Discover Vibrant Valencia: Beaches, Culture, and Cuisine
With year-round sunshine, huge sandy beaches, gorgeous scenery, and vibrant world-class cities, the Valencia region can provide everything you desire from a trip to Spain. Additionally, thanks to multiple bus and train connections, it’s easy to explore its two biggest cities – the dynamic namesake capital, Valencia, and the lively beachside town of Alicante – on a single trip.
Why Alicante Should Be on Your Travel List
Alicante is an arrival point for many holidaymakers, as its airport serves numerous surrounding resorts. However, this lively, easy-going city is well worth a visit on its own. Most Spanish cities offer a decent nightlife, but Alicante, with its pleasant climate and attractive natural setting, has a unique buzz of its own. On weekends, head to the charming old quarter (known as El Barrio) for bars around Catedral de San Nicolás; Paseo del Puerto, by the seaside, offers a wide range of options from casinos to clubs. Calle Castaños, which leads from the waterfront through the city center, provides a more relaxed atmosphere during the week.
Castillo de Santa Bárbara: A Must-Visit Attraction
Alicante is a walkable city, whether through the historic old town or along the fabulous waterfront promenade, Esplanada d’Espanya. You can even ascend to the jewel of the city, the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, perched dramatically atop a hill. Consider taking the lift from opposite the beach to bypass the strenuous hike. This 16th-century fortification is bustling with locals during sunset, making for an incredible experience as you enjoy mesmerizing views over the coast.
Museums and the Mercado Central
For a dose of culture, don’t miss two exceptional museums: the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Alicante, featuring works by renowned artists such as Miró and Picasso, and the Museo Arqueológico Provincial, which narrates the city’s history through ceramics, art, and other fascinating exhibits. Additionally, the bustling Mercado Central offers a sensory delight with its vibrant community atmosphere; this market is filled with sights, smells, sounds, and tastes, and even has a popular vermouth bar for those looking to relax with a drink.
Beaches and Festivities in Alicante
Alicante takes full advantage of its stunning coastal location with appealing sandy beaches such as Playa del Postiguet. Although it can be crowded on weekends during the summer, it remains a beautiful place to relax. If you prefer a more spacious area, head northeast to Playa de San Juan, known for its vast expanses of sand.
If your travel dates allow, plan your visit for 20-24 June; this is when the city’s major festival, Hogueras de San Juan, occurs. Expect parades and jubilant celebrations, culminating with the dramatic burning of effigies on the night of 23 June.
Exploring Valencia
This vibrant city is rich in history and offers fascinating contemporary attractions, exceptional dining, and a lively nightlife, alongside expansive golden beaches – making it an alluring destination. There are numerous trains (approximately 1.5-2 hours, tickets €17-30) and buses (about 2.5 hours, €21-25) connecting Alicante and Valencia.
Discovering Ciutat Vella and Catedral
Your first stop should be Ciutat Vella (Old Town), which boasts the bustling Plaza de la Virgen at its heart. Within this square, you will find the Catedral de Valencia, a Gothic structure dating back to the 13th century. The cathedral is said to house a Roman agate cup that some claim is the Holy Grail. Ascend the 207 steps of El Miguelete bell tower for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Other highlights of Ciutat Vella include La Lonja, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the city’s 15th-century silk exchange, along with the incredible Mercado Central, offering remarkable fresh produce and a stunning Modernista architectural backdrop.
Futuristic Attractions: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
Valencia’s most striking feature is undoubtedly the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Designed mainly by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, this complex of cultural venues was a highly ambitious project completed in 2005. Its iconic structures provide a fascinating visual impact and house various facilities, including a science museum and an IMAX cinema. Notably, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, a stunning arts center, offers tours outside of performance times with summaries available in English.
Flowing past the complex, the Jardines del Turia is a splendid park that winds for 9km through Valencia, following the path of the former Río Turia.
The Eixample: Valencia’s New Town
North of Ciutat Vella lies Eixample, Valencia’s elegant new district, constructed in the 19th century as the city expanded beyond its original walls. A key highlight in this area is the Mercado de Colón, which has transitioned from a traditional market to a hub for restaurants and upscale food shops. The Ma-Khin Cafe, in particular, is highly recommended for its inventive Asian-European fusion dishes, with a tasting menu that includes standout offerings like fresh oysters with kimchi and a delightful Malabari fish curry.
An Evening in Russafa
Don’t overlook Valencia’s trendy Russafa neighborhood. This picturesque area, characterized by beautifully preserved colorful townhouses, boasts endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options. While it’s lovely to explore by day, the nightlife transforms this district into a delightful experience. Visit Ubik Café, a bar-meets-bookshop with a community ambiance, perfect for an evening drink. Afterward, wander over to Canalla Bistro, where the unique decor and laid-back vibe enhance the enjoyment of small plates hailing from various cuisines, including pibil pork tacos and vegetable tempura.
Relaxing at Playa de las Arenas
One of Valencia’s greatest treasures is its proximity to beautiful beaches; from the city center, it’s a short 3km bus or tram ride to expansive golden sands stretching for 4km along the coast. Playa de las Arenas is a favored choice, offering 100 meters of width, ensuring plenty of space for everyone. Additionally, you’ll find a variety of dining options nearby. If you work up an appetite from swimming, consider stopping at Portolito for lunch to savor the local specialty, fideuà, a delightful alternative to paella made with fine pasta.
La Albufera: A Natural Paradise
For breathtaking natural beauty just a few kilometers from Valencia, visit La Albufera, a vast freshwater lagoon that hosts fantastic birdlife, with around 90 species nesting regularly. The fields surrounding the lagoon provide the rice essential for Valencia’s famous paellas. You can take boat trips out on the lagoon from the tranquil villages of El Palmar or El Saler. Bus 25 travels from central Valencia to El Saler and El Palmar approximately every 20 minutes.
