The local take
Inland, mountain villages offer river gorges, hanging-bridge hikes and Roman aqueducts, castle towns sit on rocky crags, and to the north you can float through a cave on an underground river. Down the coast are beach towns known for seafood and rice. In town, Ciutat Vella gathers Gothic and Baroque churches, frescoed chapels and modern art museums, and the long park in the old Turia riverbed leads out to striking contemporary architecture.
South of the city are dunes, beaches and sunset boat rides on the lagoon. Festivals fill the year, from summer fairs with open-air concerts to indie music weekends. Each listing has a note from the local guide who picked it; use the chips to focus on day trips, museums, festivals or time on the water.
Day TripsBocairent
Bocairent is a unique village just 95 kilometers southwest of Valencia.
ValenciaRecommended by David N.
MuseumsCasa Museu Benlliure
The home of Valencian painter José Benlliure is now a museum in Ciutat Vella where visitors can learn more about his life and work.
Valencia, Ciutat VellaRecommended by David N.
ViewpointsCastell del Real de Vilaragut
If you like ruins, head to the village of Olocau, located about 40 kilometers northwest of the city.
ValenciaRecommended by David N.
Religious LandmarksCatedral de Valencia
This church was built on top of a Roman temple that later became a Muslim mosque.
Valencia, Ciutat VellaRecommended by David N.
Historic LandmarkCentro Cultural La Nau
La Nau is a historical building that has served as Universitat de València's headquarters since its foundation.
Valencia, Ciutat VellaRecommended by David N.
Day TripsChelva
Chelva is a town located 70 kilometers northwest of Valencia and accessible by car in just an hour.
ValenciaRecommended by David N.
Day TripsChulilla
Hikers and history lovers will love a day trip to Chulilla.
ValenciaRecommended by David N.
MuseumsCiutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València
The Ciutat de les Arts i les Cièncias is a marvel of modern architecture.
Valencia, Cuatre CarreresRecommended by David N.
Live EventsSeasonal Events/FestivalsConcert de Viveros
During Fira de Juliol, you can catch free concerts every night in the Jardins del Real.
Valencia, La SaïdiaRecommended by David N.
Live EventsSeasonal Events/FestivalsConcerts al Veles
In the spring and fall, you can catch the Concerts al Veles concert series in the Veles e Vents building in La Marana de València.
Valencia, Poblats MarítimsRecommended by David N.
On the WaterDay TripsCoves de Sant Josep
If you like adventure, head to the Coves de Sant Josep and take a boat ride through a cave on Europe’s longest underground navigable river.
ValenciaRecommended by Elena P.
On the WaterDay TripsDénia
Foodies and beach lovers need to visit Dénia, a town 106 kilometers south of Valencia.
ValenciaRecommended by David N.
Custom tour
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Tell us how you travel. We'll plan a private day from places our local guides recommend, like the ones above, and match you with the guide best suited to lead it.
