Virgin Voyages' guide to Valencia, Spain
With a classic old town that looks like something out of a true romantic’s daydreams with a modern cultural and artistic edge, Valencia truly encompasses everything that the Mediterranean is about.
VALENCIA
Quintessential Mediterranean
Known for its fantastical facades, commitment to maintaining its old world beauty and prime location to city locations and outdoor adventures, the Old Town of Valencia is quintessentially European in all the best ways. With winding lanes featuring a perfectly paired mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, countless impressive eateries and limitless picturesque landmarks it’s easy to get intentionally lost here.
Peruse the eclectic hawkers at the Central Market, where you can find everything from fruits and vegetables to handmade jewelry. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a 450,000+ square foot complex featuring a science museum, a planetarium and the largest aquarium in Europe. Get lost in the Turia Gardens, explore the Bioparc Valencia, a 25 acre zoo, and appreciate the awe-inspiring architecture of the Church of St. Nicolas and the Valencia Cathedral. Embrace the local flora, fauna and 300 species of birds that call the Albufera National Park home. Spend the day soaking up the sun on one of the many blue-flag beaches, a coveted international award that celebrates the highest environmental quality of beaches – and be sure to save yourself time to taste as much as you can here, after all, Valencia is the original home of paella.
Excursion to the Grand Canyon of Chulilla Town
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to Chulilla, a picturesque village in the heart of a dramatic canyon in the Spanish countryside. The village is known for its natural beauty, but also for its delicious culinary offerings. After a scenic trek of Turia Canyon (perfect for photography enthusiasts) you'll sit down for a local lunch featuring traditional recipes and flavors.
Biking Through Valencia's Wonders
Valencia is famous for its architectural marvels, and now you'll have the chance to discover them up close. Bike through the City of Arts and Sciences, seeing masterpieces by Santiago Calatrava and Norman Foster, crossing the Flowers Bridge over the Túria River Park, and diving headfirst into the city's other standout cultural and architectural sites.
Gypsy Traditions Dance Show & Tapas
Gypsy traditions are an important part of Spanish culture and history. This small show features an intimate gypsy dance performance, as well as local, traditional drinks and tapas. After the show, walk through the historic El Cabanyal district, known for its gypsy heritage.
You may love it so much you’ll end up staying
Nearly 15% of Valencia’s population is international expats.
Few places on Earth possess what Valencia has. A commitment to maintaining what makes it so special, a commitment to maintaining the environment in which it thrives so beautifully and a commitment to stay true to itself are among the endless reasons that Valencia is so beloved today. Whether you spend your time here appreciating the unique amalgamation of architecture, shopping the colorful aisles at Central Market, getting lost in the wonder of the City of Arts and Sciences, embracing the local flora and fauna, achieving the pinnacle of self-care on one of the award-winning beaches or a wonderful blend of everything – there’s no wrong way to do Valencia – unless of course you don’t give yourself time to indulge in what the local restaurants have to offer.
