Best Valencia Tours & Trips

For those seeking a deeper immersion in Spain's charm, the coastal city of Valencia stands as the nation's hidden gem. With its historic architecture, stunning seaside views, and culinary delights, Valencia offers a more intimate experience compared to the bustling metropolises of Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia tours provide the perfect opportunity to discover authentic local life.

Ideal Duration for Visiting Valencia

2-3 days is an ideal amount of time to focus on exploring the city's architecture and enjoying beach time. If you also wish to visit nearby towns or attractions, 4 days would be more relaxed.

Best Time to Visit Valencia

The best time to visit is during Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, ideal for walking and cycling, and you avoid the intense heat and higher tourist volume of peak summer. March, specifically the third week, is popular for the unique Las Fallas festival, which requires booking accommodation well in advance.

Getting Around Valencia

● Walking: Valencia is a walkable city, especially in the downtown area.

● Bicycle: Valencia is exceptionally bicycle-friendly, particularly along the Turia Riverbed Park. Renting a bike is a recommended way to cover ground quickly, especially between the Old Town and the City of Arts and Sciences.

● Metro and Tram: The integrated Metrovalencia network connects the airport, line 3 or 5, to the city center and provides easy access to outer neighborhoods.

● Bus: The EMT bus network is extensive and reliable for getting almost anywhere within the city limits.

● Tourist Pass: Consider a Valencia Tourist Card (VTC) if planning to use public transport frequently and visit multiple museums. Many Valencia tour packages also include transportation options.

Top Valencia Attractions

● City of Arts and Sciences: A futuristic architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, featuring a cinema, science museum, and the Oceanogràfic, which is the largest aquarium in Europe.

● Valencia Cathedral: Located in the old town, this cathedral is also the legendary repository of the Holy Grail. Adjacent to the cathedral stands El Miguelete, a tower offering panoramic views of the city.

● Mercado Central: One of Europe's largest and oldest food markets. It's not just about the food—the building itself is worth seeing for its glass dome and wrought-iron structure.

● Playa de la Malvarrosa: A popular urban beach among locals, perfect for strolling or enjoying seafood at one of its restaurants.

● La Lonja de la Seda: Once the center of the silk trade, this 15th-century Gothic masterpiece stands as a testament to architectural excellence.

● Turia Gardens: Once a riverbed, now a nine-kilometer-long urban park perfect for walking.

A Practical Valencia 2-Day Itinerary

This Valencia itinerary is designed for travelers with limited time, yet still allows sufficient time to visit the main attractions.

Day 1: Head to Central Market for breakfast in the morning, then visit Valencia Cathedral and climb El Miguelete for panoramic city views. Explore the narrow streets of the Barrio del Carmen, focusing on the historic city gates. In the evening, explore the Ruzafa district for culinary delights, where the vibrant nightlife comes alive.

Day 2: Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, prioritizing the Oceanogràfic, especially if traveling with children. In the afternoon, stroll along the beach promenade at Playa de las Arenas. In the evening, enjoy paella at a nearby restaurant.

Day Trips from Valencia

For visitors with extra time, this is a popular day trip destination from Valencia.

Albufera Natural Park: Just 10km south of the city. This freshwater lagoon and rice paddy area is the birthplace of paella. Take a traditional boat ride, visit the rice fields, and enjoy the sunset.

Sagunto: A Roman and Iberian historical site north of Valencia. Explore the ancient Roman theater and the vast hilltop castle ruins overlooking the coast.

Requena: A trip inland to the Utiel-Requena wine region. This is ideal for wine lovers who want to tour a local bodega and sample Spain’s Cava.