Valencia is incredible, but if you stay only in the city, you’re missing out on many amazing places in this area. Less than two hours away by train, you’ll find medieval castles, quiet beaches, historic villages, and even the birthplace of authentic paella. Best of all, you can take these day trips and return to Valencia to sleep at night.
If you’re traveling with luggage and want to go on several excursions on different days, you can leave your bags at our luggage storage facility in the center of Valencia or at the Nord Train Station. That way, you can forget about the weight and enjoy yourself without any worries.
The Best Excursions from the North Station
Some excursions are perfect for a morning or afternoon, while others require a full day. All are less than two hours away by train, and all will surprise you.
Why Estación del Nord is your best starting point
The North Station (or Nord, in Valencian) is a jewel of modernism and deserves a few minutes of your time before you board the train. Inside, it features tiles, stained glass windows, and details that transport you back to the early 20th century.
But beyond its beauty, it is located right in the center of Valencia. It is a five-minute walk from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and you can get there by metro on lines 3 and 5 (Xàtiva stop). From here, you can take local, medium-distance, and high-speed trains that connect you to several destinations perfect for a getaway.
Half-Day Excursions (2-4 hours)
Cullera: Beach and Castle (40 min by train)
Cullera is the ideal destination to visit all year round. In summer you can go to the beach, in winter you can visit the castle and the old town. And if you like good food, the rice dishes at the port are spectacular.
What to see and do
- The medieval castle is perched atop a hill and the views of the Mediterranean are breathtaking.
- The beaches are wide and less crowded than those in Valencia city.
- It has a charming old town with narrow streets and a seaside atmosphere.
- You can try traditional rice dishes in the restaurants around the port.
- Three or four hours is enough time to climb up to the castle, stroll around the town, and grab a bite to eat.
How to get there
The C1 commuter train leaves every 30 minutes, costs around €4 for a round trip, and takes about 40 minutes. From Cullera station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the beach. Easy and fast.
Xàtiva (Játiva): Medieval Town (50 min by train)
Xàtiva is one of those towns that surprises you. It has a double castle (yes, two connected castles) that dominates the entire valley, a historic center declared a Site of Cultural Interest, and was the birthplace of the Borgia popes. A town with a lot of history to discover.
What to see and do
- The castle is enormous and the views from the top are among the best in the Valencian Community.
- The Collegiate Basilica and the L’Almodí Museum are well worth a visit.
- Take the opportunity to lose yourself in the medieval old town.
- Allow around 4 hours to see everything at a leisurely pace.
How to get there
Medium-distance trains run several times a day, cost around €6 for a round trip, and take about 50 minutes. A tip: to get up to the castle, you can take a taxi from the station for €2 or walk (30 minutes uphill, but with great views).
Full-Day Excursions (6-8 hours)
Albufera and El Palmar: Nature and Authentic Paella (30 min by bus)
f you only do one day trip from Valencia, make it this one. La Albufera is a natural park with a huge lake, rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, and sunsets that look like something out of a movie. And in El Palmar, you can eat authentic Valencian paella, made by the people who invented the dish.
What to see and do
- Take a ride on a traditional boat across the lake (they call them albuferencs).
- El Palmar, a village of traditional huts surrounded by rice fields.
- Authentic Valencian paella in any of its restaurants.
- Sunset over the Albufera (this is a must, trust me).
- Set aside the whole day because meals here are long and leisurely. At least 6 hours.
How to get there
Bus 25 leaves from Plaza España, very close to Estación del Nord, every 30-45 minutes. It costs around €4 for a round trip and takes 30 minutes. There are also organized tours if you prefer to go with a guide.
Sagunto: Roman History and Medieval Castle (30 min by train)
Sagunto has two gems: an incredibly well-preserved Roman theater and a castle with a walled enclosure stretching for a kilometer. If you like history, this is the place for you.
What to see and do
- The Roman theater is one of the best preserved in Spain.
- The castle is enormous and overlooks the sea.
- Visit the medieval Jewish quarter and the city’s Historical Museum.
- If you have time, the Port of Sagunto is 10 minutes away and has beaches.
- Allow 5 or 6 hours to see everything at a leisurely pace.
How to get there
The C5 or C6 commuter trains run very frequently. A round trip ticket costs around €3 and the journey takes 25-30 minutes. From the station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the theater.
Peñíscola: Pope Luna's Castle (2 hours by train)
Peñíscola is probably the most spectacular town on the coast. It is built on a rocky peninsula, has a huge Templar castle, and a walled old town that looks like something out of another era. In fact, scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here.
What to see and do
- The Castle of Pope Luna, an impressive Templar fortress.
- The walled old town, with narrow streets and white houses.
- Beaches to the north and south of the peninsula.
- The fishing port has good restaurants.
- This is a full-day excursion. Minimum 8 hours.
How to get there
Direct medium-distance or regional train, around €15 return and between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours journey time. From Peñíscola station, take a bus or taxi (10 minutes) to the old town. Ideally, leave Valencia around 8-9 a.m. and return around 6-7 p.m.
Practical Tips for Your Excursions
Before you rush out to buy tickets and pack your backpack, there are a couple of things that will save you time, money, and more than a little hassle. Here are some tips you would have liked to know before your first trip from Valencia.
Schedule Planning
There’s nothing worse than arriving at the station and discovering that the train you wanted to take leaves in three hours. Or worse still, that the last train back has already left. That’s why a little planning (even if it’s minimal) makes the difference between a perfect day and a day of endless waiting.
Check before you go
Go to Renfe and check the updated timetables for the day you want to travel. Timetables change depending on the day of the week, so what is valid on a Tuesday may not be valid on a Sunday. You can also download the Renfe app, which works quite well and allows you to buy tickets directly from your cell phone without having to queue at the ticket machines.
Recommended Reservations
For the AVE, always buy in advance. Prices vary greatly depending on how full the train is and when you buy. If you book two or three weeks in advance, you can save a lot of money.
Reservations are not mandatory on medium-distance trains, but I recommend them on weekends and holidays. Not because they fill up completely, but because there are more people and it’s better to have your seat guaranteed. During the week, it’s usually not necessary.
Commuter trains do not require reservations. You simply buy your ticket (or use a transit card) and get on. They are like the subway, but with seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go on multiple excursions with the same locker?
Yes, if you rent the locker for several days, you can leave your suitcase there for 2 or 3 days and go on different excursions without having to carry everything with you.
Are trains included in tourist cards?
No. The Valencia Tourist Card includes metro and bus travel within the city, but Renfe trains are not included.
Are these excursions safe to go on alone?
Absolutely. They are very touristy destinations, public transportation is regular and safe, and all the towns have good tourist infrastructure.
Can I take my bike on the train?
On commuter trains, yes, free of charge (although space is limited). On medium-distance trains, it depends on the train. And on high-speed trains, only if it is disassembled and placed in a bag (€10 extra).
