Valencia is the third most populous city in Spain, only behind Madrid and Barcelona. The capital of the Valencian Community is a fascinating city full of fantastic corners, but if you want to escape for a few hours from the metropolis of Turia, there are many perfect towns for a day trip just a few kilometers away. From inland villages surrounded by mountains with a long history to seaside towns perfect for a day at the beach, there are many towns near the city of Valencia that will make you forget about the routine for a while and are ideal for an excursion.

Chelva (Valencia)

Chelva Village.TONO BALAGUER
Chelva transports anyone to the Middle Ages who sets foot in its narrow streets, as this municipality of 1,500 inhabitants less than an hour from Valencia was home to Christians, Jews, and Muslims centuries ago. This mix of cultures has resulted in four distinct neighborhoods in the town (Benacacira, Azoque, the Ollerías, and Arrabal) where buildings of all styles can be found, such as the Church of Our Lady of the Angels or the Vizconal Palace. In addition, its incredible Water Route is a gift for nature lovers.

Altura (Castellón)

Altura (Castellón)Wikimedia Commons
Although located in the province of Castellón, the town of Altura is just a 45-minute drive from Valencia. This beautiful town came in second in the 2024 Rural Tourism Capital contest, as it features spectacular buildings like the 14th-century Vall de Cristo Carthusian Monastery, its walled enclosure, the incredible fortified farmhouses of Cucalón and San Juan, as well as several churches, archaeological sites, and impressive hiking trails.

Sagunto (Valencia)

Sagunto, Valencian CommunityGetty Images/iStockphoto
Few towns have had more historical importance in the province of Valencia than Sagunto. Located in the Sierra de la Calderona, it is perfect for enjoying both the sea and the mountains, as well as Roman-era constructions like its castle and theater. In addition to extraordinary churches like that of Our Lady of Begoña, there are also three freshwater lakes in the surroundings of this town perfect for relaxing for a few hours.

Bolbaite (Valencia)

Water pool in BolbaiteGetty Images/iStockphoto
One of the great unknown gems of the province of Valencia is the impressive town of Bolbaite. In addition to its magnificent monuments like its 14th-century castle and the Renaissance church of San Francisco de Paula, it also has natural environments that seem to be from another world: natural pools of crystal-clear water, caves, and hiking trails are just some of the wonders of this town located in the Canal de Navarrés region, less than an hour from the city.

Peñíscola (Alicante)

Image of Peñíscola crowned by the Castle of Papa Luna.Unsplash
In the province of Alicante, one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all of Levante is Peñíscola. Its impressive long white sandy beach and crystal-clear water already make this town one of the most sought-after tourist destinations, but in addition, the impressive Castle of Papa Luna, dating back to the 13th century and overlooking the town from above, is one of the most beautiful monuments in the entire Valencian Community, and it is just two hours from the city of Valencia. Sign up for the newsletter and receive the best travel proposals from around the world in your inbox.