Most Beautiful Towns Close to Valencia
Hilltop towns by the beach, Mediaeval castles carved out of rocks and crystalline lakes. These towns make for the ideal weekend getaway.
The most beautiful towns close to Valencia in a nutshell...
Valencia provides easy access to stunning historic towns that blend scenic landscapes with rich cultural heritage.
Just 8km north lies Port Saplaya, a colorful “Little Venice” with peaceful canals, while the 3,000-year-old Sagunto (30km north) offers a hilltop castle combining multiple civilizations above a Roman theater.
More dramatic settings include Castell de Guadalest, where houses and an 11th-century Moorish castle seem to grow from mountain rock; Alcalá de Júcar with white houses cascading down to a Roman bridge; and medieval Bocairent with its mysterious hand-carved cliff caves.
For coastal charm, Altea combines white-washed streets and blue-domed churches with Mediterranean views, while inland Xàtiva impresses with its massive ridge-top castle complex.
Castell de Guadalest
Castell de Guadalest is an incredibly small village, perched on a mountain rock about 2 hours driving south of Valencia.
Its houses seemingly sprout from the stone itself, one on top of the other, against the backdrop of the valleys and nearby water basin.
Because of its unique geographical position, the village is divided into two parts, connected by a tunnel.
The main attractions are of course the 11th-century Moor castle of Alcazaiba and the castle of San José, as well as the Baroque church Mare de Déu de l’Assumpció.
Among other things, the town seems to have a passion for miniature collections, so you’ll find the Microgiant Museum, the Microminiatures Museum, and a Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum.
Alcalá de Júcar
Alcalá de Júcar is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Like in a painting, in one swift brushstroke, white houses with red rooftops grow out of a rocky slopeside. Right before them is the Roman Bridge, crossing over the Rio Júcar.
Among the local sights are the ancient Plaza de Toros (one of the oldest in Spain, in fact), and the Ermita de San Lorenzo, as well as the numerous natural parks and lakes.
Sagunto
This three-millennia-old town, just 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Valencia, is the perfect getaway for ancient history lovers.
Sagunto is known for its castle which, perched on a scenic hilltop, is a perfect mix of all the civilisations that remodelled it over time: the Iberians, the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors.
Below the castle is an open-air Roman theatre. The town centre itself will not disappoint either: it is a maze of narrow streets, where you can find traces of all the populations that have inhabited them.
For those that want a complete picture of the town’s history, we suggest the Sagunto Museum, otherwise, you can always enjoy the nearby beach.
Xátiva
Xàtiva is a lovely little town, just about 60 kilometres (37 miles) south of Valencia. Its most notable feature is definitely the massive mediaeval castle, a two-fortification complex that develops along the crest of a 300-metre tall hill (990 feet), just above the town.
We recommend you head up there before doing anything else and enjoy the view. After that, you can make your way down the town, stopping at the archaeological museum, the Almudín de Játiva on the way.
In the town, you will certainly enjoy the quiet and upbeat centre, along with its Arab quarter and delicious local food (we suggest a baked rice dish).
Bocairent
Bocairent is located inland between the mountains of the Vall d’Albaida, right by the Sierra de Mariola. Ancient buildings and complexes can be found in the historic quarters.
The town’s several stone fountains and bridges, as well as Les Covetes dels Moros (Moorish Caves) are sure to capture any Mediaeval town lover.
This latter construction is a particularly fascinating complex dating back to the 10th or 11th century. It consists of caves overlooking a rocky cliff, where windows have been hand-carved.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could also go for a hiking excursion in the nearby nature. Not only you’ll walk by beautiful natural pools and rivers, but you’ll walk through the mountains themselves.
Port Saplaya
Just 8 kilometres (5 miles) north of Valencia, this small seaside town is ideal for a quick day trip away from Valencia. Port Saplaya, with its small colourful houses by the canal, has a whimsical and quaint vibe.
As the town develops mostly on the shallow waters of the port, it is often referred to as Little Venice. But fear not, Port Saplaya is definitely not as touristy as you might expect, and is thus perfect for a relaxing walk by the canals or a quiet afternoon at the nearby beach.
Altea
This one makes for a perfect weekend getaway destination, as it is only about 1 hour 30 minutes drive away from Valencia.
Altea will enchant you with its old fishing village charm, paired with a distinctive Southern-Spain look: small white houses propped on narrow hilly streets, with blue-tiled domes peeking through once in a while.
Thanks to its unique position, between the sea and the hills of a natural park, the town offers many spectacular views.
You can walk along the beach promenades lined by palm trees, swim by the blue coves, or visit the historical centre up to the highest point of the city, the Nuestra Señora del Consuelo’s bell tower.
On the way, make sure not to miss the beautiful Orthodox Church of San Miguel Arcangel.
