Valencia, life done better

Valencia rewards the visitor with 300 days of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of nearly 18ºC. A perfect climate to discover the city by strolling under the intense blue sky and making the occasional stop at a sunny terrace. Such a simple plan that you will love it!

Although paella is an international dish, it is very likely you have never tasted one as good as the ones here. So don't leave without ordering an authentic Valencian paella and discovering everything our gastronomy offers: rice in all its combinations, traditional fish and seafood stews, excellent wines, horchata (with fartons for dipping, of course), and spectacular citrus fruits. Is your mouth watering just by reading it?

What more could you ask for in a city with 300 days of sun? Beaches, of course, and with blue flags to make it even better! In Valencia, you have 7 kilometers of beaches to choose between the fun of urban beaches, with all services and a great atmosphere, or the tranquility of the wild beaches in the L'Albufera Natural Park.

In 2024, Valencia was chosen as European Green Capital, a prestigious award granted by the European Commission that recognizes the city's efforts to improve the environment and the quality of life for its citizens and visitors. Five million square meters of green areas, infinite mobility initiatives, and natural spaces that we invite you to discover.

We Valencians love the sun as much as the moon. That's why, during the day, we make the most of the good weather by enjoying some "terraceo" with a cold beer and some snacks. And when night falls, the fun moves to the diverse venues that give Valencian nightlife its well-deserved fame. Plus, if things go on late, it’s always a good idea to have a hearty "almorzaret" before heading off to rest.

Noise, music, gunpowder, color, and wit are the stars of our festivals. And in Valencia, there is always something to celebrate! From March 15th to 19th, the city gives itself over to the Fallas (declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO), though there are other festivals you shouldn't miss: the Maritime Holy Week, the Valencian Corpus Christi, and the July Fair. Mark them all in your calendar!

Valencia is full of surprises, like the one you’ll get when you look at the river crossing the city and discover it is a lush 9-kilometer garden dedicated to leisure and sports. The old Turia Riverbed is a meeting point for locals and tourists who enjoy it from morning till night. Another of our most representative natural spaces is the L'Albufera Natural Park, just 10 km from the center, offering a spectacular sunset that is even better enjoyed on a boat trip.

Founded in 138 BC by the Romans, Valencia is a layering of Roman, Visigothic, Moorish, and medieval cultures. Proof of this are monuments like the Silk Exchange (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Serranos and Quart Towers, or the Cathedral. Beyond architecture, the Water Tribunal, founded in the year 1000 and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a vestige of the past that you can witness every Thursday at 12:00 PM under the Apostles' Door of Valencia Cathedral.

Valencia is a city in constant evolution. A city that boasts of its historical past but dares with the great constructions of the 21st century. If you are interested in architecture, pay special attention to the City of Arts and Sciences by Santiago Calatrava, the Conference Centre by Norman Foster, and the Veles e Vents building by David Chipperfield. Other avant-garde spaces you should visit include the MUVIM, Feria Valencia, the Palau de la Música, or the IVAM.

Valencia is much more than what appears in guidebooks. So, grab your camera and keep your eyes wide open to discover spots like the Plaza Redonda, the Church of Santa Catalina—in whose square you will find the narrowest building in Europe, the frescoes of the Church of San Nicolás, the clock presiding over the Church of Santos Juanes, the baptismal font of Saint Vincent in the Parish of San Esteban, or the alligator above the door of the Church of the Patriarch. Your photos are sure to be a hit on Instagram!