Recognized as European Green Capital 2024 and frequently cited among the best cities in Europe, Valencia is in the international spotlight.
Located on the southeastern coast of Spain and boasting 300 days of sunshine per year, Valencia is a year-round destination where city living blends perfectly with an appreciation of the outdoors.
From relaxing on the beach to soaking up the historic charms of the old town, Spain’s third-largest city caters to all types of travelers. Foodies will be able to savor Valencia’s OG paella specialties, while eco-conscious travelers can appreciate the city’s eco-friendly design and sustainable lifestyles across five million square meters of green space.
Seeing you in Valencia fills our hearts
The Visit València Foundation wants to encourage travelers to come to the city of Valencia to discover and enjoy the city and its surroundings. Every restaurant reservation, hotel stay or guided tour not only offers a unique experience in a destination rich in history, culture and gastronomy, but always contributes directly to strengthening the local economy, helping to restore hope after the floods of DANA in the region and showing the world why Valencia is a destination full of charm, culture and inspiring gastronomy
“Seeing you in Valencia fills our hearts”
The “See You in Valencia” campaign, with its heartwarming slogan “Seeing you in Valencia fills our hearts”, beautifully captures this message to support the affected region after the DANA floods in autumn 2024 and encourages travelers to discover why the Valencia city is always worth a visit for an unforgettable city break.
Valencia: one of the greenest cities in Europe
Having won the title of European Green Capital 2024 from the European Commission for its commitment to environmental sustainability, Valencia is the ideal city break for the environmentally conscious traveler.
Thanks to green initiatives, Valencia’s parks are growing every day, improving the quality of life for residents and providing a winning experience for visitors. The vast Turia Gardens, one of the largest urban parks in Spain, stretches nine kilometers across the city, from Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Sciences, a vast leisure complex designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava, on the ancient bed of the Turia river.
Walking or cycling between Valencia’s beaches and main attractions is effortless, thanks to the city’s flat terrain, mild climate and extensive network of cycle and walking paths. Wide pedestrian zones and traffic restrictions in the old town also ensure that sightseeing is a pleasure, benefiting from cleaner air and fewer traffic jams than most major European cities.
Just south of the city, Albufera Natural Park is another urban oasis, where residents and visitors can explore a diversity of ecosystems, from Mediterranean forests to wild beaches, connected by serene hiking trails. The wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds each year, while its rice fields provide the key ingredient for Valencia’s most famous dish: paella.
Green energy is also at the heart of Valencia’s environmental strategy. The city has committed to electrifying 90% of its bus fleet by 2028, while the ‘Requiem in Power’ project has transformed Valencia’s cemeteries into Spain’s largest urban solar farm.
Valencian culture: a cultural treasure with modern motifs
Valencia’s cultural offerings are as varied as its natural landscapes. As a UNESCO Creative City, the city attracts those who appreciate design and innovation. Modern architectural masterpieces sit alongside an incredible array of heritage monuments such as the Serranos Towers Fortress Gate, weaving a 2000-year-old heritage with a contemporary twist.
The charming streets of Valencia’s Old Town embody the Mediterranean lifestyle, with shopping, fine dining and cultural events radiating from the bustling Mercado Central. To delve deeper into local traditions, visit Las Fallas in March, an ancient carpenter’s tradition that has become one of the city’s biggest and brightest festivals, declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
For those seeking religious heritage, Valencia Cathedral, home of the Holy Grail, is an essential stop. In 2025, the city will celebrate the third jubilee of the Holy Grail, with celebrations throughout the year allowing spiritual and cultural tourists to discover the stories surrounding this revered relic.
If you want to explore beyond the city, day trips to nearby towns like Xàtiva or Sagunto reveal more of the region’s rich history and stunning scenery. And for those who crave relaxation, Valencia’s sunny beaches have an everlasting appeal.
Gastronomy that nourishes the soul
Valencia, known as the “birthplace of paella,” offers a culinary experience like no other. Fresh, sustainable produce and vibrant flavors are at the heart of Valencia’s gastronomic scene, celebrating the city’s agricultural bounty. The proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and La Huerta, an agricultural area surrounding the city, guarantees fresh, local ingredients in every dish.
Lively markets like Mercado Central and Mercado de Colón invite visitors on a sensory journey to discover the essence of Valencia. From the sweetness of its oranges to the earthy charm of the tiger nuts used in the horchata drink, each bite tells a story of the region’s rich heritage.
In 2025, the city’s culinary calendar is full of events celebrating innovative, plant-based gastronomy and sustainable catering. Festivals such as Cuina Oberta Restaurant Week in April and October and the Valencia Food Festival in May are great ways to enjoy a wide range of local gastronomic offerings, or to try one of the gourmet and Michelin-starred restaurants of the city all year round for refined dishes. regional cuisine.
Dining in Valencia is not only a way to enjoy exceptional food, but also an opportunity to contribute to the local economy, supporting families and businesses rebuilding after the recent storm.
A great city to live in With temperatures averaging 19°C all year round and a laid-back lifestyle focused on good food and community, it’s easy to see why Valencia continues to be ranked among the best cities European places to live.
With its exceptional quality of life, pedestrian-friendly spirit and dynamic cultural scene, Valencia opens its doors to you in 2025. Whether it’s savoring world-class gastronomy, exploring its green spaces or immerse in its culture.
To learn more, visit VisitValencia.com
