After living in Valencia for several years, I’m always looking for new places to explore on weekends. Having visited most of the city’s attractions, I recently started discovering nearby towns and found some real surprises. Today I’ll share a few places I’ve visited and enjoyed - all within an hour’s drive, perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.
Xàtiva
This town is about 50 kilometers from Valencia, less than an hour by car. The main attraction is the hilltop castle, divided into two sections, offering panoramic views of the entire town and surrounding plains. The climb requires some effort, but the scenery is absolutely worth it. The town also has a unique museum featuring a portrait of Philip V hung upside down - reportedly because the king burned down the town centuries ago, and locals express their displeasure this way.
Requena
If you’re interested in Valencia towns, wine lovers must visit this place. Requena is an important wine-producing region in Valencia province, with numerous wineries offering tours and tastings. The old town is exceptionally well-preserved, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings full of character. During my last visit, I caught the Saturday market and bought local cheese and sausages at prices much lower than in the city. The town also features an underground wine cellar museum - highly recommended - where you can learn about the area’s Valencia towns winemaking history.
Bocairent
Ranked among Spain’s most beautiful towns, this place truly lives up to its reputation. Built on a hillside, white houses cascade down in layers, reminiscent of Andalusia’s white villages. The most distinctive feature is the Moorish caves outside town, carved during medieval times and now open for visits. There’s also an old ice well, once used to store winter snow for selling ice blocks in summer. Though small enough to explore in half a day, the atmosphere is wonderful and perfect for photography.
Here’s a comparison of basic information about Valencia town property prices for these towns:
| Town Name | Distance from Valencia | Recommended Duration | Highlights |
|---|
| Xàtiva | 50km | Half day to full day | Castle, historic architecture |
| Requena | 70km | Full day | Wine, old town |
| Bocairent | 90km | Half day | White village, caves |
Practical Tips
Transportation: While trains or buses serve these destinations, driving offers much more flexibility with timing and the ability to visit other places along the way. Parking is typically available in free lots, though you may need to walk a short distance to reach the old town centers.
For dining, avoid restaurants around main squares - venture into side streets where you’ll usually find better value local establishments. Requena is famous for roast lamb, while Xàtiva offers a dessert called arnadí worth trying.
These towns aren’t overly crowded on weekdays, though weekends are livelier. For photography, weekdays offer more tranquility. Remember sunscreen and water in summer - the sun here can be quite intense. Feel free to leave questions in the comments, and those who’ve visited are welcome to share your experiences.
