14 unique places to see around Valencia Spain

At Passporter we believe that it is the perfect time to discover all the magical places on your doorstep. Discover new places to visit around Valencia, and we assure you that you will be amazed by your surroundings. The Valencian Community has all kinds of wonderful places; from beautiful ancient villages, to extraordinary Roman feats of engineering, to stunning spots in nature. We’ve put together this list of unique destinations near Valencia that you can’t miss this summer.

Get in your car and get ready for a Valencian adventure! 

What to see around Valencia?

1. The Caves of San José

Known since ancient times, the Caves of San José boast the longest navigable underground river in Europe. You can take boat trips through its spectacular galleries as well as walk through corridors full of stalactites and stalagmites. But the river’s origin is still unknown, and this secret is one of the main things that captivates visitors. The drive from the city takes about an hour and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Valencia. We recommend buying your ticket online to avoid the queues. Definitely one of the places you can’t miss around Valencia.

• How to get to the Cuevas de San José? To get to the caves from Valencia, you have to take the V-21 and then the AP-7. When you arrive, take the CV-230 towards Vall d’Uixo and you will have reached your destination. The journey takes approximately 43 minutes by car.
• What is the entrance fee for the Cuevas de San José? The entrance fee for the Cuevas de San José is 10€ for adults, while for children from 4 to 13 years old it is 5€. Pensioners and large families get in for €7.
• What are the opening hours for the Cuevas de San José? The opening hours are from 10:00 to 13:40, and from 15:20 to 19:00.

2. Sagunto Castle

Another place to visit around Valencia is this imposing fortress situated above the plains north of Valencia. It has great historical importance, going back thousands of years. Founded by the ancient Greeks, it was sacked by Hannibal and later joined the Roman Empire, and expanded under Muslim rule. However, it was the Romans who left a great legacy in the city of Sagunto. You can visit the Roman theatre, the remains of the temple of Diana, and a little further down the hill in the old town of Sagunto you can stroll through the winding streets of the Jewish quarter, which remain as they were in the 15th century. 

• How to get to Sagunto Castle? To get to Sagunto Castle from Valencia, you will have to take the car and exit on the V-21, then take the V-23 towards Sagunto and finally turn off on the N-340. The journey takes approximately half an hour.

3. Visit the Fuente de los Baños of Montanejos

The crystal clear waters of this lagoon have a temperature of 25ºC all year round, and are surrounded by impressive cliffs and deep gorges. These authentic natural pools of the Mijares River are a magnificent place to enjoy the scenery and swim in the thermal waters – there is a legend that a Moorish king brought women from his harem to these baths because the waters gave them youth and eternal beauty. Why not give it a try? It’s an ideal destination for hiking and cliff jumping (if you are brave enough!).

• What to bring to the Fuente de los Baños? We recommend bringing jelly shoes to move around the lake more comfortably, as well as a comfortable swimming costume, a towel and a small bottle of water.
• What hikes are there to do in the Fuente de los Baños? One of the best-known routes to do at the Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos is the Ruta de Los Estrechos, a simple excursion suitable for all ages. It is an 8 kilometres circular route that lasts around 3 and a half hours.

4. Lagunas de La Mata and the Torrevieja Natural Park 

This natural park in the province of Alicante has two main lagoons, La Mata, which has a greenish appearance, and the salt lake of Torrevieja, which has a spectacular pink colour. The pinkish colour is due to bacteria present in the water. This series of rivers in the Sierra de San Miguel de Salinas give life to the lagoons, which are home to a great variety of bird species. The famous flamingo, of course, stands out the most. A perfect destination for birdwatchers or nature photographers. 

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• How to get to Las Lagunas de La Mata Natural Park? To get to the park from Valencia, you have to drive for about 2 hours and 20 minutes. Drive along the A-7 to Xàtiva, then take the A-35 and then briefly exit onto the A-33. Then, you will have to take the E-903 to finally end up on the A-31. Then, continue along the EL-20 and CV-853 for quite a while until you reach your destination. You can also get there by bus, which takes about 4 hours and 46 minutes. You have to get off in Alicante and then take a Costa Azul bus to Torrevieja and get off in La Mata. Your destination will be 6 minutes away.

5. Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena in Novelda

It would be logical to think that this modernist church is in Catalonia, but the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena is in fact in the town of Novelda, Alicante. Designed by the engineer José Sala Sala in the Catalan modernist style, construction began in 1918 and was only completed in 1946. Its decorative features are based on medieval and baroque styles and on nature itself. The sanctuary is part of the Camino de Santiago and has been nicknamed ‘The little Sagrada Familia of Novelda’ – it’s easy to understand why! 

• How much does it cost to enter the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena in Novelda? Entrance to the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena is free, although you can choose to book a guided tour, the price of which depends on the type of visit.
• What are the visiting hours? Visiting hours are in the mornings from 10:00 to 14:00, and in the afternoons from 17:00 to 20:00.
• How to get to the Sanctuary of Santa María Magdalena? You can get to the Sanctuary by car, a journey of almost 2 hours starting on the V-31 from Valencia. Then take the A-7 and continue for a while until you turn off onto the A-35, then the A-31 and finally the N-325. You have to exit on the 213 from the A-31 and finally exit on the CV-832 in the direction of Partida Molinos.

6. Peña Cortada Aqueduct – a feat of architecture around Valencia

This aqueduct is one of the greatest examples of the Roman legacy around Valencia. The remains are 28.6 kilometres long, which makes it one of the most important Roman aqueducts in Spain. The total route of the aqueduct is not known, but the archaeologist and architect Miquel R. Martí Maties estimates that its route reached as far as the city of Valencia, with a total distance of 98.6 km! You can go hiking through caves and tunnels dug into the rock, pass over the aqueduct or even the viaduct that passes through the Peña.

• How to get to the Peña Cortada Aqueduct? The quickest and easiest way to get there is by car from Valencia. You will have to leave the city on the CV-35 and drive for an hour. Once you get to Chelva, follow the signs to the Aqueduct.
• How long is the Peña Cortada Aqueduct route? The route lasts approximately three hours, including stops, so it is relatively easy. It is ideal to do with friends or family.

7. Tancat de la Pipa

Just 16 kilometres from Valencia is the impressive Tancat de la Pipa, part of the Albufera Natural Park. It is a 40 hectare complex located at the mouth of the Chiva ravine.

You can walk up to 8 kilometres along its beautiful rice fields, crossing them on paths or wooden platforms. We recommend visiting this place at sunset, where you can enjoy spectacular views. You’ll love it!

• How to get to the Tancat de la Pipa? There are several ways to get to the Tancat de la Pipa. The first and most recommended option is to go by car. To take the V-31 and follow the Albufera road until you reach the entrance gate to the Tancat de la Pipa. You will find the necessary signs. Another option is to go by bus, taking bus number 25 towards El Saler, Gola del Pujol or El Palmar.

8. Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park

The Hoces de Cabriel is the largest protected park around Valencia. Despite being 111km from Valencia, it is definitely worth the trip to get to know this impressive natural landscape.

This natural park covers up to 12 kilometres along the Cabriel River, forming a natural border between Valencia, Cuenca and Albacete. You can go on different excursions along its trails and discover the famous Cuchillos de Contreras, pointed rock formations that form a spectacular landscape; all of this accompanied by abundant vegetation.

• How to get to Hoces del Cabriel? To get to Hoces del Cabriel, take the car and leave Valencia on the A-3. You have to continue on this road then take exit 225 and follow until you reach your destination, which will be signposted.

9. Sierra Calderona Natural Park

The Sierra Calderona Natural Park is an incredible natural area located just 30 minutes from Valencia. In this area, the Garbí viewpoint is especially well known, where you can admire the views and a breathtaking sunset.

It is one of the best places around Valencia for hiking due to its convenient and quick access from the city, as well as the wide range of routes and sporting activities available. It is the ideal place to escape from the city for a morning or afternoon!

• How to get to the Sierra Calderona Natural Park? To get to the Sierra Calderona from Valencia, you will have to take the car and drive for an hour on the AP-7, which is the fastest way. Further on, you will have to take the CV-305 towards Náquera and continue along this road until you reach your destination.
• What activities can you do in the Sierra Calderona? In the Sierra Calderona Natural Park you can choose from a variety of outdoor activities, although without doubt the most popular is hiking. You can choose between several excursions with different difficulties depending on your level of experience or who you are with. You can also choose to have a picnic or go on an excursion with your pet.

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10. Canet d’En Berenguer

Although the city’s beaches aren’t particularly well-reputed, it is possible to find beautiful waters just a short distance around Valencia; this is the case of Canet d’En Berenguer. Located just 33 kilometres from the city, in Canet you will find a beach with clean waters and fine sand.

This area is about 80 metres long and offers idyllic tranquillity, so you can enjoy a great day in the sun. You can also enjoy the incredible entertainment in the village once you’ve finished hanging out on the beach.

• How to get to Canet d’En Berenguer? There are two ways to get to Canet d’En Berenguer. The first is to take the car from Valencia, leaving on the V-21. Then take exit 1A towards Canet and in a few minutes you will have reached your destination. The journey takes about 35 minutes. Another way to get there is to take bus 115C at Torres de Serrano and get off at the Alfredo Simón stop. Once there, you only have to walk 20 minutes to get to Canet. The journey takes about an hour and a half.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Travel map of the places to see around Valencia

Here is our map with the places we recommend around Valencia so you can organise your trip easily and quickly. You can also add important documents such as travel tickets, hotel reservations and even invite your friends to take part in the organisation of your itinerary. Using Passporter is free of charge and will help you travel in a more organised way. You can register on the website or download the app to keep everything in your pocket 🙂

Which villages to visit around Valencia?

1. Bocairent, one of the impressive villages around Valencia

This small town in the interior of Valencia has a special charm, thanks to its exquisite historic centre and the mysterious Covetes dels Moros. It is a very well preserved medieval village, and was declared a Historic and Artistic Site by the Spanish government in recognition of its historical importance. We recommend wandering through its narrow streets and enjoying its culture. Above is the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción and the remains of a 16th century castle. The curved structures of the streets are of Arab origin and are a thousand years old. The Covetes dels Moros are a group of artificial caves in the cliff and there has been much speculation as to why they were built, but it is most likely that they were granary-warehouses between the 10th and 11th centuries.

If you want to know more about this destination visit our post: Things to see and do in Bocairent and download the travel itinerary we recommend. In the itineraries you can delete and add places according to your preferences. All you have to do is sign up to Passporter and the itinerary will be automatically copied to your account which you can customise as you wish.

• How to get to Bocairent? To get to Bocairent from Valencia, you will have to take the A-7 and, after about 50 minutes, take the 418. Then, take the CV-81 towards Ontinyent. When you see the signs to Bocairent, you will be close to your destination.

Do you want to know the best things to do and see in Valencia?

2. Jávea

Jávea is much more than just one of Valencians’ favourite holiday destinations; it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to visit around Valencia. Located just 90 kilometres away, it is the ideal place to enjoy a weekend getaway.

Characterised by its impeccable coves with crystal clear waters, in Jávea you can experience absolute relaxation, as well as spectacular leisure, entertainment and gastronomy. What’s more, this little town enjoys a warm climate all year round, so any time is a good time to visit. Read our post on Things to do in Jávea to find out all the details about this gem on the coast.

• How to get to Jávea? To get to Jávea from Valencia, you can choose between two means of transport. If you take the car, you have to take the AP-7 motorway and stay on it for an hour. Afterwards, you have to take the CV-725 and then exit at junction 62. Finally, take the N-332 and you will have arrived in Jávea. If you decide to go by public transport, you can take a bus towards Alicante from the Valencia Bus Station and get off at the Cruce de Teulada stop. There you have to take another bus in the direction of Valencia and get off at the Jávea Bus Station.

Discover more beautiful villages and places in the Valencian Community

3. Chelva

The village of Chelva, 68 km from Valencia, seems frozen in time, and is definitely one of the most charming villages in the region. It has an impressive cultural history, with evidence of life dating back to Roman times, but what characterises Chelva is that until the 17th century Christians, Jews and Muslims lived here. The mixture of cultures has left its mark on this town, such as the Arab quarter of Benacacira, the Jewish quarter of Azoque, the Mudejar quarter Arrabal, and also the medieval Christian quarter. The strong cultural imprints of Chelva are preserved in harmony today. 

• How to get to Chelva from Valencia? To get to Chelva from Valencia, you have to take the car and drive along the CV-35 for almost an hour until you reach Chelva.

4. Visit Morella

Morella is considered one of the most beautiful villages to visit around Valencia. Located on a hill, Morella stands out for its incredible medieval atmosphere and the beautiful castle that crowns it.

As well as being home to an impressive World Heritage Site thanks to its collection of cave paintings dating back to prehistoric times, this town is protected by walls that stretch for more than 2 kilometres. You can enjoy a wonderful getaway in this little town surrounded by dreamlike nature while you stroll through its little streets, Gothic churches and natural landscapes. If you want to know all the details, don’t hesitate to read our post about things to do and see in Morella.

• How to get to Morella? You can get to Morella by car. You have to take the AP-7 motorway and drive for one hour. Then, take the CV-10 and continue on it for a while until you finally take the CV-132 towards Morella/Zaragoza.

Frequently asked questions about a trip around Valencia

Tips for a trip around Valencia

• If you are going on an excursion, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a cap.
• If you visit a cove, we recommend wearing jelly shoes.
• When visiting a village, bear in mind that parking is not always easy.
• Always respect natural sites when you are in them.
• Plan your route well before heading to a new destination.

How to organise a travel itinerary to visit the area around Valencia?

If you don’t know how to organise your trip around Valencia, sign up to Passporter and we’ll help you.

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
• Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.

If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.