- Valencia led a Which? poll for being the top city break destination in Europe.
- British resident Sarah Gordon has called this place home for five years. She shares seven compelling reasons why it's amazing here.
- READ MORE: My quest is to explore each and every Irish pub – here’s my list of top picks.
Valencia is Spain is often considered its third major city and is accustomed to playing second fiddle to the vibrant energy of Barcelona and the sophisticated allure of Madrid.
But in a Which? survey , surprisingly, it emerged at the top as the favorite European city break destination for Britons (tied with the equally enchanting Krakow, in Poland ).
Valencia amazed with a remarkable 92 percent rating, outperforming well-established cities like Stockholm and Seville. Berlin to claim the number one position.
As someone from Britain who has had the good fortune to reside in Valencia for the last half-decade, I must admit my sole astonishment was over why others hadn’t previously recognized the merits of this charming city.
Below are seven compelling reasons why this city should top your list for your upcoming urban getaway, as highlighted by someone who knows the place well, with at least one reason likely to astonish you...
It features a park that was once a river.
When it comes to urban parks and gardens, few cities can rival Valencia, with its most stunning feature being a verdant strip stretching over five miles across the heart of the city.
These are the Turia Gardens, previously known as the Turia River, prior to being rerouted after a flood in 1957. Today, they serve as the heart of daily life in Valencia.
Wander through the pine and palm groves, passing beneath ancient bridges from the 15th century, and you'll encounter yoga sessions, affectionate pairs, impromptu soccer matches, and families enjoying picnic lunches. This is not only an ideal means of navigating the city without ever setting foot on a street but also offers a splendid opportunity to embrace the local Valencian culture.
It boasts science fiction-caliber architecture.
At the farthest east end of Turia Gardens, you'll encounter strikingly modern structures. Rising above the vibrant blue waterways and emerging from within the gardens are large, shimmering white edifices with unconventional designs. These houses contain facilities such as a 3D cinema, a science museum, an art gallery, and an opera house; during summertime, there's also an outdoor nightclub. Known as the City of Arts and Sciences, this complex was created by Valencia-based architect Santiago Calatrava. Some might recognize these distinctive buildings from scenes in George Clooney’s movie "Tomorrowland" or perhaps an installment of Peter Capaldi’s run on "Doctor Who."
These structures also served as the set for the city of Delos in "Westworld" and filming locations for the second season of the Star Wars series "Andor" were here.
You can cycle everywhere
If you've noticed the wonderful park, you might realize that Valencia is a city where outdoor living thrives—after all, it enjoys over 300 sunny days each year.
What could be more enjoyable than moving around on two wheels?
The city, which boasts a population under one million, features approximately 125 miles of bike paths.
They link the city center with the beach, park, and even the surrounding farms and villages near Valencia. Consider renting a bicycle for your visit and explore as the locals do by cycling through the area.
There are fabulous beaches
Yes, Valencia was chosen as the best city break destination By Which?, yet it was also named Britons' favorite European coastal destination in a different poll.
It's not hard to understand why. The city is located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by beautiful golden beaches. You can reach these idyllic spots within just a few miles from downtown (the bicycles come in handy here). I particularly love having lunch at Patacona due to its charming seaside taverns and laid-back artistic atmosphere; alternatively, El Saler offers immaculate stretches of sand framed by rolling dunes and dense pine forests ideal for peaceful hikes.
The paella is fabulous
The signature dish of Spain originated in Valencia. Authentic paella includes ingredients such as rabbit, chicken, green beans, and lima beans, along with sweet paprika, saffron, and rosemary. Preparing this culinary masterpiece takes skill and time—around 30 minutes—and serves best when ordered for at least two individuals, yet it’s entirely worthwhile. Keep your eye out for the slightly burnt layer known as socarrat; scraping it off the bottom of the pan is part of the experience, and it happens to be everybody's favorite portion.
Uncertain about trying the paella? Don’t worry.
Surrounded by farmlands, Valencia offers another compelling reason to explore the city via bicycle. This proximity to agricultural lands ensures that nearby eateries source their ingredients fresh from local farms. You can savor a full fish served alongside seasonal veggies sourced locally, indulge in delectable tapas such as spicy chorizo or various toppings atop coca—a kind of flatbread—or relish the flavors of Valencian ratatouille paired with tuna known regionally as titaina. For those who dare to try something more adventurous, all-i-pebre awaits; this distinctive dish features eels cooked with paprika and chili for an unforgettable culinary experience.
You'll discover the Holy Grail
Absolutely. It has always been right under our noses. This fact might have escaped even Dan Brown himself. Make your way to the stunning blue-capped cathedral nestled within the beautiful Gothic heart of the city—complete with narrow alleys and eclectic graffiti—and you will discover a small chapel housing an agate chalice encased in ornate golden reliquaries, believed to be the very vessel used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper.
The church elaborates on its assertion and outlines why it considers this to be the genuine Holy Grail. It’s up to you to make your own judgment.
Next, climb the El Miguelete tower for panoramic views of the city, then venture out to soak in the sun-drenched plazas adorned with orange trees and explore the charming small boutiques in the historic district.
The Fallas festival will impress you (and possibly leave your ears ringing).
One of Spain's quirkiest celebrations, Las Fallas spans roughly three weeks in early March, with the pinnacle of festivities occurring during the last few days until it concludes on March 19th; thus, plan your trip around these dates. Local associations erect enormous sculptures along the roads that depict satirical scenarios, transforming the city into a pedestrian-only zone where visitors can meander through an array of free outdoor gatherings hosted by different neighborhoods. Additionally, daily at two o'clock in the main plaza, spectators are treated to resounding firework displays.
You'll notice falleros walking about in traditional attire — elaborate silk gowns with Princess Leia-like hairstyles for the women, and outfits consisting of mid-length pants, shirts, and waistcoats for the men.
On the evening of the 19th, all the artworks, which took most of the year to produce and were extremely costly, are reduced to ashes. This act is reminiscent of how carpenters used to burn the wooden supports for their lamps during winters as a gesture to herald the arrival of spring.
If you're still unsure about making Valencia your next urban getaway, consider these additional draws: think of the delightful outdoor dining spots, along with trendy new boutique accommodations like The Valentia or Yours. Also worth exploring are the welcoming residents and vibrant bohemian districts such as Ruzafa and Cabanyal.
Just keep it under wraps; it’s my small secret...
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