Best unusual day trips and hidden gems in Valencia  

The city of Valencia in Spain is one of those places I consider to be a perfect Slow Travel destination. You can easily let all your troubles flow away and immerse in your surroundings under the ideal weather almost all year long. Capital of the Province of Valencia, its inhabitants are very proud of their culture making it possible for you to learn about local cuisine, history, and traditions.

However, despite being well-known by international visitors, there are still some well-kept treasures that only those who have lived there have heard about. After spending 2 days in Valencia, it’s time to discover something else. I lived 7 months in this beautiful city, enough time to bring you 8 unusual things to do around Valencia. Let’s go!

Unusual day trips and hidden gems to do around Valencia

Enjoy Playa del Saler

Usually, random tourists go either to La Malvarossa or La Patacona to enjoy the sun and sand. However, you are far from this stereotype and are a bit more adventurous, right? So let me offer an alternative to these overcrowded beaches during summer where you don’t have to fight for beach space.

Located a bit away from the city, the Playa del Saler offers tranquillity and a wildness you find nowhere in Valencia. Accessible by either a bus from the City of Science or by car with a lot of parking spots at the different entrances, a short walk of 5-10 min is then needed to reach your destination. But it is worth every step.

Hidden behind the dunes, you have a stunning view over the harbour and kilometres of untamed beach for yourself. Enjoy the peaceful breeze of the wind, the waves, and exceptional peace in this hidden gem. Please consider that this place is also a nudist beach. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you witness people wandering naked.

Eat a traditional Paella at El Palmar

Everyone knows that the famous paella dish comes from the Valencia region. But do you know where the birthplace of this iconic Spanish dish is? If the answer is no, that’s not surprising as only locals do. The small town of El Palmar is considered to be where paella’s was invented. So no surprise when after a few steps into town, you notice a street full of paella restaurants! This hidden gem is accessible either by bus from the city of science or by car.

However, the absolute best place to head to is Arroceria El Rek which serves delicious and generous portions for an affordable price (around 15-25 euros per person). This is your chance to dive a bit further into the city’s history and its surroundings as this small village was in the past almost entirely populated by rice picker’s and their families.

I highly recommend the vegetarian or traditional option when picking your lunch. Paella Valenciana is the traditional paella of the Valencia region, and consists of Valencian rice also known as Bomba rice a very short grain rice, olive oil, rabbit, chicken, saffron, tomato, flat green bean, and lima beans.

Explore Valencia’s superb Central Market

The Central Market of Valencia, or Mercado Central, is one of the largest and most beautiful fresh food markets in Europe. Housed in a stunning modernist building with colorful tiles and intricate ironwork, it is a feast for the senses. Inside, over 1,000 stalls offer the freshest local produce, seafood, meats, spices, and artisanal goods. Bustling with energy, it’s the perfect place to sample Valencian specialties like jamón ibérico, horchata, and freshly caught seafood.

Watch Wonderful Sunset over the Albufera’s Lake

Watching the sunset over Albufeira’s lake is a truly magical experience. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a breathtaking display of warm oranges, deep purples, and soft pinks, reflecting beautifully on the calm waters. The peaceful surroundings, gentle ripples on the lake, and the distant calls of birds create a serene atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax and take in nature’s beauty.

Discover the Little Venice of Port Saplaya

Why go to Italy when you can go to Valencia? Jokes aside, the capital of the Valencian community is home to what some call the Little Venice. Located in the small village of Port Saplaya, this hidden gem is worth the detour. It can be accessible by bus, although a bit of a longride, or by car, which is easier. I always recommend walking to Port Saplaya from Platja de Meliana, which is around a 25 minute walk.

Once there, follow the walking path and out of a corner on your left eye, you will catch a glimpse of this unique place. It is a small but colourful harbour, and the neighbourhood surrounding the canals offers a wonderful atmosphere. From there, wander between the alleys, stop at a café or restaurant to rest, and just immerse yourself in the moment, while enjoying the beauty of slow travel.

I would recommend visiting Port Saplaya from April to July. During this time, the flowers are blossoming and line the buildings and canals, giving Little Venice an even more memorable look.

Hike around the Cueva del Turche in Bunol

If you feel like you need a walk and want to hike, then head to the town of Bunol. Accessible by train or car, the town of Bunol is worth exploring. It has all the wonderful features of this region with ochre-orange stone walls and houses, churches covered with blue tile roofs, and a lively atmosphere.

Depending on when you are visiting it, La Tomatina is a famous local event where the goal is basically to throw ripe tomatoes at strangers until the whole city and inhabitants are covered in tomato juice. Don’t worry, it only happens once a year! Yet, go and give a chance to Bunol with nice cobblestone streets, local artisans, and fantastic miradors (we even cross the path of a straw braider, learning some tips from him).

From Bunol, it will take you around an hour to complete the hike, with the possibility to extend it if you feel like it. The track is easy to follow. Plus, don’t forget to look around, there are many edible wild fruits which can be harvested along the way. Just don’t eat the red mushrooms you can see along the path.

Enormous waterfall of Cueva del Turche

After this walk you will see a giant waterfall around 30 metres tall, the famous Cueva del Turche,  and a sort of beach where you can easily rest and enjoy the surroundings. For the brave, a dip into the water is essential but I gotta warn you, it’s cold. Spending the afternoon there is the perfect way to escape the hottest month in Valencia, but unfortunately, during this time of the year, it’s gonna be pretty crowded. The best months to visit are April, May, June, September, and October for a peaceful escape to the Cueva del Turche in Bunol.

Discover an incredible view over Valencia from El mirador del Garbí

An alternative to Albufera Park for sunset is El Mirador del Garbí, an amazing outdoor promontory to catch the sunrise for those who love a sunrise. This last one is only accessible by car as it is a very local spot off the beaten path. From there, you will have one of the best views over Valencia, the sea, and the surroundings.

Located on a rocky upstream overhanging the whole area, this is a perfect spot to enjoy the afternoon or evening with friends, family. You will find many places where you can enjoy the calm of the sunrise. Some people even stay there to camp overnight to get those first rays of sun. However, you must be careful not to have a campfire as the surrounding areas are very dry and at risk of fire and make sure you take your garbage with you.

This place is one of the unusual and local things I like to do from time to time. I feel like it’s a great way to reconnect with nature and get a great overview of the Spanish lifestyle

Explore the Castillo de Xativa

Just an hour from Valencia by train or bus is the charming town of Xàtiva, a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your holiday itinerary. While the town itself may only take an hour to explore, the real treasure lies above.

Perched majestically atop a hill, the Castell de Xàtiva has watched over the city for centuries. A short 30-minute walk or quick car ride from the town centre will take you to this iconic fortress. If you’re feeling adventurous, the uphill hike is a rewarding experience, guiding you through the remains of the past and historical buildings.

The Castell de Xàtiva isn’t just any castle but a twin fortress that has witnessed countless battles and evolved under the influence of various cultures. Over the centuries, it was used as a prison for high-profile captives. Despite its tumultuous history, the castle’s walls and towers remain remarkably well-preserved, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.

Declared a Cultural Heritage Site, this architectural gem is one of the most underrated tourist points near Valencia. Its panoramic views of Xàtiva and the surrounding countryside are breathtaking, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Best of all, the entrance fee is just a few euros, a small price to pay for such a remarkable experience.

Which unusual things or hidden gems will you explore first?

There you have some of the best-kept secrets and unusual things to do around Valencia that’ll make your visit way more interesting than just hitting the usual tourist spots.

Whether finding peace on the quiet sands of Playa del Saler, diving into a real paella feast in El Palmar, or swimming in a giant waterfall at Cueva del Turche, you’ve got a pretty solid list to start.

But honestly, what’s the one that’s caught your eye? And hey, maybe you’ll stumble across a hidden gem of your own. You never know what’s around the corner when you take things slow and decide to learn How to Slow Travel.

If this kind of exploring speaks to you, don’t wait and adopt the right mindset chasing about the world’s treasures and quirks. It’s all there waiting for you.

So, what’s the next step? Will you explore some of the best itineraries in Spain such as this handcrafted basque country itinerary?  I’ll leave that to you. Just promise me you will take care of Valencia for me.

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Ultimate Southern Spain Road Trip