7-Day Itinerary in the Valencian Community: Day-by-Day Route, Map and Budget

7-day itinerary in the Valencian Community: overview

This 7-day itinerary covers Valencia, Castellón de la Plana, Peñíscola, Denia, Benidorm, Alicante, and Gandía on a budget of 600-900€ per person.

This route is designed for travelers seeking the Mediterranean essence: sun, good food, and vibrant nightlife. It is ideal for young couples, groups of friends, or active families who want to make the most of a week’s vacation without sacrificing culture. Throughout this trip, you will explore everything from Valencia’s avant-garde architecture to the medieval castles of the northern coast and the skyscrapers of the Costa Blanca, enjoying a cuisine that ranges from traditional paella to the most sophisticated seafood rice dishes.

Below, you will find a quick summary of the stages of this route through the Valencian Community:

Día	Ciudad Base / Destino	Highlights	Km aproximados (tramo)
Día 1	Valencia	Lonja, Catedral, Paella	–
Día 2	Valencia → Castellón	Ciudad de las Artes, traslado norte	73 km
Día 3	Castellón → Peñíscola	Castillo Papa Luna, Olla de la Plana	25 km
Día 4	Peñíscola → Denia	Playa Sur, Bous a la Mar	160 km
Día 5	Denia → Gandía	Palacio Ducal, Relax playa	20 km
Día 6	Gandía → Benidorm	Terra Mítica, Vida nocturna	65 km
Día 7	Benidorm → Alicante	Castillo Santa Bárbara, Turrón	45 km

Day 1: Valencia, the birthplace of paella and the arts

Morning

Start your trip in the historic heart of the city. Visit the Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Valencia) and climb the Miguelete bell tower for the best panoramic views of the city (entrance approx. 3€). Right next door, admire the Gothic architecture of La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Recommended breakfast: Traditional horchatería in the center (e.g. Santa Catalina). Order a horchata with fartons. Price: 4-6€.

Midday

It’s time to try the star dish. Look for a restaurant in the Carmen neighborhood or near the Central Market to taste an authentic Paella Valenciana (with chicken, rabbit, and garrofó beans).

• Where to eat: Mid-range restaurant in the central area. Average price: 20-30€ per person.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the modern part of town for a contrast with the historic morning. Stroll through the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Calatrava. You can visit the Oceanogràfic or simply enjoy the exterior architecture of the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía.

• Afternoon snack: An artisanal ice cream while walking through the Turia Gardens.

Night

Valencia has an excellent nightlife. Have dinner with tapas or something more elaborate in the Ruzafa area, the trendy neighborhood.

• Dinner: Tapas and wine in Ruzafa. Price: 25-35€.
• Nightlife: Cocktail bars in Ruzafa or clubs in the Port area.

Day 2: From the avant-garde to tradition in Castellón

Morning

Enjoy one last morning in Valencia or start your transfer early. Renfe connects Valencia with Castellón de la Plana in 35 minutes (regional train or Cercanías), a very convenient and affordable option (approx. €5-8). If you drive, it’s 73km (50 min).

• Activity: Arrival in Castellón and visit to the Monument a Francisco Ribalta and a stroll around El Fadrí (the bell tower).
• Breakfast: Coffee and pastry in the Plaza Mayor. Price: €3-5.

Midday

Castellón is a land of hearty rice dishes. Try the Olla de la Plana, a traditional stew with legumes, potatoes, and meat, ideal for regaining your strength.

• Where to eat: Typical restaurant in the La Plana area. Average price: €18-25.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the Museu d’Etnologia (Ethnology Museum) or simply enjoy Castellón’s urban beaches, such as Gurugú or Serradal, which are wide and family-friendly.

• Relaxing activity: A dip in the Mediterranean or a bike ride along the seafront promenade.

Night

Nightlife in Castellón is quieter than in Valencia, but very pleasant. If you visit during February, you might coincide with the Fiestas de la Magdalena (Magdalena Festival).

• Dinner: Arroz a banda or Suquet de peix at the marina. Price: €20-30.

Day 3: Peñíscola, the Game of Thrones filming location

Morning

From Castellón, Peñíscola is just 25 minutes away by car or bus. It’s one of the most photogenic stops on this route through the Valencian Community. Climb up to the Castillo del Papa Luna (Pope Luna’s Castle) in the old town.

• Activity: Walk along the walls and the castle’s towers. Castle entrance: approx. €6.
• Breakfast: Sea views from a café in the old town. Price: €4-6.

Midday

For lunch, you have an upscale option at a mid-high price or more home-style choices. If you’re looking for quality, the restaurant Aguamarina (with a Michelin star) is a benchmark, although there are more affordable options at the port.

• Where to eat: Restaurant facing the sea. Average price: €25-40.

Afternoon

Head down to Playa Sur (South Beach) or to the Parque Natural Sierra de Irta (Sierra de Irta Natural Park) if you enjoy hiking. It’s a perfect contrast between medieval history and unspoiled nature.

• Afternoon snack: Ice cream while watching the sunset over the illuminated castle.

Night

Peñíscola’s nightlife is concentrated around the port area and the north beach.

• Dinner: Fresh grilled fish. Price: €25-35.
• Atmosphere: Beach bars or pubs in the lower area.

Day 4: Denia, culinary capital of the Costa Blanca

Morning

This is the day with the most driving. From Peñíscola to Denia it’s about 160km (approx. 1h 45min – 2h by car). Denia is famous for its gastronomy and the Bous a la Mar (bull-running into the sea) event (if it’s July).

• Activity: Visit Denia Castle and the Archaeological Museum (Dénia a Jaume I).
• Breakfast: On the road or upon arrival in central Denia. Price: 5€.

Midday

Denia is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. You can’t leave without trying its rice dishes or the fresh fish from the port.

• Where to eat: Port area or city center. Average price: 25-35€.

Afternoon

Relax on Denia’s beaches, such as Las Marinas or Las Rotas (the latter with rocky coves ideal for snorkeling). You can also visit the Cova de l’Aigua (Water Cave) if you’re interested in geology.

• Activity: Swimming and snorkeling at Las Rotas.

Night

Denia has a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

• Dinner: Tapas featuring Denia red shrimp (the star product). Price: 30-40€.

Day 5: Gandía, Borgia history and golden beaches

Morning

A short 20km (20 min) drive takes you to Gandía. The city combines noble history with kilometers of sand. Visit the Palacio Ducal de los Borja (Ducal Palace of the Borgias) and the Monasterio de Sant Jeroni de Cotalba (Monastery of Sant Jeroni de Cotalba).

• Activity: Guided tour of the Ducal Palace. Entry: approx. 4-5€.
• Breakfast: In Gandía’s Plaza Mayor (Main Square). Price: 4€.

Midday

Gandía offers fine dining at the restaurant Ona Cuina Oberta (Michelin), but it also has a very solid rice dish scene in the beach area.

• Where to eat: Restaurant on Gandía Beach. Average price: 20-30€.

Afternoon

Enjoy Gandía Beach, one of the longest and widest in the region. It’s ideal for water sports or simply sunbathing.

• Afternoon snack: Drinks at a beach chiringuito (beach bar).

Night

The nightlife is concentrated in the beach area (Gandía Beach) with nightclubs and summer bars.

• Dinner: Light dinner before partying or a family restaurant. Price: 20-30€.
• Atmosphere: Nightclubs in the beach area (summer).

Day 6: Benidorm, skyscrapers and fun

Morning

We head south, about 65km from Gandía (50 min). Benidorm is synonymous with active tourism. If you’re looking for adrenaline, Terra Mítica is a must-stop. If you prefer nature, Tossal de la Cala offers incredible views.

• Activity: Terra Mítica theme park or a stroll along the Balcó del Mediterrani (Mediterranean Balcony).
• Breakfast: English or continental at the hotel or a local café. Price: 6-10€.

Midday

Benidorm’s gastronomy is very international, but try the local fare: Coca farcida (stuffed flatbread) or Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock).

• Where to eat: Santo Domingo Street area (Old Town) for something more authentic. Average price: 20-30€.

Afternoon

An afternoon at Levante or Poniente beach. You can also visit Mundomar if you’re traveling with children or you like animals.

• Activity: Relaxing at Levante Beach.

Night

Benidorm is the party capital of the Costa Blanca. Avenida del Mediterráneo is packed with pubs, karaoke bars, and nightclubs.

• Dinner: International or buffet. Price: 15-25€.
• Atmosphere: Pub crawl along Avenida del Mediterráneo.

Day 7: Alicante, the perfect finale

Morning

The last stretch is short. Benidorm to Alicante is 45km (35 min by car). Head up to Castillo de Santa Bárbara (Santa Barbara Castle) — you can take the lift or walk up — to take in the entire bay.

• Activity: Castillo de Santa Bárbara and a stroll along the Explanada de España.
• Breakfast: Coffee on the Explanada. Price: 3-5€.

Midday

Say goodbye to the route with Alicante’s flavors: Turrón (nougat) for dessert and Salazones (cured fish) as an appetizer. Restaurants like Nou Manolín are classics.

• Where to eat: Alicante city center or the Port. Average price: 25-35€.

Afternoon

If you have time before leaving, visit the Museo Arqueológico Provincial (MARQ) (Provincial Archaeological Museum), one of the best in Europe, or buy souvenirs (turrón, wine) in the city center.

• Activity: Last-minute shopping and a visit to the MARQ.

Night

Farewell dinner and transfer to the airport (very close to the city center) or train station.

• Dinner: Farewell tapas in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. Price: 20-30€.

Recommended accommodation

For a mid-range budget on this route, look for tourist apartments or 3-star hotels.

• Valencia: Ruzafa area or the Historic Center. Range: 80-120€/night.
• Castellón/Peñíscola: Peñíscola is more touristy. Range: 70-100€/night.
• Denia/Gandía: Near the beach but not on the front line to save money. Range: 60-90€/night.
• Benidorm: Levante area or the city center. Range: 50-90€/night (plenty of options).
• Alicante: City center or Ensanche. Range: 70-110€/night.

Transport between cities

To make this 7-day itinerary through the Valencian Community efficiently, a rental car is the most recommended option for its flexibility, especially for stretches like Peñíscola-Denia or Gandía-Benidorm.

• Car: Makes it easy to carry beach luggage. Estimated cost for fuel + tolls + rental: 250-350€ total.
• Train (Renfe): Excellent connection along the Mediterranean corridor (Valencia-Castellón-Alicante). Renfe connects Valencia with Castellón in 35min and Alicante with Valencia in 1h 40min. However, reaching Peñíscola or Denia may require bus connections.
• Bus (ALSA/Avanzabus): Covers all routes, including Peñíscola and Denia. It’s the cheapest option but the slowest.

Estimated budget

Calculated for one person on a mid-range budget (sharing a double room).

• Accommodation (6 nights): 450€ (75€/night average).
• Food and Drinks: 350€ (50€/day).
• Transport (Shared car/Gasoline): 150€ per person.
• Entrance fees and Leisure: 100€.
• ESTIMATED TOTAL: 1,050€ per person (can be reduced to 700-800€ if traveling in low season or cooking some dinners).

On your own or on an organized tour?

This is a key decision for your 7-day trip to the Valencian Community.

Option A: On your own (Recommended)

Pros: Total flexibility to stay longer at a beach if the weather is good, choose where to eat (crucial for the local cuisine), and set your own pace. It is more economical if there are 2 or more of you sharing a car.

Cons: Requires logistical planning (booking cars, hotels) and dealing with summer traffic.

Profile: Independent travelers, couples, and groups of friends.

Option B: Organized tour

Pros: Absolute convenience. A guide explains the history of the Castillo del Papa Luna (Papa Luna Castle) or the Lonja (Silk Exchange) while you just look. You do not worry about parking in Benidorm or Gandía.

Cons: Strict schedules (sometimes little time to eat or swim), prearranged food routes (less authentic), and a higher price.

Profile: Older adults, solo travelers looking for company, or those who hate driving.

Practical tips

• Meal times: In the Valencian Community, lunch is late (14:30 – 15:30) and dinner is late (21:30 – 22:30). Many kitchens close between 16:00 and 20:00.
• Reservations: If you travel in summer or during Las Fallas (March), book restaurants and accommodation at least 1 month in advance.
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all cities, but on the coast it sometimes has a strong limescale taste. It is recommended to buy large bottles for drinking.
• Urban transport: In Valencia and Alicante, public transport is excellent. In Peñíscola and Benidorm, it is better to get around on foot or by taxi/tourist bus.
• Language: Spanish and Valencian are spoken. In tourist areas like Benidorm, English is very common.
• Safety: It is a very safe region, but be careful with valuables on the crowded beaches of Benidorm and Valencia.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to do this 7-day route?

The best time is from May to June or from September to October. The weather is perfect for the beach (25°C) without the oppressive heat of July/August or the tourist crowds. If you are looking for festivals, February (Magdalena in Castellón) or March (Las Fallas in Valencia/Gandía) are ideal, but it is colder for swimming.

Is it necessary to rent a car to visit Peñíscola and Denia?

It is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended for this 7-day itinerary. Although there are buses (ALSA) connecting Valencia-Castellón-Peñíscola and the Alicante coast, schedules can be limited outside peak season. A car allows you to visit hidden coves between Denia and Gandía that the bus does not reach.

What typical dishes should I not miss on this route?

In addition to Paella Valenciana (in Valencia), you must try Arroz a Banda (in Alicante/Benidorm/Denia), Olla de la Plana (in Castellón), and All i Pebre (in the Albufera/Valencia). For dessert, Turrón de Alicante and Horchata with Fartons are a must.

How much does a paella cost approximately in a mid-range restaurant?

The price of a paella for two people in a mid-range restaurant ranges between 20€ and 30€ per dish (to share). In tourist restaurants on the beachfront in Benidorm or Peñíscola, it can go up to 35-40€.