A Captivating Mediterranean City In Spain Boasts Vibrant History, Culture, & Coastal Charm

With 300 days of sunshine, four miles of sandy beaches, and legendary paella, Valencia has all the markings of a dream vacation. But there are many more reasons this friendly city on the Mediterranean and underrated destination in Spain should join your bucket list. 

Home to around 825,000 residents, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, just behind Barcelona, its neighbor to the north. Friendly to pedestrians and cyclists, it features more than 120 miles of bike paths and the longest urban park in Europe. Turia Gardens, laid over six miles of diverted river bed, is a favorite spot for locals for a leisurely stroll — a green haven dotted with Valencia's world-renowned orange trees.

The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex includes an opera house, planetarium, museum, and the largest aquarium in Europe, a contemporary contrast with the history of Valencia that goes back 2,000 years. The city was a strategic trading hub ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, and Moors until the modern age. All these chapters left a mark, visible in architecture and monuments like the majestic cathedral and the Holy Grail, the only relic officially recognized by the Vatican to be the cup used by Jesus in the Last Supper. Climbing to the top of El Miguelete Tower gives you a jaw-dropping view of the city. If you book in advance, here you can also witness the manual ringing of the bells, an ancient tradition now protected by UNESCO as an intangible cultural asset.

Once you've fed the mind and soul, it's time to indulge the senses. As the birthplace of paella, Valencia is proud of its cuisine, and rightly so. Another highlight is the central market where you can catch a glimpse of local life and take the pulse of the largest fresh produce market in Europe. As you admire the wealth of fruits, vegetables, cheese, and cured hams, slowly make your way to the Central Bar at the heart of the market for delicious tapas. Claim your perch on one of the high stools and sample the fruits of Valencia, elbow to elbow with the locals.

After a long stroll along the beach and a cooling dip in the turquoise waters of the Med, there's nothing like a delicious "merienda" afternoon snack to tide you over. A doughy, sugar-dusted "farton" cake dunked in a tall glass of horchata, a sweet tiger nut milk-based drink, is a refreshing local tradition. 

One of the appeals of the culture is the relaxed pace, so don't think of a sit-down dinner before 8:30 pm — a common mistake to avoid when visiting Spain. Hopping from one tapas spot to the next is an informal way to sample the best of land and sea, from the "clóchinas" small mussels and tiny seared "sepionet" calamari to the emblematic patatas bravas and gourmet hams.

The ideal time of the year to explore the city is spring (late March to June) and fall (October and November). You still get great weather, lots of sunshine, lower prices, and no summer crowds. Perfect for losing yourself on long walks along the smaller streets and squares, and still warm enough in the middle of the day to enjoy time at the beach.

If you can time your trip to coincide with the iconic Fallas in March, you will witness a rollicking festival of music, dance, and local traditions. To celebrate the arrival of spring, carpenters in the old days would burn the long wood posts that held their lamps. The tradition acquired a dose of tongue-in-cheek humor, evolving into the impressive satirical figures of today. Parades and street celebrations culminate with the huge bonfires, as all the effigies must burn on the final day.

Valencia is easy to reach. The airport is just five miles from the city, connected by two metro lines that get you downtown in less than 20 minutes. There are two railway stations linked to the regional network and the AVE high-speed train. Finally, Valencia is one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean, making it a popular cruise stopover and a major gateway to the beautiful Balearic Islands, a great spot for a warm-weather winter vacation.