The picture shows the blue sky over a sunny square with palm trees and historic buildings.
The picture shows a sunny, lively square with palm trees, a Gothic cathedral, a striking tower and other historic buildings. In the centre is a fountain with a large statue surrounded by bubbling water.

Valencia - city of light, paella and orange trees

Published: 05 December 2024, 14:00

There are many good reasons for travelling to Spain's third largest city. The Mediterranean metropolis attracts visitors with around 300 days of sunshine a year and charming beaches right on its doorstep. Valencia enchants visitors with its glowing orange trees, the green riverbed of the Turia and the magnificent Silk Exchange. Art treasures from Gothic to Art Nouveau and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences make a lasting impression. The old town of El Carmen, with its pretty squares and medieval alleyways, is car-free, so you can let yourself drift undisturbed. Valencia is also the birthplace of paella, one of the most famous Spanish dishes, which is best savoured in the old market hall. Whether just a weekend or a whole week - Valencia offers a perfect mix of culture, pleasure and relaxation by the sea.

 

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 850,000
  • Official language: Spanish
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Beautiful places in Valencia

The picture shows futuristic, dome-shaped buildings in a large water basin. The modern, white structures stand out against the sky.
La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is the city of arts and sciences and includes an opera house, a museum, an aquarium and a planetarium. © travelview/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows the façade of a cathedral with a large rose window above the entrance. The round arches of a neighbouring building can be seen next to it. In front of the cathedral, there are people on a square with a marble floor.
The cathedral, known as La Seu, combines different architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance. From the top of the tower, you have a view of the city. © REDMASON/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a narrow street lined with multi-storey older buildings with balconies. Some of the balconies are decorated with plants. A historic church tower can be seen in the background.
The lively El Carmen neighbourhood is characterised by narrow alleyways with bars, cafés and galleries. If you like strolling, the old town district is the place to be. © lunamarina/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a wide, open city view with a large square in the foreground lined with palm trees and lanterns. The square leads to a park area with green trees and lawns.
The Jardín del Turia city park stretches for several kilometres along a former riverbed. There are gardens, sports fields, walking paths and a zoo. © ttinu/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a historic market hall building with red bricks, ornate towers and a large archway with mosaic decoration. Modern buildings can be seen on the left and a steel and glass construction of a market hall on the right.
The Mercado Central is a large covered market where you can buy local products such as fish, fruit and vegetables and try typical specialities such as paella. © rudiernst/stock.adobe.com

Coast and ancient castles - the region around Valencia

A coastline full of light and sun, pretty suburbs in the surrounding hills, nature parks, quiet mountain villages and old towns and castles - Valencia is embedded in a beautiful hinterland. Whether on the coast or in the hinterland - Spain shows its most beautiful side here.

How about a trip along the Costa del Azahar, the coast of orange blossom? Lemons and oranges ripen in the sun-drenched Huerta de Valencia, the plantations around Valencia. Or how about a boat trip across the large lagoon in the Albufera Nature Park, a paradise for birds? Those who love old castles and historic towns should make their way to Xàtiva, Peñíscola and Sagunto. The Requena-Utiel wine-growing region and numerous hiking trails invite you to explore the beautiful natural surroundings.

Five exciting excursion destinations

The picture shows a large lake at sunset. In the foreground, thin wooden poles protrude from the water while birds fly overhead. Distant hills can be seen on the horizon.
The Albufera Nature Park, which is known for its lagoon and diverse birdlife, is located near Valencia. Boat trips and walks are possible here. © Jorge Fuentes/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a bird's eye view of a town with a large church in the centre, surrounded by densely built houses. In the foreground is a hilly landscape with trees. In the background is a wide plain.
Sagunto is one of the oldest towns in the province of Valencia and is known for its Roman heritage, the pretty old town, an amphitheatre and castle ruins on a mountain. © Jack F./stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a coastal town with a curved sandy beach from a bird's eye view. The town consists of many white houses. Hills with more houses can be seen in the background. The sea has clear, turquoise-coloured waves.
Off to Peñíscola! The coastal town, north of Valencia, offers a medieval castle and an old town centre on a spectacular peninsula. The beach is great for swimming. © steftach/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows an imposing castle complex that extends over a rocky hill. The castle walls are lined with towers. Wooded hills and valleys can be seen in the background.
What looks like the Great Wall of China at first glance is actually Xàtiva Castle. It sits majestically on Monte Vernissa and offers a breathtaking view. © Jobove/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows a beige-coloured, medieval castle with a large terrace surrounded by a wall and a small bell tower. A wide coastal landscape with the sea and a village can be seen in the background.
The town of Cullera is located on the Costa del Azahar, south of Valencia, and offers beautiful beaches, an impressive castle and a lighthouse. © Jobove/stock.adobe.com

Valencia from BER

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easyJet

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Aeropuerto de Valencia (VLC)

Five travel tips for ...

1. Immerse yourself in the colourful underwater world of Oceanogràfic

2. Playfully explore astronomy and physics at the Science Museum

3. Watch an exciting nature film at the Hemisfèric IMAX cinema

4. Attend a ballet or theatre performance at the opera house

5. Stroll through the botanical garden and along the promenade

1. Visit the Holy Grail in La Seu Cathedral

2. Climb the Miguelete bell tower and enjoy the view

3. Visit the magnificent Column Hall in the Silk Exchange

4. Watch the hustle and bustle over coffee in the Plaza de la Virgen

5. Stroll through the market halls of the Mercado Central

1. Playa de la Malvarrosa: swimming, jogging and eating on the popular city beach

2. Ideal for swimming with small children: the sandy beach Playa del Cabanyal

3. Quiet beach with a relaxed atmosphere: Playa de Pinedo

4. Lively with bars and cafés, but not overcrowded: Playa de la Patacona

5. Natural beach surrounded by dunes and pine forests: Playa de El Saler

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© Arcady/stock.adobe.com  

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