Car Hire for Road Trips: Best Routes from Valencia

Valencia, Spain, is a prime starting point for unforgettable road trips. This Mediterranean city is surrounded by diverse landscapes, ranging from golden beaches to rugged mountains, charming villages to bustling cities. Hiring a car for a road trip from Valencia allows you to explore these stunning regions at your own pace. In this article, we will explore the best road trip routes from Valencia that promise incredible scenery, culture, and adventure.

Why Valencia is a Perfect Starting Point

Valencia is located on Spain’s eastern coast, offering a gateway to the country’s most picturesque routes. With excellent road infrastructure and easy car hire options, the city makes for a convenient starting point for both short trips and longer journeys. Valencia’s central location between major destinations like Barcelona, Madrid, and Andalusia means that various scenic routes are within a few hours' drive.

Whether you prefer coastal drives along the Mediterranean Sea or mountainous paths through Spain's interior, Valencia offers a wide range of possibilities for your road trip adventure.

1. Valencia to Barcelona (Coastal Route)

One of the most popular road trips from Valencia is the coastal route to Barcelona. Covering approximately 350 kilometers, this journey follows the Mediterranean coastline, offering spectacular views of the sea, sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns.

Route Highlights:

• Albufera Natural Park: Just outside Valencia, this park is home to serene lagoons, rice fields, and a variety of wildlife. It’s a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy some fresh air.
• Peñíscola: A historical town with a medieval castle perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. It’s a great stop for history buffs and beach lovers alike.
• Tarragona: Known for its ancient Roman ruins, including a stunning amphitheater right by the water, Tarragona is a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting.

The coastal route is a leisurely drive, perfect for those looking to soak in the Mediterranean sunshine while visiting charming towns along the way. The road is well-maintained, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim or a seafood meal..

2. Valencia to Madrid (Inland Route)

For a completely different landscape, consider the inland route from Valencia to Madrid. This road trip offers a change of scenery as you leave the coast behind and head into Spain’s heartland. The journey is about 350 kilometers and takes you through diverse landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and historical towns.

Route Highlights:

• Cuenca: Famous for its hanging houses (casas colgadas) that cling to the cliffsides, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage city that’s a must-see on this route. The old town is full of narrow streets and charming squares.
• Alarcón: A small town with a medieval castle overlooking a gorge, Alarcón is a hidden gem along the way. It’s perfect for a peaceful stop to enjoy scenic views and local cuisine.
• Madrid: The capital city of Spain offers a rich cultural experience, from world-class museums like the Prado to its vibrant nightlife.

This route is ideal for those interested in history and culture, with plenty of opportunities to explore medieval towns and historic landmarks.

3. Valencia to Alicante (Costa Blanca Route)

If you're looking for a shorter road trip with stunning coastal scenery, the route from Valencia to Alicante is perfect. This 160-kilometer journey along the Costa Blanca takes you through some of Spain’s most beautiful beach towns and resorts.

Route Highlights:

• Javea: A charming coastal town with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The town also offers excellent seafood restaurants and local markets.
• Calpe: Famous for the Peñón de Ifach, a massive rock formation that dominates the coastline. It’s a great spot for hiking or simply enjoying the beach views.
• Alicante: This vibrant city is known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historical sites like the Castle of Santa Barbara. It’s a great place to end your road trip with a mix of relaxation and culture.

The drive along the Costa Blanca is scenic and relatively short, making it ideal for a weekend getaway or a shorter holiday.

4. Valencia to Granada (Andalusian Route)

For those looking for a longer road trip with a mix of coastal and mountainous landscapes, the route from Valencia to Granada is a fantastic choice. The journey is approximately 500 kilometers and takes you through some of Spain’s most iconic regions.

Route Highlights:

• Almería: This coastal city is known for its Moorish architecture, including the Alcazaba of Almería, one of the most impressive Moorish fortresses in Spain. The nearby Cabo de Gata Natural Park offers stunning beaches and dramatic landscapes.
• Sierra Nevada: If you love mountains, the Sierra Nevada National Park is a must-visit. It’s home to Spain’s highest peaks and offers excellent hiking trails and winter sports.
• Granada: The jewel of Andalusia, Granada is famous for the Alhambra Palace, a stunning example of Moorish architecture. The city also offers vibrant flamenco culture and delicious tapas.

This route is ideal for those looking to experience the diversity of Spain, from coastal cities to mountain landscapes and historic towns.

5. Valencia to Bilbao (Northern Spain Route)

For a road trip that takes you to the green hills and rugged coastlines of northern Spain, the Valencia to Bilbao route is an excellent choice. The journey is about 650 kilometers and offers a contrast to the typical Mediterranean landscapes.

Route Highlights:

• Zaragoza: A historical city known for its impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and its vibrant cultural scene.
• La Rioja: Spain’s famous wine region, La Rioja is the perfect stop for wine lovers. You can visit vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and explore the charming countryside.
• Bilbao: This northern city is known for its modern architecture, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum, as well as its beautiful old town and excellent Basque cuisine.

The route to Bilbao offers a chance to explore a different side of Spain, with cooler climates, lush landscapes, and a strong cultural identity.

Tips for Hiring a Car in Valencia

Before embarking on any of these road trips, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth car hire experience in Valencia:

1. Book in Advance: Car rental companies in Valencia can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking in advance ensures that you get the car you want at a reasonable price.
2. Check for Insurance: Make sure your rental includes comprehensive insurance, as road trips can come with unexpected bumps and scratches.
3. GPS and Maps: While Spain has excellent road signs, having a GPS or a physical map is always a good idea, especially when driving in rural areas.
4. Know the Toll Roads: Some of Spain’s highways have tolls. Make sure you have some cash or a card that works for toll payments.

Conclusion

Valencia is a fantastic starting point for a road trip, offering access to some of Spain’s most scenic and culturally rich routes. Whether you choose to drive along the Mediterranean coast, explore inland historical towns, or venture north to the green hills of Bilbao, there’s a road trip from Valencia that suits every traveler’s taste. With the convenience of car hire and well-maintained roads, your adventure from Valencia will be smooth, scenic, and unforgettable.