VALENCIA DAY TRIPS

Albufera National Park // Barcelona // Sagunto // Xàtiva // Madrid // Cueva del Turche // Ibiza // Alicante

Albufera National Park

  • A beautiful wetland area known for its rice fields and the Albufera Lagoon! Albufera Lake was formed 1.8 million years ago when the Valencian plain subsided, creating an ancient bay that was eventually sealed off by a land spit between the Júcar and Turia rivers. The Romans called it Nacarum Stagnum, or "Mother-of-Pearl Lake," due to the shimmering reflections seen at sunset. Later, the Moors named it al-Buhari, meaning "small sea." In 1986, Albufera was designated a national park and became a protected ecosystem in 1990. Today, it stands as Spain’s largest freshwater lagoon.

    • Boat rides

    • Bird watching

    • Bike rides

    • Eat at local restaurants

  • This park is home to as many as 300 bird species and is designated as a special protected area year-round due to the diverse bird populations that migrate through it annually.

  • You can enjoy boat rides, bird-watching, and savor traditional paella in the nearby village of El Palmar. It is a relaxing and fun way to spend a weekend with friends or family!

 
Travel Time: 40 min via train

Barcelona

  • Life in Barcelona is a blend of rich cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. The city is known for its relaxed lifestyle, with a strong emphasis on community and social interactions. Locals enjoy long meals, especially during weekends, and the vibrant café culture is central to daily life. The Catalan language adds a unique cultural layer, with many residents proudly embracing their regional identity. Barcelona's Mediterranean climate allows for outdoor activities year-round, from beach outings to hiking in the nearby hills. Festivals like La Mercè and Sant Jordi bring the city to life with parades, music, and literary celebrations, showcasing the local spirit.

    • Explore the Gothic Quarter

    • Stroll through the Gothic Quarter, visiting the Barcelona Cathedral and the historic Plaça del Rei.

    • Visit La Sagrada Família

    • Marvel at the intricate architecture of La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s iconic basilica, and explore its stunning interiors.

    • Enjoy Tapas in El Born

    • Savor a variety of delicious tapas at local restaurants in the trendy El Born district.

    • Wander Through Park Güell and Montjuïc

    • Explore Park Güell’s vibrant mosaics and scenic views, then visit Montjuïc for panoramic vistas and historical sites.

    • Stroll Along La Rambla

    • Walk along La Rambla, soaking in the lively atmosphere with shops, street performers, and a visit to the Mercat de la Boqueria.

    • Indulge in Traditional Catalan Cuisine

    • Enjoy traditional Catalan dishes at a local restaurant, savoring flavors unique to the region.

    • Barcelona is home to Europe's largest football stadium, which has a seating capacity of 99,354.

    • Barcelona Cathedral is home to 13 white geese who roam the enclosed garden with the fountain and pond. The number 13 represents the age that the co-patron saint of Barcelona, Saint Eulalia was martyred, while the white geese honour her memory (the number 13 also represents the Delta Theta and Ko Jo Kai sororities at ACU)

    • There are secrets hidden below Barcelona’s streets. There are 12 abandoned metro stations deep underground - and apparently they are haunted with claims that people have seen shadows of humans or ghosts. You can even take ghost tours of these hidden, haunted metro stations.

  • Barcelona seamlessly combines a rich cultural heritage with modern energy. The city is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, where community and social connections are at the heart of daily life. Traveling here would grant a wonderful opportunity to travel, be relaxed and learn more about the Spanish culture and how it came to be how it is today!

 
Travel Time: 2 hrs via train

Sagunto

  • This historic town features impressive Roman ruins, including a well-preserved amphitheater, and a medieval castle offering panoramic views. It is approximately 30 km (19 miles) north of Valencia and has been standing for over 2000 years!

    • Visit Sagunto Castle: A must-see location and hidden gem in Spain.

    • Explore the ancient ruins: Sagunto has many ancient ruins, including the Teatro Romano, Calzada Romana Via del Portic, and the remains of the circus.

    • Take a guided walking tour: Learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Sagunto. Some recommend bringing good walking shoes and water.

    • Visit the Jewish Quarter: See the narrow streets of whitewashed houses and pointed arches.

    • Take a bike tour

    • Visit the main square: The main square is arcaded and leads to the castle and Jewish quarter. It has columns from the Roman age.

    • See the Gothic church

    • Check out the City Hall

  • Sagunto Castle is the third-largest castle in Spain

  • Sagunto's streets are lined with remarkable Roman ruins and Moorish architecture, serving as vivid reminders of the city's turbulent past. This is seen in the beautiful architecture and castles.

 
Travel Time: 20 min via bus

Xàtiva

  • Known for its historical significance and stunning castle. The town has charming streets, historic buildings, and a rich cultural heritage. Around 60 km (37 miles) southwest of Valencia.

    • Castell De Xativa: A medieval castle with panoramic views, well-preserved ruins, and a terrace bar

    • Museo Municipal Almodi: A historic museum located across from the cathedral

    • Colegiata de Xàtiva: A Renaissance collegiate church

    • Hermitage of San Félix: The oldest hermitage in the city, which is said to have been a Mozarab temple

    • San Francisco fountain: A baroque fountain

    • Ruta De La Cova Negra De Xàtiva: A hiking trail

    • Church of the Convent of Santo Domingo de Xàtiva: A church to visit

    • La Ciudad De Las Mil Fuentes - Xàtiva: A historic walking area

  • In 1707, King Fernando V ordered his army to burn Xàtiva as part of the Battle of Almansa. The people of Xàtiva are known as carrots, which means "burnt". In the Valencia History Museum, a portrait of King Fernando V hangs upside down in memory of this event.

  • Go see the historic quarter and imposing medieval castle, whose walls can be seen from the Sierra of Vernissa. Make the most of your day trip our private group tour to Xativa! A place where you can see history coming to life.

 
Travel Time: 1 hr via train

Madrid

  • Spain’s capital is about 350 kilometers (220 miles) from Valencia. It was founded in the late 9th century (from 852 to 886) as a citadel erected on behalf of Muhammad I, the Cordobese emir, on the relatively steep left bank of the Manzanares.

    • Go to museums

    • Enjoy delectable churros at one of Madrid's most popular cafés, San Ginés.

    • See the unique architecture of Palacio de Cristal during a stroll in the park.

    • Immerse yourself in the Barrio de las Letras to follow in the footsteps of Spain's notable authors.

    • Shop for one-of-a-kind items and souvenirs at El Rastro, a flea market that's open every Sunday.

    • Get tickets to a flamenco show to fully appreciate the iconic dance.

    • Madrid is the second-largest city in the EU

    • Madrid is the stage of Netflix’s smash hit Money Heist and Pedro Almodovar’s 2020 Oscar-nominated film Pain and Glory.

  • Not only is it the capital of Spain but it is a welcoming and diverse place!! Madrid is, without a doubt, one of Europe's most interesting cities. Anyone in search of culture will find some of the most important museums in the world, such as the Prado, Reina Sofía, or Thyssen. Not only that but you can see history in all the architecture with the wonderful blends of cultures.

 
Travel Time: 2 hrs via train

Cueva del Turche

  • In the 16th and 17th centuries, locals used this cave as a hiding place and protection from the pirates. Cueva del Turche is a cave near Bugarra, about 70 km northwest of Valencia. It features striking rock formations and an underground river. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, it requires some hiking and climbing. Bring appropriate gear and a flashlight for exploration.

    • Hiking

    • Swimming

    • Boat Ride

    • Picnic

  • The bedrock in the upper left of the cave is more than 70 million years old, while the rest of the rocks are about 30 million years old.

  • It is a beautiful place in Spain where you can experience the natural beauty of the land. You can go swimming, hike, take a boat ride and have a picnic with a group!

 
Travel Time: 1 hr 15 min via bus or 30 min via taxi/car

Ibiza

  • Ibiza has been inhabited since the Stone Age but was founded as a port town by the Phoenicians in 654 BC. The island was conquered by the Romans in 123 BC and became a major center for salt production and trade. The Moors had a significant influence on the island's culture and architecture during their centuries-long rule. The island was renamed "Eivissa" after the Crown of Aragon repopulated it with Christians from Catalonia in 1235. It is the third largest of the Balearic Islands. It lies in the western Mediterranean 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Majorca. Ibiza, Spain is an island in the Balearic Islands known for its beaches, climate, and nightlife.

    • Go around Ibiza Town for a wonderful hodgepodge of shops. Start at the newly pedestrianized boulevard of Vara De Rey, shopping at Ruta Market, Massimo Dutti, Mango, and Zara.

    • Visit the villages all around the island that build up the culture and people of Ibiza.

    • The hippie markets are a lovely little portal into Ibiza’s unique happy-go-lucky culture. Punta Arabi at Es Canar is the oldest and biggest market on the island. It’s held every Wednesday and Friday with over 500 stalls.

    • Only 45 minutes by ferry and often referred to as Ibiza’s little sister, Formentera has a lower-octane vibe. Here, life is about taking it slow. Swim off the red rocks at Caló des Mort or enjoy spiked lemonade pomadas with your toes in the sand.

    • Rent a boat at Cala d’Hort or Cala Tarida and make a day of it, visiting the mythical rock and surrounding coves, such as the magical Atlantis, a quarry-like rock structure opposite Es Vedrà. Or, if the conditions are ripe, kayak from Cala d’Hort to Es Vedra.

    • Original name of Ibiza. The Phoenician settlers who founded Ibiza in 654 BC named it Ibozzim and dedicated it to Bes, the god of music and dance.

    • Ibiza has 57 beaches but is only 571 square kilometers

    • Ibiza has no water. To be more specific, no running rivers. The island's only river -Santa Eulalia riu - all but dried up in the late 70's and now only runs for a meager half a kilometer. The Fresh water on the island does not flaunt her presence, opting to remain well hidden under the ground.

    • Salt has been harvested here for over 2600 years making it Ibiza's oldest commodity.

  • Ibiza is one of the most well-known beach locations in Spain. It is a place to enjoy the beach, food, shopping, and nightlife on a small island with a long and rich history. The beaches are beautiful, with white sand and clear blue water— a great getaway for a weekend or day trip!

 
Travel Time: 4 hrs via train + ferry

Alicante

  • Alicante, Spain, is a coastal gem renowned for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches. The city boasts a striking castle, historic neighborhoods, and a lively promenade. With its mix of modern amenities and traditional charm, Alicante offers visitors a perfect blend of history and Mediterranean beauty. Located around 170 km (106 miles) southeast of Valencia.

    • Explore Alicante's Old Town, known as El Barrio, where cobblestone streets are lined with charming bars, cafes, and boutiques.

    • Visit the iconic Santa Bárbara Castle, perched high above the city with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

    • Take a stroll along the Explanada de España, a beautiful promenade lined with palm trees and colorful tiles.

    • Visit the Mercado Central de Alicante for an authentic taste of local flavors. This bustling market is a paradise for food lovers, offering fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local specialties like turrón (nougat) and Alicante’s famous rice dishes.

    • Discover the beauty of the nearby Cova de les Creus, a hidden cave located in the Serra Grossa mountain. It’s a great spot for a peaceful hike, and the views from the top are absolutely stunning.

    • Head to the stunning beaches of San Juan, just outside the city, for a day of sunbathing and swimming.

    • Rent a bike and cycle along the Alicante coastline, enjoying the coastal views and stopping at the many charming seaside villages along the way.

  • Hamilcar Barca, a Carthaginian general, established the fortified settlement of Akra Leuka, a Greek name meaning “White Mountain” where Alicante stands today. While under rule of the Romans this city was known as “Lucentum” which means “City of Light.”

  • Explore Alicante’s stunning coastline, charming old town, and rich cultural heritage. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic quarter, visit the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle for breathtaking views, and relax on the city’s beautiful beaches. Whether you're into history, art, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere, Alicante offers a perfect mix of everything. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, and every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered!

 
Travel Time: 2 hr 30 min via train