Valencia is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. In addition to its beaches, cuisine, and cultural attractions, it boasts an enviable climate all year round. Any time is a good time to enjoy this road trip through the Valencian Community!
An unforgettable road trip through the Valencian Community
This very affordable getaway makes the most of your 5-day holiday—one that’s full of variety and enticing attractions to help you explore the Valencian Community. Its fantastic, mild climate all year round means you can visit at any time. However, we recommend you visit in the spring or autumn to avoid the summer crowds.
Given its size, this region allows you to explore its three provinces in just a few days, combining inland and coastal destinations, natural landscapes, and cultural richness, while enjoying unique culinary delights at every stop. We've planned a road trip from north to south (Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante), but you can adjust it depending on where you want to start from.
Day 1: Peñíscola-Vilafamés
This first part of the trip is designed to introduce you to Castellón, a province known for the contrast between its 120 km (75 miles) of Mediterranean coastline and its mountainous interior.
Take advantage of the fact that the AP-7 is toll-free to travel along the coast, with the Costa de Azahar serving as your backdrop. Your goal is to reach Peñíscola, a prime example of those beaches with fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters. What makes it unique is that it is divided in two by its characteristic tombolo (a ‘bridge’-like land formation), where its famous castle and old town are located.
This is, in fact, the must-see attraction: Papa Luna Castle, a 13th-century Templar fortress and the residence of Pope Benedict XIII. You should check out all the cobblestone alleys in the surrounding area too, as well as the city walls, gardens, and the curiously natural El Bufador.
Take a break and try their famous suquet de peix (fish stew) or any of the rice dishes.
It's time to get back in the car (N-340) to spend the afternoon in Vilafamés, one of the most beautiful towns in Spain. There, you'll see the Roca Grossa as soon as you enter the old town.
Day 2: The city of Valencia
There's so much to see in this city that it's worth spending a whole day there. We recommend splitting your day in the city of Valencia into two parts: spend the morning exploring the historic centre and the afternoon visiting the City of Arts and Sciences.
Of course, in between the two, take a break to try a traditional Valencian paella.
Day 3: The province of Valencia
On this third day, we are staying in Valencia, but this time to explore its most historic stretch of coastline. Head to the legendary Sagunto Castle, complete with a Roman theatre.
Stop by to try a rice dish with a touch of the sea, the must-try arroz a banda, or black rice.
Then, just 20 minutes on the A-7 or the N-340 will take you to La Vall d’Uixó. There is a very large free car park where you can park up and visit the Caves of San José. Enjoy a boat ride along Europe's longest navigable underground river.
Day 4: Inland Valencia
We continue through the central province of this route through the Valencian Community. This time, to explore the interior along what is known as the ‘Water Route’. In fact, the first stop in Anna will take you to what’s known as the ‘Valencian Alhambra’, a blend of Moorish architecture, fountains, and a natural lake.
A must-try dish: their hearty baked rice. You should also try their cured meats and their coques de mestall (somewhat reminiscent of toad in the hole).
Set aside the afternoon for a nearby destination, Xátiva (just 15 minutes away). It is one of the largest cities in the Kingdom of Valencia and the birthplace of the Borgia family.
Day 5: Alicante's Costa Blanca
On the last day of this tour of the Valencian Community, you should set aside time to visit two gems in the province of Alicante: Altea and Calpe. They make for a spectacular finale, enjoying the contrast between the most bohemian ‘white village’ (Altea) and the sheer cliffs of the Peñón de Ifach (Calpe). They're just 10-15 km (6-9 miles) apart, so you can enjoy both at your own pace.
Whichever you choose, don't miss out on the pleasure of seafood dishes like arroz del senyoret, cruet de peix, or putxero de polp.
Are you up for this trip through the Valencian Community? Just set aside 5 days for your holiday and get a rental car in Valencia with OK Mobility. That’s all you need for this unforgettable trip!
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