Best Things to Do on a Day Trip to Valencia
If you’re planning a day trip to Valencia, you’re in for a treat! This guide will show you the best spots to visit, from historic sites to local food markets.
Imagine squeezing centuries of history, world-class cuisine, breathtaking architecture, and the energy of one of Spain’s most vibrant cities into just one day. It sounds impossible, right? Well, buckle up, because this extreme day trip to Valencia is all about defying the odds and immersing yourself in the best the city has to offer – without ever feeling like you’re rushing. From wandering through the historic heart of the Old Town to marveling at the futuristic structures of the City of Arts and Sciences, and savouring a steaming plate of paella by the Mediterranean, this is the ultimate guide to making the most of your whirlwind adventure. Whether you’re a time-crunched traveler or just up for the challenge, get ready to discover why Valencia deserves a spot on your bucket list – even if it’s just for one unforgettable day.
Saturday, 25th January 2025 – Our Extreme Day Trip to Valencia
Planning and documenting an extreme day trip isn’t just about ticking off sights; it’s about fully immersing yourself in the experience – from the iconic landmarks you visit to the delicious food you savour along the way. On this whirlwind adventure, we set our sights on Valencia, diving headfirst into its charm and energy to pack an unforgettable journey into just 24 hours.
All costs mentioned are for two people, unless stated otherwise.
Getting There
04:30 GMT: Departure from Home
Our adventure began bright and early – well, perhaps just early, as “bright” isn’t the word that comes to mind at 4:30 in the morning! With the excitement of the journey ahead keeping us energized, we set off from home, ready to make the most of the day.
05:30 GMT – Arrived and Parked at iLove Meet And Greet, Stansted
06:00 GMT – Breakfast at Wetherspoons
After breezing through security, it was time to refuel before the day’s adventures began. We headed to Wetherspoons for a hearty breakfast, indulging in a classic combo of a croissant, a bacon butty, and two refreshing orange juices. It was the perfect way to kickstart our morning and keep us energized for the journey ahead. Total cost? A reasonable £17.04 for a satisfying start to the day.
08:15 GMT – And We’re Off!
At 08:15 GMT, the adventure officially began! Our Ryanair flight, FR643, lifted off from London Stansted Airport (STN), marking the start of our Extreme Day Trip to Valencia. The flight cost came to £86.16 for both of us, with an additional £33.00 spent on seat selection to guarantee a comfortable and stress-free journey. With excitement in the air (and under our wings), we were ready to make the most of our whirlwind day ahead!
11:40 CET – Touchdown in Valencia
We landed at Valencia Airport at 11:40 CET, buzzing with excitement to kick off our adventure! Passport control was a breeze, and before we knew it, we were on our way out of the terminal. Following the clearly marked signs for the Metro, we made a quick stop at the Valencia Tourist machine to collect our pre-paid Valencia Tourist Cards. These handy cards offered unlimited public transport across the city (including airport transfers) and even included perks like a free drink and a complimentary bite in central Valencia – more on that later! Purchasing the cards online in advance scored us a 10% discount, bringing the total cost to just €27.
Afternoon Activities
Airport to Central Valencia
12:15 CET: Metro to Xativa Station
By 12:15 CET, we were cruising into the heart of Valencia on the Metro, thanks to the ease and convenience of our newly acquired Valencia Cards. The journey along Metro Line 5 was smooth and efficient, whisking us straight into the city centre. We disembarked at Xàtiva station, which is the perfect launch point to begin exploring Valencia’s charming Old Town. From here, the city’s historic treasures were just a short walk away, ready to be discovered.
12:45 CET: Exploring the old-town
After stepping out of Xàtiva station, we made our way into Valencia’s enchanting Old Town, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere as we wandered through its charming streets. Along the way, we admired iconic sights like the stunning Plaça de l’Ajuntament and the majestic Valencia Cathedral. By 14:00 CET, we found ourselves at the bustling Central Market, where the city’s vibrant energy truly comes to life. During our stroll, we couldn’t resist popping into a few shops, picking up some souvenirs: five fridge magnets for €10, house numbers for €11, and a stylish tote bag for €6 – perfect mementos from our adventure!
14:00 CET: Food at Central Market
As promised, our Valencia Cards came with a little bonus – a free snack! We explored the vibrant stalls of the Central Market before finding the stand offering our special deal. After handing over our cards, we were treated to a delicious half ham roll each, accompanied by a small glass of white wine. While the ham roll was a flavorful delight, the white wine… let’s just say it wasn’t our favourite! Nonetheless, it was a fun and unexpected treat that added to the charm of the market.
14:15 CET: More Food
Still a bit hungry after our market snack, we decided to indulge in some traditional Spanish treats. Just outside the Central Market, we stopped at a churros stall where we picked up six perfectly crispy churros, a refreshing Coke, and a fartón – a sweet Spanish bun that’s similar to an iced bun in the UK. We took a moment to rest our feet and savor the delicious bite, enjoying the simple pleasure of good food in the heart of Valencia. Total cost: €9, and totally worth it!
14:45 CET: Journey to Valencia Beach
After a quick break and a satisfying snack, we made our way back to Xàtiva station. From there, we hopped on Metro Line 5 and rode it to the end of the line at Marítim. At Marítim, we switched to Tram Line 6, which took us to the La Marina tram stop. From there, it was just a short walk to the stunning Valencia beach, where the Mediterranean breeze and golden sands awaited us.
15:30 CET: Valencia Beach
Upon reaching Valencia Beach, we took a moment to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. The sound of the waves and the warm sun made for the perfect setting, and we couldn’t resist dipping our toes into the refreshing Mediterranean Sea. Afterward, we were thirsty and decided to explore a bit more. That’s when we stumbled upon Mercabanyal – a hidden gem! Tucked behind a burger bar, this lively spot was packed with food and drink vendors. We grabbed a Coke and a cold beer from El Águila, enjoying the laid-back vibe as we took in the sights. Total cost: €6.25, and well worth it for the refreshing break!
Evening Activities
16:45 CET: Journey to City of Arts and Sciences
We left the beach and made our way to Cala de la Reina, where we hopped on the number 19 bus. After a short ride, we got off at Avenida de Franca, just a 10-minute walk from the awe-inspiring City of Arts and Sciences. Once there, we couldn’t resist snapping photos of the stunning futuristic architecture and, of course, the iconic Valencia sign. We also picked up a Glass Skyline souvenir and another fridge magnet to remember our trip. Total cost: €23.49 – perfect souvenirs to capture the essence of this architectural wonder!
19.00 CET: Return to Valencia old-town
After exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, we made our way back to the bus stop on Avenida de Franca and boarded the number 19 bus heading back to the Old Town. A bit of confusion about the stop led to a longer walk than expected, but we eventually made our way back. We had originally planned to sit down for a traditional paella before heading to the airport, but with time running short, we had to settle for a quick McDonald’s. We grabbed a medium Big Mac meal and two hamburgers, costing €13.77. Not the ideal end to our culinary journey, but it did the job!
19:45 CET: Return to the Airport
We made our way back to Xàtiva station and hopped on Metro Line 5 for the 25-minute journey back to the airport, bringing our whirlwind day in Valencia to a close.
22:20 CET: Ryanair FR8324 Departs Valencia Airport
At 22:20 CET, we boarded Ryanair flight FR8324, bidding farewell to Valencia as we took off, heading home after an unforgettable day.
23:55 GMT: Arrival at London Stansted Airport (STN)
At 23:55 GMT, we touched down at London Stansted Airport, marking the end of our whirlwind adventure in Valencia.
00:30 GMT: Departing Stansted and Heading to iLove Meet and Greet
By 00:30 GMT, we were on the transfer bus back to the iLove Meet and Greet to collect our car. After a long but exciting day of travel, it felt great to be heading back to familiar ground, ready to wrap up our journey.
Total Costings
Total Costs for the Day
After an unforgettable day in Valencia, we tallied up the costs:
- GBP: £136.20
- EURO: 106.51 EUR
Using an exchange rate of 0.84, 106.51 EUR is equivalent to £89.47.
So, the total cost for our extreme day trip came to £225.67, which breaks down to about £112.84 per person – a fantastic value for such an action-packed adventure!
Travel Tips
Make time to visit the Mercado Central, one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful fresh food markets. It’s a sensory feast of vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and local flavours. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and snag the freshest goods. Don’t leave without sampling horchata, a refreshing local drink made from tiger nuts, and a farton, a sweet pastry to dip in it. Even if you don’t buy much, wandering through the market is an experience in itself!
Finding Out More
Other Destinations
Inspired? Why not visit our other extreme day trip reports!
