The Mediterranean effect against the heat: the luck of living by the sea
The sea breeze is València's secret for tempering the summer, but the city doesn't end at the sand. Explore air-conditioned museums, shaded routes and unique plans to enjoy without stopping.
Refill your bottle at the cold filtered water fountains
València has around 80 filtered, chilled water fountains dotted around the city. Forget about carrying heavy bottles: bring your own and refill it for free as many times as you like.
Water sports at the Marina
Hop on a catamaran, try paddle surfing or sail in front of the Valencia skyline. There's always a breeze blowing at the Marina that takes the edge off the heat, and a dip in the Mediterranean cools anyone down.
Visit BIOPARC and its natural microclimate
Thanks to its lush vegetation, BIOPARC runs several degrees cooler than the rest of the city. Stroll among free-roaming animals, in the shade of trees and plants, and discover one of the coolest plans in València.
Cool down with a nice cold horchata
There's no summer in València without horchata. Head to Horchatería Daniel (at the Mercado de Colón or in Alboraya), or try Panach and Bertal. A small glass of this white gold with fartons is the best break between one plan and the next.
Go shopping with air conditioning
The El Corte Inglés stores (Colón, Pintor Sorolla, Nuevo Centro or Avenida de Francia, next to the City of Arts and Sciences) are your ideal midday refuge: shops, cafés for something cold and even a supermarket for fresh fruit. All under the same air-conditioned roof.
Get lost in the city's museums
The IVAM, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum, CaixaForum or L'ETNO are fantastic plans for the hottest hours: you'll cool off while discovering top-level art and exhibitions, and they also have a café where you can grab something refreshing.
Take a dip at the beach
La Malvarrosa, El Cabanyal or the beaches of the L'Albufera Natural Park await you as the afternoon comes to a close. Don't forget sunscreen, an umbrella and a hat.
Take a break in a climate shelter
You'll find a network of public spaces where you can shelter from the heat. These are air-conditioned spots with rest areas, restrooms and chilled water fountains. Our tourist office on El Cabañal beach is one of them.
Grab a drink on the coolest rooftops
When the sun starts to set, head up to the best rooftops in the city centre to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. You can also unwind in a lounge bar with sofas and air conditioning.
Take a break at the theatre
València's theatres are the perfect refuge for the hottest hours. Sit back, relax and enjoy the city's cultural programme while the sun beats down outside.
Experience a concert at Roig Arena
Roig Arena is fully air-conditioned and this summer has a packed calendar of concerts and shows. Live music at the perfect temperature: the ideal plan for the hottest afternoons and evenings.
Eat in air-conditioned restaurants
Sit down, enjoy the best Valencian cuisine and recharge your batteries in a cool, pleasant setting.
Take shelter in the shade in our gardens
There are more than five million square metres of green space in the city. Pick your garden and look for shaded spots or areas under the trees to shelter from the sun during the hottest hours.
1. Make the most of the morning: 8:00 to 10:00 AM
At this time of day the city is cool and the streets are empty. It's the ideal moment to stroll through the historic centre, visit churches, explore the Mercado Central or walk along the Turia Gardens before the sun starts to bear down.
2. Air-conditioned cultural route: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The sun starts to hit hard. It's the perfect time to take shelter in the city's great museums and cultural spaces, which have very powerful air-conditioning systems
3. Avoid walking outdoors: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
It's time to go shopping in the cool of one of the El Corte Inglés stores and relax in its cafés, enjoy a meal inside a restaurant or grab something refreshing in a well air-conditioned lounge bar.
4. To the beach: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The temperature starts to ease off. It's the perfect time to head to the city's beaches or catch the bus to the unspoiled beaches of the L'Albufera Natural Park. Don't forget sunscreen, an umbrella and a hat.
5. Cool terraces and rooftops: from 8:00 PM
The sun has gone down, and the city comes alive. Head up to the best downtown rooftops to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand, dine on the terraces of charming squares, or enjoy an evening by the sea at La Marina.