Book Olympic Air Flights to Valencia

Sightseeing in Valencia

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. The impressive complex of the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, has sparked many discussions amongst the people of Valencia. In a large water-filled area of 350,000 square metres, you will find the opera house, a 3D cinema, a science museum and a giant aquarium. Even though the complex has significantly upgraded the public space of Valencia, there are still grumbles about the supposed wasteful expenditure on a grandiose project. Visitors, however, will love exploring the City of Arts and Sciences.

Jardines del Turia (Turia Gardens). Along the length of the River Turia there stretches a wonderful park 9 kilometres long, a haven for sports, walking, cycling, jogging and other outdoor activities.

Catedral de Valencia. Built in the 13th century on the site of an old mosque, the Cathedral of Valencia beautifully combines the Gothic style with neoclassical elements, despite the changes made to it over time. Admire wonderful frescoes in its chapels.

Museo Nacional de Cerámica. The National Museum of Ceramics is housed in the exquisite Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas – a landmark for one of the most interesting traditional arts of Valencia. The whole of the history of ceramics, from the Baroque to the modern, is told in this museum.

Museo del Patriarca (Museum of the Patriarch). The 16th-century theological school was founded by a truly iconic figure for Spanish religious affairs, San Juan de Ribera. Inside his small museum you will find a series of treasures by Caravaggio, El Greco and local legends such as José de Ribera and Juan de Juanes. The museum is also home to the last manuscript handwritten by Thomas More as he awaited his execution.

Museo de Bellas Artes. The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia is one of the most important museums in Spain. Housed in a magnificent building of the 17th century that was recently renovated, it is home to works by the Spanish masters, such as El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, Ribera and Sorolla.

La Lonja (The Silk Exchange). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Lonja was built in the late 15th century to house the Silk Exchange, the centre of commercial transactions. The wealth and power of the city’s maritime tradition is embodied in this impressive building, a landmark of the Valencian Gothic style. Observe the large orthogonal hall with the vaults supported on twisted columns. Opposite is the church of Santos Juanes.

Mercado Central. The covered Central Food Market is a universe unto itself, filled with tasty temptations, aromas, colours and life. Sit at a bar and nibble some tapas, pintxos or paella and enjoy the lively atmosphere in this interwar building.

Torres de Quart (Quart Towers). The entrance to the old town is one of the most impressive to be found in Spain. Built in the 15th century, it bears the marks of where it was struck by the cannons of Napoleon. A wonderful view of Madrid and the sunset can be enjoyed from the tower.

Excursions around Valencia

In less than an hour by bus, you will find yourselves on Lake Albufera, a gorgeous picturesque landscape in the Bay of Valencia – and the largest lake in Spain. Take a ride in one of the little boats to explore the nature of the lake and its inhabitants and even go hiking.

El Palmar. A typical coastal village of Valencia, with large rice fields that supply the whole city with the raw ingredients for paella. Its 800 inhabitants are, aside from fishermen and farmers, restaurateurs who serve up delicious local dishes.

Montanejos Hot Springs. The work of an Arab king, who wanted to enjoy the hot baths along with his wives, is still, eight centuries later, an ideal spot to relax away from the city. An idyllic environment, with caves and waterfalls.

Guadalest. A medieval mountain village outside of Valencia, located in wonderful impressive natural surroundings: the Algar waterfalls with the cool green pools at the foothills of the mountain make Guadalest an excellent escape from the noisy city.

Xàtiva.. After a journey of around an hour, the train will drop you off at the picturesque, semi-mountainous and historic Xàtiva. The town grew significantly in the Roman period and during the Arab occupation, making a wander through its narrow lanes, buildings, palaces and churches a delight. End at its highest point, to enjoy the view from the castle.

Food and entertainment in Valencia

The food scene of Valencia is one of the most important attractions of the city. It is no accident, given that Valencia is surrounded by a fertile valley and is watered by the River Turia, while from its shores dozens of fishing boats set off to ensure that the city’s restaurants are supplied with fresh fish.

Seafood and rice are the basic ingredients of the city’s creative cuisine and chefs with Michelin stars are multiplying in the city. Ten varieties of rice are produced in the region of Valencia and hundreds of different types of fish fill its markets.

Paella is the main dish of Valencia, in many variations. Paella de marisco is a seafood paella, with squid, shrimps or mussels. Paella mixta is made with a combination of meat and seafood, while paella vegetal for vegetarians is just now being introduced. For something different, try paella arroz negro cooked in cuttlefish ink. Many people also add crabs and mushrooms. There is even a World Paella Day (September 20) and the feast that takes place in the city is, as expected, a hearty one!

The paella recipe has its roots in the days of the Moorish occupation, with the difference that back then meat was the main ingredient: chicken, duck or rabbit were combined with white rice, beans, snails, saffron, olive oil and rosemary.

Even today, paella, olive oil and wine are the main items on the tables of Valencia.

Fideuà, a type of pasta noodle, is paella’s main competitor. It is also served with seafood, usually shrimp or mussels.

These specialties match famously with the local wines, such as the white wines of Serranía or the red wines from the plain of Liria. For dessert, the local oranges are recommended, while the “Agua de Valencia (Water of Valencia)”, a refreshing cocktail based on oranges and champagne, is popular.

On Malvarossa beach there are countless restaurants serving paella. If, however, you are seeking the city’s authentic atmosphere, then try the small restaurants in the historic centre. If you would prefer a quick bite, then the tapas bars in the Mercado Central are an excellent choice.

Valencia’s nightlife is just as lively. The area that attracts most attention is Barrio del Carmen in the Old Town, mainly around the district of Calle Caballeros. If you prefer to mingle with the locals, then head to the bars of Plaza Cánovas. In the summer months, as is natural, people make their way to the areas by the sea and there are many bars and clubs around the beaches of Arenas and Malvarrosa.

Shopping in Valencia

Valencia has managed to maintain a balance between big shopping malls and local products and, as a result, shopping in the city is fun. If you are looking for designer shops, then go to the neighbouring streets of Don Juan de Austria and Colón. Spanish designers in particular can be found along La Pau and Marquès de Dos Aigües Streets. Most of the malls are to be found on the outskirts of the city.

For a different kind of shopping experience, the best-known flea markets are open on Sundays. At Plaza Redonda, you will find everything from books to paintings and clothes. Coin collectors should not miss the Lonja de la Seda Market. Shops selling local artworks or antiques can be found behind the Cathedral, in the Old Town.

Getting from the airport to Valencia

Valencia Airport is located just 8 kilometres from the city centre. Metro Line 3 connects the centre of Valencia directly with the airport while Line 5 will take you from the port straight to the airport. Bus 150 also connects the airport with the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a taxi. Fares are charged at the price shown on the taximeter plus an extra flat fee of €5.40.