A Weekend in Valencia: Sunshine, Culture, and Paella
I first visited Valencia in February 2022 for a weekend, mainly to escape the London winter. I expected sunshine and a few quiet days by the sea - but I found so much more. The city’s energy, food, and mix of culture and outdoor living completely won me over. Since then, I’ve recommended Valencia to family and friends, and every single one has loved it. It’s one of those rare places where families, solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends can all have a great time. Here’s my guide, based on that first trip that made me fall in love with the city.
Exploring the City
Valencia is made up
of three main areas: the Historical Centre, the Arts and Science Quarter, and
the Beach. The best part? Everything’s easy to reach - either by walking,
cycling, or hopping on public transport.
The Historical
Centre is full of character, with narrow streets and beautiful gothic
buildings. One of the highlights is the Llotja de la Seda, a
15th-century Silk Exchange that’s one of the city’s architectural gems. The
area is also home to two great markets: Mercat Central, the largest
fresh produce market in Europe, and Mercado Colón, a restored modernist
market now filled with cafés, tapas bars, and restaurants. Both are great
places to soak up the local atmosphere.
Connecting the
Historical Centre to the Arts and Science Quarter is Turia Gardens, a
nine-kilometre park created in the old riverbed after the river was diverted in
the 1950s. On Saturday afternoon, I wandered through it and found it full of
life - families picnicking, couples walking dogs, friends playing football.
The park shifts as
you move through it: one moment you’re surrounded by flower gardens and ponds,
the next you’re in open green space or under shady trees. It’s such a calm,
beautiful stretch that you almost forget you’re in the middle of a city.
At the end of the
gardens lies the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Valencia-born
architect Santiago Calatrava. This futuristic complex includes the Science
Museum, the Oceanogràfic Aquarium, and the Opera House - all gleaming white
curves and reflective pools.
When I arrived, I stumbled into a bit of local excitement: an awards ceremony at the Opera House, complete with Spanish film and TV stars arriving on the red carpet. After a little people-watching, I wandered to The Umbracle, a stunning landscaped walkway filled with palm trees and sculptures - a great place to pause and take it all in.
A Sunday by the Sea
Sunday was reserved
for the beach. I woke to bright sunshine, laced up my walking shoes, and headed
to Malvarrosa Beach. The promenade was alive with people -families out for a
stroll, kids on scooters, locals stopping for morning coffee.
After a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, I stopped at one of the many beachfront cafés for a relaxed lunch overlooking the sea. Later, I made my way to the marina, originally built for the America’s Cup in 2007, and ended the day sipping a glass of Albariño while watching the sunset. It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend - and the moment I knew I’d be back.
When to Visit
Valencia is a true
year-round destination. As I write this from my London flat at the end of
October, where it’s 13°C, my weather app tells me it’s 28°C and sunny in
Valencia. With around 300 days of sunshine a year, winters are mild, and
summers are hot - ideal for a spontaneous getaway any time.
Getting There
Valencia is easy to
reach by plane or train. There are flights from most major UK and European
cities. You can even take a ferry from Valencia to Mallorca or Ibiza if you
want to combine your city break with some island time.
Where to Stay
I stayed at Hotel
Balandret, a lovely three-star boutique hotel right on the beachfront at
Malvarrosa Beach. It’s beautiful rooms with modern interiors, friendly staff,
and a relaxed atmosphere made me feel instantly at home. I couldn’t have picked
a better base for my stay.
It is important to choose
the right accommodation for you. Valencia has a wide range of accommodation options -
from boutique hotels in restored historic buildings to family apartments and
resort-style hotels by the sea. At Travel Counsellors we have a wide range of
accommodation include exclusive offers – Contact me
to discuss what accommodation would be right for you.
Getting Around
The city’s public
transport system is excellent, with buses, trams, city bikes and metro lines
connecting all major areas, including the beaches. Bus passes are easy to buy
at local tobacconists, which you’ll find on almost every corner. If you plan to
visit museums or attractions, consider the Valencia Tourist Card - it covers
public transport and gives free or discounted entry to places like La Lonja
and the Science Museum.
Eating Out
Valencia is the home
of paella, and you simply can’t leave without trying it. The traditional
version is made with chicken and rabbit, but I went for the seafood paella at La Pépica, a legendary restaurant that’s
been serving it for 125 years - and still run by the same family.
Another favourite was
La Santa, a small, lively
spot known for incredible tapas. It came highly recommended, and I’m glad I
booked ahead - every table was full.
Valencia is one of
those places that stays with you - a mix of sunshine, history, culture, and
great food that makes you want to come back again and again. Whether you go for
a long weekend or longer, it’s a city that feels good for the soul. Contact me
to help you plan your perfect Valencia stay.