Valencia
TownValencia is Spain's third city and the anchor of this coast — a warm, walkable capital of futuristic architecture, a medieval old town, city beaches and the birthplace of paella.
Why visit Valencia
Valencia balances old and new like few Spanish cities. The Gothic old town — the Barrio del Carmen, the Cathedral and the silk exchange, the Lonja de la Seda — sits a short ride from Calatrava's gleaming City of Arts and Sciences, all threaded by the green Turia gardens laid out along a former riverbed. Add the wide Malvarrosa city beach, a food scene built on rice and paella, and the spring Fallas festival, and you have the coast's essential base.
City of Arts and Sciences
Calatrava's landmark complex of museum, opera house, aquarium and planetarium.
Cathedral & Carmen
The Gothic quarter, the Cathedral and the silk exchange, the Lonja de la Seda.
Turia Gardens
A long park laid out along the old riverbed, threading the city.
Malvarrosa
The wide city beach and seafront, a tram ride from the centre.
On the map
Practical information
- Getting there: Valencia airport is about 10 km from the centre; the city is a high-speed train hub and the gateway to the whole coast.
- What to see: the City of Arts and Sciences, the old town and Cathedral, the Turia gardens and the Malvarrosa beach.
- Good to know: come in March for the Fallas festival, or spring and autumn for calm sightseeing weather.
- Best time to visit: spring and autumn; summer is hot but beach-ready.
Explore more of the Costa Valenciana
Valencia is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse the city, beaches, natural parks and historic towns across the whole coast.
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