Welcome to my travel blog! If you’re in Benidorm and looking for a quick getaway, then a day trip from Benidorm to Valencia is just what you need. Join me as I take you on a journey from the sunny shores of Benidorm to the stunning streets of Valencia!
Best Tours for a Day Trip from Benidorm to Valencia
1. Day Coach Trip from Benidorm to Valencia
2. Guided Day Trip from Valencia to Benidorm
3. Tapas and Drinks Evening Tour
Recommended Hotels in Valencia
1. One Shot Palacio Reina Victoria 04 (4*)
2. Palau Apartments Valencia (4*)
3. Hotel Medium Valencia (4*)
4. Petit Palace Ruzafa (3*)
5. Soho Valencia (3*)
6. NH Ciudad de Valencia (3*)
How to Get from Benidorm to Valencia
If you’re planning a day trip from Benidorm to Valencia, here are your options:
1. By Bus
The most budget-friendly option for traveling from Benidorm to Valencia is by bus.
ALSA is the main bus company operating this route, with several daily departures.
Direct buses are leaving from the Benidorm Bus Station as early as 00:15am and arriving at the Valencia Bus Station in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
As of March 2023, the ticket price is around $20. The last bus leaves Valencia at 22:15h and arrives to Bernidorm at 00:00h.
If you arrive at the Valencia Bus Station and want to go to the city center, you can take the Metrovalencia line 3 or line 5 to the Xàtiva or Colón stations, which are located in the heart of the historic center. Alternatively, you can take a taxi. The last bus from Valencia to Benidorm departs at 22:15h and arrives at 00:00h.
Be sure to check schedules and purchase tickets in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
2. By Car
The driving distance between Benidorm and Valencia is approximately 141 kilometers (87.6 miles) and the driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions and the route taken.
The most common route is via the AP-7 toll road, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes without traffic. However, during peak traffic times, such as rush hour or weekends, the journey could take longer.
Book here a Car Rental and Save up to 15 %
3. Book a Day Trip from Benidorm to Valencia
You can arrive to Valencia on a hassle-free day trip from Benidorm. Travel in air-conditioned comfort, without the stress of navigation, and enjoy the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. Hotel pick-up is offered and the total experience takes about 11 hours. Round-trip coach transport from Benidorm.
Book here a Day Coach Trip from Benidorm to Valencia
This other tour offers a guide together with round-trip transportation from Benidorm. You will visit historic sites like the Cathedral and Basilica, and savor local cuisine at the Central Market. Don’t miss the Lonja de la Seda and the Church of San Nicolás, Valencia’s own Sistine Chapel. This experience takes about 6.5 hours.
Book here a Guided Day Trip from Benidorm to Valencia
What to See in Valencia
1. Visit one of the Largest Historic Centers in Europe
Did you know that Valencia, founded more than 2000 years ago, has one of the largest historic centers in Europe? It’s such a beautiful city that you will fall in love with it!
Torres de Serranos
These towers date back to the 13th century. It was the main entrance to the city, intended to be used as a defense against possible attacks.
If you dare to climb its steep 132 stairs you will get a fascinating view of the city. However, be very careful if you take children with you.
The Cathedral of Saint Mary
One of the Cathedral’s most prized possessions is the Holy Chalice, dating all the way back to the first century.
But that’s not all – the High Altar is adorned with a series of Renaissance frescoes that were hidden away for decades, only to be discovered and restored about ten years ago.
Ayuntamiento de Valencia (The Town Hall)
It is in front of the big square called Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The Town Hall is open to the public and is quite worth a visit. The Crystal Room is beautiful. Besides, you can go up to the balcony and have a panoramic view of the entire area and you can take some good photos. The entrance is free and it’s open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:45.
La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Market)
This is another absolutely beautiful Renaissance building. It was the original silk trading market from the times when Valencia was extraordinarily wealthy. The hall with 17 columns is absolutely impressive. Don’t forget to visit the Patio de los Naranjos as well.
Mercado Central
Next to La Lonja de la Seda, this Art Nouveau building from the early 20th century is another iconic monument in Valencia. This central market of Valencia is one of the biggest in all of Europe. Find some unique local products there and don’t forget to try the famous Spanish tapas. A tapa is not a specific meal, but rather a small tasting portion intended to complement your beverage.
Plaza de la Virgen
This picturesque square is part of a prime location area with pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants, making it a must-visit destination for anyone planning a day trip from Benidorm to Valencia.
2. Visit the City of Arts and Science
The complex, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is singular and very famous. It is undoubtedly an essential destination in Valencia for both children and adults alike, who can enjoy the science museum, fiddle around, and conduct a multitude of experiments.
The Hemispheric
This massive building represents a human eye, the eye of wisdom. With three projection systems on a 900-square-meter concave screen, it is the largest cinema in Spain.
The Oceanografic Aquarium
This building holds the biggest aquarium in all the European Union, housing over 45,000 specimens of 600 different species. Additionally, it boasts a dolphinarium with a depth of 10 meters.
The Palace of Arts Reina Sofia
The Palace of Arts, like the other buildings in the complex, is absolutely avant-garde. With a size of 40,000 square meters and a height of 75 meters, it accommodates four stages for opera, music, ballet, and theater performances.
3. Walk along the Turia Gardens
The Turia Park pass right by the City of Arts and Sciences. It spans over nine kilometers and is one of the largest urban parks in Spain.
In recent years, this area has been transformed into an important cultural hub. It hosts events like concerts, exhibitions and festivals. It is connected to the City of Arts and Sciences through the Exposición Bridge.
4. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Borja Ascutia, La Cigrona, Restaurante Levante Plaza, and Goya Gallery Restaurant are among the restaurants in the historical center that serve the best paellas. Take note that in Spain, lunch is typically consumed between 2pm and 4pm.
Tapas are snacks. You can enjoy a full meal just by eating several of them. Try them hot (like crispy chopitos and patatas bravas) or cold (with mixed olives and cheese). “Going for tapas” in Spain means visiting several bars. In each of them, try a tapa and a drink.
The best tapas can sometimes be found in off-the-beaten-path spots. You might want to consider a Tapas and Drinks Evening Tour, which includes delicious tapas and local drinks. During the tour, your guide will provide abundant information about Spanish food and local culture. You will also get to enjoy off-the-tourist-trail great food in just four hours.
Book a Tapas and Drinks Evening Tour in Valencia
Horchata de chufa is a highly popular and refreshing drink. It consists of water, sugar, tiger nuts, and flavor enhancers like cinnamon and lemon peel.
Fartón is a fluffy, elongated bun made with flour, eggs, milk, sugar, yeast, and oil. It is best enjoyed with chocolate or coffee with milk, but is commonly soaked in horchata in Valencia.
When to Go to Valencia
Spring and fall provide milder temperatures and fewer crowds, with spring offering cherry blossoms and outdoor activities and fall showcasing autumn foliage.
Summer, from June to August, is the peak season, ideal for beach activities and festivals, but it can be hot, humid, and crowded. In August, the hottest month, some businesses may close for summer holidays.
Where to Stay in Valencia
What if you choose to stay for a night or two in Valencia? Here, I’m presenting several options for every budget.
One Shot Palacio Reina Victoria 04 (4*) is an elegant hotel in Valencia’s center near Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Enjoy spacious, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Each room includes a 48-inch TV, safe, minibar, and a private bathroom with a rain shower or bathtub. Most rooms offer street views. 2 metro stations are a 5-minute walk away.
Palau Apartments Valencia (4*) offers air-conditioned accommodations near Turia Gardens, Jardines de Monforte, and Valencia North Station. Enjoy free WiFi and well-equipped kitchens. The condo hotel provides room service, business facilities, and bicycle rentals. It also offers facilities for disabled guests.
Hotel Medium Valencia (4*) is located less than half a mile from the City of Arts and Sciences and offers a gym and seasonal outdoor pool. The spacious rooms come with some offering great views of the City of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, the hotel features an on-site restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, as well as a lounge bar in the lobby. Private on-site parking is available, and frequent bus services stop nearby.
Mid-Range Hotels
Petit Palace Ruzafa (3*) is a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Valencia. It boasts an impressive 19th-century facade and an array of modern facilities. It’s conveniently located near the train station and is just a short walk from Nuria Park. Guests can enjoy an excellent breakfast, and the hotel also offers bicycle rentals and is pet-friendly.
Soho Valencia (3*) is conveniently located just 0.9 miles from Barrio del Carmen and 1.3 miles from the City of Arts & Sciences. All apartments are air-conditioned, featuring a flat-screen TV, a seating/dining area, and a kitchen with a microwave and toaster. Each unit has a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Guests can also enjoy a sun terrace.
NH Ciudad de Valencia (3*), in a quiet Valencia neighborhood, is a 15-minute walk from the City of Arts and Sciences. If features fully-equipped modern rooms. The hotel serves a buffet breakfast. Guests can also find restaurants and bars within a 5-minute walk. 2 metro stations, 800 feet away, provide access to the beach, city center, and airport.
