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One of the best things about living in the suburbs of Valencia is how many beautiful places are just a short drive away. It’s the perfect place for exploring some of the best day trips from Valencia.

In around 30 minutes, you can be on a beach — whether it’s a popular one or a quiet, hidden spot. Or you can head in the opposite direction and find yourself surrounded by mountains, pine forests, and incredible hiking trails.

If you’re up for a slightly longer drive (around 1 to 1.5 hours), there are some real hidden gems worth discovering. These are places that feel like a proper escape, without the need for an overnight stay.

It is worth to mention that the best time to travel is from October to May, when the temperatures are mild and the places are less crowded

Be prepared…

As a family with three kids, let me tell you — these trips aren’t easy. Getting everyone packed, fed, and dressed takes effort. There are occasional dramas, and sometimes the weather is not perfect — it’s too windy, too hot, or the kids simply get tired too quickly.

But honestly? Every time we get out there, it’s totally worth it – the shared moments and the “wow” reactions. They make all the chaos fade away (at least for a little while 😄).

So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your next local adventure, here are 5 best day trips from Valencia based on our family favourites.

All tried, tested, and full of memory-making potential (and plenty of incredible photo spots too).

5 Best Day Trips from Valencia, Spain You Will Love

1. Chelva – Total surprise

Just about an hour away from Valencia, Chelva is one of those places that pleasantly surprises you. 

A peaceful little town with no tourist crowds and plenty of picture-perfect white-and-blue houses.

Chelva is known for its historic quarters, including Moorish, Jewish, and Christian neighborhoods — each with its own charm.  Narrow colorful streets, whitewashed walls, and ancient stone details that tell stories of the past.

It’s super walkable, calm, and honestly has that special kind of slow-travel magic.

My suggestion: Firstly, stroll through town, have lunch at Plaza Mayor, and then head to the Ruta del Agua. It is an easy trail with aqueducts, caves, and fun river spots for kids.

It’s great with kids, but be prepared — the full hike can take around 2 hours.

⚠️ Please note: Due to storm Dana and the severe floods in October 2024, this trail is currently closed. Be sure to check the local tourism website for the latest updates before you go. https://www.turismochelva.es

2. Chullila – Our Family Favourite

Just about an hour from Valencia, Chulilla has become one of our absolute favorite day trips — and for good reason! We even chose it as the location for our family photoshoot.

It’s peaceful, full of charm, and offers that perfect mix of nature, history, and picturesque town vibes.

The town itself is small and cozy, with narrow white streets that are almost empty. This certainly feels like a wonder and a real escape.

Feeling adventurous?

Hike up to the castle ruins. It’s a short climb with stunning views of the hills, the river Turia, and the village below.

For nature lovers, one of the highlights is the trail along the Turia river. It leads to Charco Azul, a famous photo spot with turquoise waters hidden between cliffs.

Whether you’re into hiking, relaxing, or just exploring a beautiful village at a slow pace, Chulilla ticks all the boxes — especially for families.

Related post: Living in Valencia: Real-life Pros, Cons and Tips for Expats https://slowlivingart.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=761&action=edit

3. Montanejos – Natural Spa

If the sea or pool water feels too chilly, Montanejos is the perfect escape.

This little town in Castellón, just about 1.5 hours from Valencia, is home to natural thermal springs that stay 25ºC all year round.

The main swimming spot, La Fuente de los Baños, is located between cliffs and forested hills, making it super scenic. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, with shallow areas that are perfect for kids. It’s like a natural spa — but with way better views.

There’s even a legend that a Moorish king built baths here for his wives, believing the waters would preserve their youth. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that? 🙂

The mineral-rich waters — full of calcium and magnesium — are said to help renew the skin and boost blood circulation.

But Montanejos isn’t just about soaking in the springs. The area is full of hiking trails, caves, and stunning viewpoints.

If you’re up for a short walk, don’t miss the Sendero de los Estrechos — a trail with breathtaking views over the river canyon.

A couple of tips:
The riverbed is rocky, so bring water shoes for a more comfortable swim. And also, if you’re after a quiet, peaceful visit, aim for the off-season — October to May is ideal.

For those seeking a guided experience, consider this Montanejos Guided Hike with Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour that offers a comprehensive tour of the areas highlights.

4. Navajos, El Salto de la Nova – Golden Autumn and the waterfall. 

As we come from Northern Europe, visiting nearby viewpoints with hills and leafy forests is a must in autumn. In Spain, it’s not so common to see deciduous trees, so our escape to Navajas felt like a real jackpot at just the right time — making it our 4th best day trip from Valencia.

Just about an hour from Valencia, this quiet village in the Sierra de Espadán is full of charm, with narrow streets and orange-tiled rooftops.

But the real highlight? 

El Salto de la Novia (The Bride’s Jump) — a stunning 30-meter-high waterfall just a short walk from the town center.

Legend has it, brides used to leap across the river here as a test of luck in love (spoiler alert: the story doesn’t end well, but the view is amazing). It is a perfect place to see the golden autumn as the leaves cover the waterfall area.

Besides, there are a few tables available, making it a perfect spot for a picnic.

It’s an easy walk, suitable for kids and even with a stroller, if you have one.

5. Ruta de los Pantaneros – The Grand Canyon of Valencia

Last but not least…

If you’re looking for a hike that brings a bit of wow-factor, Ruta de los Pantaneros in Chulilla is the one. It is definitely one of the most scenic trails near Valencia.

Just a 1–1.5 hour drive from the city, this route takes you through a dramatic gorge carved by the Turia River, with towering limestone cliffs on both sides — which is exactly why it’s often called The Grand Canyon of Valencia.

The star of the show? The iconic hanging wooden bridges that zigzag across the river, giving you epic views and a little thrill as you cross.

It’s a relatively easy hike (about 8 km round trip), and while little ones might need a hand on some parts, our kids loved the adventure of it. There are plenty of scenic stops along the way, and if you continue on, you’ll reach the famous Charco Azul.

Note: After the October 2024 floods (Dana), part of the trail and the bridges were affected, so make sure to check local updates before you go.

Whether you’re into hiking or just want to see one of the most beautiful natural spots near Valencia, this route is a must.

Whether you want a peaceful village stroll, a scenic canyon hike, or a dip in warm thermal waters, Valencia has amazing day trips just a short drive away. Plus, they’re all easy to reach and perfect for a quick getaway.

These spots have become our family favorites — not just for the views, but for the memories we’ve made along the way (yes, even with the occasional meltdown or snack emergency 😄).

So if you’re craving a little escape from city life, I hope this list of best day trips from Valencia gives you some real inspiration to get out and explore.

Let me know if you try any of these — or if you have a hidden gem of your own to share!

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