Valencia
Are you planning a trip to Valencia? Or maybe researching the area for a more permanent stay? Here you’ll find everything you need to know about this amazing city.
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About Valencia
Valencia is a vibrant coastal city in Spain known for its stunning architecture. From the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the historic Valencia Cathedral, this city is a mix between traditional and modern.
You can stroll through the lush Turia Gardens, try a traditional Valencian paella, and immerse yourself in the lively local culture at bustling markets like Mercat Central. With sun-soaked beaches, a rich history, and a passion for festivals like Las Fallas, Valencia promises an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.
Where is Valencia?
Valencia is located on the eastern coast of Spain, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is the capital of the province of Valencia and the autonomous community of Valencia.
The city sits approximately 100 km north of Alicante and around 45 km northwest of Benidorm. In terms of travel time, it typically takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to drive from Valencia to Alicante, and about 1 hour by car from Valencia to Benidorm. Both routes offer scenic views of the Spanish coastline.
Is there an airport in Valencia?
Yes, Valencia has an airport called Valencia Airport (VLC), also known as Manises Airport. It is located around 8 km west of the city of Valencia, Spain.
How to get to Valencia
Fly – Valencia Airport (VLC) brings both international and domestic flights into this part of Spain. It’s located about 8 km west of the city center with major airlines operating regular flights from cities across Europe. You can take a taxi, which takes about 20 minutes to reach the city center, or hop on the Metro, which offers a convenient and affordable ride. Looking for cheap flights to Valencia? Try Expedia.
Drive – Driving to Valencia is a great option if you want to explore the surrounding areas. From Alicante, it’s an easy drive along the A-7 motorway, taking roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you’re coming from Benidorm, the journey will take about an hour. Need to hire a car, try Rentalcars.com.
Train – The train service in Spain is efficient and comfortable. You can catch a high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Valencia, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. There are also regional trains from Alicante and other nearby cities. You can find cheap train tickets to Valencia at Trainline.
Bus – Buses are a budget-friendly in Spain. Several companies, operate routes to Valencia from various cities, including Alicante and Benidorm. The journey typically takes around 2 hours from Benidorm and about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Alicante. Search for cheap bus tickets to Valencia at BusBud.
Travelling around Valencia
Getting around Valencia is easy, thanks to its efficient public transport system and walkable layout. The city is fairly compact, making it easy to explore on foot. Many of the major attractions, such as the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and the historic Valencia Cathedral, are within walking distance of each other.
If you want to go a bit further out of the centre, the Metro and bus services are both reliable and affordable, with frequent connections to different neighborhoods and sites. Valencia also has a great bike-sharing program, allowing you to jump on a bike and pedal through the scenic parks and along the Turia Gardens.
Is Valencia worth visiting?
Absolutely! Valencia offers everything from stunning historical architecture, like the Gothic-style Lonja de la Seda, to the futuristic designs of the City of Arts and Sciences. Food lovers will enjoy trying authentic paella in its birthplace and sampling delicious tapas, while art enthusiasts can explore world-class museums and galleries.
The city’s vibrant festivals, such as Las Fallas, showcase its rich cultural heritage. Plus, with beautiful beaches, lush parks, and a lively nightlife scene, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone looking to relax by the sea, Valencia has it all.
When is the best time to visit Valencia?
The best time to visit Valencia is typically during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. The temperatures are mild, making it ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities. However, if you want to experience the lively festivals like Las Fallas, visiting in March during the festival can also be a unique and exciting time to be in Valencia.
Visiting out of the peak summer season also means you can find good deals on accommodation and flights.
Tourist attractions in Valencia
Some of the main tourist attractions in Valencia include the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences which includes museums, an opera house, and an aquarium, the stunning Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market of Valencia, and the beautiful park Turia Gardens.
These are just a few of the many attractions that make Valencia a popular destination for tourists, whatever their interests.
Things to do in Valencia
There are so many things to do in Valencia including visiting museums, spending time in the many parks, relaxing on the beach, spending the day shopping, and visiting the city’s historic buildings.
Places to stay in Valencia
Accommodation in Valencia will suit all tastes from 5 star hotels to hostels, and apartments to villas.
Use the search box below to find places to stay in Valencia for your visit.
Tours and Excursions in Valencia
If you want to get to know Valencia with an expert guide or book attraction tickets in advance, we use GetYourGuide:
