Hola! Welcome to Sagunto, a history-packed town located just a stone’s throw from Valencia. If you love Roman ruins, hilltop castles, charming old towns, and nice beaches, this is your kind of place! It often flies under the radar of travelers heading straight to Valencia or the nearby beach resorts. But trust us, with its over 2000 years of stories to tell, Sagunto is worth a visit. And the best part? You can explore it all without the crowds! Vamos, let us show you the best things to do in Sagunto, Spain.
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Sagunto, Spain FAQ
Sagunto is a Spanish town located in the Province of Valencia on the Mediterranean coast known as the Costa de Valencia. It’s located only about 30 kilometres north of Valencia city. Sagunto’s old town is located about 5 kilometres from its coastal areas.
Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or just looking for a great day trip from Valencia, Sagunto is worth visiting. It’s home to impressive Roman ruins, a castle with great views, a charming old town, and scenic coastal areas. And you can enjoy all of this without the tourist crowds, and with that relaxed, authentic Spanish vibe we all love.
Sagunto is best known for its many archaeological sites – like the Roman Theatre or Via del Portico, a massive hilltop castle complex with remnants from multiple civilizations, a well-preserved Jewish Quarter, and a rich and layered history which can be uncovered in many museums around the town.
You can easily discover Sagunto’s main attraction and enjoy some beach time in just one day, making it a great option for a day trip from Valencia. However, if you want to fully enjoy the beaches or explore the area at a slower pace, staying for a couple of nights will be a good idea.
Sagunto is a walkable town. The old town area is compact, and you can easily walk between all the main attractions. However, the climb to the castle is quite steep, so you might want to take a taxi if you have mobility issues. The port/beach area is about 5km away and can be reached by local bus or taxi.
Things to do in Sagunto, Spain
Sagunto Old Town
One of the best things to do in Sagunto is to wander through its old town. It’s an area dotted with narrow streets, archaeological sites, traditional Spanish architecture, and squares where locals gather to chat over coffee.
It’s mostly a quiet and authentic residential area where you’ll catch a glimpse of everyday Spanish life, and which feels worlds away from the busy beachfront. Unfortunately, Sagunto’s old town is also packed with cars, which takes away from the town’s charm.
Among Sagunto’s old town streets, you’ll find points of interest like the Jewish Quarter, the town’s main square – Plaza Mayor with the 14th-century Gothic Church of Santa Maria and Town Hall with a beautiful neoclassical façade, Sagunto Castle, Roman Theatre, Roman road Vía del Pórtico, and Public Roman Square.
There are also a few museums and interpretation centres, and quite a lot of chapels for such a small area (like Ermita de la Sang, Chapel of la Virgen de los Dolores, or Chapel of el Buen Suceso). Of course, there are also some restaurants, cafes, tapas bars, and small shops. Oh, and also pay attention to some street art and interesting details.
Sagunto old town area is small and compact, so you probably won’t need more than 4 hours to explore all it has to offer. Now we’ll take a closer look at the most important places there.
Sagunto Roman Theatre
Sagunto Roman Theatre (es. Teatro Romano de Sagunto) is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Spain, and visiting it is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Sagunto. It was built in the middle of the 1st century CE on the natural slope of the mountain to create perfect acoustics. It consists of two main parts: the semicircular seating area carved into the hillside and the stage that rises to the height of the top level.
Although much of the original structure was destroyed over the centuries, restoration work in the late 20th century has brought it back to life. An interesting fact is that the Sagunto Roman Theatre was declared Spain’s very first National Monument all the way back in 1896! It’s absolutely magnificent and reminds us a lot of the Roman Theatre of Orange in France.
The theatre once held up to 8000 spectators and still hosts performances during the summer months. So if you’re visiting then, don’t miss the chance to attend one of the shows – we bet it’s an unforgettable Sagunto experience! The site also offers beautiful views over Sagunto Castle and the town below.
Entrance to the Sagunto Roman Theatre is free during opening hours (June 2025), and you’re free to walk through and explore it at your own pace.
Sagunto Castle
Without a doubt, visiting Sagunto Castle (es. Castillo de Sagunto) should be at the top of your list of things to do in Sagunto. This impressive 11th-century fortress sits proudly on a hilltop overlooking the town. It stretches for almost one kilometer, and that makes it one of the largest castle complexes in Spain! It was declared a National Monument in 1931.
What makes Sagunto Castle even more special is that you’ll be literally walking through 2000+ years of history. You’ll find remains from Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and Christian civilizations, which all inhabited the area and wanted to control this strategic position. The views over the surroundings are vast and indeed incredible!
Sagunto Castle is divided into seven areas, each revealing a different chapter of its turbulent past. The most important section is La Plaza de Armas, which contains remains of the Roman forum, ancient columns, and a cistern carved directly into the rock. Within castle walls, you’ll also find the Epigraphy Museum with exhibits of Latin, Iberian, and Hebrew stone epigraphy.
Entrance to Sagunto Castle is free during opening hours (June 2025), which is surprising for such a historic place. Inside, you’re free to explore at your own pace. The visit should take you about 1-2 hours. During our visit, the castle grounds were unavailable to explore for unknown reasons, and we could only visit the visitor centre. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck!
How to get to Sagunto Castle? You can reach it on foot from the old town in about 15-20 minutes, drive almost all the way up by car, or take a taxi. The climb is a bit steep but worth the effort – on the way you’ll be rewarded with views over the old town and the rolling countryside. On your way up, don’t forget to stop at the impressive Roman Theater.
Jewish Quarter
Sagunto Jewish Quarter (es. La Judería) is located in the heart of the old town, just a few steps from Plaza Mayor and the Church of Santa Maria. It’s considered one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Spain and offers an interesting glimpse into centuries past. It’s without a doubt one of the most atmospheric parts of the town, and strolling through it is one of the best things to do in Sagunto.
You can enter the Jewish Quarter through the semicircular arch known as Portalet de la Judería or Portalet de la Sang marked by a plaque on Calle del Castillo. Inside, you’ll find a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses and arches connecting the alleys. As you wander, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages when Sagunto was home to a thriving Jewish community.
Interesting fact. Right next to the castle entrance, you’ll find the Jewish Cemetery which was in use during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Roman road Via del Pòrtic
One of Sagunto’s most fascinating archaeological gems is the Vía del Pòrtic. This site preserves an actual stretch of a Roman road, along with the remains of houses, burial spaces, and other buildings, all dating back to the 1st century CE.
Vía del Pòrtic was discovered during the construction of a modern apartment building and has since been carefully preserved and opened to visitors as part of Sagunto’s museum network. It’s a very interesting place, and walking along an ancient Roman street is a must-do in Sagunto, not just for history buffs!
Entrance to Via del Pòrtic costs only €1 and can only be paid by credit card (June 2025). For current prices and opening hours, visit the saguntoturismo.com website. A visit takes around 30 minutes. The museum is located just a short walk from Plaza Mayor.
History Museum
The Sagunto History Museum is a great place to dive deeper into the town’s rich past. Inside, you’ll find an interesting collection of archaeological pieces from the excavations that were carried out in the town and its surroundings over the last years.
The collection spans several historical periods, with particular focus on Iberian, Roman, and medieval finds. From pottery, coins, and sculptures to everyday objects, these pieces bring ancient Sagunto to life and offer valuable insight into how people once lived here.
Entrance is free during opening hours. For more information, visit the saguntoturismo.com website.
Casa dels Berenguer
Casa dels Berenguer is located in a beautiful 14th-century Gothic palace and now serves as Sagunto’s Visitors Reception Centre – great place to grab a map and get some helpful info before you start exploring.
But don’t leave just yet! The building itself is well worth exploring for its architectural and historical features. Inside, you’ll find for example the remains of mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), part of a wall that once belonged to the Roman temple dedicated to the Goddess Diana, or a beautiful patio with Renaissance arcades. Casa dels Berenguer also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Entrance to Casa dels Berenguer is free during opening hours. For more information, visit the saguntoturismo.com website.
Beaches in Sagunto
Costa de Valencia is a summer beach paradise, and one of the best things to do in Sagunto is definitely hitting one of its wonderful beaches.
Along Sagunto’s 13-kilometer-long coastline, you’ll find some fantastic beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a refreshing dip in Mediterranean waters. The choice is wide, from lively family-friendly shores to quieter, more secluded spots. And they are rarely overcrowded!
Platja Port de Sagunt is the town’s main beach, located only about 5 kilometers from the historic center, in the town’s area named Port de Sagunt. You can easily reach it by bus from the historic center or by car in about 10 minutes. It’s sandy, wide, long, and with plenty of space for everyone, even during summer months. The waters are calm, perfect for swimming and family fun. Platja Port offers plenty of amenities, including showers, toilets, lifeguards, beach restaurants, or sunbed/umbrella rentals.
More nice beaches in Sagunto include Playa de Almardá (with nudist section), Platja de la Malvarrosa de Corinto, or Playa de Canet.
How to get to Sagunto, Spain?
Sagunto is located about 30km from Valencia, 45km from Benicassim, 100km from Gandia or Xativa. The most convenient way to get to Sagunto is by car or train.
Where to park in Sagunto?
If you’re traveling by car, you can choose from many parking lots in the area, both paid and free. In Sagunto’s old town, we recommend leaving the car in this free parking lot located just a few steps from Plaza Mayor. Close to Platja Port de Sagunt beach, you can choose this free parking lot or one of many spots available along the nearby streets.
Airports near Sagunto
The closest airport to Sagunto is located in Valencia (45 kilometres away). From there it’s best to first take public transport to the city center and then catch a bus or train to Sagunto. You can also rent a car for a faster and more comfortable journey. To check connections that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
To Sagunto by public transport
One of the best ways to reach Sagunto by public transport is by train – the service is frequent and reliable. You won’t have any problem with that from nearby places like Valencia, Cullera, Castellón de la Plana, or Xativa. Sagunto train station is located only about 15 minutes on foot from the old town.
To check out a map of available connections, visit acprail.com, and to learn more about routes that might interest you, visit the rome2rio.com website.
As for bus connections, it looks like there are some direct connections from nearby places like Valencia, Castelló de la Plana or even Peniscola. Compared to the trains, they run less often but in many cases the journey is faster too. To check out connections, visit the ALSA bus service or rome2rio.com website.
Camping Sagunto
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping Malvarrosa de Corinto or Camping Puçol might interest you. They are located close to Sagunto beach.
Things to do in Sagunto, Spain – Summing up
And that’s it, a wrap of the best things to do in Sagunto. It may be small in size but it’s huge in history, offering a fascinating journey through more than 2000 years of history! Hopefully, you now see why Sagunto deserves a spot on your Valencia region itinerary.
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip from Valencia or including it as part of a longer adventure through Eastern Spain, Sagunto is a great place to visit, especially for history lovers. Enjoy your visit and let the ancient charm of this underrated gem surprise you.
Our opinion about Sagunto
For us, a visit to Sagunto was a half-day trip from nearby Cullera, where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in late February, and during that time, the town was very peaceful, with just a handful of other visitors around and a lot of locals going on with their lives.
Exploring everything we wanted in Sagunto’s old town took us about 2 hours. If the castle grounds were available to explore, we’d probably need 1 more hour. We also spent some time on the beach and strolling the promenade.
Overall, we found Sagunto to be an interesting destination, especially for history lovers. Its old town may not be the most spectacular in the Valencia region, but it’s charming enough to wander around for a little while and explore all it hides.
What we hated most was the number of cars, which took away all the charm of the old town. As for ruins, we found the Roman Theater and Via del Pòrtic the most interesting! We’re sure that we would have liked the castle as well, but unfortunately, we were not able to see it.
As for beaches, they looked great too! Long, wide, sandy, with calm waters… We’re sure holidaymakers and beach lovers will be pleased!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Sagunto?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Sagunto:
Where to sleep in Sagunto?
Hotel Barú
Hotel Barú is a stylish four‑star beachfront hotel offering spacious sea‑view rooms and suites. Guests can relax in the Tatum Beach Club pool, unwind on a panoramic chill‑out terrace, or dine in two on‑site restaurants serving local seafood under the sun or in charming patios. The hotel is pet‑friendly, features a gym, bike rental, and easy access to Valencia (about a 25‑minute drive).
Casa Rural La Tramontana
Casa Rural La Tramontana is a cozy countryside retreat located just outside Sagunto, surrounded by serene olive groves and rural landscapes. The traditional stone cottage features rustic décor, comfortable rooms, and a sun‑drenched terrace perfect for morning breakfast. Ideal for guests seeking a peaceful base to explore the nearby castle, Roman theatre, and hiking trails, this home‑style property blends local charm with countryside tranquility.
Hotel Ruta Romana
Hotel Ruta Romana is a welcoming three-star hotel located near the base of Sagunto’s historic old town, offering easy access to the Roman Theatre and Sagunto Castle. The rooms are clean and comfortable, featuring modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. With free parking, a seasonal outdoor pool, and two on-site restaurants, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly base for exploring Sagunto’s rich cultural heritage.
