Valencia, imagine a city where the past and the future join hands in an elegant waltz. This is the charming place of contrasts that awaits you! Valencia, one of the friendliest cities in glorious Spain to enjoy a few dream days. Beyond the vibrant symphony of culture that resonates in its streets, a gentlemanly stroll or a refreshing dip in its Mediterranean beaches is always in the cards. And, of course, the experience would not be complete without tasting its culinary masterpiece, paella (the genuine one!) along with delicacies such as clóchinas or that refreshing horchata.
Any time is perfect to embark on a journey to Valencia, but if there is a special date it is, without a doubt, March 19, when the renowned Fallas illuminate the city with colossal “cardboard sculptures” crackling in flames. The Mediterranean light, the welcoming climate and the magic of the fire make this city a place you would never want to leave.
On a cultural walk: from yesterday to tomorrow
Valencia is ideal for those urban explorers, with their shoes well tied and camera in hand. One of its most captivating places is the Plaza de la Reina, where the majestic Cathedral and the Miguelete tower invite you to climb its 207 steps to get breathtaking views. In the heart of the city there is also the Lonja de la Seda, one of the most beautiful buildings in Valencia, fortunately recognized as a World Heritage Site, with its charming Patio de los Naranjos; and the modernist Mercado Central, the largest fresh produce market in all of Europe – a walk through its stalls is a true delight for the senses. Also just a few steps away are the National Ceramics Museum with its spectacular façade and the historic Quart and Serrano Towers. And for those who enjoy modern art, museums like the IVAM await, not to mention the charming corners adorned with surprising street art.
Further out of the centre lies the most contemporary face of Valencia: the City of Arts and Sciences. With the signature of Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, this iconic complex boasts wonders such as the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe. It is a must to immortalise yourself here!
Beachfront Paella
Imagine this: a golden flash of rice, pompously combined with fresh seafood and tasty pieces of chicken, forming a symphony of flavours that melts in your mouth while the crystal-clear water of the sea caresses the shore and the sun shines without shyness, making you feel like a star on a summer day in Valencia. There is no plan that can beat it, literally.
Valencia, the city where the sun doesn’t even know what a weekend off means (300 days of sunshine a year, in case you forgot), has beaches that are true lungs for those looking to breathe fresh air and shine a little more. Malvarrosa beach is the Hollywood of Valencian beaches. You have to see it to believe it. Its soft, golden sand together with the blue sea make the perfect combo for anyone who has ever wanted to be painted in a Sorolla masterpiece.
But if you are the adventurous type who wants to feel the wind ruffling your bangs while exploring wild territories, El Saler awaits you! Or you can head to El Palmar where the paellas are so famous that you should probably wear a cape and fly. End your epic day with a sunset at the Albufera, that majestically seaside lake also known as the “mirror of the sun.” There, the sunset is not only seen, it is lived, and they say it is the most spectacular in the Mediterranean. Pretty fitting, huh?
And hey, the beach is just the icing on the cake! Valencia has a full menu of outdoor activities. Do you love gardens? Then the Turia Garden is your new best friend: an urban paradise where getting lost is an accepted form of exploration. And how about a domestic safari? Because the Bioparc invites you to a family adventure without having to leave the comfort of the city.
And when the shadows begin to lengthen at dusk, it’s time to move the party into the culinary realm. Sit on a cozy terrace and be tempted by a standout restaurant that offers more than just food: an experience for the palate. From a vibrant night out in the Carmen neighborhood to the culinary trends that overflow in Ruzafa, Valencia has everything the modern gourmet could want.
So, ready to give this plan a hug and let Valencia surprise you? Don’t forget the sunscreen!
