5 Reasons to Visit Valencia

Award winning DMC Cititravel offers 5 fabulous reasons for visiting Valencia and essential tips to make the most of your time there. Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia is an innovative, vibrant yet understated city which boasts a perfect combination of art, culture and history and a great food scene. 

“Valencia is working to measure and certify the carbon footprint of its tourism activity. They are also the first European City to receive a double ITU (UN) and ISO certification for the Sustainable Development of Cities” – Source:  European Capitals of Smart Tourism

1. Historic city centre
Valencia’s historic city centre, where the major sights are located, is a must see in Valencia. Such as the oldest entrance towers – “Torres de Serranos” – the only city gate that remains untouched. Or the Baroque Palace of the “Marques de Dos Aguas” and the impressive Town Hall Square. The old town can be visited on foot, walk along the most beautiful squares of Valencia, Plaza de Virgen and Plaza la Reina. Next up, visit “La Lonja“, Valencia’s late Gothic Silk Exchange Market, which has been considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 1996. The bustling Modernist style Central Market just opposite also deserves a visit.

2. Albufera & Paella-birthplace
The Albufera lagoon Park is located just 11 kilometres south of Valencia and lies between the mouths of the Turia and Júcar rivers. This huge expanse of freshwater is cut off from the sea by sand dunes and pine forests and is a paradise for migrating birds and home to a bewildering variety of wildlife. The town of El Palmar, effectively an island in the middle of the lagoon, is bordered by market gardens and wild oleanders. Combined with the main local crop of rice the paellas in this area are legendary.

Boat & Paella excursion
Cititravel specialises in a boat excursion to the Albufera lagoon, where groups take a ride on the lake in one of the traditional fishing boats of the area. Although they have virtually disappeared, we will also see on the lakeside some examples of the quaint traditional cottages known as “barracas”. A barraca museum can be visited and a typical Valencian drink or coffee can be arranged at the gardens of the house, as well as a delicious paella lunch. 

3. Futuristic City CAC – Caixa Forum – Intelligent Tourism
Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences
An ultra-modern scientific and cultural complex known as “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias” (CAC), Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences offers breathtaking architecture. This location also houses Europe’s largest aquarium, a Science museum, IMAX cinema, Planetarium, and a purpose-built opera venue. 

Caixa Forum
In June 2022 Caixa Forum opened in the Ágora of Valencia, (pictured top, it is one of the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences). This space currently hosts two expositions: Pharaoh, King of Egypt (with more than 140 pieces of the ancient Egyptian civilization lent by the British Museum), and the art collection Horizon and Limit, Vision of Landscape. It also includes La Nube, an interactive and experimental tour/debate on the use of Artificial Intelligence. A total area of 6.000 m², Caixa Forum will be used for art exhibitions, conferences, concerts and seek to bring culture to the public and invite them to experience it in a unique way.

European Capital of Intelligent Tourism 2022
Constantly looking to innovate and improve, Valencia worked on offering the best quality of life as much as to its inhabitants as to its visitors and reached this mission receiving the recognition of European Capital of Intelligent Tourism 2022. This means the city is protecting local ecosystems, facilitating ecological means of transport and reducing emissions, while guaranteeing the best possible experience for visitors, making use of innovative technologies and a large dose of creativity. 

4. La Marina Harbour area
Did you know that Valencia hosted the prestigious America’s Cup regattas in 2007 and 2010? Thanks to the facilities it became the first ever European port to host one of the highest profile sporting events in the world. The old port, now called La Marina, has become an emerging socio-cultural focus of the city full of trendy and glamorous bars and shops, concerts and shows. The perfect setting to organize an exciting regatta contest or a relaxing day out sailing on a catamaran where you can enjoy the beautiful sunny weather that Valencia offers 300 days a year!

5. Bike along the Turia riverbed
If you ask any Valencian what is the best zone for a bike ride, they will undoubtedly respond that the best place is the old riverbed of the Turia river, since rerouted, now it is a beautiful garden that crosses the city. Valencia is also a flat city with extensive cycle lanes and you can easily access its historical city centre. For incentive or business groups, how about an active morning programme? Cititravel offer a bike tour from your hotel along the old riverbed towards the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, then back to the hotel, or the beach for lunch, enjoyable all-year-round thanks to the fantastic climate. Tapas and horchata tasting stops can be arranged on request to make it even more authentic.

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