Spain’s third biggest city, Valencia, is located on the east coast and offers a great combination of city, sun, beach and lots of spectacular activities. And Paella.
Valencia is often called the home town of paella and unsurprisingly it is their local specialty on the menu. The city is also know for its oranges and their football team (Valencia CF) and also for a vibrant night life and fantastic festivals.
Valencia has a mix of old and new buildings, which gives the city a unique and authentic atmosphere. From medieval castles and towers to modernistic and artistic architecture, from nice, small shops to great malls. Here you will find everything from cheap brands to very exclusive ones. Valencia has it all.
The city is a centre for international and avant-garde design and one of Europe’s most active cities when it comes to fairs and congresses.
Art and Science City (Siutat de les Arts in les Ciències) is a giant complex with futuristic buildings near the coast, and is recommended as a must for all tourists in the city. Here you will also find the largest aquarium in Europe, Oceanografico. Ciutat de les Arts in les Ciències is a two kilometre long area and a perfect day activity when you wish to take a break from the beach and sun lounger. Take a guided tour or walk around the surroundings by yourself.
By its geographical location, Valencia has historically been Spain’s harbour to the Mediterranean, and offers a great location by the sea. The beaches are big and long, with clean, soft sand. It’s the nice sand and the crystal clear water, the expansive open sea and the coastal mountain ranges that, apart from the gastronomical celebrations and a rich cultural life, makes Valencia and its coast more attractive.
For example, you can try the popular beach, La Malvarrosa, that starts around the port area and is separated into two sections, Playa las Arenas and Playa Cabanyal, and runs all the way to Playa de Patacona.
Once upon a time a broad river separated the city, like the Thames in London. Today the river is a park, and the largest inner city park in the whole of Europe. The famous Turia Park extends like a vein through all of Valencia and is one of the city’s five public parks.
Valencia is a city full of surprises!
To get around
Valencia’s airport is located eight kilometres from the city centre. You can take the subway to the city. It takes around 25 minutes. You can also hop on bus number 150. The journey with the bus takes around 25 minutes as well. There are also a lot of taxis outside the arrivals hall. In Valencia there are good bus connections and a lot of taxis. Subway and local trains are also options to get around, and if you want to rent a car that’s of course possible too.
Climate
The peak season extends from June to August, when it’s the hottest. But May and September are nice months with a comfortable climate and fewer tourists. Autumn and winter can be very sunny but cooler and with more windy weather.