Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. In this article, our bloggers have listed the 13 most interesting places to visit in Valencia. Valencia is a splendid city, third in size, in the beautiful sunny land of Spain. Strolling through its streets and arriving at its beaches, you will realize that this beautiful place is also a perfect vacation destination.
It is known as a wonderful city where science and art are made together, where you can see interesting things and enjoy the traditional food of Spain. For more articles about Spain check Galicia region. Let’s explore the 13 most interesting places to visit in Valencia Spain.
1. The City of Art and Science Valencia
The city of art and science is one of the largest and most interesting scientific and cultural complex in Europe. It has an area of 350.000 square meters to see, and it has been conceived as a city within the city.
The city of art and science has a large open geographic space, a recreation area, based in the idea of cultural leisure that gave Valencia. Santiago Calatrava is the architect who designed the City of Art and Science, and hi is from Valencia.
2. Beaches in Valencia
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Valencia is beautiful to visit in any season and offers the best of itself without making much desire in the colder months.
It is impossible not to be in a good mood when you sit at the edge of a palm tree, a few meters from some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. The sea is unlimited, clean and perfect for swimming: the presence of countless beaches with the blue flag will never make you doubt that you are in the right place.
3. Valencia Institute of Modern Art
The Institute of Modern Art in Valencia is another interesting thing to see during a visit to Valencia. It was opened in 1989 in Valencia as a symbol of modern art. There is a collection of 12.000 works to see, by renowned Spanish and international artists. The interesting thing is that one visit isn’t enough to see all the work there. Remember that taking photographs is not allowed.
4. La Marina (Selected as one of the most interesting places to visit in Valencia)
La Marina is the name of the port of Valencia, which is located near La Malvarrosa Beach. There are many iconic buildings to see in La Marina Port, but even you can find many bars and restaurants. Inside La Marina, you can do many activities like surfing, rowing, sailing, jet skiing, diving, etc.
We suggest spending some time in Marina because is one of the most beautiful places in Valencia. For all yoga lovers, La Marina offers even ocean yoga and pilates. Another wonderful thing you can do is even have a boat party and organized special events on that boats.
5. Fallas of Valencia
Fallas is considered a must if you visit one day Valencia. Fallas is the most important Valencian festivity all around the world. In 2017, Fallas has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
March must be your favorite month to organize a trip to Valencia, so you can have the possibility to see Fallas. The origin of las Fallas comes from the old carpenter’s tradition who, when celebrating the arrival of spring on 19th March, used to burn pieces of wood (parrots) that were used to prop up their lights during the winter.
6. Oceanografic Aquarium (One of the most beautiful places in Valencia)
This is the largest aquarium in Europe, with the capacity to house 45,000 living creatures from 500 different species.
The planet’s main marine ecosystems are represented here. Its avant-garde architecture, the layout of the different aquaria, and its scientific, recreational, and educational objectives bring the marine world to the public, raising awareness about the protection of its flora and fauna. Of course, the Aquarium Oceanografic is one of the most interesting places to visit in Valencia.
7. Royal Gardens
For all nature lovers, and for families with children, Royal Gardens in Valencia is a must to see. Except you can enjoy nature and views, during the summer you can enjoy many road concerts and even La Fallas during March. There are ducks and birds to see and you can even feed them, and have a little rest enjoying the view. When the sun is shining Royal Gardens is a wonderful place to see and enjoy your afternoons.
8. Bioparc in Valencia
Bioparc is a place in Valencia considering like a zoo and sometimes it was called a little Africa in Valencia. It features a huge collection of African fauna, where you can find rivers, and rocks that separate visitors from animals and can even find ponds.
Bioparc in Valencia is organized in several areas, like fauna from the African Savannah, the Equatorial Forest, Madagascar island, and the wetlands at the end.
9. Valencia Concert Hall
Palau de la musica is created in 1987, it is located alongside the Turia Gardens and is one of Valencia’s most emblematic buildings. The exterior light and harmony are transferred to the interior through the glass and create a warm atmosphere. Transparency is one of the most important things for the ”Palau de la musica” auditorium. After crossing the huge hall, you enter in different concert halls.
10. Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Catedral is one of the most beautiful things to see in Valencia. Its tower “el Miguelito” is the symbol of the city of Valencia, and it is the gothic style. One of the most wonderful elements inside of Catedral is the Capilla del Santo Caliz. Capilla del Santo Caliz has its star vault, an image of heaven with the 12 Apostles and the Coronation of the Virgin.
11. Villajoyosa (Selected as one of the most interesting places to visit in Valencia)
Villajoyosa is a village on the Alicante coast that is popular among tourists, mainly for the colorful facades of its houses. It’s no surprise that the Valencian name of the town, Vila Joiosa, means “joyful city.”
This fishermen’s village also has a chocolate-making tradition, so you must make a stop at one of its several chocolate museums. Get your camera ready to snap photos of this lively town. In addition to losing yourself among its streets, another of its biggest attractions is its beaches, especially Torres Beach and Paraíso, or paradise beach.
12. Peniscola
Peñíscola is one of the most popular tourist resorts in the province of Castellón. The castle, perched on a large ridge overlooking the sea, offers a glimpse of its past at a time when knights and battlemented fortresses occupied the lands of El Maestrazgo. Pope Benedict XIII, known as ‘Papa Luna’, chose this as a place of seclusion and to launch the fight for the unity of the Catholic Church. The fortress stands at the highest point of the peninsula.
The parade ground offers as a delightful balcony over the Mediterranean, and its keep makes the perfect place to see a panoramic view of the coastline. In spring and summer, this walled enclosure hosts a Spanish comic film festival and a festival of old and Baroque music. For more articles about Spain check Catalonia region.
Most interesting places to visit in Valencia Spain
- The City of Art and Science
- Beaches in Valencia
- Valencia Institute of Modern Art
- La Marina de Valencia
- Fallas of Valencia
- València Aquarium Oceanografic
- Royal Gardens
- Bioparc
- Concert Hall
- Valencia Cathedral
- Villajoyosa
- Peníscola Valencia