Here's where to go for some R&R. When youre ready to eat, you can choose from traditional Spanish eateries or modern, international restaurants. You can rent pads and other climbing gear there. Albufera Natural Park is home to the largest lake in Spain (some even say the largest in Europe) and paddies where the rice used in paella has been grown for hundreds of years. The town of Albarracn is also found in Spains Aragon region, just a short distance from Teruel. August 4, 2017 by Lindsey Zimmerman Leave a Comment. A visit to Spains cosmopolitan capital is the perfect addition to a stay in Valencia. On a tour: You can book a full-day tour from Valencia to Pescola and Sant Mateu. No Madrid itinerary is complete without a visit to the bohemian Malasaa district. This lovely little town can be found about an hour south of Valencia and slightly inland. This popular neighbourhood is teeming with bespoke shops and trendy caf-bars. El Palmar is the main town in the region and where you'll find the most traditional paella restaurants in the area. Chef Quique Dacosta is one of the contributing factors, thanks to his three-Michelin-star restaurant on Carrer Rascassa. The main reason visitors flock to the area is to soak in the famous Montanejos Hot Springs an area along the River Mijares wherenatural poolshave formed from a fast-flowing spring in the mountains. If you don't have access to a car, the Valencia Bus Turistichas a sightseeing bus that goes to the region. While you can easily spend a week exploring the vibrant city of Valencia, a day trip is a perfect way to break up your holiday. Known as the city in the sea, Pescolas historic old town isbuilt on a rocky headland, joined to the mainland by only a narrow strip of land. On a tour: You can book a private day tour to Xtiva with a local. The historic town is surrounded by ancient city walls, and at its highest point sits an imposing 14th-century medieval castle. To make the most of Madrid in one day, make sure to arrive early! However, the station is located 8km outside of the city. Pescolas beautiful sandy beaches and coves are perfect for a relaxing day of sunbathing or swimming in the tuqoise Medditeranean waters. Sagunto dates back almost 3,000 years and is absolutely brimming with history. The famous golden art triangle of El Prado, Reina Sofa and Thyssen-Bornemiszamuseums will keep you busy all day with their permanent collections of works by Velsquez, Picasso and more. 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. If you dont have access to a car, you can travel to Pescola via train, with a journey time of around two and a half hours. You can rent a bike or book a cycling tour of the park from Valencia. Renting a car will also make it easy for you to reach the salt lakes. Then hop on a boat for a peaceful ride across the lake to get a closer look at the many birds and plants that call the lagoon home. The views of the Mediterranean from Pescola are breathtaking. While its typically thought of as a summer holiday destination, Alicante is blessed with warm, sunny weather all year round so its still one of the best day trips from Valencia, regardless of if you visit in July or January. If you visit Madrid on a Sunday, make sure to walk through the El Rastro market in Plaza Cascorro. In recent years, the city has also become known as a hub of modern art. Another lovely town in the region is El Saler, home to theCampo de Golf El Saler, the former host to the Spanish Open. So which of these day trips from Valencia do you want to go on most? But if you do have more time to spare, Id definitely recommend staying in the region overnight and exploring for longer. Keep an eye on the schedule as the buses arent too regular. But the highlight of Xtiva has to be its historic hilltop castle. Once youve had your fill of the salt lakes, you can head back to the town. Or, if youd like to relax, the beachfront is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants with stunning views of the sea. With both mountainous natural parks and flatter coastal wetlands and nature reserves, the region is well suited to active travelers, nature enthusiasts as well as families. Madrid: Grand Architecture, Stunning Views, & More in Spain's Capital, All rights reserved. It might have gained a bit of a bad rep for its high-rise hotels and tacky tourist strip, but theres much more to Benidorm than the gaudy tourist trail. One of the easiest day trips from Valencia by train is the ancient town of Sagunto, which sits just 30km up the coast. During the tourist season, buses run regularly from the station to Pescola, but outside of peak season, youll need to grab a taxi. It would be remiss not to make the most of the Mediterranean when youre this close, and thankfully there are plenty of options for boat trips from Valencia. The city is energetic and inviting, without being overwhelming. With its dramatic cliffs, cobbled streets and brightly coloured buildings, the walled city of Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Photo credit: Tripkay. Interestingly, the caves maintain a warm 20c temperature all year round, so dont be worried about getting chilly while underground. Thats why Ive put together a list of my favourite day trips from Valencia. Searching for the best day trips from Valencia? There are plenty of charming seaside towns and beautiful beaches near Valencia to escape the crowds of El Cabanyal, but Pescola is one of my personal favourites. There are plenty of shops and charming little cafes to stop for a coffee or glass of wine while you soak up the sun and people watch. Photo credit: Derek Workman. Snag a table for afternoon tea at the fully restored Palm Court in the extensively renovated Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. To reach this natural reserve, boat tours depart from the city. Explore the old town, perched between the more lively Levante beach and the quieter residential Poniente side. The most common way to travel there is to catch a train from Valencias central station, the Estacio del Nord, to the Alicante Terminal Station. Be sure to take the time to explore the historic castle, which offers stunning views from its perch on the hilltop. Dont forget to visit a vineyard in Requena! With excellent transport links and a prime location on the southeast coast, Valencia is the perfect base for exploring Spain. Its one of the best places in Spain for food and drink, and some of the countrys best restaurants are along the coastline. You can explore the sights of Pescola on your own, or book onto a tour of the castle and artillery park to learn more about the towns history and see GOT filming locations up close. Damian Corrigan is a travel writer who has traveled extensively throughout Spain since moving there in 2003. Subscribe for free Spanish recipes weekly! Buses leave Estacin de Autobuses de Valencia for Almeria via Dnia regularly and take about 90 minutes. The C3 train can take you from Valencia Nord station to Siete Aguas, El Rebollar, Requena, San Antonio de Requena and Utiel in under two hours. In the village itself, youll feel like youve stepped back in time to the Middle Ages. Wandering around the streets, youll notice the sculptures arranged throughout the city. Less than 40km (25 miles) from Valencia, Buol can be reached in under 90 minutes. This pretty coastal town is popular with the locals of Valencia, who often swap the buzz of the city for the laid-back Pescola in the summer. All rights reserved. By car: The drive from Valencia to Montanejos takes around 1hr 15mins. Interested in visiting? Watch for the visiting exhibitions and book museums and galleries in advance to secure entry. The ancient Moorish town has been voted one of the most beautiful towns in all of Spain. For an unforgettable experience, visit the natural park in the early evening and watch the sunset over the lake. From traditional tapas bars to frenzied flamenco shows, Madrid has so much to offer visitors. Upon arriving in the city, you can take a stroll through the citys historic streets or take in the views of the harbour. Quicker trains run from Valencia Joaqun Sorolla to Requena-Utiel Station in just 22mins. If the beach is what you're after, you can't go wrong with either Javea or Denia. The hotel has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner to Princess Grace of Monaco and visiting dignitaries. You can walk amongst the beautiful vineyards, visit the historic wine cellars, and sample the local produce. Ready to Hit the Slope on Your Visit to Spain? Families should head to Terra Mtica, a theme park on the resorts outskirts, for a day of thrilling rollercoasters and vertiginous water rides. Getting There: The AVE high-speed train gets you from Valencia to Madrid in under two hours. Check out the best things to see and do in Teruel. While there are plenty of lively spots to choose from, you wont regret a trip to the special Restaurante Ojal. Make sure to pre-book your return taxi to pick you up. Justo Gallego Martnez, a former monk, has spent 60 years building a cathedral in the outskirts of the Spanish capital out of anything he can find. The Roman city of Sagunto is brimming with culture and history, dating back almost three millennia. of the locally produced wine. This triggered one of the most important wars of antiquity, theSecond Punic War. Spanish Almond Cake (Tarta de Santiago Recipe), Top 6 Day Trips from Valencia For When You Need a Break. Consider stopping in Cuenca (above) on the way from Valencia, then spending multiple days in the Spanish capital. This journey takes between an hour to an hour and a half. Dont miss my detailed guide to visiting Albarracin for the first time. It was once the location of the Roman city ofSaguntum. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Enjoyed these day trips from Valencia? Coves de San Jos is located around 50km north of Valencia, slightly further than Sagunto. Chulilla is situated an hour and a half away from Valencia and you can reach this scenic village by train or bus. Situated just off the coast of Alicante, this enchanting marine reserve is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. Utiel Requena, a red wine made from Bobal grapes,is the region's speciality. From quaint coastal towns to Spains lively capital, theres something for everyone. Youll also find a range of traditional restaurants here, where you can indulge in authentic baked rice dishes. Dont miss the imposing Los Arcos Aqueduct, a viaduct and aqueduct in one. Popular with British tourists, Alicante is a charming city that comes to life in the summer. The city boasts the impressive Ribalta Park, easily reached on foot from the centre of the city. This climbing spot is the perfect addition to a cooler winter break in Valencia, as the scorching Spanish sun can make climbing a little challenging. Some guided bike tours even include paella. So what are you waiting for? If you rent a car, head down the AP-7 you can even stop in Dnia en route where the journey will take around 90 minutes. The area has some 40,000 hectares (98,842 acres) of vineyards growing a variety of grapes most notably the native Bobal grape. Photo credit: Cinco Das. These lovely beaches, cities and towns make great day trips from Valencia if you'd like to experience something new. Not sure where to start? You can also find whites, roses, and cava. Throw in some jaw-dropping views from above on the cable car or from rooftop bars like the one that sits atop the Crculo de Bellas Artes, and you've got all the makings of a fabulous trip. Be sure to try this local dish at an authentic spot such as Casa Julia or Restaurante Telero. Its beach,Playa de El Saler, is the nearest pleasant beach to Valencia. The traditional thatched-roof cottages in this fishermens village are charming, but the locals hospitality is unbeatable. There are several bus routes that travel from the centre of Valencia to La Albufera, with tickets costing as little as 2. The two destinations can be visited together on a single day trip from Valencia. 2022 Lonely Planet. This allows you to see both places on the same day! At first glance, Gandia may seem just like another beach town. Visiting Albarracn will make you feel like youve stepped back in time. By car: The drive between Valencia and Teruel takes approx. Torrevieja has stunning beaches and a lively town centre, but its main attraction is the natural park on the outskirts of the town. Irene Miravete/Getty Images. The scenic lake is surrounded by rice paddies, pine forests, and sand dunes, and is known for its rich biodiversity. Thejourney lasts two hours. Luckily, the citys prime location on Spains eastern coast is ideal for traveling to other nearby cities and towns, making it easy to escape for a day. Lucky for you, one of the best day trips from Valencia just happens to be the hometown of this iconic rice dish. By public transport: If public transport is your only option, you can take the train to Teruel then jump in a taxi. What Albarracn lacks in population (just 1,075 inhabitants), it makes up for in stunning natural landscapes and rich history. Visitors can experience a delicious, authentic meal at one of the local restaurants. Here you can sample the beaches, natural swimming pools, maritime museum and more. The caves and river are believed to date back to the Triassic era. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 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. Want a beach day but prefer to avoid the crowds of popular Playa la Malvarrosa? So if youre looking to escape the city for the day, these are 9 of the best Valencia day trips not to missif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'londoncitycalling_com-box-4','ezslot_4',121,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-londoncitycalling_com-box-4-0')}; Located just south of the city along the coast, Albufera is one of the quickest and easiest day trips from Valencia. Then stroll back through the narrow streets and grab a tapa and vino at one of the many traditional tascas. Travel Tip: Legend says that Gandia is the home offideu, a noodle-based cousin of paella. Your email address will not be published. If youre planning on hiring a car, you can drive from Valencia to Chulilla in 45 minutes. From the Romans to the Moors to even Hannibal himself, theres hardly a historic invader thathasntpassed through this hilltop town 30 km north of Valencia. Albufera is an essential Valencia day trip for foodie travellers. The journey takes less than an hour, or you can drive there in 20 minutes. Head to the nearby village of El Palmar, which was once an island in the lake and is located in the park itself. Locatedin the historic Aragon region to the northwest of Valencia, Teruel is a captivating and exciting city packed with spectacular UNESCO protected Mudjar architecture. Plan your visit using the Ruta del Vino website and stop by places likeBodega Sierra Norteor Via Memorias to taste the best the region has to offer. While Valencia itself is bursting with vibrant color and life, several surrounding towns andpueblosare true hidden gems that deserve a day of exploring. Looking for a touch of old-world Madrid? Trains and buses are also available, but journey times can stretch to a little over two and a half hours. Due to the time involved in preparing a quality paella, it's often advised to call the restaurant ahead of time to reserve your dishthat 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. On a tour: To avoid having to choose who is going to be designated driver or messing around with trains and taxis, you can take a wine tasting tour of the vineyards and wineries of Utiel Requena from Valencia. The pretty coastal town doesnt yet have the same international recognition as the likes of Alicante or Bendorm. The routes range in difficulty but all feature spectacular views of the mountains and gorge. On a tour: You can visit both Teruel andAlbarracin(below) on an organised day trip from Valencia. Whether youre a tourist visiting the city or a local looking for somewhere new to visit, youll love these 11 amazing day trips from Valencia. Its one of the best day trips from Valencia for fans of stunning beaches, medieval castles and delicious food. Although not quite as easy to reach as Alicante, you can travel to Torrevieja by car or by public transport. This row of buildings hangs over the edge of a cliff, almost appearing to float. Pescolas fine-sand beaches and stunning blue waves look straight off a postcard. temperature. The best places to visit in Northern Italy, 14 Things To Do In Kas, Turkey | A Little Slice , 12 things to do in Snowdonia (other than climb Snowdon), Where to stay in Manchester, UK | Area & Hotel Guide. If youre in the mood to explore, you could also visit the Columbretes Islands, located just outside of the city. This beautiful park is home to two famous salt lakes, one green and one bright pink! Sagunto packs thousands of years of history into a 132-square-kilometerarea. Cool off at theAquopolis water parkand visitDragut's Cave, named after a 16th-century pirate.. Visit the network of caves and tunnels located beneath the city for a glimpse at its fascinating past. Expect limited availability of bars, restaurants, and shops in the off-season. Sagunto is very easily accessible from Valencia, with the choice of a bus or train costing less than 10. In addition to some of the best paella in Spain, restaurants in El Palmar also offer fresh seafood directly from the lake, including tender freshwater eel used in all i pebre, another one of the must-try typical foods from Valencia. Utiel is home to The Grapevine and Wine Museum, while medieval Requena has The Wine Harvest Festival Museum. Ten paintings byZurbaranhang in the Convento de las Capuchinas, while theLonja, the old hemp exchange, is worth a look 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. Try Calle Loreto for traditional tapas bar-hopping and look out for the biannual ruta de tapas, where restaurants, cafes and bars offer a tapa and drink for a few euros. There are rice fields, forests and a lagoon to explore. To inspire and help you to see more of the world, whether its down the road or across the globe. Despite its increased popularity among tourists, it remains nearly untouched by modernization. For more information, check out my full post on everything there is to do in Montanejos. Relax with your feet in the sand while you enjoy a glass of Sangria or two! Learn how your comment data is processed. Faraway Lucy uses cookies to give you the best possible experience. Visit one of the dozens of wineries in and around the city to learn more about this special variety and taste it for yourself. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'londoncitycalling_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',120,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-londoncitycalling_com-banner-1-0')};Escape the city and take a walk or cycle along one of the signposted routes through the nature reserve. In Alicante, youll find bustling restaurants, cafes and bars around every corner. From the calm turquoise waters of theArens Reservoir to the plunging canyons and lush forests that can be explored on many scenic hiking trails, Montanejos is the ideal spot to unwind and reconnect with nature on a day away from Valencia. My mission? Travelling to Cuenca involves a journey inland towards Madrid and away from the Valencian coast. Cuenca is a small city on the high-speed train line from Madrid to Valencia. You can easily visit Cuenca in a day, with train journeys taking less than an hour and departing five times a day. Getting from Valencia to Teruel in Aragn takes about 90 minutes by car via the A-23. Walking through the towns cobbled streets, youll be treated to a wide range of restaurants, cafes and shops in an idyllic setting. Alternatively, a dedicated driver can weave through the vineyards in around an hour via the A-3 motorway. However, theres more to this beautiful village than sun and sand. For nature lovers, there are also some great organizedday tours from Valenciathat include Montanejos Hot Springs, plus waterfalls and other stops in the surrounding area. Private yacht hire is another option if you want a more personalized tour of the coastline. Cuenca: Hanging Houses & Colorful Culture. Book well in advance for the stand-out seasonal menus with wine pairings. By bus: Jump on the EMTcity bus No. Xtiva is another of the most popular day trips from Valencia, sitting 60km to the southwest and slightly inland. You can also book a private day tour to Albarracin with a local. Writer Daniel Welsch divides his time between Madrid and Barcelona. A post shared by Coves de Sant Josep (@covesdesantjosep). Thanks to the brilliant AVE high-speed train network, you can whiz to the Spanish capital Madrid from Valencia in less than two hours. She has a masters degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works as a freelance travel writer, digital marketer and VA, splitting her life between London and travelling the world. The Parc de LAigera is also worth a wander; the neoclassical park stretches up through the town and is home to two amphitheatres that often house concerts. The route starts at the City of Arts and Sciences and ends at the town of El Saler. If it sounds familiar, its because Valencias central metro station shares its name with this enchanting town. By car: The drive to Pescola from Valencia takes around 1hr 45mins and is your best option for a day trip from Valencia. Game of Thronesfans might even recognize several parts of Pescola as filming locations from the hit shows sixth season. 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. A taxi between Teruel and Albarracin costs around 40-50 each way, so its not the cheapest trip. Whichever mode of transport you choose, you can be in Sagunto city centre in just over half an hour, making it perfect for a quick visit. Alternatively, you could get a train to Alicante and a bus to Torrevieja. But there's more to this historic city than just that. Theres also an array of museums, art galleries, quirky bars and outstanding restaurants to check out too. Please let me know in the comments below! Buses run by Avanza take twice as long, but are a more economical option. The best way to reach Tabarca is to catch a train to Alicante. 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. Although true oenophiles know that the Utiel-Requena region has been producing wines for more than 2000 years, its only within the last few decades that these fantastic wines and interesting grape varieties have been making headlines on the international stage. Its one of the most peaceful day trips from Valencia, but also could serve as a stop on the way to Barcelona. The fusion of old buildings and cobbled streets with new galleries and abstract art makes this city a complex and intriguing place, thats sure to captivate tourists. Find out his thoughts and which one has his heart. Read our Privacy Policy. Travel Tip: Nature lovers won't want to miss the chance to visit the Columbretes Islands right off the coast of the city. From tapas to wine, jamn to paella, here are the best Spanish dishes and where to try them. Denia, on the other hand, is a can't-miss seaside destination in its own right, popular among everyone from locals to international tourists. On a tour: The easiest way to visit Coves de San Jos if you dont have a car is by taking an organized tour from Valencia. If youre a lover of nature, you wont want to miss a trip to La Albufera, a natural park and ecological preserve just 10km from Valencia city centre. Travel Tip: While Cullera is a popular summer hotspot, it tends to shut down in the winter months. From there, take a catamaran to Javea withMundo Marino. You can reach Pescola by car in an hour and a half from Valencia. Once you're ready to explore beyond the Spanish capital, visit beautiful village, Roman ruins and walled cities on these top day trips from Madrid. The portside has several catamaran companies that offer options like morning cruises with a swim in the sea, sunset cruises with dinner and full-day adventures on the water. Or for something a little more exciting, opt for this Albufera jeep and boat tour from Valencia which includes tapas and drinks on the beach. Here are just a few fabulous day trips from Valencia. Once youve explored the castle, make your way to the town centre. The city has been on must-visit lists for gourmets since 2015, the year the city was named Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy. Check with boat tour operators in advance, as some will also provide transfers from Valencia. 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. By trains: Trains run regularly from Valencia North to the towns of Utiel and Requena. Much-loved by locals, Pescola is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot too. Made with locally grown rice, this stuff is the real dealalthough be aware that it may be on the expensive side. The vibrant, thriving Spanish capital deserves a spot on your list no matter where you're based. Here's our guide to everything you need to know about La Tomatina. Im a 20-something Brit who loves to pack in as much adventure around work as possible. Here youll find bars, restaurants, cafes and even a casino. Youll sail out onto the famous Albufera lake, visiting rice paddies and traditional fishers houses, and tasting local cuisine on the way. 25-30 each way. Travel Tip: Segorbe is located right in the heart of one of Spain's top cycling regions. Sat in the province of Castelln in the larger Region of the Valencian Community, Montanejos is one of the most popular day trips from Valencia with locals and tourists alike. Here are seven day trip ideas from Valencia for all kinds of travelers. With an array of beaches, an attractive harbour and a marina, this picturesque city is one of the best day trips from Valencia. You can walk up to the castle in around 30mins (bring good footwear and water) or jump on the small train. Head up the coast to Pescola, a charming little seaside town. Easily accessible from Valencia, this beautiful village features a limestone gorge, impressive mountains and views that will take your breath away. 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!) There are more than 200 in total, turning the city into an open-air museum! Photo credit: Esteban Mediterraneo. Sign up with your email address to receive free weekly recipes. By train: Trains run from Valencia to Benicarlo-Peiscola station daily and take around 2hrs. Although you cant swim in the lakes, theyre the perfect place to take pictures. The city is the preeminent place to experience Mudjar architecture, a style of Moorish building and decoration that appears throughout the city, from the 14th-century Mudjar tower to the 12th-century Catedral de Santa Mara de Mediavilla.
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