Medieval castles, ancient architecture, city skyline views, and breathtaking landscapes, are all found only an hour by train from Valencia Nord station! You can spend the day in Xátiva, exploring the historic city and giant castle in the clouds for less than €20.

Travel

Getting to Xátiva was not only extremely easy and cheap, but the train ride was absolutely beautiful as well. Make your way to the Valencia Nord station and ask the ticket booth for a roundtrip train ticket to Xátiva on the C2 train; it will be about €6 for both ways. Beforehand, I recommend looking on ‘Omio’ https://www.omio.com/ to see what time the trains are scheduled to leave so that you can arrive at the correct time. You can also buy tickets online, but I have discovered they are a few euros cheaper if you purchase them at the ticket booth at the station. Once aboard the train, make sure to get a seat facing the window so that you can take in the rolling hills, farms, and mountains that you will pass by on your way to Xátiva.

Castle hike

The Castell de Xátiva is a MUST once you arrive in the city. Upon exiting the train station in Xátiva, all you have to do is follow the street signs for Castell; you won’t be able to miss it! If in doubt, just look up and follow the giant mountain looming in the distance. Purchasing tickets to the castle beforehand online is highly recommended due to the high demand and the limitation of visitors allowed each hour. Tickets will cost €6 for most people over the age of 16, but there are discounts available for those who fall into certain categories. Trust me, for €6 this is a fee well worth paying.

From the train station to the entrance of the castle, you will walk for around 30 minutes up winding, well-paved, and frequently walked roads that boast their own views on the way up. Stop by clearings whenever you get the chance, and you will have an incredible view of the entire city, with rustic-looking homes and an old church tower.

If you are looking for a place to eat at this point, check out Restaurant La Talaia del Castell, the restaurant located at the base of the castle, with an outdoor patio and views overlooking the city (https://talaiadelcastell.es/).

Ready to be amazed? If so, head on up to either of the gate entrances to the castle once it is within your reserved time window. Spend time exploring all the different areas of the castle, including its ancient gates, old cannons, and views overlooking the vast walls of its border. This castle truly is incredible, and I have never experienced anything like it in my life. Pictures really don’t do it justice – it feels as though you step back in time and are among the clouds as you experience an older, slower lifestyle in the castle. I spent around 1-2 hours walking throughout the castle.

Lunch

After lots of walking and having your breath taken away by the views, you are likely ready to stop for a sit-down lunch to take a break and try some authentic food from Xátiva. Luckily, there are so many excellent options in this small city! As mentioned previously, you can eat at the restaurant at the base of the castle, but if you want to adventure further into the town, there are also plenty of choices with much lower altitudes. The most enchanting restaurant to try is Terrassa Sant Josep, situated along the climb up to the castle. Although this restaurant was fully booked when I stopped by, the beautiful outdoor terrace, wine and coffee truck located on the outdoor patio and delicious smell of food wafting by were enough to convince me that this restaurant is worth making a reservation for… (https://terrassasantjosep.es/).

Continue down into the city for even more options of fine dining. Prices can vary greatly between restaurants, so check out menus beforehand if this is a trip you want to keep at low budget. With that being said, this Xátiva tourist website has some of the top-rated restaurants listed, with descriptions provided for each: https://Xátivaturismo.com/en/guide-to-eating-out/

Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria

Believe it or not, you can see this church from your hike to the castle! It stands over the entire town and calls you to visit. The church’s bell tower was built in the late 19th century and is what truly stands out, while the rest of the church is still there from its initial construction in the 1500s. On the inside, the church holds an exhibition of sacred art objects, and boasts impressive architecture as well. Experience Renaissance art in all its glory at this impressive church in Xátiva!

The entrance ticket will cost you €3.

La Colegiata Basílica de Santa María

Placa de la Seu, 6

46800 Xativa, Valencia 

Tel: 962 27 38 36

The Museum of Fine Arts

Stop by this museum for some truly stunning pieces of art, as well as outstanding pieces of sculpture and stonework. The iconic piece held in this museum is the portrait of Felipe V, which hangs upside down in revenge for his treachorous actions against Xátiva in 1707. The mid-18th-century building is beautifully sculpted, even from the outside, and the historic pieces inside are a must-see. Ticket prices vary, but should not cost you more than €5! Some museums are even free on Sundays, so this is worth looking into if you plan to visit on a Sunday.

Museu De Belles Arts

Plaça Arquebisbe Mayoral, 2

46800 Xativa, Valencia

Tel: 962 28 24 55

Exploring

After lunch, spend time walking around the old town of Xátiva and bask in its historic beauty. Several coffee shops, local boutiques, and bars dot the streets of Xátiva. During my trip, I was lucky enough to run into a marathon, so I stopped to cheer on some runners and take part in the energetic atmosphere of the town coming together to support the runners. During your walk around the city, keep an eye out for other key historic places, such as Plaza de la Trinidad, the Royal Hospital, and the Font dels 25 Dolls (Fountain of the 25 Spouts). Each of these places not only holds historic meaning but is also visually stunning to see!

A day in Xátiva is like a dream, and it is perfect for your next day trip out of Valencia, without breaking the bank!

 Report by Anna Willerer

Article Copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’

Links

Check train times: https://www.omio.com

Purchase castle tickets: https://Xátivaturismo.com/en/ticket-castle/