Located along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Valencia is bursting with energy. The city is a magnificent example of the old and new Spain, with medieval buildings standing side-by-side with futuristic architecture. It’s home to buzzy nightlife and foodie scenes – a city that encourages traditional dining in cosy paella spots (it is the home of paella, after all) and late nights sipping cocktails at the marina.
The River Turia used to weave through the city until a deadly 1957 flood sparked innovators to redirect the river to the outskirts of the city. Today, the riverbed is all but dried up, and in its place is a palm-tree-filled park – Turia Gardens. The park wraps around the city and is one of Valencia’s best places to visit. Valencia Cathedral is another must-see, but the wider Valencia region has so much more to offer outside of the city. Discover Valencia by car for an unforgettable Iberian road trip: here’s the ultimate guide to the best spots.
Why Valencia is a Great Destination for a Road Trip
Planning a road trip to Spain’s third city? From the sun-drenched beaches to the historical architecture, there’s so much to see and do. You can zip around the city with ease when you hire a car, as well as relax on the hard-to-reach beaches and explore the region’s traditional rural towns. There are so many fascinating destinations to explore that go beyond the city. When you’re cruising down coastal highways or winding through mountain roads, you’ll soon see why Valencia is a great destination for a road trip.
Here are four pitstops every Valencia road tripper should visit along the way:
The City of Arts and Sciences
Hailed as one of the 12 treasures of Spain, the City of Arts and Sciences is a must-see on your trip to Valencia. It’s located on the southern end of the old Turia riverbed, a short drive from Valencia Old Town. The masterful ‘city’ was imagined and brought to life by local architect Santiago Calatrava – a stark avant-garde contrast to Spain’s characteristic Gothic and Baroque architecture.
The complex is made up of several buildings, the most famous and visited are:
Oceanogràfic: With over 500 species, including beluga whales, dolphins, sharks, walruses, and sea lions, Oceanogràfic is Europe’s biggest aquarium.
Hemisfèric: Catch a film in this IMAX cinema, with a huge, state-of-the-art concave screen. They only play one film at a time, but several are shown daily.
Science Museum: This museum encourages visitors to immerse themselves in its fascinating exhibitions, igniting all the senses.
Palau de les Arts: This futuristic theatre is contrasted by its performances of classic opera, ballet, and zarzuela – a distinctive Spanish-style opera.
Umbracle: The 17,000 sqm park is a haven of lush Mediterranean plants, sculptures, and walkways. The bar, Terraza Mya, is open during the summer months for moonlit drinks in the evenings.
There’s so much to see at the City of Arts and Sciences that we recommend spreading your visit across a couple of days. That way, you can catch a performance, spend as long as you want in the Science Museum, and enjoy a glass of sangria in the tropical Umbracle.
Albufera Natural Park
Make plenty of time for Albufera Natural Park – the birthplace of paella. The freshwater lagoon is made up of lakes and wide-stretching rice fields, where farmers once mixed various ingredients with locally grown rice for their dinner. Little did they know it would become a world-famous Spanish dish. Indulge in the most authentic paella you’ll ever taste in El Palmar, a small hamlet that is the heart and soul of Albufera.
Despite being just 6 miles from the city, Albufera is a world away from Valencia’s lively cobblestone streets and sangria bars. The few inhabitants live in waterfront houses, built on stilts, surrounded by vast nature. The best way to explore the lake and the scattered town is by boat. Or you can take a walk through the lush rice fields, spotting native birdlife along the way.
While you can find tourist buses that go to and from Albufera, the best way to get there is by hire car. It allows you to take your time exploring this unique landscape, as well as stick around for one of Albufera’s iconic sunsets.
Albufera Natural Park is so captivating that you might want to stay overnight. That way, you can fully appreciate the sunsets and crisp early morning beauty of the reserve.
Sagunto Castle and Roman Theatre
Sagunto is a small town that packs a big punch on the Iberian Peninsula, located around 15 miles from Valencia. Its long and fascinating history goes back to the 5th century. The town’s strategic position on the east coast sparked territory wars amongst the Iberians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors across 2,000 years. All groups left behind the historical architecture that is dotted around the hilltop town – two of those being the Sagunto Castle and the Roman Theatre.
The Sagunto Castle stands tall on a flat hill, soaring above the terracotta-tiled roofs. While today, the castle is a fascinating landmark, it was once a strategic vantage point to spot and attack invaders. The huge fortress was constructed by the Iberians some 2,000 years ago, marking the long fight for Sagunto. It’s a steep climb up to the castle, but you can hop on a tourist train from Sagunto town centre to the halfway point.
The Roman Theatre is another significant monument – a reminder of Sagunto’s tumultuous history. The spectacular theatre dates back to the first century, when 8,000 spectators would watch concerts and performances. It was built into the land to amplify acoustics beautifully, and you can still catch the occasional show.
We recommend spending a full day in Sagunto to immerse yourself in the long history. If you can only carve out half a day, make it the morning – there’s no shade at Sagunto Castle, and it can get hot.
Xàtiva Castle and Old Town
Xàtiva has long been another point of contention in eastern Spain. Located around 38 miles from the heart of Valencia, it’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit by car. The medieval town’s strategic location was sought after by the Romans, Moors, and Carthaginians, and the famous Xàtiva Castle was built during the Islamic period by the Moors. Since then, it’s been the setting of crusades, sieges, and battles. Today, the castle is one of the most pertinent sights in the Valencia region. Its humongous size means the fortified walls can be seen from the Sierra of Vernissa, and its hilltop position extends to gorgeous views across Xàtiva Old Town and the Mediterranean coast.
It’s a steep walk up to the castle, but there are fascinating spots along the way. Explore the 18th-century Ermita de Sant Josep, the 13th-century Iglesia de Sant Feliu (the oldest church in Xàtiva), and the crumbling remains of the old Moorish town. After visiting the Xàtiva Castle, we highly recommend meandering around the Old Town that lies below. Wind through the labyrinth of the Moorish quarter, and marvel at the eclectic mix of medieval architecture.
Visiting the castle alone will likely tire you out, so the best way to explore Xàtiva is to stay for one or two days. An extended visit means you can take your time exploring the churches, winding cobblestone streets, and surrounding natural landscape.
Getting to Valencia From The Airport
Valencia Airport is located in the city of Manises, around 5 miles from Valencia City. If you’d prefer to pick up your hire car in the city, you can take the Metro, the bus, or hop in a taxi from the airport. Taking the bus is the most affordable option, but the Metro is straightforward and takes only 25 minutes. You’ll find the Metro station on the ground floor of the domestic terminal. If your flight is arriving late or early, a taxi might be the best option. However, a taxi journey to the city will be more expensive.
Alternatively, you can save yourself the hassle of public transport or the cost of a taxi and pick up your hire car at Valencia Airport. There are several vehicle types available, including SUVs, passenger vans, luxury cars, and budget-friendly cars. If you’re embarking on a road trip, you can drop off your hire car at any city or airport across Europe.