I’ve been living in Valencia for over three years now, and I often drive to nearby towns on weekends. These places aren’t too crowded with tourists, but they’re truly charming. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite spots with you.
Coastal Route Recommendations
Cullera
Just a 40-minute drive from Valencia, this town’s main attraction is its castle hill. The climb to the summit takes about 20 minutes, but the views are absolutely worth it—you can overlook the entire bay. The seafood paella here is considerably cheaper than in the city center. There are several traditional restaurants near the port, so if you’re going on Sunday, make sure to book ahead. For more coastal gems, check out these towns around Valencia.
Xàtiva
This inland town is about an hour’s drive from Valencia, with its twin castle on the hill as the main attraction. If you visit in summer, I recommend leaving before 9 AM, otherwise the midday heat will be unbearable. Castle admission is €6, with student discounts available. The town center has a museum featuring an upside-down portrait of Philip V—there’s an interesting historical story behind it.
| Town Name | Distance from Valencia | Main Features | Recommended Duration |
|---|
| Cullera | 40km | Coastal castle | Half day |
| Xàtiva | 60km | Twin castle | Full day |
| Bocairent | 95km | Mountain village | Half day |
| Requena | 70km | Wine region | Half day |
Mountain Village Experience
Bocairent is tucked away in the mountains, with remarkably well-preserved stone houses. The town has a cave area called Covetes dels Moros, dating back to medieval times, which you can visit. I was going to say this place was quite off the beaten path, but it seems more people are discovering it lately. For parking, there’s a free lot outside town, about a 10-minute walk in. You can explore more hidden gems among Valencia region towns.
Practical Tips
For transportation, while some towns around Valencia are accessible by train or bus, driving is definitely much more convenient. Weekend car rentals cost around €40-50 for two days, which is quite affordable when split among several people. For dining, try to avoid restaurants on the main square—venture into the side streets where locals eat for better value.
One final reminder: many towns close their shops and attractions on Mondays, so check opening hours before you go. I learned this the hard way once, driving all the way only to find the castle closed for maintenance—a complete waste of a trip. Hope this information helps, feel free to leave questions in the comments.
