What to do in Requena and its surroundings over a weekend

Fancy a weekend away in the picturesque village of Requena and its beautiful surroundings? We’ve put together a useful itinerary that takes you to this inland destination’s most precious spots. Thanks to the union of its Mediterranean terrain and longstanding winemaking tradition, the area is renowned for its excellent wines. Plan a wine-tasting experience as part of your trip. 

What to do in Requena: day 1

Located in the province of Valencia, Requena boasts plenty of history to explore. Visit the town’s fascinating monuments to trace the ancient civilisations that used to call Requena home. 

To start the day, we recommend visiting the most historic part of the town, with access from Cuesta del Castillo, and going for a wander around the medieval neighbourhood of La Villa. You’ll soon come across  San Nicolás de Bari Church, Santa María Church and the stunning El Salvador Parish Church.

The cobbled streets are lined with traditional manor houses, some still proudly displaying their original coat of arms carved in stone on the façades. After meandering through narrow alleyways and stumbling upon pretty plazas, you'll arrive at Requena Castle. Dating back to the Islamic era, this fortress towers over the town's skyline.

Continuing our sightseeing tour of Requena, let's now take you to one of the town’s best-kept secrets: La Villa Caves. This network of underground cellars stretches beneath the historic centre and is open to the public. Head underground to explore them.

We suggest a visit to the Requena’s Municipal Museum for a deeper dive into the town’s rich history. Afterwards, wrap up your day with a wine tasting at one of the local bodegas. Take a stroll through the vineyards, sample exquisite wines and cavas, and be sure to try Requena’s famous pork sausages before you leave.

What to do in Requena: day 2

Start your second day on a high with a visit to the picturesque riverside spot, Casas del Río, and go for a dip in the water if you’re feeling adventurous. From here, venture into the breathtaking Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park, perfect for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

And that’s not all! To finish off your weekend in Requena, we recommend a scenic walk to the Muela de Arriba Iberian Settlement archaeological site. Or, if you're a fan of museums, visit the Ethnological Museum to learn more about the region’s rich winemaking tradition.

You might not be able to fit everything into your trip to Requena, as there's so much to see and do here. But then you have the perfect excuse to return again and again.