Valencia is the 3rd biggest city in Spain, boasting a very lively atmosphere that sometimes can be busy. If you need a break, a change of scenery, here there’s a list of the top 5 day trips from Valencia. 

Luckily, by living in Valencia, you can already enjoy amazing cultural attractions, beaches and cosmopolitan vibes, but sometimes it is good to have some rest and relaxation far from the crowded city spots.

Follow us in this article and discover our favourite day trips from Valencia, quick getaways to get the most of your weekends in Spain!

Discover the best day trips from Valencia, Spain

1. Madrid, the capital city of Spain

Long avenues, enchanting parks, famous museums, multicultural and vibrant atmosphere, amazing nightlife: Madrid should be the first of your day trips from Valencia list!

Even though it deserves way more than one day (at least weekend, let’s say), it is only almost 4 hours by car, by bus and less than 2 hours taking the high-speed train (AVE). 

If you leave Valencia in the very first hours in the morning, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the most important touristy spots of Madrid, such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, enjoy tapas in La Latina, have a walk in Retiro Park, sip a drink on a breathtaking rooftop such as Círculo de Bellas Artes (or one of the uncountable terraces). And if you want to enjoy a fun night in the Spanish capital, you can have dinner in an elegant restaurant in Salamanca and then dancing till dawn in one of the many clubs you’ll find in the city centre, or in the classiest ones, such as Teatro Kapital or Teatro Barceló and go straight to Atocha station to take your train back to Valencia. 

Yeah, it’s crazy, but life abroad is meant to be a little spicy, isn’t it?!

2. Cuenca: explore colorful houses and wild nature

Located midway between Valencia and Madrid you’ll find Cuenca, a lovely city which will surprise you with its unique housing features. It is built on top of a cliff face and its houses, called “hanging houses” are located on a scary drop, also the most popular attraction in Cuenca. Beside this colorful sight, you’ll find modern art galleries a science museum and, if you wish to experience an adventurous trip, here you have the chance to enjoy this incredible land, its rivers and forests by canyoning in the Júcar River!

3. Albufera region: discover the natural oasis and the hometown of paella

When staying in Valencia, one unmissable day trip is the one to La Albufera, the land of paella (like it’s historically said) and a beautiful natural oasis with a surrounding lake.

It’s located a few kilometers away from Valencia and you can easily reach it by car in only 30 minutes. If you don’t have the opportunity to drive there, you can always use the sightseeing bus service. What should you visit first in La Albufera? Well, El Palmar is the main town, where you’ll spot several paella restaurants offering the best quality of this traditional rice-based dish. Another location you should visit here is El Saler, home to a beautiful, white sandy beach, boasting crystal clear waters and surrounded by wild natural features.

4. Altea: crystal clear waters and lovely white houses

If you’re a sea lover and you’re seeking a getaway to one of the most beautiful beaches of the Valencian region, Altea is the answer you’re looking for.

Altea, located a few kilometres north of Alicante is a cheerful town, boasting lovely white houses, cultural sights and amazing sandy beaches loved by local visitors and international tourists. If you’re going to spend one day in Altea, the highlights you can’t miss at all are: the Old Town, featuring the typical white little houses adorned with coloured flowers; Mascarat beach, located in a natural park and boasting crystal clear waters and wild cliffs: the perfect landscapes for snorkeling and enjoying nature.

Visit the main church Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Consuelo for an enchanting cultural sight and then head to the most famous viewpoint in town: Mirador Cronistas.

5. Requena, a Spanish wine experience

Requena is mostly known for its vineyards and for the ultimate wine tasting experiences that it offers to its visitors. Beside the unique gastronomy tradition of this lovely town, what makes Requena worth visiting is its historical charm.

The Old Town is definitely the most important sight of the city: it is home to the Colegio del Arte Mayor de la Seda, that once was used as a silk manufacturing academy. 

In the historic centre you’ll have the chance to admire many medieval architectural features while having a tasty experience in one of the many dining spots here.

You’re now ready to explore the neighbouring beauty that surrounds Valencia. Pack your stuff and get ready to explore it in one day with your international friends!