Valencia gaat! Geniet er enorm van!

dank u wel Karlijn. Ik hou je zeker op de hoogte

Wta een leuke tips! Ik ga binnenkort naar Valencia en doe daar sowieso een fietstour van Baja Bikes. Dit doe ik altijd op het begin van mijn vakantie. Daarna wil ik nog wel een paar dagen fietsen huren , maar raad je BR Bikes aan? Ik heb denk ik nu al 6 x geboekt bij Baja Bikes en altijd erg tevreden

Hoi Maaike, ik heb alleen losse fietsen gehuurd bij BR Bikes, dus geen fietstour. Voor losse fietsen was BR Bikes prima!

Helemaal zin in nu na het lezen van je blog! Fietsen van Baja Bikes zijn al gehuurd. Kunnen we lekker op pad 3 dagen om al je tips langs te fietsen. Bedankt!

Hoi Goedele, graag gedaan! Valencia is echt een supergave stad, geniet enorm van je trip!

Laat een reactie achter Annuleer antwoord

Onthoud mijn naam, e-mailaddres en website op voor een volgende keer dat ik een opmerking wil plaatsen.

Deze site gebruikt Akismet om spam te verminderen. Bekijk hoe je reactie-gegevens worden verwerkt .

14 Leuke Dingen om te Doen in Valencia (Stedentrip Gids)

Valencia is waar paella vandaan komt en de op twee na grootste stad van Spanje . Het wordt vaak over het hoofd gezien vanwege het grotere Barcelona , maar dat is eigenlijk onterecht. Valencia heeft namelijk mooie opvallende architectuur, leuke restaurantjes, en mooie parken en stranden. Zelfs dat is niet alles! Eén groot pluspunt is dat er veel minder toeristen zijn en dat alles een stuk betaalbaarder is. Ontdek de leukste tips en dingen om te doen tijdens een stedentrip in Valencia.

Dag 1 – Het oude Valencia

Welkom in het historische Valencia, een stad die is opgesplitst in een oud en nieuw deel. Breng je eerste dag in Valencia te voet door met het ontdekken van de mooie oude stad. Begin vroeg in de ochtend om de drukte te vermijden en pak een lekker typisch Spaans ontbijtje, ’tostada con tomate’ om genoeg energie te hebben voor de dag.

1. Eet je een weg door Mercado Central in Valencia

Mercado Central, een van de grootste markten in Europa , heeft de beste lokale groenten, fruit en vis die die ochtend vers gevangen is. De markt heeft een groot koepelplafond, beschilderd met afbeeldingen van sinaasappels; het kenmerkende fruit van Valencia.

Dit zijn alle hotelopties in Valencia.

2. Valencia Zijdebeurs

Wandel na je bezoek aan de markt de weg over naar de oude zijdebeurs (La Lonja de la Seda) en koop een kaartje voor 2 euro om binnen te bezoeken. Bereid je voor om versteld te staan door de mooie glas-in-loodramen en spot de stenen pilaren die zijn gebouwd om eruit te zien als verwrongen palmbomen.

Tip: Op zondag is de toegang tot La Lonja de la Seda gratis.

3. Verdwaal in de straten van El Carmen

Valencia werd honderden jaren door de Mooren geheerst. Deze Noord-Afrikaanse invloed is duidelijk terug te vinden in de buurt El Carmen met smalle steegjes, fonteinen en palmbomen.

Hotels in Valencia 😴

Vanaf de zijdebeurs ligt het hart van El Carmen op slechts 2 minuten lopen. Verdwaal in de straatjes en ontdek het contrast tussen een paar van de oudste gebouwen in de stad en de moderne en kleurrijke straatkunst. Dit is ongetwijfeld een van de leukste dingen om te doen in Valencia.

Om meer te weten te komen over Valencia’s indrukwekkende geschiedenis, kun je meedoen aan een wandel- of fietstocht. Ontdek de geheimen van de kronkelende straatjes via een gids. Of zelfs beter, doe mee aan een food- en geschiedenistour waarbij je stopt bij verschillende barretjes en restaurants om lekkere lokale gerechten te proberen.

Zin in een goede lunch? Saona (Plaza de la Virgen) heeft een lekker driegangenmenu gedurende de dag voor minder dan 10 euro. Zorg er alleen voor dat je reserveert.

4. Beklim de kathedraal

Na de lunch kun je naar de kathedraal van Valencia. El Micalet, de naam van de kathedraaltoren, is een klim van 207 treden. Dit is honderd procent de moeite waard wanneer je het mooie uitzicht over Valencia en de vele daken met blauwe koepels ziet.

Entree: 2 euro. Daarnaast kun je ook de kathedraal bezoeken.

5. Plaza de la Virgen

Als je de kathedraal hebt bezocht, passeer je de Arco de La Calle de la Barchilla en loop je langs de kathedraal naar Plaza de la Virgen. ‘S Avonds komt dit plein echt tot leven en is het gevuld met mensen van circusartiesten tot muzikanten.

Tip voor het avondeten: Haal een lekkere pasta om de hoek bij La Papardella.

Dag 2 – Futuristisch Valencia

De nieuwe Stad van Kunst en Wetenschap is een van de meest populaire dingen om te doen in Valencia. Breng dag 2 van je stedentrip in Valencia door op de fiets en verken het park en het nieuwe deel van de stad.

6. Fiets door de ‘rivier’

Begin je dag met het huren van een fiets en fiets door het mooie 7 km lange park dat rond de stad loopt. Hier vind je vele sinaasappelbomen, palmbomen en fonteinen. Ooit was dit de rivier de Turia, maar omdat het zo vaak overstroomde, werd de rivier omgeleid en getransformeerd tot een groen gebied voor de inwoners van Valencia.

Tip: Zorg ervoor dat je de Pont de las Flores oversteekt wanneer je vanuit het stadscentrum het park binnenkomt, een brug die volledig uit bloemen bestaat!

7. De Stad van Kunst en Wetenschap

Aan de zuidkant van het park vind je de ‘nieuwe stad’ van Valencia. Dit extreem futuristische complex is ontworpen door de in Valencia geboren architect Santiago Calatrava en werd in 2005 afgerond. Het complex zou oorspronkelijk 300 miljoen euro moeten hebben gekost maar er wordt geschat dat het drie keer zo duur was!

Koop hier je toegangskaarten

Bewonder het oog van ‘La Hemisferic’, de schelp van ‘La Palau de la Reina Sofia’ en het walvisskelet van The Science Museum. Tijdens de zomermaanden kun je kajakken of paddleboarden in het water rondom de gebouwen. Zo tof!

Wist je dat: Valencia is ook de thuisbasis van Europa’s grootste aquarium dat naast de Stad van Kunst en Wetenschap ligt. Je kunt hier zelfs genieten van een ‘onderwater’-dinerervaring, waarbij je dineert tussen het zeeleven.

Koop je tickets hier

8. Trendy Rusafa

Ga terug naar het centrum via de wijk Rusafa, een van de tofste en meest opkomende wijken van Valencia. Ga winkelen bij de vele vintage kledingwinkels en geniet van een gezonde lunch bij Bluebell Cafe of Artysana.

9. Palau Marques de Dos Aguas

Op je terugreis vanuit Rusafa maak je een laatste stop bij het indrukwekkende marmeren herenhuis ‘Palau de Marques de Dos Aguas’, een symbool van de Valenciaanse rijkdom dat nu een keramiekmuseum is. Dit is misschien wel een van de meest bijzondere gebouwen om te zien in Valencia.

10. Bezoek een flamencoshow

Hoewel Andalusië de thuisbasis is van flamenco, wordt ook in Valencia deze traditionele Spaanse dans gedemonstreerd. Bezoek een late-night show in Cafe del Duende voor 12 euro inclusief een drankje.

Koop kaartjes voor een flamencoshow

Inmiddels honger gekregen? Om de hoek van Cafe del Duende vind je La Greta, waar de beste tapas van de stad worden geserveerd.

Dag 3 – Het strand van Valencia

Na twee mooie dagen sightseeing, gebruik je de laatste dag om te relaxen en te genieten van de leuke dingen om te doen aan kust in Valencia.

11. Kleurrijke straten van Cabanyal

Op weg naar het strand mag je de kleurrijke huizen van Cabanyal, die je meer aan Cuba doen denken dan Spanje , niet missen. Als je langer dan drie dagen in Valencia verblijft, fiets dan verder naar de kleurrijke haven van Port Saplaya, wat wordt gezien als Valencia’s eigen ‘kleine Venetië ‘.

Zo kom je in Cabanyal – Neem vanuit het centrum van Valencia de metro naar Maritim Serreria en de rest van de weg de tram, of pak de tram vanaf Pont de Fusta, afhankelijk van waar je je bevindt. Nog beter; ga fietsen! De stad is erg goed om te ontdekken met de fiets door de vele fietspaden.

12. Relax op het strand van Valencia

Het strand van Valencia ligt net voorbij Cabanyal, en is een lange strook wit zand omringd met palmbomen. Het dichtstbijzijnde is Malvarossa, en het andere uiteinde is Patacona, waar veel leuke strandbars, restaurantjes en cafés liggen.

Tip: Geniet van een brunch en een leuke strand vibe bij La Mas Bonita!

13. De oude poorten van Valencia

Neem de tram terug naar Pont de Fusta, waar je via de brug naar de Serrano-torens kunt lopen, een van de laatst overgebleven poorten die de stad omsingelden. Klim naar de top voor een mooi uitzicht op de bergen van Valencia.

14. Zonsondergang op het dak van Valencia

Rond je stedentrip in Valencia af op het stadsplein ‘Plaza Ayuntamiento’. Hier vind je een rooftopbar waar je tijdens zonsondergang een geweldig uitzicht hebt over de stad.

Je budget voor Valencia

Alhoewel Valencia de derde grootste stad in Spanje is, is het een stuk goedkoper dan andere locaties zoals Madrid of Barcelona. Je kunt in lekkere restaurant heerlijk eten voor vrijwel geen geld, vooral tijdens de lunch wanneer een ‘Menu del Dia’ zo’n 8 euro kost voor drie gangen.

Kosten van Reizen in Valencia

Reis met een klein budget in Valencia, vanaf €300 − €330 euro per week, per persoon, middenklasse €670 − €1610 euro, en luxe vanaf €1530 − €2330 euro. De kosten zijn afhankelijk van bijvoorbeeld accommodatie, vervoer en activiteiten. Vluchten hebben we niet meegerekend. Check actuele vluchten hier

• Hotels: €55 − €190 euro Check beschikbare hotels
• Hostels: €20 − €40 euro Check beschikbare hostels
• Transport: €4.5 − €10 euro Boek openbaar vervoer
• Car Rental: €30 − €95 euro Huur een auto
• Eten: €15 − €40 euro
• Activiteiten: €2.5 − €4.5 euro Zie tickets & tours
• Sim: €0.5 − €2.5 euro Koop een eSIM of simkaart
• Reisverzekering: €1.5 − €5.5 euro Check reisverzekeringen

Zo bezoek je Valencia

Valencia heeft een redelijk groot vliegveld met vluchten vanuit allerlei plaatsen in Europa . Wanneer je stad geen directe verbinding heeft met Valencia, kun je naar Barcelona of Madrid vliegen, en vanuit daar een directe trein pakken.

Valencia is makkelijk te bereiken vanaf het vliegveld. Loop naar beneden naar de metro vanaf de terminal en bereik met iedere metrolijn in ongeveer 20 minuten de belangrijkste haltes van de stad, zoals ‘Xativa’ of ‘Colon’. Tickets kosten 4,90 euro.

Vervoer in Valencia

Valencia is een kleine stad die makkelijk te voet ontdekt kan worden. Wanneer je ervoor kiest om een fiets te huren, hoef je waarschijnlijk helemaal geen openbaar vervoer te gebruiken. Er zijn anders een betaalbare tram of metro met veel haltes in de stad die zelfs tot aan het strand lopen. De prijs voor een ticket van 10 ritten ligt tussen de 7,60 – 21 euro, afhankelijk van de zones.

We raden aan om een auto te huren in Spanje via Sunny Cars inclusief gratis annuleren en verzekering. Boek je huurauto hier .

Leuke verblijven en hotels in Valencia

Accommodatie in Valencia is redelijk betaalbaar. Het is het beste om in het centrum te verblijven, dichtbij de oude stad, voor snelle routes naar Valencia’s bezienswaardigheden.

Boek voor goedkopere opties een hotel in Rusafa of een hostel dichtbij het strand.

Beste tijd om Valencia te bezoeken

De beste tijd om Valencia te bezoeken is buiten de zomermaanden, wanneer de temperatuur koeler is en het prettiger is om rond te lopen.

Tijdens de wintermaanden december-februari zijn de dagen zonnig en ligt de temperatuur vaak nog steeds tussen de 15-20 graden. Als je tijdens de zomermaanden juni-september op stedentrip komt, zijn temperaturen rond de 40 graden niet ongewoon.

Extra: Beleef ‘Las Fallas’ in maart, een uniek maandlang festival dat rond de 15e-19e begint. Elke wijk creëert dan een groot sculptuur dat op de laatste avond wordt verbrand. Verwacht veel lawaai, vuurwerk en feesten op straat tot in de vroege uurtjes.

Boek je via onze links dan support je ons zonder dat jij extra kosten maakt. Dank je wel! ♥️

• Vind Hotels via Booking.com
• Vind een Huurauto via Sunny Cars
• Vind vluchten naar Valencia via Skyscanner
• Neem een Reisverzekering via Heymondo
• Boek Tours & Attracties via GetYourGuide
• Boek een Bus/Trein/Transfer via 12Go

Sevilla, Spanje: 14 leuke dingen om te doen

Leukste dingen om te doen in madrid, spanje, leuke dingen om te doen in barcelona op een stedentrip.

Op zoek naar meer informatie voor je reis? Plan een gesprek met ons voor persoonlijk reisadvies of krijg antwoord van de Salt in our Hair Travel Community op Facebook.

Het e-mailadres wordt niet gepubliceerd. Vereiste velden zijn gemarkeerd met *

  Update mij bij een nieuwe reactie.

Reisgelukjes – reisblog

Reisgeluk voor 2 ♥️ eerlijker ♥️ voor een fijn budget

Stedentrip Valencia: mijn beste tips van de afgelopen 14 jaar

In 2008 bezocht ik Valencia met mijn moeder, in 2015 ging ik hier een weekendje met Tom heen en in 2022 bezocht ik deze stad om er een artikel voor een magazine over te schrijven. Drie maal is scheepsrecht, het wordt dus wel eens tijd om een blog te schrijven met de beste tips voor een stedentrip Valencia die ik de afgelopen 14 jaar heb opgedaan. Vooral ook omdat ik iedere keer weer nieuwe plekjes, gerechten en weetjes over Valencia ontdek. De stad die een historisch centrum, moderne architectuur en het strand combineert en verbindt met fietspaden. Dit zijn volgens mij de beste bezienswaardigheden in deze Spaanse stad waar je nog waar voor je geld vindt!*

Inhoud van dit blog

Mijn allerbeste tip voor een stedentrip Valencia: huur fietsen

Valencia is een heerlijke stad om te fietsen: het Turia park is een grote drooggelegde rivierbedding die door de hele stad loopt en die je dus goed als verbinding kunt gebruiken om van a naar b te komen. Of die zelfs leuk is om als bezienswaardigheid op zich te bezoeken. Daarover later meer. Langs de kilometerslange boulevard fiets je ook leuk. En je kunt mee gaan met één van de populaire Nederlandstalige fietstours door deze stad. Ik zou dus gewoon fietsen huren voor de duur van je hele stedentrip. Er zijn weinig hoogteverschillen en de afstanden zijn niet groot, fietsen is dus perfect voor een stedentrip in Valencia.

Elektrische stepjes huren kan ook, maar aangezien daar vaak geen slot op zit, is dat niet de meest veilige keuze.

Ook Baja-bikes biedt tours in Valencia , leuk!

Stadspark Jardi del Túria – de fietssnelweg van de stad

Oke, ik heb er dus drie stedentrips over gedaan om te ontdekken dat Valencia officieel tweetalig is. In het Spaans heet het enorme stadspark dan ook Jardins del Tùria en in het Valenciaans Jardi del Túria. Dat je het even weet. Met navigeren via Google Maps gaat het trouwens altijd goed!

Maar nu naar het stadspark: Na de laatste overstroming van de Turia rivier besloot men deze rivier droog te leggen. Dictator Franco had een mooie snelweg in gedachten, maar gelukkig wisten de Valencianen dit te vertragen en tegen te houden. En nu is het een zeven kilometer lang stadspark, dat uitmondt in het Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, of Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in het Valenciaans.

Het is nu dus ook een soort snelweg, alleen dan voor fietsen. Je kunt het namelijk uitfietsen naar het Westen waar het vrij roemloos eindigt. Onderweg geniet je van de relatieve rust. In dit park komen mensen om te recreëren en te sporten en heb je geen last van autoverkeer. Dat maakt dit park voor mij de geschikte verbindingsader voor fietstochten door de stad. Je moet altijd alleen even het meest geschikte punt bepalen waar je weer omhoog gaat, de stad in.

Het iconische beeld van Valencia: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

Jarenlang heeft architect Calatrava zich niet in Valencia kunnen vertonen omdat de inwoners woest op hem waren. Maar inmiddels ziet iedereen wat het toerisme voor boost heeft gekregen na de bouw van het moderne Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (op z’n Valenciaans). Zie maar het verschil tussen de foto links uit 2008 en de foto rechts uit 2008.

Een iconisch beeld voor de stad. Iedereen herkent het meteen. Hoewel de kans groot is dat je de gebouwen niet in gaat, tenzij je graag naar het wetenschapsmuseum of de opera gaat, de kans is groot dat je hier rond gaat lopen en je fantasie de vrije loop laat gaan over wat de gebouwen moeten voorstellen. Of dat je een glazen kano huurt voor een instagrammable plaatje voor het wetenschapsmuseum. Hoe dan ook: deze moderne architectuur is niet te missen!

Stad of strand: een stedentrip Valencia heeft het beste van beide werelden

Als je naar Valencia gaat hoef je niet te kiezen tussen stad en strand. Valencia heeft het allebei. Met een mooi en kilometerslang zandsstrand aan een autovrije boulevard. En van maart tot en met oktober heb je tijdens een weekend of midweek weg grote kans op stranddagen, soms zelfs in november.

Gratis geheimtip: het Almirante Moorse badhuis in Valencia

Het best bewaarde geheim van Valencia vind ik het Almirante Moorse badhuis in Valencia. Gebouwd in de 14e eeuw, met een typisch Moorse toegangspoort en de typerende stervormige lichtgaten. Ik houd ervan. Toch hoor ik hier nooit iemand over die naar Valencia gaat. Ja, het is even een uitzoekklusje wanneer het (gratis) toegankelijk is. In Google Maps staat het momenteel zelfs op permanent gesloten. Maar volgens de site van Visit Valencia zijn de Baños del Almirante gewoon open en gratis toegankelijk

In de Andalusische stad Jerez vond ik de Arabische baden overigens ook prachtig.

Nog meer gratis bezienswaardigheden in Valencia

Naast het Moorse Almirante badhuis zijn er nog meer gratis bezienswaardigheden. Zo sta je gratis bovenop de middeleeuwse Torres de Serranos om het uitzicht over de stad te bewonderen. En dat terwijl ik al twee keer bovenop de kathedraal stond waarvoor je wel moet betalen. Wanneer er geen water op staat, kun je door het glazen dak zo een deel van de opgravingen van het archeologisch museum La Almoina zien.

Aan de Oostkant van het Wetenschapsmuseum (Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe) kun je gratis een heel leuk experiment uitvoeren als je minimaal met z’n tweeën bent (goed zoeken). Het UNESCO Werelderfgoed de Zijdebeurs (La Lonja de la Seda) is momenteel zelfs gratis te bezoeken, omdat ze de kassasystemen aan het vervangen zijn of iets dergelijks. En de Spanjaarden een beetje kennende, kan zo’n project best een tijdje duren. Al weet ik niet hoe lang de Zijdebeurs natuurlijk nog gratis toegankelijk is. Ook tegen betaling is het de moeite waard, zeker als je het lijstje UNESCO Werelderfgoederen wilt afvinken.

En dan nog het best bewaarde geheim van zo ongeveer iedere Spaanse stad: op zondag zijn veel musea gratis te bezoeken. Altijd de moeite waard om uit te zoeken of dat ook geldt voor de plekjes die jij wilt bezoeken en het zo te plannen dat je die op zondag bezoekt. Het bezoeken van de meeste musea kost sowieso maar een paar euro. Dus fors besparen doe je niet met deze tip, maar toch!

Bespaartip: in Valencia zijn veel musea gratis op zondag! Moeite waard om uit te zoeken of dat ook voor jouw favo museum geldt.

Streetart bekijken tijdens een stedentrip in Valencia

Streetart bekijken tijdens een stedentrip is natuurlijk helemaal hot. En dat lukte dan ook goed tijdens mijn laatste stedentrip in Valencia. In de historische wijk El Carmen zie je veel straatkunst. In de oude wijk El Cabanyal vlakbij zee zie je ook veel streetart. Deze wijk is upcoming en een voormalige rauwe volksbuurt. Weet je gelijk wat je moet verwachten als je hier streetart gaat spotten tijdens je stedentrip in Valencia.

Locals tippen het Fallas-museum (en het Fallas-festival)

Na mijn tweede stedentrip naar Valencia had ik pas door wat het Fallas-festival (uit te spreken als Fajas, want anders zeg je fallus in het Spaans) echt was en wat het voor deze stad betekent. Maar dan moet je er wel in maart zijn! Dit festival is ontstaan toen timmermannen aan het begin van de lente hun werkplaats opruimden en hout begonnen te verbranden. De vuren werden steeds groter en er werd steeds meer verbrand. Tot aan de enorme houten poppen die het tegenwoordig zijn, die soms wel honderduizenden euro’s waard zijn. Totdat de ninots in de brand worden gestoken. Behalve die ene die gratie krijgt.

De branden zijn door de hele stad, 800 in totaal. Net als de vuurwerkshows op de avond zelf en in de aanloop naar de dag toe. De vraag is of je hier dus wel wilt zijn tijdens het Fallas-festival, omdat Valencia dan vol rook staat. Inmiddels staat dit festival natuurlijk ook op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO. Mij werd daarom het Fallas-museum aangeraden door locals, omdat dit inzicht geeft in het belangrijkste onderdeel van de Valenciaanse cultuur. En raad eens: ook tijdens mijn derde trip naar Valencia ben hier bijna, maar weer niet geweest.

Red jij het wel om naar het Fallas-museum te gaan? Het ligt tegenover het Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

Eten en drinken tijdens je stedentrip in Valencia

Een stedentrip in Valencia kan natuurlijk niet zonder lekker eten en drinken. Je vindt hier een aantal heel goede en leuke restaurants. En Valencia heeft een aantal typisch lokale gerechten en drankjes. Weet je bijvoorbeeld dat paella oorspronkelijk uit Valencia komt? En wist je dat ze hier al honderden jaren een vegan notenmelk drinken, de horchata? Bovendien is eten en drinken in deze stad nog heel betaalbaar: ga je uitgebreid uiteten bij een goed restaurant dan ben je vaak maar 40 of 50 euro per persoon kwijt inclusief alle drankjes. Hieronder deel ik de beste restaurants met je en wat je moet proeven!

Een flamencoshow bijwonen? Dat is niet van hier. Flamencoshows bezoek je dus idealiter in Sevilla of Jerez .

Het lekkerste eten tijdens je stedentrip bij Vuelve Carolina

‘Er is alleen nog plek aan de bar’, kregen we te horen want we hadden niet gereserveerd. Om vervolgens ham te eten die op onze tong smolt. Nog steeds denk ik met veel plezier terug aan het diner dat Tom en ik bij Vuelva Carolina in Valencia hadden. Het ligt dan ook naast het tweesterren Michelinrestaurant, ook van chef Quique Dacosta’s. Alleen is eten hier heel betaalbaar voor ons Nederlanders, zo heb je hier al een menu voor 37 euro. De gerechten zijn dus ontsproten aan het brein van een Michelinsterrenkok, maar dan met een lager prijskaartje. Ze hebben er trouwens ook een menu inclusief cocktails en dat probeer ik graag in 2029.

Drink een horchata en eet een fartons bij La terraza de Santa Catalina

Pas tijdens mijn laatste bezoek aan Valencia ontdekte ik de horchata. Dit tijgernotendrankje is populair sinds de Christelijke koning die Valencia op de Moren veroverde. De legende gaat dat hij dit drankje van een oud vrouwtje kreeg en dat het hem zoveel kracht gaf dat hij daarna de Moren kon verslaan. Valencianen drinken dit drankje dus vooral tijdens het ontbijt. Er zit dan ook flink veel suiker in! In Valencia vind horchateria waar je dit drankje kunt drinken als opkikkertje tijdens het sightseeën. Ik dronk dit drankje bij La terraza de Santa Catalina op het plein bij de kathedraal. En at er de traditionele fartons bij: een wit zoet, maar droog broodje. Dopen in je horchata dus.

Eet paella bij La Pepica als je op stedentrip naar Valencia gaat

Jij associeert wellicht heel Spanje met Paella. Maar paella is ontstaan in de moerassen ten noorden van Valencia, waar rijst wordt geteeld. Als je dat wilt kun je daar naartoe reizen om daar paella te eten. Maar dat is nogal een gedoe. Dus is het makkelijker om paella in de stad zelf te eten. Daar is ook goede paella te eten. Mits je jezelf maar aan de volgende tips houdt: eet paella altijd als lunch en niet als diner en ga naar een restaurant waar je paella moet reserveren. Want het maken van goede paella kost tijd.

Verder vinden Valencianen de aangebrande laag in de bodem van de paellapan het allerlekkerste, dus een goede ober zal je voordoen hoe je die uit de pan schraapt. En in traditionele paella zitten ook slakken, maar maak je geen zorgen, voor toeristen wordt dit meestal weggelaten.

Het leukste vind ik paella eten bij La Pepica aan de boulevard. Ja, het is een beetje fout en een beetje vergane glorie. Maar dit restaurant is wel één van de oudste paellarestaurants van de stad, traditioneel Spaans ingericht en hangt vol met foto’s van bekende mensen die hier paella gegeten zouden hebben.

Drink de lokale cocktail aigua de Valencia tijdens je stedentrip

Valencia heeft z’n eigen lokale cocktail, aigua de Valencia. In tegenstelling tot wat je van de naam verwacht, zit hier geen water in, al drinkt het minstens net zo makkelijk weg. Wat er wel in zit? Cava of champagne, wodka, gin, suiker en sinaasappelsap. De sinaasappels daarvoor worden buiten de stad geteeld. De sinaasappels in de stad zijn (in tegenstelling tot wat iedereen geloofd) wel eetbaar, maar ontzettend bitter en wellicht ook vervuild door uitlaatgassen. De sinaasappelbomen zijn door de Moren namelijk niet geplant om van te eten, maar om buskruit van te maken en als ingredient voor de cosmetische industrie. Maar aigua de Valencia is dus wel drinkbaar, wellicht iets te goed…

Ga eten in de wijk El Cabanyal tijdens je stedentrip

In 2015 overnachtten we al in de wijk El Cabanyal, wat nu de hipste wijk is om te bezoeken tijdens je stedentrip in Valencia. Een knusse wijk, maar er is niet veel te bezoeken. Tenzij je streetart-fan bent, dan zou ik zeker naar deze wijk gaan. Of culinair fan, want tijdens mijn laatste twee trips naar Valencia, hebben we het lekkerste gegeten in El Cabanyal. Er zitten een aantal heel goede restaurants.

De hipste en meest lokale koffiebarretjes in Valencia

In de 14 jaar dat ik nu in Valencia kom, zie ik het steeds wat hipper worden. Dat zie je ook terug in de koffiebarretjes. Die zijn er nog van supertraditioneel tot nieuw en superhip.

In het centrum vind je het authentieke Café de Camillo. Kies uit één van de tig soorten koffie. En krijg een cafe con leche met mini-croissant voor €1,75. Waar vind je dat nog in Nederland?

Hipper drink je koffie bij Mikengo, vlakbij de haven en het Sea You Port Hotel. Hier kun je alle soorten melk krijgen in je koffie die je maar wilt en je kunt hier ook goed en goedkoop ontbijten, ook vega. En wij Nederlanders slaan dan nog steeds niet stijl achterover van de prijzen.

Mercat de Colon: In deze oude markthal vind je diverse kleine restaurantjes en barretjes. Ik vind het dan ook de perfecte plek voor een tussenstop tijdens het sightseeën in Valencia. En voor een bakkie pleur met wat lekkers. Wat Mercat de Colon zo leuk maakt, is dat deze ontworpen is in de Valencian Art Nouveau-stijl. Dit gebouw is geïnspireerd op Gaudi en dat vond ik erg leuk om te zien!

Bezoek natuurpark Albufera met de bus of fiets

In de omgeving van Valencia vind je natuurpark Albufera. Een waterrijk natuurpark waar je heel leuk met een boottochtje doorheen kunt varen. Je kunt hier makkelijk met de bus heen, of zelfs met de fiets. Dan heb je een heel betaalbare dagtocht en kun je even bijkomen van alle indrukken van de stad.

Lees hier hoe je zelf een dagtrip naar natuurpark Albufera met de bus of fiets maakt.

Een stedentrip Valencia versus een stedentrip Malaga

Ik vind Valencia en Malaga enigszins met elkaar vergelijkbaar: het zijn beide Spaanse steden met grote stadsstranden. Steden waarvan de rauwe buitenwijken langzaam worden opgeknapt en met een mooi historisch centrum. En beide met leuke restaurants. Toch zijn er natuurlijk ook verschillen. Lees snel mijn blog over een stedentrip in Valencia versus in Malaga.

Wanneer naar Valencia?

Wanneer je ook naar Valencia gaat, het weer zal altijd fijn zijn. In onze winter is het er nog steeds zo’n 15 graden. En op een zonnige dag kun je in de luwte vaak nog lekker in je t-shirt buiten zitten. In maart is het Fallas-festival en afhankelijk van of dat type drukte je aanspreekt ga je dan juist wel of juist niet naar Valencia. Al staan in het voorjaar de sinaasappelbomen in bloei en dan schijnt het heerlijk te geuren in de stad. Voor lekker weer zou ik van maart tot en met oktober gaan, er is dan zeker kans op één of meerdere stranddagen tijdens je weekendje weg.

Ga niet in juli of augustus, dan schijnt het zo vochtig te zijn dat zelfs de inwoners het liefst de stad uit vluchten. En in november vindt op het circuit vlakbij de stad de MotoGP plaats. Deze heb ik destijds met Tom bezocht. Als je ervan houdt heel gaaf, maar dan is het dus ook druk in de stad (vooral met groepjes motoGP-minnende mannen) en dan zijn accommodaties meestal duurder.

Hoe lang ik zou gaan? Een lang weekend of een midweek. Tenzij je heel vroeg heen vliegt en heel laat terug, dan zou 2 nachten ook nog kunnen.

De beste reistijd om naar Valencia te gaan? Mijn tips voor het traditionele Fallas-festival in maart !

Waar te overnachten in Valencia?

Ondanks dat het mij lukt iedere keer weer wat nieuws te ontdekken in Valencia, is mij dat op het gebied van accommodaties nog niet echt gelukt. In 2008 sliep ik met mijn moeder in het Room Mate hotel vlakbij de haven. Met Tom sliep ik in een Airbnb in de wijk El Cabanyal die nu wordt gezien als de meest opkomende wijk van Valencia, omdat we echt low budget moesten reizen. En tijdens mijn mediareis sliep ik in het Sea You Hotel Port Valencia, wat uiteindelijk dus weer het voormalige Room Mate Hotel bleek te zijn.

Het dakterras met geweldig uitzicht heeft inmiddels wel een flinke upgrade gekregen met een hippe bar. De matrassen waren nog net zo hard als in 2008. Al waren ze wel druk met het verbouwen van het hotel, dus wie weet staan er flinke verbeteringen op stapel. Ik vind de ligging zelf wat ver van de stad, maar de boulevard is dan wel weer op loopafstand. Het ontbijt is redelijk.

Aangezien ik kennelijk gemiddeld 1x per 7 jaar naar Valencia reis, verwacht ik in 2029 weer te gaan en dan zoek ik denk toch een kleinschalig en duurzaam boetiekhotel. Het liefste boek ik dan via de eerlijke boekingssite Moonback een hotel in Valencia

Maar ook via stedentrips.nl boek je voordelige stedentrips naar Valencia .

*P.S. een groot deel van de foto’s is gemaakt in 2008 en 2015 toen ik nog niet bezig was met reisbloggen en fotografie 😉

** P.S. 2 in 2024 gaan we alweer naar Valencia voor een bruiloft van goede vrienden en het Fallas-festival. Dan waarschijnlijk met ons camperbusje .

Dit vind je denk ook leuk!

Een stedentrip naar authentiek Jerez in Andalusië

Mijn geheime tips voor een stedentrip naar Malaga

Ga op romantische trip naar de Costa Daurada 250 kilometer ten noorden van Valencia

Combineer Valencia met een roadtrip door Andalusië zoals wij in 2015 deden

Overnacht in een Yurt in Andalusië

Stedentrip Valencia versus Malaga

Meer over het Fallas-festival in Valencia

Over auteur

Ik ben Maaike van het reisblog Reisgelukjes. Ik schrijf over de leukste reizen voor 2, adultproof, voor een fijne prijs en liefst met een duurzamer karakter.

Je kunt je voorstellen dat het onderhouden van een reisblog veel tijd en geld kost. Daarom zijn sommige van de links op deze website gesponsord. Als je via deze links iets besteld of boekt, dan kost het jou niets extra's, maar krijg ik een kleine bijdrage. Wat mij weer helpt om deze website zo interessant mogelijk te houden.

Vind je een blog leuk? Laat dan vooral een reactie achter! Ook dat helpt mij om deze website zo actueel mogelijk te houden.

Dit vind je misschien ook leuk...

De onontdekte kust van Eiriceira: Reis naar authentiek Portugal

Vakantieland Montenegro: route rondreis van een week met de camper

Een knallend Oud & Nieuw voor 2 in deze 20 wereldsteden

Populaire berichten.

Wandelroute uitstippelen Castricum: langs 4 restaurants in de Kennemerduinen

Vakantie Waddeneiland Schiermonnikoog: een groot natuurgebied van Oost naar West

How to: Een oud campertje pimpen in 10 stappen

Fietsroute Castricum plannen: een unieke culinaire tocht

De tofste adresjes voor een vakantie in Castricum volgens locals

Campings voor tweedehands campers: boek snel 1 van deze hippe plekjes

Geef een reactie reactie annuleren.

Het e-mailadres wordt niet gepubliceerd. Vereiste velden zijn gemarkeerd met *

Mijn naam, e-mail en site bewaren in deze browser voor de volgende keer wanneer ik een reactie plaats.

Ontvang maximaal 1 keer per maand de nieuwste artikelen en reistips

Je aanmelding voor de nieuwsbrief is gelukt! Ik zal je niet spammen, beloofd!

Er is een error opgetreden, probeer het opnieuw.

Jouw keuze voor jouw gebruikerservaring op www.tui.be

Wij gebruiken cookies en andere technologieën die nodig zijn om onze website perfect te laten functioneren. Als je 'Aanvaarden' selecteert, stem je ermee in dat onze externe partners cookies op je apparaat plaatsen en andere technologieën gebruiken om persoonlijke gegevens (bijv. IP-adres) te verzamelen. Hierdoor kunnen wij je gepersonaliseerde inhoud voorstellen en metingen en analyses van onze website uitvoeren. Je vindt meer informatie bij 'Instellingen' en kunt zelf beslissen welke categorieën cookies je wil weigeren of aanvaarden. Je kunt je keuze op elk moment aanpassen door op 'Instellingen' te klikken. Als je 'Weigeren' selecteert en je toestemming weigert, krijg je geen gepersonaliseerde inhoud of aanbiedingen en zijn alleen noodzakelijke cookies actief. Wij gebruiken de toestemmingsmodus van Google op onze websites. Dit betekent dat als je ervoor kiest geen toestemming te geven voor cookies wanneer je onze sites bezoekt, wij jouw gegevens verwerken op een manier die voldoet aan je privacyvoorkeuren en GDPR. Met de toestemmingsmodus kunnen we nog altijd meten hoe je met onze site omgaat, maar op een geaggregeerd niveau in plaats van individueel niveau - door bijvoorbeeld functionele gegevens zoals het tijdstip te verzamelen. Neem voor meer informatie een kijkje in onze privacy- en/of cookieverklaring

Cookieverklaring van de TUI Group

Laatst bijgewerkt: oktober 2023

Om je zo goed mogelijk te helpen, maakt TUI gebruik van cookies. Naast functionele cookies, die noodzakelijk zijn om onze website te laten functioneren, plaatsen wij analytische cookies om het gebruik en de kwaliteit van onze website te meten. Ook plaatsen wij graag cookies voor een betere gebruikservaring. Deze cookies maken het mogelijk om gepersonaliseerde en relevante aanbiedingen te tonen, social media koppelingen te maken en maken het derden mogelijk om jouw internetgedrag te volgen en daarop afgestemde advertenties te tonen (zogenaamde tracking cookies).

Wat zijn cookies?

Een cookie is een klein tekstbestand dat bij je bezoek aan een website naar jouw computer wordt gestuurd en daar wordt opgeslagen. TUI kan cookies van haarzelf of van derden plaatsen op websites of apps waarvan de inhoud door TUI wordt verzorgd. Met behulp van cookies zorgen we er onder meer voor dat je bij een bezoek aan de TUI website niet herhaaldelijk dezelfde informatie ontvangt of moet invoeren, of dat jouw voorkeuren bij het gebruik van de TUI websites worden onthouden.

Er bestaan verschillende soorten cookies. TUI plaatst cookies die noodzakelijk zijn voor het leveren van de functionaliteiten van de TUI websites. Hierdoor ben je bijvoorbeeld in staat producten en diensten in het winkelwagentje te plaatsen en de inhoud van het winkelwagentje te bekijken. Met niet noodzakelijke cookies verzamelen wij informatie over jouw gebruik van de website en onthouden wij jouw keuzes voor onze producten en diensten. Voorbeelden hiervan zijn welke pagina's zijn bezocht en de duur van een gebruikerssessie. Deze cookies kunnen vervolgens ook aan onze zustermaatschappijen ter beschikking worden gesteld. Met behulp van deze cookies willen wij onze dienstverlening op onze websites verbeteren.

Overzicht gebruikte cookies

Hieronder staat een overzicht van de cookies waar TUI.be gebruik van maakt. Je kunt hier nagaan van welke cookies TUI gebruik maakt, het doel van de betreffende cookie en wat de gevolgen zijn van het verwijderen van de betreffende cookies.

Noodzakelijke en functionele cookies

Functionele cookies helpen een website bruikbaarder te maken, door basisfuncties als paginanavigatie en toegang tot beveiligde gedeelten van de website mogelijk te maken. Zonder deze cookies kan de website niet naar behoren werken.

Analytische cookies

Analytische cookies helpen ons te begrijpen hoe bezoekers onze website gebruiken, door anoniem gegevens te verzamelen en te rapporteren.

Marketing cookies

Marketing cookies worden gebruikt om bezoekers te volgen wanneer ze verschillende websites bezoeken. Hun doel is advertenties weergeven die zijn toegesneden op en relevant zijn voor de individuele gebruiker. Deze advertenties worden zo waardevoller voor uitgevers en externe adverteerders.

We gebruiken soms ook technieken zoals pixels, die we geen cookies noemen omdat ze geen informatie op je toestel opslaan. Een pixel is een elektronisch bestandje dat in een e-mailbericht werd ingebouwd en ons toelaat te zien of het bericht afgeleverd werd, of en wanneer je het gelezen hebt en waarop je geklikt hebt. Soms plaatsen we pixels in marketing e-mailberichten en nieuwsbrieven. We maken gebruik van gelijkaardige technologie om dezelfde informatie te krijgen voor de push-berichten die we je sturen.

We maken gebruik van Server-to-Server tracking door het aanmaken en opslaan van een unieke identificatiecode wanneer je op een tracking link klikt of een advertentie op je scherm krijgt. Wanneer je dan later een website bezoekt of een aankoop doet, wordt de unieke identificatiecode gevonden. Zo kunnen we de efficiëntie van onze advertentie nagaan.

De hiernavolgende datapunten worden via Server-to-Server tracking gedeeld met onze partners Facebook en Google om onze marketingtracking en -capaciteiten te verbeteren:

• Service & contact

Citytrip Valencia

• Persoonlijke reisgids via WhatsApp

Combineer traditioneel met trendy tijdens een citytrip naar Valencia. Deze stad tref je aan de oostkust van Spanje, aan de Middellandse Zee. Daardoor beschikt Valencia over een mooi zandstrand: ideaal om uit te rusten na een dag slenteren door de stad. Bezoek dan bijvoorbeeld de oude Mercado Central en de hypermoderne Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. En hoe kun je de dag nu beter afsluiten dan met een Valenciaanse paella? Met onze persoonlijke reisgids Louise haal je alles uit je stedentrip. Waar kan je overheerlijk eten in de omgeving? Op welke plek heb je het mooiste uitzicht? Via WhatsApp ontvang je informatie, tips en adviezen van Louise om een onvergetelijke stedentrip te beleven.

Mijn ideale citytrip is

• Informatie over Valencia
• Experiences

Weekendje Valencia

Een sfeervolle stad met een unieke ligging aan de Middellandse Zee, op circa twee uur vliegen: een weekendje in Valencia boek je nu voordelig bij TUI. Met maar liefst 300 zonnige dagen, fijne stranden en tal van historische bezienswaardigheden is deze stad de ideale bestemming voor een Last Minute citytrip of Last Minute vakantie in Spanje . Boek bij ons een centraal gelegen hotel in het oude centrum en ontdek te voet of op de fiets de smalle steegjes en prachtige hoge gebouwen van El Carmen. Geniet tijdens een weekendje in Valencia vooral ook van de gastronomische kwaliteiten die de stad te bieden heeft. Als bakermat van de paella, kun je dit typisch Spaanse gerecht hier wel op honderd verschillende manieren eten. En niet onbelangrijk: in Valencia is de prijs-kwaliteitsverhouding van een citytrip in Spanje bijzonder aantrekkelijk!

Traditioneel én modern Valencia

Hou je van traditie? Of juist meer van trendy? Tijdens je citytrip Valencia geniet je van beide werelden. Het contrastrijke Valencia tref je aan de oostkust van Spanje, aan de Costa del Azahar. Valencia heeft veel te bieden: strand, historische bezienswaardigheden, hypermoderne architectuur en ze is ook nog eens de bakermat van de paella. Als je lekker dicht bij het compacte stadshart wil logeren, kies dan bijvoorbeeld voor een trendy 4 sterrenhotel van TUI. Omdat je nu zo dicht bij de Mercado Central van Valencia bent, moet je zeker even op deze overdekte markt lopen. Haar exterieur valt op vanwege de blauw-gele tegeltjes en de glazen arcadebogen boven de ingang. Datzelfde patroon zie je terug in de hoge glazen koepel boven de honderden kraampjes.

Trotse tradities in Valencia

Valencia is een stad waar tradities in ere worden gehouden. Het beste voorbeeld is het feest Las Fallas, dat jaarlijks in maart plaatsvindt. Maar ook als je in een andere maand voor een citytrip naar Valencia komt, zul je genoeg traditie tegenkomen. Begin bijvoorbeeld met een wandeling door de nauwe straatjes van het stadshart. Hier ontdek je diverse authentieke hoogtepunten. Wandel bijvoorbeeld langs de gotische kathedraal van Valencia. Binnenin kun je een aantal schilderijen van Francisco Goya bewonderen. Een andere hotspot waar de Valencianen trots hun traditie laten zien, is La Lonja de la Seda. Dit is de beurs die eeuwenlang het centrum van de zijdehandel was. Nu kun je je er vergapen aan de gedetailleerde zuilen en prachtige versieringen.

Hypermodern Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències

Hou je van moderne architectuur? Dan is een van hotels van TUI in de wijk Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències een aanrader. Deze 'stad van kunst en wetenschap' is een modern architecturaal meesterwerk in Valencia, ontworpen door de architect Santiago Calatrava. De witte futuristische gebouwen zijn omgeven door zwembadblauw water. Daardoor ontstaat een prachtig fotogeniek plaatje! Het gebied wordt begrensd door het Jardines de Turia. Dit is een weelderige groenstrook die Valencia in twee helften deelt. In deze tuinen is het heerlijk vertoeven, of je nu een wandeling maakt of op een bankje uitrust. Over uitrusten gesproken: dat gaat tijdens je citytrip Valenica ook perfect op het strand Playa del Cabanyal.

Citytrips in Spanje

• Citytrip Barcelona
• Citytrip Madrid
• Citytrip Malaga
• Citytrip Sevilla
• Citytrip Bilbao
• Citytrip Rome
• Citytrip Lissabon
• Citytrip Londen
• Citytrip New York
• Citytrip Italië
• Vakantie Griekenland
• Last minute Griekenland
• Vakantie Turkije
• Last minute Turkije
• Vakantie Egypte

TUI is gesloten

02 717 86 60

Ma-vr 09:00-20:00

Za 09:00-18:30

Zo 10:00-18:30

Gesloten op feestdagen

• Veelgestelde vragen
• Beheer je reserveringen
• Boek sneller je volgende vlucht
• Sla je reisgezelschap op
• Boek je volgende vlucht sneller

My TUI account

14 Easy Day Trips From Valencia (+ How to Get There)

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure

The region of Valencia has a rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. These easy day trips from Valencia are just perfect for when you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of Spain’s third-largest city.

Valencia is a wonderful destination on its own. But there are many beautiful places that can be visited on a day trip from Valencia as well.

Once you’ve gasped in amazement at the modern architecture, sipped wine in all the charming squares, and shopped your way around Valencia’s city center you might be ready to explore the surrounding countryside.

I’ve divided this article into two sections — best day trips from Valencia by train or bus and best day trips from Valencia by car . So even if you aren’t eager to drive while on holiday, you have plenty of other options.

So, what are the best day trips from Valencia? Whether you are in Valencia for a few days or longer, this guide will give you an idea of the best things to see around Valencia on a half-day or full-day trip.

Also read: 25 Things To Do in Valencia Besides Eating Paella

Best day trips from Valencia by train or bus

These day trips can be done by public transport (train, bus, and even metro or bike). These destinations are easily accessible and to be honest, some of them don’t even have to take up the whole day unless you want them to. That’s why some of these Valencia day trips by train or bus are so great because you can do them in the morning or afternoon and use the rest of the day to visit Valencia.

1. El Saler

Valencia has miles upon miles of urban beaches. Yet some of the best beaches in Valencia are situated outside the city, with El Saler beach to the south being a favorite among people living in Valencia .

El Saler is one of the nicest places to visit around Valencia if you like an uncrowded seaside. Its fine sand beach has a dramatic look due to the rolling sand dunes and endemic plants that grow on them. What’s more, the beach ends in an impressive pine forest.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend some quality time in nature, there are plenty of roads and paths you can follow both on foot and by bike. This is a nice day trip from Valencia by bus and I highly recommend it.

If you’re into golf and are looking for things to do outside Valencia, Parador de El Saler is a posh hotel and spa, home to one of the best golf courses in Europe. Along the beach, you’ll also find a few restaurants specializing in seafood and rice dishes. While they are nothing fancy, they surely are convenient.

How to get there: El Saler can be reached on a bus tour from Valencia. Bus 25 leaves from Valencia city center (Calle Cerdán de Tallada) towards El Saler. In summer, the bus goes all the way to El Saler beach. In the off-season, you have to get off at Pinars – El Saler and walk along the pine tree-lined path until you reach the beach (about 10 minutes).

Alternatively, you can rent a bike and follow the bike lane from El Saler Commercial Center near the City of Arts and Sciences all the way to El Saler beach (around 9km one way) where you’ll find plenty of bike docks. You can also take your bike on the bus.

2. Albufera Natural Park

As the third-largest city in Spain and home to the futuristic-looking City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia can feel quite modern. Therefore, it’s hard to imagine that a wild place like Albufera exists in such close proximity.

The Albufera Natural Park and the surrounding villages feel almost trapped in time. Life has a different pace here and has been going on almost undisturbed for centuries.

Albufera is the place that gave Spain its most famous dish — the paella. This makes the tiny village of El Palmar a pilgrimage spot for paella lovers and one of the most memorable day trips from Valencia.

This traditional fishing village with just 800 inhabitants is nothing to write home about. But it has a dozen restaurants, all specializing in the world’s most popular rice dish .

If you can’t make it to Albufera, I also wrote an article about where to eat the best paella in Valencia .

If you visit Albufera between June and September, budget some time for a stroll through the lush green rice fields nearby. They are spectacular!

Another popular thing to do here is to take a boat ride around the lake, which is home to hundreds of bird species. The best time to spot them is spring and autumn. The lake looks breathtaking at sunset when it offers some extraordinary photo opportunities.

How to get there: Bus 25 leaves from Valencia city center direction El Palmar (via El Saler). You can get off at Embarcadero de Albufera (for boat rides and sunset shots) or El Palmar (for boat rides, rice fields, and paella). You can also take your bike on the bus and ride through the rice fields at leisure. Alternatively, you can book a jeep and boat tour in the company of a local guide (includes hotel pick-up).

3. Tavernes Blanques

Tavernes Blanques is another tiny village, this time just up north from Valencia. An unremarkable place per se, it hides quite a secret — the Lladró Boutique-Museum.

This is the world’s only Lladró factory. If you’re even remotely interested in luxury handmade porcelain, this place is so worth it!

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to wander around the huge showroom and admire hundreds of figurines and home accessories. Some of them date as far back as the 1960s and are no longer in production. Others are limited edition, like the Queen of the Nile, sold for well over €100,000.

But perhaps the most interesting part of the visit is the workshops where they do demonstrations in various languages. If you’ve never seen how porcelain figurines are made, you’ll surely have a blast.

Besides this, they also have a small but valuable private painting collection upstairs. And an outlet shop where you can buy heavily discounted Lladró figures.

The Lladró Boutique-Museum is free to visit, but you have to call or book via their website in advance.

How to get there: Take bus 16 from the City Hall square to Tavernes Blanques then walk in a straight line to the Lladró Boutique-Museum.

4. Alboraya

Chufa (aka tigernuts) is a grass-like-looking plant that produces an edible tuber from which horchata , a sweet plant-based beverage, is made. Visiting the lush green chufa fields of Alboraya in summer is yet another fun day trip from Valencia.

Hot tip: If you want to learn more about the Spanish eating customs and unique local cuisine, see these 10 mouth-watering foods you must try in Valencia (horchata included).

Neighboring Tavernes Blanques, it’s surprising how easily accessible the chufa fields of Alboraya are from Valencia by bike or metro. The best thing to do here is to either walk or bike at leisure through the huerta (a fertile land where all kinds of vegetables are planted).

The fields are dotted with barracas and alquerias , typical farmhouses usually painted in white (an interesting contrast with the greenery around). You’ll also spot the vast network of irrigation channels dating all the way back to the times when the Moors ruled these lands almost a millennia ago.

I recommend you to wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. If you want to rest in the shadow and sip a glass of horchata with views of the chufa fields, stop at Horchateria Vida right in the middle of the huerta . They have lots of indoor and outdoor seating, a small farm animal area, a playground for kids, and a parking lot.

Another interesting stop is Espai Sequer Lo Blanch, a cultural and gastronomic space in the middle of the huerta , with food trucks, workshops, and a farmers’ market.

While this half-day trip can be done independently, you also have the option of going on a bike tour with a local guide.

How to get there: Take metro line 3 or 9 to Alboraya-Palmaret or Alboraya-Peris Aragó then walk to Paseo de Aragón (8 minutes). Or, you can rent a bike for the day and follow the bike lanes from Valencia to Alboraya. You can also take your bike on the metro (weekends only). If you visit the Lladró Museum, you can walk toward the chufa fields from there.

Sagunto is one of the best day trips from Valencia if you want to combine history with a relaxing afternoon at the beach.

First off, there’s the ancient fortification perched on top of the hill. You’ll spot it from the train already. But walking along the ruined walls will give you a different and interesting perspective of the sea in the distance.

Then there’s the Roman theater built way back in the 1st century. It can be found at the foot of the hill and it’s still in use today, almost two thousand years later. Every summer, a month-long festival is held here.

The harbor and the beach are a bit further away. Many consider this playa to be a better alternative to the crowded urban beaches of Valencia. The walk along the shores is also nice, plus there are plenty of restaurants.

How to get there: Take the train from North Station to Sagunto. The shortest journey time is 20 minutes. If you want to go to the beach, you can either take bus 115 (AVSA) from Valencia bus station directly to Puerto de Sagunto or take the local bus from the Sagunto train station to the beach.

Xàtiva is a town steeped in history and a great one day trip from Valencia. During Roman times, it used to be a famous linen manufacturer strategically situated on Via Augusta. Fast forward a few centuries later, the first paper mill in Europe was built in Xàtiva in 1056, as the Arabs introduced papermaking to Europe from China.

Xàtiva is also the birthplace of Callixtus III and Alexander VI (the infamous Papa Borgia, one of the most controversial popes during the Renaissance).

Xàtiva’s main attraction is its castle. Perched on a double-peaked hill, you can easily spend a few hours walking along the wall, wandering around the patios, and photographing all the fountains, endemic vegetation, and flowering plants growing on ruins.

The views from the castle are breathtaking. Plus the restaurant offers an affordable menu that includes local specialties like arroz al horno (oven-baked rice with pork and potatoes) and Arabic sweets.

In the town center, you can follow the Water Route — Xàtiva is known as the city of a thousand fountains. You can also visit some museums and buildings related to the Borja family.

How to get there: Xàtiva is one of the best day trips from Valencia by train. It’s situated 66km south and can be reached in 35 minutes.

Gandia has miles upon miles of coastline and crystal-clear waters. While it sounds perfect for a beach holiday, Gandia also has a long history and strong links to the Borja family.

The main attraction in Gandia is the Ducal Palace, a must-visit due to its Crown Hall and Golden Gallery, a succession of five fabulous rooms in Baroque style.

This magnificent palace built in the early 1300s first belonged to the Royal Dukes of Gandia before it became home to the wealthy Borja family. It was the birthplace of San Francisco de Borja and it’s well worth visiting on a day trip from Valencia.

You’ll find many restaurants serving rice dishes in Gandia, but trust me when I say, you should also try the fideuà . This is a seafood noodle dish prepared in the same wide pan as the paella and is believed to have originated in Gandia.

How to get there: Gandia is one of the best train trips from Valencia. It is situated 72km to the south and can be reached in just under an hour. You can take cercanias train C-1 from Valencia Estacion del Norte to either Gandia (the city center) or Gandia Platja (the beach). The historical center of Gandia and the beaches of Gandia are some 5 km apart. A bus connects the two. The bus ride takes some 20 minutes.

Utiel-Requena is the largest wine region near Valencia. The tradition of winemaking here dates back all the way to Roman times. So a day trip to Requena should almost inevitably be organized around wine.

Now, Requena also has a past not related to wine. During medieval times it used to be an important silk producer and some of the most imposing historical buildings in the center are from that period.

After a quick stroll around, I recommend you make a beeline for the Caves of the Villa (the old town hall caves). This series of caves were used to store wine, oil, and grains. Some were used as ossuaries. As you walk through the caves, you’ll see huge clay jars where food used to be preserved. During hot summers and cold winters, the caves also served as a shelter.

Last but not least, make time to visit a winery. If you are there in late summer or autumn, just before harvest, you should also visit the nearby vineyards. Maybe even taste some Bobal red grapes which are native to this region.

While you can visit Requena independently, I found it way more entertaining and learned a lot more about the long tradition of winemaking in the region when I visited with a local guide.

How to get there: Requena is situated 72km inland. It can be reached by high-speed train (AVE) in 22 minutes or regional train (cheaper) in 1h 40min. Regular bus services between Valencia and Requena also exist. The journey time is approx 1 hour.

Teruel is a charming, yet little-known city in the Aragon region. It’s famous for its Mudejar architecture which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Teruel is surrounded by legends, such as the one of the Lovers. As the story goes, a girl from a wealthy family and a man of little means fell in love. When the girl’s father didn’t agree to their union, the guy traveled far in search of wealth.

This was all the way back in the 13th century. As you can imagine, something went wrong and he missed the deadline. Their love story ended up similar to that of Romeo and Juliette. Nowadays, you can visit their mausoleum inside a 16th-century Mudejar church.

In my opinion, Teruel is one of the best cities to visit in Spain . Since Teruel is pretty small and compact, it can be visited on a day trip from Valencia. But if you don’t want to rush your visit, Teruel is also one of the best weekend trips from Valencia so spending the night is a great idea.

Teruel is also known for its pottery and jamón serrano  (cured ham), which is believed to be among the best in Spain.

How to get there: Teruel is 140km northwest of Valencia. It can be reached by train in 2h 30min and it’s one of the most interesting excursions from Valencia.

10. Peñiscola

Peñiscola is a Game of Thrones filming location (it starred as Meereen in season 6). But even before that, Peñiscola was a popular tourist destination due to its stunning Templar castle perched high on a rock overlooking the sea.

This town is located on Costa del Azahar (aka the Cherry Blossom Coast). Besides charming streets, it also has miles of sandy beaches just perfect for sunbathing or a relaxing walk.

Peñiscola looks postcard-perfect from afar. But the winding cobbled streets inside the castle walls are full of charm as well. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as the streets of the old town are hilly and uneven.

The main attraction is the Castle of Papa Luna, where Pedro Martínez Luna lived during his very long exile while the legitimacy of his title was being disputed.

Besides the castle, also look for Casa de las Conchas, a house with a facade completely covered in shells. And hear El Bufador, a curious sound made by the waves when hitting a rocky cavity.

How to get there: During the summer months, take the direct train from North Station to Benicarló-Peñíscola (7km from the center of Peñíscola). The shortest journey time is 1h 10min. From Benicarló-Peñíscola there’s a bus service once an hour. If you visit during the low season, take the train to Vinaròs. From there, there’s a bus service to Peñíscola every half an hour.

Fun day trips from Valencia by car

The above are the best day trips from Valencia by bus or train. But as any local will tell you, a car is the best way to discover the region.

If you’d like to visit other places close to Valencia and move around with ease, renting a car is the next best thing, especially since organized day tours from Valencia are rare.

As Valencia’s popularity grows, I expect that to change as there are plenty of other pretty places near Valencia to visit. But for now, here are 3 fun road trips from Valencia worth renting a car for.

11. Alcossebre

If you are looking for uncrowded beaches, stunning pine forests, and pretty coves near Valencia, head to Alcossebre up north. Alcossebre is close to Peñiscola and you can batch the two into one trip.

While both Alcossebre and Peñiscola are great day trips from Valencia on their own, if you want to see them both and also enjoy the beaches, it’s best to make this a two day trip and spend the night in a hotel. I really enjoyed Hotel Romana in Alcossebre, plus it’s cheaper than staying in Peñiscola.

Alcosebre also has a pretty marina and an impressive camping called Tropicana. This camping is super clean and surrounded by lush green vegetation. It’s great for motorhomes but they also have wooden bungalows that you can rent and it’s basically right on the beach.

12. Sant Josep Caves, Vall de Uxó

These caves host the longest navigable underground river in Europe (more than 3 km long!). The caves are situated less than 50 km from Valencia. Apart from taking a quiet boat ride through the caves (the tour lasts approx 45 minutes), you can also go hiking in the nearby Sierra de Espadán mountain range.

13. Rull Cave, Vall de Ebo

This is another cave I really loved visiting. It boasts an absolutely spectacular underground landscape with a wealth of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The cave is situated approx 100 km south of Valencia and was named after the hunter who discovered it back in 1919. The Rull Cave can only be visited by guided tour (approx 45 minutes).

14. Guadalest

Guadalest is a scenic little town , some 130 km south of Valencia. While it’s best known for its castle, Guadalest also offers some pretty amazing views, good value restaurants, and great shopping opportunities.

Personally, I believe this is one of the top day trips from Valencia due to its several unique and surprising museums, like:

• The Micro-Gigantic Museum (a mind-blowing collection of tiny artworks).
• The Salt and Pepper Museum (a collection of more than 20,000 salt and pepper shakers from all around the world).
• The Antonio Marco Doll House Museum (beautifully decorated dollhouses with intricate details and a 12-ton nativity scene).
• The Historical Vehicles Museum (100+ motorcycles and microcars in perfect condition).

Wanna know more about Valencia’s past and present? Read these fun facts about Valencia . And don’t forget to check out my article about the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Valencia — it might come in handy when booking your accommodation.

Planning to visit other parts of Spain as well? I also wrote a guide on how to spend 3 days in Madrid . And another on the best things to do in Barcelona in 3 days .

LIKE THIS ARTICLE ABOUT VALENCIA DAY TRIPS? PIN IT!

If you’ve found this article about the best day trips from Valencia helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends. Your support means the world to me and helps me keep the lights on.

Plan Your Next Trip To Valencia With Our Guides

Valencia Nightlife: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Clubs and Bars

Heading to Valencia? Check out the best nightlife hotspots in the city.

3 Days in Valencia: The Perfect Itinerary (+ Map)

Planning a 3 day trip to Valencia? Here’s one way you could be spending your time.

5 Restaurants Where to Eat the Best Paella in Valencia

Find out the best paella restaurants in Valencia plus tips on how to know you’re eating authentic paella.

4 Best Areas Where to Stay in Valencia, Spain (+ Map)

Wondering where to stay in Valencia on your next visit? Accommodation can make or break a trip, so don’t wing it. This neighborhood guide will help you find the best area to stay in.

12 Typical Valencian Foods: What & Where To Eat in Valencia

Don’t fall for the tourist traps while searching for the best food in Valencia. From local dishes to authentic restaurants, this foodie guide has you covered.

15 Best Day Trips From Madrid (+ Map)

If you’re in Madrid and have a day or two to spare, don’t miss out on these top-notch day trips.

The 10 Best Day Trips from Valencia, Spain

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

As Spain's third-largest city, it's no surprise that Valencia is full of majestic sights, lively cultural events, and so much more. However, its metropolitan, cosmopolitan vibe means that it can get quite busy at times, and sometimes you just need a change of scenery. These lovely beaches, cities and towns make great day trips from Valencia if you'd like to experience something new. Here's where to go for some R&R. 

Cuenca: Hanging Houses & Colorful Culture

Cuenca is a small city on the high-speed train line from Madrid to Valencia. Built on top of a huge cliff face, the famous "hanging houses" built next to a scary drop are easily the most best-known sight in Cuenca. But there's more to this historic city than just that. A handful of excellent modern art galleries and a great interactive science museum help make Cuenca one of the best day trips from Valencia.

Getting There : Trains from Valencia to Cuenca (operated by Spain's national rail company, Renfe ) run several times a day and take around an hour.

Travel Tip : Bring good walking shoes—Cuenca is quite hilly, and you'll want all the support possible for your feet.

Madrid: Grand Architecture, Stunning Views, & More in Spain's Capital

The vibrant, thriving Spanish capital deserves a spot on your list no matter where you're based. Madrid is home to world-class museums , fabulous parks , and—of course—no shortage of excellent bars and restaurants . Throw in some jaw-dropping views from above on the cable car or from rooftop bars like the one that sits atop the Círculo de Bellas Artes , and you've got all the makings of a fabulous trip.

Getting There : The AVE high-speed train gets you from Valencia to Madrid in under two hours. Buses run by Avanza take twice as long, but are a more economical option.

Travel Tip : Madrid has so much to see and do that you'll really need more than a day. Consider stopping in Cuenca (above) on the way from Valencia, then spending multiple days in the Spanish capital.

A charming beach town not too far from Valencia itself, Cullera is perfect for travelers seeking out a more laid-back escape, with plenty of family-friendly attractions. Cool off at the  Aquopolis water park  and visit  Dragut's Cave , named after a 16th-century pirate.​

Getting There : Cullera is on the Valencia Cercanias (commuter train) line C1. Trains leave throughout the day and the journey takes just over half an hour.

Travel Tip : While Cullera is a popular summer hotspot, it tends to shut down in the winter months. Expect limited availability of bars, restaurants, and shops in the off-season.

Albufera region

Craving paella ? Lucky for you, one of the best day trips from Valencia just happens to be the hometown of this iconic rice dish. Just outside of Valencia lies the Albufera region , where it's said the first paellas (as we know them today) were cooked in large pans in the open air surrounding the lake. 

El Palmar is the main town in the region and where you'll find the most traditional paella restaurants in the area. Made with locally grown rice, this stuff is the real deal—although be aware that it may be on the expensive side. Another lovely town in the region is El Saler, home to the  Campo de Golf El Saler , the former host to the Spanish Open. Its beach, Playa de El Saler, is the nearest pleasant beach to Valencia.

Getting There : Driving is the easiest way to get to El Palmar from central Valencia, and takes about half an hour. If you don't have access to a car, the Valencia Bus Turistic  has a sightseeing bus that goes to the region. The cost is 8 euros and includes a boat ride on Lake Albufera. 

Travel Tip : The region is home to dozens of fabulous paella spots such as Restaurante Bon Aire, Arrocería Maribel and more. Due to the time involved in preparing a quality paella, it's often advised to call the restaurant ahead of time to reserve your dish—that way, you won't be waiting upwards of an hour for them to prepare it once you arrive.

If you're looking to visit a beach close to Valencia that also boasts a little bit of culture to pass a few hours, then Sagunto could be the perfect place for you. An ancient settlement that's existed since at least 5 B.C., it's best known for its Roman theater (which boasts magnificent acoustics despite being nearly 2,000 years old!) as well as an attractive, easily accessible beach .

Getting There : Trains run throughout the day from Valencia and take around 30 minutes.

Travel Tip : Nature lovers won't want to miss the Sierra Calderona Natural Park nearby, home to some of the region's best hiking.

Javea and Denia

If the beach is what you're after, you can't go wrong with either Javea or Denia. While the former is home to a large expat population from all over Europe, it also boasts a lovely historic old town and relaxed beach vibe. Denia , on the other hand, is a can't-miss seaside destination in its own right, popular among everyone from locals to international tourists. It's also home to some lovely hiking trails, such as Montgó Peak .

Getting There : Spain's national bus company,  ALSA , runs the bus service that goes from Valencia to Denia. The journey lasts two hours. From there, take a catamaran to Javea with  Mundo Marino .

Travel Tip : In addition to being one of the Costa Blanca's premier beach destinations, Denia was also named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. Be sure to allow time for long, leisurely meals made with the region's freshest ingredients (you're on vacation, after all).

Come to Requena for the charming old town ; stay for the wine.  Utiel Requena , a red wine made from Bobal grapes, is the region's speciality. Visit one of the dozens of wineries in and around the city to learn more about this special variety and taste it for yourself. 

Getting There : The fastest trains from Valencia can get you to Requena in just about 20 minutes. 

Travel Tip : Requena is equally fascinating below its surface. Visit the network of caves and tunnels located beneath the city for a glimpse at its fascinating past. 

Home to a fine cathedral , the old executioner tower and the remains of an old aqueduct , the medieval village of Segorbe is a must for history buffs. For some fun in the sun, young (and young-at-heart) travelers will have a blast at the local water park , one of the best in the region.

Getting There : Renfe trains will get you from Valencia to Segorbe in an hour.

Travel Tip : Segorbe is located right in the heart of one of Spain's top cycling regions. The Vía Verde - Ojos Negros route is easily accessible from the city. 

Castellón de la Plana

Castellón de la Plana is a large town on the way towards Barcelona. It's not usually that high on tourists' list of places to see on the east coast, but those who do drop by can't help but feel pleasantly surprised. Ten paintings by  Zurbaran  hang in the Convento de las Capuchinas , while the  Lonja , the old hemp exchange, is worth a look as well.

Getting There : Most Renfe trains from Valencia will get you to Castellón in 40 minutes to an hour. Alsa buses are also available, but travel time is about 90 minutes. 

Travel Tip : Nature lovers won't want to miss the chance to visit the Columbretes Islands right off the coast of the city. 

At first glance, Gandia may seem just like another beach town . However, it's so much more than that—the city has its fair share of fascinating historic sites as well. Especially of note is the Palacio Ducal de los Borja , a 15th-century palace that was the birthplace of Saint Francis Borgia, complete with beautiful carvings and ceramics.

Getting There : Gandia-bound Alsa buses depart Valencia several times a day. The trip takes an hour.

Travel Tip : Legend says that Gandia is the home of  fideuà , a noodle-based cousin of paella. Be sure to try this local dish at an authentic spot such as Casa Julia or Restaurante Telero .

Visit the East Coast of Spain

The 12 Best Day Trips From Madrid

Top 25 Valencia Sights and Day Trips

How to Get From Madrid to Cuenca and What to Do There

The 12 Best Day Trips From Barcelona

How to Get From Valencia to Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Malaga

Plan the Perfect Trip to Spain

How to Get to Benicassim from Valencia, Madrid and Barcelona

Where to Go in July in Spain

What You Should Eat in Spain: City by City

Spain's Must-See Sights and Attractions: City by City

Guide to Visiting Granada in Spain

The 9 Best Day Trips from Seville

The 14 Best Day Trips from Copenhagen

15 Best Under-the-Radar Places to Visit in Spain

The Best Day Trips From Prague

Road is Calling

Valencia to Malaga Road Trip: 12 Exciting Stops to Make With Dozens of Places to Visit

Spain is a country that was made for road trips, both short and long in all directions. The Valencia to Malaga road trip is just one example that provides a nice opportunity to explore some of southern Spain’s most beautiful scenery and way of life.

Traveling by road between Malaga and Valencia is easy and safe. The main road that I suggest you take is well maintained and for the most part free (with a couple of small stretches being tolls). And when you take detours, there are impressive views of different landscapes and interesting towns to explore together with some fascinating local and unique Spanish experiences .

Going on a drive from Valencia to Malaga is a great way to explore a bit of the Valencia shoreline and some of Murcia  as well as contemplate the beauty of the east coast of Andalusia which stretches along the mountains.

When renting a car, check the requirements for hiring a car in Spain as a foreigner . For some nationalities, having an international driver’s license is a must. 

And then if you want to do a Valencia to Granada road trip, feel free to use this route too. It takes a little longer than going directly away from the coast, but it is well worth it!

So, here is a quick guide to a big Valencia road trip and to a visit to must-see places between Malaga and Valencia. There are many spots where to stop but I highlight my favorite ones that are worth your time and drive!

Where to Stay on Valencia to Malaga Road Trip

Planning a road trip from Valencia to Malaga soon? You’d want to devote a few days to it and stay overnight somewhere in between these cities!

Here is where to stay for a unique experience:

• Boutique Hotel Sierra de Alicante (heritage hotel between Benidorm & Alicante in the mountains, $-$$)
• Bajo El Cejo (eco-hotel with a pool in a nature park near Murcia in a rural area, $$)
• Casa Poeta Pelayo (authentic Spanish home in the old part of Cartagena, $-$$)
• Boutique Hotel El Olivar (in the historic town of Mojacar, 5 min away from the beach, $-$$)  
• MiKasa Agua Amarga & SPA (in the quiet fishing village between Almeria & Cabo de Gata Natural park, $-$$)

Where to Rent a Car in Valencia (or Malaga)

When in Valencia or Malaga, Mark and I always rent cars through two companies, either through DiscoverCars or LocalRent (depending on the season) comparing prices and seeing which one has better deals.

If you need to go down into the nitty gritty of Valencia car hire, then don’t miss my brief guide to renting a car and driving in Valencia . And then if in Malaga, see this post about where to rent a car in Malaga – airport or city center. Otherwise, just browse through the offers and see what is available today:

Cheap Car Rentals in Valencia and Malaga:

Things to Know Before Going on a Valencia to Malaga Drive

First things first. Before I get to talk about all the stops on the Malaga to Valencia road trip, here are a couple of things to know:

The network of gas stations along the Spanish roads has a strong presence, including the road between Valencia and Malaga. My recommendation is that you use Repsol as your gas/diesel station .

Distance between Malaga and Valencia

With 625 km between Valencia and Malaga, if your goal is to get from point A to point B, you could do this in one shot as the drive would take about 6 hours. The Valencia-Malaga distance is not that bad but, there are so many things to do between these two cities, you can take weeks doing this road trip.

This is why, with that in mind, I recommend you plan your drive in that way where you can not just quickly cover the distance and see a few major cities along the way but where you can actually pause for a little longer and immerse in daily Spanish life, discovering hidden gems and lesser-popular towns.

So here is the way I would recommend you structure your journey.

Map of Stops Between Valencia and Malaga

12 Exciting Stops to Make on a Road Trip from Valencia to Malaga

The first stop I recommend you to make after leaving Valencia to drive to Malaga is a seaside resort town Gandia in the southern part of the Valencia region. Its charm the town gets thanks to the port and the picturesque mountains surrounding the settlement from all sides.

Gandia is famous for its beautiful beaches and historic castle . There are not a lot of attractions and nightlife. Nevertheless, every summer several thousand Europeans tend to come here to relax on the seashore, surrounded by beautiful nature.

When you visit on a road trip to Malaga, take a stroll along the beach, relax in a seaside cafe, and explore the castle for a unique and memorable experience.

What To Do in Gandia

Well, there is not a ton of things to do in Gandia, yet, this town can surely keep you busy.

Once you get here, visit at first the Walls of Gandia . In the 16th century, these walls protected the city from invaders and surrounded the city center. The Alqueria del Duc is a medieval fortification of Muslim origin.

Then go to the castle of Bairen or San Juan . It only costs 2 euros to enter to walk around and get views of the town and sea. Or, you can better devote time to visiting the Ducal Palace of the Borjas . It is an incredible piece of architecture with an interesting story behind it. You can get an audio tour in different languages for under 10 euros.

Another thing not to miss is a promenade of Gandia . It is considered one of the widest and most beautiful in the Valencia region. There you can take a walk, sit in one of the cafes, pop into a small boutique shop, and also admire the bright flowers in the flower beds. You’ll find many benches and sun loungers on the embankment as well as exercise machines and playgrounds for children.

There is a port on the left side of the promenade – you won’t be able to see large ships here, but there are a lot of snow-white yachts and sailboats.

This town is known for its excellent seafood and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea . When visiting on a drive from Valencia, try the local paella dish, visit the castle, and take a boat tour for a full experience of the area.

Denia is a port town also known for its cozy beaches , comfortable family hotels , a huge number of restaurants with Mediterranean cuisine , and its numerous archeological sites .

Denia literally exudes the spirit of antiquity with a high number of archaeological and ethnological museums, castles, old fortresses, and ancient streets. They all create a special atmosphere. Here you can make a quick stop when driving from Valencia to Granada or to Malaga or even spend a few days long vacation, combining a beach holiday with sightseeing.

The most recent award to this city has been from UNESCO. Denia was declared the Creative City of Gastronomy just like San Sebastian in northern Spain . This is the main reason why you should visit and eat here before you continue with the road trip to Malaga.

What To Do in Denia

First, walk toward the port along the street Marques del Campo. It is a convenient and pretty street where you can do some shopping.

The Denia coast has been one of the most important anchorages in the Mediterranean since Roman times. The modern port began to take shape at the beginning of the 20th century, and it expanded until it became the great port that we see today. Ferries depart from here to many of the Balearic Islands with Ibiza being the closest one.

From the port, find the neighborhood ‘Baix La Mar’ or neighborhood of the Fishermen. This area seems like it comes out of a fairytale with a small maze of low-rise colorful houses, making it the perfect spot for photos.

The castle nearby is astonishing and it only costs 3 euros to enter. On your way there see the castle tunnel. This tunnel was built during the Spanish Civil War to protect the citizens from aerial attacks.

Finally, as you walk along the pedestrian street of Loreto , you will find the beautiful bell tower of the Church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto which was built in 1683. The church stands next to the Convento de las Agustinas, which came into operation in 1604.

Restaurants that deserve a visit in Denia are Casa Federico , in the port and Tasca Les Monges on Loreto street.

On a stretch between Valencia and Murcia, by the coast, there is an interesting destination that you also don’t want to miss. An incredible city built of skyscrapers , something completely unusual in this part of the country which is often called “Spanish Las Vegas” and “European Miami”.

Benidorm is considered one of the key resorts of the Costa Blanca, and above all, stands out among the other resort towns of the coast and the whole country with its many skyscrapers. The rapid development of the tourism industry and construction in the 60s turned the once small fishing village into a modern resort, a real Mecca for tourists in the region.

You can find absolutely everything in this city and have a wonderful vacation, not just a quick stop on a road trip. Although be aware of the prices, as it is a very tourist place (unless you are visiting the Valencia region in winter ). This city is famous for its nightlife, beaches, and theme parks.

What To Do in Benidorm

Well, you may like it so much that you may want to stop here for a night and devote more time to this city. There are really a lot of things to do.

Only spending a day at Terra Mitica theme park or Terra Natura park is going to take some time. Visit these parks for wildlife and waterpark activities.

Then don’t miss the two best viewpoints of the city such as The balcony of the Mediterranean and the Cross of Benidorm . Both offer great views of the sea and the city. Visit the old town and the local markets . Stroll along any of the beaches and if you spend the night there, enjoy a night out at one of the city’s many clubs .

All the Mediterranean coast of Valencia Autonomous Comunity is known for delicious rice dishes, so make sure to try one of them in Benidorm. This city has great options for where to eat, but can also be very tourist oriented.

After Benidorm, Elche is going to be a very different stop. It is one of the oldest cities in Spain, which began its history in 5000 BC and one of the important tourist centers.

Despite some remoteness from the sea, Elche has beautiful centuries-old palm trees, gardens, exquisite architecture of ancient palaces, and mysteries – it holds a religious holiday every year.

Among cities, Elche is rather small but it is also famous for its shoe-making industry and for the Palmeral de Elche (one of the largest palm trees in Europe which is considered a symbol of the city), which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What To Do in Elche

If there was time only for two things, I would highly suggest that you visit the Palmeral and the Huerto del Cura . The first one is a huge palm grove, a vast area with numerous palm trees. It is one of the largest palm groves in Europe. And second place (also known as the Priest’s Garden) is a beautiful botanical garden with a remarkable collection of palm trees. Another (or very similar) garden like that in Europe is in Tenerife North .

Other places I love is Basilica de Santa Maria (the one you can see in the photo) built on a square Plaza de Santa Maria and Altamira Fortress , medieval fortress overlooking Elche and offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

For wine lovers, drive to Bodegas Faelo winery to take a tour and wine tasting. This is a family business that has been making great wines for over 100 years. Just before you go, get in touch with them on their website and make a reservation.

Restaurants worth mentioning are Restaurante Mesón El Granaino , Restaurant Els Capellans , and La Lateria Gastrobar . This last one offers an outstanding Spanish omelet (Tortilla de patatas) on Wednesdays and Thursdays and also amazing tapas.

Murcia is the capital of the autonomous community (State) with the same name “Murcia”. Even though this region is located by the coast, Murcia’s closest beach is Torrevieja, in the province of Alicante with its beautiful beaches . But I recommend you visit this destination not for the beach.

Murcia is an underrated small city with a population of around 440,000 people. This was one of the main Roman cities that not only had incredible history and architecture but also one of the best Spanish cuisine options .

Murcia has a climate with hot summers, mild winters, and relatively low precipitation. So if you are driving through it on a hot summer day , it may be better to skip it. But during any other time of the year, it is a nice point of interest where to stop on this drive.

What to See in Murcia

The Cathedral of Murcia is the number one thing to see here. This religious building is Gothic style but has elements of the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassic styles.

The pedestrian streets of Plateria and Traperia are the main arteries of the old town. Traperia, refers to trapos, or cloths, as this was once the focus of the Jewish community’s garment trade. Trapería goes from the cathedral to Plaza de Santo Domingo, formerly a bustling market square. The name Plateria refers to plata (silver), as this street was the historical focus for the commerce of rare metals by Murcia’s Jewish community.

Highly recommend visiting the Casino de Murcia , located in Trapería. It is a social club erected in 1847, with a sumptuous interior. It also includes a Moorish-style patio inspired by the royal chambers of the Alhambra, in Granada.

Visit The Puente de Los Peligros (the Dangers bridge) or the modern Puente de Calatrava (from the architect Calatrava, same that designed the Dove entrance of the World Trade Center in NYC).

Places to eat while in Murcia : El Chato . This restaurant focuses on local and autochthonous ingredients with modern preparation and presentation. They have a wide selection of wines from the region as well. Try the empanadilla de pastel murciano. This is a stamp from this city.

Also, you can head to Plaza de Las Flores . This plaza is packed during the day as most locals come here for an aperitivo (meal before lunch) or lunch itself. But you shouldn’t miss this place as it is open during dinnertime as well.

Another thing is to do a bar crawl . The local way is going from bar to bar and trying different tapas. Start with seafood tapas and finish with some morcillas (blood sausages) and other meat dishes.

At first, I thought for a moment if it is worth adding Cartagena to a list of places where to stop on Valencia to Malaga drive (or Valencia to Granada drive if you are heading there).

But then I decided to definitely include it as Cartagena is one of the most interesting cities in Spain with the greatest monumental heritage and rich history. It is also one of the largest natural harbors in the world, rich in mineral mines. For thousands of years, this city has been considered one of the most profitable places on the planet.

From the Roman ruins, museums, and beautiful beaches to colonial buildings and bustling nightlife, Cartagena is definitely a must-visit, whether you want to make it a quick or a short stop.

What To See in Cartagena

If you are planning to spend only a few hours in Cartagena as part of a road trip, then visit the Roman Theatre , explore the Punic Wall , and take a dip in the Mediterranean sea for a day filled with history and relaxation.

If you enjoy marine life, stop at ARQUA, Marine Underwater Archaeology Museum. After all, Cartagena is the Spanish Navy Capital.

The city center has a melting pot of buildings and it is a very walkable city. But before leaving Cartagena, you must stop at this unique attraction that many don’t even know to exist: Batería de Castillitos . Since you have a car, it will be easy to reach it.

It is an installation that mixes frivolous architecture with meaty and sinister artillery guns. You will be surprised when seeing this entire area. For a unique swim in summer, head to the still pristine beach of Calblanque … not the easiest to get to, but totally worth it.

And now, after leaving Cartagena, you are going to arrive in a diverse and sunny region of Spain – Andalucia. The first place where I suggest you make a stop is Mojacar, one of the lesser-known towns full of beauty and incredible vibes.

Mojacar is divided into a 9 th -century old traditional village of white-washed houses and tiny winding streets on top of the hill, while its beach is a modern area with bars and restaurants on the coast.

What To See in Mojacar

Everything is relatively close in Mojacar pueblo, so park your car and get ready to walk up and down the hills.

A walk along the town is a must. There are white houses with picturesque stores and at the center of town is Plaza Nueva where you have some of the best views of the area. Feel free to sit down here on one of the bar terraces and enjoy some refreshing drinks or coffee while you take the view in.

Visit the Iglesia de Santa Maria (church), la fuente publica de Mojacar (public fountain), and la casa de la Canana . The latter one is a house/museum that showcases how houses and life were in the first half of the 20 th century in Mojacar. In the house, there are 200-year-old decorations and tools from that particular time in history. This place is perfect for unique photographs.

After your mystic journey in the pueblo, head down to the beach. The sea in this area is very different from the Valencia-Alicante coast. You will see more waves and wind in this part of Spain .

Find El Cid eatery for lunch. This chiringuito, which are Spanish restaurants/bars on the beach, has a very relaxed atmosphere and offers delicious food along with Flamenco shows during the peak season.

If they have shrimp from Garrucha (a town nearby), do not hesitate to order them. They can be pricey, however, they are absolutely the best shrimps you can eat in the south. They are grilled with olive oil and garlic and served with lemon. These will be the most unforgettable shrimps you will ever have!

Cabo de Gata

As you continue your drive to Malaga, it is time now to change the scenery a bit and go from cities and towns to a nature reserve. Cabo de Gata is that place, a region that has stunning natural parks and wildlife.

What To See in Cabo de Gata

If time allows and you have a desire, make a stop in the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata for a unique look at Spain’s wildlife and landscapes.

All of Cabo de Gata is filled with natural wonders. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss some of its beaches even if the access doesn’t seem very friendly.

La Playa de Los Muertos (The beach of the Dead Ones) doesn’t have the most inviting name, but you will forget about it once you submerge yourself in the turquoise waters. Cala Raja is another great beach to enjoy.

El Mirador de la Amatista (which you can access by car) is a viewpoint that gives you the feeling as if you were at the end of the world. There is a beautiful lighthouse in Cabo de Gata but the road is along cliffs, undoubtedly this will bother those that suffer from vertigo.

On the way back from the viewing platform to the highway, you can make a few more stops in the towns of Nijar and Rodalquilar. They are small towns worth a stop for their craft and miner past.

By now you can be tired from all the stops that you made. So here is a good opportunity to drive for almost 2 hours while physically relaxing in the car seat and enjoying coastal views from the road.

The next stop you should make is Motril, a city famous for its stunning beaches and delicious cuisine. Depending on the time of the year when you visit ( in winter , it is always rather quiet and summer is full of people) will define how much time you should spend there.

What To See in Motril

Go to Plaza de Espana, it is the vibrant center of this town where you will find many of the attractions such as the City Hall , the theater of Calderon de La Barca, and the Church of the Encarnacion . They all show the distinctive architecture of this town from the Granada region.

The Church of the Encarnacion in particular was built on top of a mosque in the early 1500s and is something interesting to look at.

If visiting in summer , take a dip in the Mediterranean and/or walk along the port of Motril for a breezy and relaxing afternoon.

After Motril, a short drive will bring you to one of the most romantic corners of Andalusia – Nerja which features a picturesque seaside façade made up of beaches, coves, and precipitous cliffs.

The main reason to visit Nerja is for its stunning beaches and cave systems. But if you have more time, in its historical center you can also see wonderful examples of folk architecture, picturesque boulevards, and nice museums.

What To See in Nerja

If you can allocate only a few hours to the exploration of Nerja, then you may want to choose to see the Caves and the Balcony of Europe , the viewpoint where everyone takes pictures. It is a beautiful viewpoint of the Mediterranean Sea, which occupies the place where there was a fortress and then the Lower Castle of Nerja.

The balcony overlooks the sea and beaches, and downstairs is a restaurant with great views.

After stopping by the famous Nerja Caves and balcony, relax on the beach and try the local seafood for a full and unforgettable experience.

Since you will be driving, I recommend you also check out one of the following beaches. Since they are a bit outside of the town of Nerja, expect to find much more tranquil and beautiful beaches compared to the ones you will find in the town:

• Playa el Cañuelo
• Cala del Pino
• Playa de las Alberquillas
• Playa Molino de Papel
• Playa La Caleta de Maro
• Playa de Maro

Frigiliana is a small, charming, and peaceful village near Nerja, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is very popular thanks to its whitewashed houses adorned with colorful flowerpots and narrow cobblestone streets between them.

The village has a rich history dating back to Moorish times and is known for its Moorish quarter (Barrio Morisco), which is a well-preserved example of Moorish architecture in Spain.

But if you are tired after all the prior stops or if you are on a very tight itinerary and have stopped in Mojacar, then it may make sense to skip Frigiliana and return later here on a day trip from Malaga by car and visit it together with other places in the Malaga region.

What To See in Frigiliana

First of all, explore the narrow streets of the old town. Every street is full of history and charm with vibrant flowers. Take in the views of the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea as you wander through the maze-like streets. Then stop by the fountain with the remains of three major religions co-living together in one space.

Something unique and very Instagrammable in Frigiliana is the mini and colorful doors in some of the white houses. It is such a colorful contrast.

Next, walk up to the Palace of the Counts of Frigiliana . This building, built in the 16th century, houses the only sugar cane honey factory in Europe and a beautiful craft shop at the door. Try the local dishes and relax with a glass of wine for a full and memorable experience.

The last stop that I suggest you make on the drive to Malaga from Valencia is the small town of Torrox, famous for its pretty beaches and historic town center.

However, if you feel that you had enough (and if you are spending more than a couple of days in Malaga city ), save this post for later and return to Torrox on a day trip from Malaga, considering how close its location is. You can always combine it with a stop in Frigiliana and Nerja mentioned above.

Just like Mojacar, you have Torrox town (historic center) and Torrox beach. Drive from one to another is almost 5km in distance.

What To See in Torrox

Once in Torrox, take your time to walk around the old Torrox town. The City Hall , the Church of the Encarnacion , and the Arab Torreon are some of the places you should check to see the many cultural and religious influences of this area.

On Torrox beach, you will see the lighthouse and a long beach full of chiringuitos (do you remember what it means?) where to eat sardines on a stick (espeto de sardinas). Just put the word ‘chiringuito’ on a map and you’ll see different locations by the sea.

This area gives you the perfect scenario to relax, take a wonderful sunset, and finish your long road trip between Valencia and Malaga.

More Accommodation Options for Malaga to Valencia Road Trip

If you went through the entire post, you should have noticed how packed with action this southern Spain road trip itinerary is. To be able to see a lot, you’d need to plan a Malaga Valencia route in a way where you can stay overnight somewhere on the road.

And for that, I have a few tips for your possible stay. Here are a few options for places to stay on a road trip between Valencia and Malaga:

Alicante is famous for a couple of things – beaches, a historic fortress Castle of Santa Bárbara atop Mount Benacantil, and for hosting festivals like the Hogueras de San Juan. As a destination on the stretch of the drive between Malaga and Valencia, it is not really worth your time. But it has quite good accommodation and is an excellent place where to stop for the night.

You can choose from a variety of hotels, apartments, and hostels (depending on a budget and travel style), but my top picks are:

• Hotel Smile & Co – a boutique hotel ideally located within walking distance of all the attractions ($)
• Boutique Hotel Sierra de Alicante – another nice hotel, but in the vicinity of the city ($-$$)
• Suites del Mar by Melia – romantic and relaxing property with a privileged location and fantastic sea views ($$-$$$)

Murcia is an excellent place where to stop for the night if you plan to be in the city on the previous or next day. Otherwise, it can be too much of a hassle to drive around trying to find parking.

My top picks for accommodation options in Murcia are:

• Catalonia Conde de Floridablanca – 4* all-suites highly elegant hotel in the center of Murcia. What makes it special is the staff and spacious rooms ($-SS)
• Bajo El Cejo – a small rural boutique hotel in a nature park outside Murcia. Here you will have the most peaceful stay ($$)
• Parador de Lorca – unique hotel in an unexpected location with sensational architecture embedded in ruins of the old castle ($-$$)

Cabo de Gata can be a good place where to stop between Valencia and Malaga if you want to do a bit of hiking, swimming, and snorkeling while on a road trip. 

It has options for unique stays on a budget in the middle of nowhere, like a small family business with many spa services MiKasa Agua Amarga & SPA or Hotel Villa Maltés with both excellent service and installations.

More Road Trips in Spain

• Best Road Trips to Take From Madrid – if you look forward to seeing central Spain
• Barcelona to Andorra Drive – scenic road trip you didn’t know about
• Best Road Trips in Tenerife – in the north and in the south
• Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Northern Spain – to add to a road trip 
• Driving in Gran Canaria – best road trips to take this year

More Travel Resources for Travel in Spain

• Top things to do in Cordoba – must-have experiences to get the most of a visit
• Is Madrid a nice city? – should you visit?
• Madrid in winter travel guide – what it’s like
• Introduction to northern Spain – where is the best place and why to go
• Tenerife South or North – which one is better for you?
• Visiting Spain in winter – what to be ready for
• Barcelona travel tips – 50 things to know before you go
• What to pack for Spain – tips for every season 

Anya is originally from Ukraine but in heart she is a citizen of the world. She is working online and that’s why has an opportunity to travel a lot and live in different countries. At present time, she is based in Spain while waiting for the war in Ukraine to be over to be able to return home. On this blog, her main goal is to inspire others to travel to under-the-radar places and discover the world while working remotely.

Similar Posts

Vilnius City Break – What to Do and Is It Really Worth a Visit?

For sometime I had an inner debate either to visit Vilnius and Lithuania in general or not. Those thoughts were very similar to my thoughts about Minsk. I somehow succumbed to the idea that…

Valencia in Winter Quick Guide: Weather, Christmas, Things to Do & Travel Tips

Valencia in winter is a perfect warm place to visit in Spain where it is easy to recharge and have a stress-free vacation. It is a fantastic destination for a laid-back yet surprising trip…

Top 12 Things You Must Do in Istanbul to Fall in Love With This City

In Istanbul, you must do some specific activities in order to see the real beauty of this city and fall in love with it. A lot of tourists, who come to visit, do it…

Unique Things to Do in Bergen, Norway for the First Time Visitors. Tips From a Local.

Once upon a time, Bergen was the largest wooden city in Europe and the capital city of Norway. Today, it is a culturally rich and action-packed destination that also serves as a gateway to…

10 Surprising Spa and Wellness Retreats in Europe Best For Stress Relief

I don’t know what about you, but I personally can’t imagine my vacation without soaking in a hot tub, getting a spa treatment, or at least relaxing by the pool with panoramic views. Well,…

12 Beautiful Places With Best Views in Tenerife North

One of my favorite things to do in northern Tenerife is to jump in a car and drive to a place with a beautiful panorama. There is no shortage of the best views in…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

34 Best Stops Between Valencia and Seville

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

How long is the drive from Valencia to Seville?

The direct drive from Valencia to Seville is 406 mi (654 km) , and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 20 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Valencia to Seville, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Cordoba , Jaen , Ubeda , and Baeza , as well as top places to visit like Coves de la Vil·la and Chorreras del Cabriel, or the ever-popular Máxima Aventura - Rafting Montanejos.

Top cities between Valencia and Seville

Best stops along Valencia to Seville drive

Máxima aventura - rafting montanejos.

Coves de la Vil·la

Chorreras del cabriel, cuevas del diablo, castillo de alcalá del júcar.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Castle of Chinchilla

Museo municipal de la cuchillería de albacete, pasaje de lodares.

Alarkum Services and Tourism Management, SL

Belmonte castle, lagunas de ruidera, molinos de viento de campo de criptana., plaza mayor, manchego cheese museum and art collection, restaurante san antonio valdepeñas.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Tablas Daimiel

Palacio del marqués de santa cruz, corral de comedias, oleoturismo jaén - san francisco oleícola s.l., calatrava la nueva and sacro convento, castillo de baños de la encina, cueva de los murciélagos, palacio de viana.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Hotel Eurostars Patios de Córdoba

Roman Bridge of Córdoba

Calleja de las flores, centro histórico de córdoba, basilippo oleoturismo, top searches in seville, other popular road trips from valencia, explore nearby places.

• Almaden de la Plata
• Lora del Rio
• Torre de la Reina
• Villanueva del Rio y Minas
• La Lantejuela
• Acala Del Rio
• Villaverde del Rio
• La Puebla de Cazalla
• San Juan De Aznalfarache
• Castilleja de la Cuesta
• Alcolea del Rio
• La Rinconada
• El Viso del Alcor
• Castilleja de Guzman
• Palomares del Rio

All related maps of Seville

• Map of Seville
• Map of La Campana
• Map of Almaden de la Plata
• Map of Brenes
• Map of Olivares
• Map of Lora del Rio
• Map of Torre de la Reina
• Map of Casariche
• Map of Villanueva del Rio y Minas
• Map of La Lantejuela
• Map of El Coronil
• Map of Acala Del Rio
• Map of Villaverde del Rio
• Map of Pedrera
• Map of La Puebla de Cazalla
• Map of Camas
• Map of San Juan De Aznalfarache
• Map of Tomares
• Map of Isla Mayor
• Map of Castilleja de la Cuesta
• Map of Paradas
• Map of Alcolea del Rio
• Map of Umbrete
• Map of El Rubio
• Map of La Rinconada
• Map of El Viso del Alcor
• Map of Castilleja de Guzman
• Map of Palomares del Rio
• Map of Santiponce
• Map of Gelves
• Map of Bormujos

Seville throughout the year

• Seville in January
• Seville in February
• Seville in March
• Seville in April
• Seville in May
• Seville in June
• Seville in July
• Seville in August
• Seville in September
• Seville in October
• Seville in November
• Seville in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Seville?

Get inspired for your trip to Seville with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Seville Itinerary
• 2-Day Seville Itinerary
• 3-Day Seville Itinerary
• 4-Day Seville Itinerary
• 5-Day Seville Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from valencia to seville.

Yes! You can drive from Valencia to Seville.

How far is Seville from Valencia by car?

The drive from Valencia to Seville is 406 miles (654 km).

How long does it take to drive from Valencia to Seville?

Driving from Valencia to Seville should take you 6 hrs 20 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Valencia to Seville?

Gas from Valencia to Seville would cost around $36 to $83 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Valencia to Seville?

You could check out Coves de la Vil·la and Chorreras del Cabriel, or the always popular Máxima Aventura - Rafting Montanejos!

What are the best cities to visit between Valencia and Seville?

People love visiting Cordoba, Jaen, and Ubeda, among others.

What's the weather like in Valencia?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Valencia in January
• Weather in Valencia in February
• Weather in Valencia in March
• Weather in Valencia in April
• Weather in Valencia in May
• Weather in Valencia in June
• Weather in Valencia in July
• Weather in Valencia in August
• Weather in Valencia in September
• Weather in Valencia in October
• Weather in Valencia in November
• Weather in Valencia in December

What are some other road trips from Valencia?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Valencia.

• Valencia to Barcelona drive
• Valencia to Madrid drive
• Valencia to Paris drive
• Valencia to London drive
• Valencia to Rome drive
• Valencia to Lisbon drive
• Valencia to Seville drive
• Valencia to Benidorm drive
• Valencia to Amsterdam drive
• Valencia to Florence drive
• Valencia to Granada drive
• Valencia to Milan drive
• Valencia to Berlin drive
• Valencia to Prague drive
• Valencia to Venice drive
• Valencia to Salou drive
• Valencia to Cordoba drive
• Valencia to Palma de Mallorca drive
• Valencia to Budapest drive
• Valencia to Porto drive
• Valencia to Vienna drive
• Valencia to Edinburgh drive
• Valencia to Marrakech drive
• Valencia to Dublin drive
• Valencia to Zaragoza drive
• Valencia to Malaga drive
• Valencia to Toledo drive
• Valencia to Turin drive
• Valencia to Brussels drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places