The country’s third-largest city, Valencia, embodies a beautiful blend of old and new Spain. Explore its avant-garde complex, the City of Science and Arts, or the city’s historic center, El Carmen. To the east, Valencia’s beaches are a sandy escape from sightseeing. But the real beauty is beyond the city’s borders in the wider Valencia Autonomous Community. Along the region’s coastline, you’ll encounter seaside towns such as Sagunto or Xàtiva with charming old quarters. Experience life like a local as we guide you through the birthplace of paella and the delightful Valencian gastronomy. Witness the celebratory spirit of the Las Fallas Festival or soak in the tranquil oasis of the wetlands and lagoon in Albufera Natural Park. From historical marvels to outdoor adventures, there are countless things to do and places to see around Valencia and its captivating surroundings. Read on to learn more!
Things to Do and Places to See Around Valencia
Explore the city of Valencia.
The capital of the autonomous community is Valencia, which sits on a fertile plain embraced by orange groves and rich agricultural land. Its warm coastal climate draws in sun-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a cultural and architectural complex and one of Valencia’s top attractions. It’s famous for its futuristic design by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela. It also houses the largest aquarium complex in Europe and hosts numerous cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions.
Step into the enchanting Old Town (El Carmen) and roam its ancient streets that date back to Roman times. You’ll find the Valencia Cathedral, an iconic Gothic masterpiece that claims to hold the Holy Grail, the legendary chalice that Jesus drank from during the Last Supper.
Don’t miss exploring the vibrant Mercado Central, an iron, glass, and tile Art Nouveau building and a food market that entices with its colorful array of fresh produce, meats, and local delicacies. It’s one of the largest and most beautiful markets in Europe
And for history enthusiasts, La Lonja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a late Gothic hall built between 1482 and 1498. It impresses with its stunning Valencian Gothic architecture and storied past as a former silk exchange. On the outside, marvel at the gargoyles and strange figures.
Bioparc Valencia is a spectacular zoo and one of the must-visit attractions in the city. Not just any traditional zoo, its unique approach is to recreate natural habitats for its 4,000 animals, making the visitor feel immersed in their natural environments. Enjoy a meal at the cafeteria and enjoy the up-close view of the giraffes and zebras.
One of the most relaxing things to do in Valencia is to stroll along the Turia Gardens, an extraordinary city park stretching along the former riverbed of the Turia River. It’s one of the largest urban parks in Spain and gives you the chance to enjoy green spaces, walking paths, and bike trails while being surrounded by palm trees and peaceful ponds. It’s worth visiting for a quick getaway from the city, whether for an afternoon stroll, cycling, or even a picnic.
Discover the serene Albufera Natural Park.
Forget about Spain’s crowded beach resorts. One of the best day trips from Valencia is to Albufera Natural Park, which is just a 20-minute drive by car.
You’ll find tranquil beauty in the freshwater lagoon, made up of marshy islands and swaying reeds. It’s also home to important wetlands, a diverse array of over 300 bird species, and rice paddy fields that produce a third of Spain’s rice. Go to nearby El Palmar to taste one of the local paella rice dishes, which has the “world’s best paella”.
A boat tour will give you a fascinating glimpse into Albufera’s unique landscape. Its beauty is most sublime during sundown, as the reddish hues of the sun give the natural park a postcard-worthy image.
Visit the historic city of Sagunto.
Over the centuries, Sagunto (Sagunt) witnessed the influence of various civilizations, leaving behind impressive Roman ruins, including the 1st-century AD Roman theater built out of limestone.
It also boasts the Castillo de Sagunt, an ancient fortress where you can walk along the long fortification walls, about one kilometer long. From here, you get a view of the sweeping landscape and Mediterranean Sea.
In the city center, you can find remnants of the old Jewish quarter, such as the defense tower or the Mikveh (“ritual bath”). Standing tall over Sagunto’s main square is the Gothic church of Santa María, accompanied by the City Hall, which boasts a Neoclassic façade.
Experience the loud and beautiful Fallas Festival in Valencia.
Every March, intricately crafted giant sculptures, or fallas, are displayed throughout Valencia and then burned down in spectacular fashion.
The tradition started during the Middle Ages, when carpenters would burn their old wooden artifacts on the eve of the feast day of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. Over time, this ritual evolved into a visually and aurally extravagant festival. Expect to see the fallas around March 15 and then set alight on March 19, on St. Joseph’s Day.
But that’s not all. There is a massive fireworks display, paella competitions, dance competitions, concerts, and parades. Another interesting tradition is the ofrenda, a flower offering to the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Forsaken, where locals dressed in traditional Valencian costume pay homage to her image.
Discover the picturesque town of Peñíscola.
Part of Peñíscola is perched atop a rocky ridge, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides, connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. The Peñíscola Castle majestically sits at the highest point. This fortress was once the residence of Pope Benedict XIII during the Great Western Schism in the 15th century, earning it the title of Castell del Papa Luna (“Papal Fortress”).
Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved castle and its intriguing historical exhibits. Outside the castle is a more modern Peñíscola with a relaxing holiday resort, beautiful beaches like the Playa del Norte, and quiet coves with the Sierra de Irta Natural Park as a backdrop.
Visit the coastal gem of Alicante.
The main city of the Costa Blanca, Alicante, is a seaside city and a port built around a natural harbor.
One of its most iconic landmarks is the Castle of Santa Barbara, an ancient 16th-century fortress perched on Mount Benacantil that has panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.
Discover the Old Town (El Barrio) along its cobblestone streets and 18th-century Baroque town hall, worth visiting for its Salón Azul (Blue Hall) with its mirrored gallery.
For relaxation, take a leisurely stroll along the Explanada de España, a breezy pedestrian promenade with wavy marble tiling, lined with palm trees, and outdoor restaurants for people-watching.
Get to know Xàtiva, the first paper-producing city in Europe.
Xàtiva is a beautiful historic city with a castle that spreads out along the hilltop above the town. It was home to the very first paper mill in Europe in 1056 and grew prosperous under the Moors as a center for paper manufacturing during the 12th century.
Today, the town’s allure also lies in its historical art, like the intriguing painting of Felipe V displayed upside down in the Museo Municipal as a centuries-long protest against him for destroying its once-grand castle and setting fire to the town.
While strolling through its streets, visitors can explore the oldest church in Xàtiva, the Ermita de San Feliu, a beautiful Romanesque and Gothic-style building.
Soak in Gandia’s beaches and cultural treasures.
Gandia is a must-see coastal town with the historical legacy of Rodrigo Borja, who later became Pope Alexander VI. As a member of the Borgia family, he was granted the title of Duke of Gandia. This controversial family owned the impressive Palacio Ducal, a palace with Renaissance, Baroque, and neo-Gothic architecture.
Don’t miss the old town of Gandia, which has charming squares like Plaza del Prado, the Plaza Mayor, and the Collegiate Basilica of Santa Maria, an example of Valencian Baroque architecture housing Renaissance and Baroque artwork.
To the west are Gandia’s five kilometers of sandy beaches, with a seafront promenade inviting visitors to its bars and restaurants along the way. Taste Gandia’s most famous traditional dish, fideuà, the cousin of the paella, where there is an annual competition to find the best dish around.
Indulge in traditional Valencian cuisine.
Valencian gastronomy has made a huge contribution to Spanish cuisine. As mentioned above, the fideuà is like paella but made with short, thin noodles called fideos. They’re toasted in olive oil before being cooked in a flavorful broth with seafood (shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish), garlic, onions, tomatoes, and saffron. It’s prepared in one pan for the family to share and enjoy.
Of course, the most internationally famous Valencian dish is paella. It was traditionally cooked by farmers and farm laborers over open fires. The name “paella” is derived from the Latin word patella, which means a flat, shallow pan used to cook the dish. This slow-cooked rice dish includes rice, saffron-infused broth, various meats (chicken, rabbit, and sometimes seafood), and vegetables, creating a delicious and hearty one-pot meal to share.
Where to find the best traditional Valencian food? Visit La Llotja in Gandia or Ricard Camarena restaurant. Chef Ricard Camarena’s restaurant in Valencia has been awarded multiple Michelin stars and is known for its innovative and creative cuisine.
Immerse yourself in Valencian wine and drinks.
Drink and indulge in Valencia’s distinctive and delightful beverages. Begin with Valencian wine, such as the indigenous Bobal grape from the Utiel-Requena region, known for its robust red wines. Or, try a wine made from the aromatic Monastrell grape, which produces delightful rosés.
Savor an agua de Valencia, a sparkling cocktail crafted from cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin. Originating from a Valencian bar in the 1950s, this effervescent concoction captures the essence of the region’s festive nightlife.
For a non-alcoholic drink, treat yourself to an horchata, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, water, and sugar. Best enjoyed during the warm summer months, this traditional Valencian specialty is a unique blend of sweetness and nutty flavors.
FAQs
What is the best area around Valencia?
Valencia and its surrounding regions offer a variety of travel experiences, so it’s hard to define the “best” area. The Costa Blanca is famous for its beaches and social atmosphere, while the Albufera Natural Park south of Valencia has tranquility and birdwatching opportunities. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Sierra Calderona Natural Park’s hiking trails and scenic views to the north. For history buffs, Xàtiva, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Valencia, boasts an impressive castle and a rich cultural heritage.
What is the most beautiful part of Valencia?
The answer is subjective, but we love the old town of Valencia, also known as El Carmen, a beautiful area to wander through for its different architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles. In El Carmen, you will find the lively Plaza de la Virgen, the Gothic Valencia Cathedral that holds the Holy Grail, and the iron-and-glass Mercado Central offering beautiful displays of local produce.
What is worth seeing around Valencia?
Valencia has a blend of modern and historic attractions, from the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the historic Valencia Old Town and the Gothic architecture of Valencia Cathedral. Nature enthusiasts can visit Albufera Natural Park and Malvarrosa Beach, while families will enjoy Bioparc Valencia and the Turia Gardens, and history buffs can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site La Lonja de la Seda.
From the modern marvels of the City of Arts and Sciences to the ancient charm of Xàtiva, there’s something for everyone to see in the Valencia region. Get to know other regions of Spain! Let’s create an itinerary that meets your needs. Let’s chat, and we’ll help you plan your dream trip!
