A time-travelling tour of Sagunto: heritage day trips from Valencia
Beyond the medieval grandeur of Valencia's historic centre, Valencia is a truly modern city, defined by sprawling botanic trails, avant-garde design and forward-thinking green initiatives.
Venture into the wider Valencia region, however, and time inches backwards. From Requena's wineries to Chulilla's castillo, there's no shortage of historic day trips from Valencia, offering total immersion in Spain's rich archaeological, cultural and natural heritage.
Today, we set our sights on Sagunto, an ancient fortress city just 30 kilometres from Valencia, where echoes of empire and rich culinary traditions can be traced back thousands of years.
Beneath a sci-fi skyline, Valencia hums with the legacy of its mercantile past. The Silk Exchange (La Lonja), a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece, still exudes the wealth and ambition of the traders who built it in the 15th century. Meanwhile, Valencians of today trade their produce at the vibrant Central Market, where fresh citrus fruits, Iberian ham and traditional horchata (a creamy tiger nut drink) can be found.
As well as celebrating its past, Valencia is also committed to discovery and reinvention. It is home to one of Europe's most recognisable contemporary landmarks: the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex that features a number of futuristic works by local architect Santiago Calatrava, as well as a planetarium, oceanographic park and interactive museum.
Move between Valencia's past and present easily via Turia Gardens trails. Carved from a diverted riverbed and snaking nine kilometres through Valencia's heart, Turia Gardens provides a green escape for cyclists, joggers, and anyone in need of a shady spot in nature.
As Valencia reinvents itself, in Sagunto, traditions hold strong.
In the short journey from Valencia, you'll be transported through centuries of Spanish history, arriving at the sprawling hilltop fortress which has stood watch over the Mediterranean coast for millennia.
Take in panoramic views over the crumbling city walls and walk the uneven pathways within to find remnants of Roman forums, Moorish fortifications and underground water systems that once sustained entire communities. The Roman Theatre here, etched into the hillside in the 1st century, still hosts performances, including for Sagunt a Escena festival in summer when Greco-Latin plays, music, dance and circus shows bring the ancient theatre to life.
Echoes of the past continue within Sagunto's old town. The narrow, whitewashed streets of the Jewish Quarter preserve a lesser-known chapter of Spain's history, while the Portal de la Judería, a gateway into the once-thriving medieval community, lies as a quiet counterpoint to the grandeur of the castle above, with a story equally as enduring.
For natural heritage, Sagunto's coastline delivers. The city's beaches stretch 13 kilometres, flanked by dunes and pine forests. Of these, Puerto de Sagunto, Almardá and Corinto are Blue Flag recognised, and offer a quieter alternative to Valencia's lively Malvarrosa. Elsewhere, the protected wetlands of La Marjal dels Moros provide an ideal spot for birdwatching, while the proximity of Sierra Calderona and Sierra de Espadán natural parks both entice hikers through coastal and mountain trails.
While the Valencian region is world famous for its traditional paella, in Sagunto, star dishes like arroz a banda (rice slow-cooked in fish broth) and arroz negro (rice tinted with squid ink) speak of the city's maritime past.
Other local specialties span both the garden and the sea, such as ximos (fried buns), coca de tomate (tomato tart) and coca de llanda (olive oil and lemon cake).
After a day of touring the castle, feast like Spanish royalty at Michelin-starred restaurant Arrels, under the Gothic arches at the 16th century Palace of the Dukes of Gaeta. A traditional seafood paella on the harbourside is equally worthy, an authentic testament to Sagunto's long-standing culinary scene.
Sagunto is very well connected by train from the centre of Valencia. It is an easy day trip, but there are plenty of reasons to extend your stay.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, both cities are year-round destinations. To immerse yourself further in Valencian heritage, consider visiting during a traditional local festival. Celebrate Fallas and the arrival of spring in Valencia in March with art, bonfires and fireworks, while April's Holy Week is marked with extravagant street processions in Sagunto.
Though separated by a short journey, when taken together, Valencia and Sagunto chart a passage through the ages.
Whether exploring Valencia's medieval trade halls, watching a play at Sagunto's 2,000-year-old outdoor theatre or simply savouring traditional flavours overlooking the Mediterranean, your heritage tour of Valencia is set to be an immersive time-travelling experience like no other.
Discover more about Sagunto heritage at Saguntoturismo.com
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