1. Historic city centre

Valencia’s historic city center, where the major sights are located, is a must see in Valencia. Such as the oldest entrance towers – “Torres de Serranos” – the only city gate that remained untouched! Or the Baroque Palace of the “Marques de Dos Aguas” and the impressive Town Hall Square. The old town can be visited by foot including the Santa Maria Cathedral, and the 14th century Micalet Bell Tower. Walk along the most beautiful squares of Valencia, Plaza de Virgen and Plaza la Reina. Next up, visit “La Lonja“, Valencia’s late Gothic Silk Exchange Market, which has been considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 1996. The bustling Modernist style Central Market just opposite also deserves a visit.

2. Albufera & Paella-birthplace

The Albufera lagoon Park is located just 11 kilometres south of Valencia and lies between the mouths of the Turia and Júcar rivers. This huge expanse of freshwater is cut off from the sea by sand dunes and pine forests and is a paradise for migrating birds and home to a bewildering variety of wildlife. Hunting and fishing are highly controlled, and licences are rarely granted to anybody outside the community who lives around the lakeside. The town of El Palmar, effectively an island in the middle of the lagoon, is accessed via a narrow road which crosses canals and is bordered by market gardens and wild oleanders. Combined with the main local crop of rice it is not surprising that the paellas in this area are legendary.

Boat & Paella excursion

Cititravel is specialized in organizing a boat excursion to the Albufera lagoon, where groups take a ride on the lake in one of the traditional fishing boats of the area. Although they have virtually disappeared, we will also see on the lakeside some examples of the quaint traditional cottages known as “barracas”. A barraca museum can be visited from inside, and a typical Valencian drink or coffee can be arranged at the gardens of the house, as well as a delicious paella lunch. Curious to book such a local experience? See our Instagram video to get an impression.

3. Futuristic City

CAC – Caixa Forum – Intelligent Tourism

Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences

An ultra-modern scientific and cultural complex known as “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias” (CAC), Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences offers breathtaking architecture. This location also houses Europe’s largest aquarium, a Science museum, IMAX cinema, Planetarium, and a purpose-built opera venue. The City of Arts and Sciences is situated at the end of the former riverbed of the river Turia, which was drained and rerouted after a catastrophic flood in 1957. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, the project began the first stages of construction in July 1996, and was inaugurated on April 16th, 1998, with the last component being inaugurated on October 9th, 2005.

Caixa Forum

Moreover, on the 22nd of June 2022 Caixa Forum opened in the Ágora of Valencia, one of the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. This space currently hosts two expositions: Pharaoh, King of Egypt (with more than 140 pieces of the ancient Egyptian civilization lent by the British Museum), and the art collection Horizon and Limit, Vision of Landscape. It also includes La Nube, an interactive and experimental tour/debate on the use of Artificial Intelligence. A total area of 6.000 m², Caixa Forum will be used for art exhibitions, conferences, concerts and seek to bring culture to the public and invite them to experience it in a unique way.

European Capital of Intelligent Tourism 2022

Constantly looking to innovate and improve, Valencia worked on offering the best quality of life as much as to its inhabitants as to its visitors and reached this mission receiving the recognition of European Capital of Intelligent Tourism 2022. This means the city is protecting local ecosystems, facilitating ecological means of transport and reducing emissions, while guaranteeing the best possible experience for visitors, making use of innovative technologies and a large dose of creativity.  To read more on our Instagram about it, click here!

4. La Marina Harbour area

Did you know that Valencia hosted the prestigious America’s Cup regattas in 2007 and 2010? Thanks to his facilities it became the first ever European port to host one of the highest profile sporting events in the world. The old port, now called La Marina, has become an emerging socio-cultural focus of the city full of trendy and glamorous bars and shops, concerts and shows. The perfect setting to organize an exciting regatta contest (check out our IG video here) or a relaxing day out sailing on a catamaran where you can enjoy the beautiful sunny weather that Valencia offers 300 days a year!

5. Bike along the Turia riverbed