València offers a wide range of reasons to visit: around 300 bird species have been identified in the l'Albufera Nature Park, the Lonja de la Seda is a masterpiece of European Gothic architecture, and Playa de la Malvarrosa is known for its fine, golden sand. Science, contemporary art and local dishes also add their own distinctive touches. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first consider which of these themes you want to shape your days in the city.
l'Albufera Nature Park: birdlife, boat trips and cuisine
The l'Albufera de Valencia Nature Park is listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance and designated as a ZEPA area for the special protection of birds. Around 300 bird species have been identified there, including approximately 90 species with European conservation priority status. These figures are approximate; species counts may be updated.
Traditional guided boat trips depart from several places along the shore. Departure points and arrangements may change; check the latest information before planning a trip. The Racó de l'Olla visitor centre includes its own 50-hectare nature reserve. Check access before you arrive.
Cuisine is also part of the region's identity: traditional Albufera dishes include Valencian paella made with rice grown in this area, and all i pebre with eel. Alongside the birdlife and boat trips, a variety of dishes offer another expression of local tradition.
Cultural history and contemporary art
The Lonja de la Seda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of European Gothic architecture. The building was constructed largely between 1482 and 1492 under the direction of stonemason Pere Compte. Four main sections define its layout: the tower, the Consulado del Mar Hall, the Orange Courtyard and the Hall of Columns. The building's history and its different sections provide specific historical and architectural points of reference for this Gothic structure.
Valencia Cathedral offers another religious and historical point of interest: it houses the Holy Chalice, a vessel dating from the 1st century AD that, according to tradition, was used by Jesus at the institution of the Eucharist. Contemporary art takes centre stage at the IVAM; its exhibition programme focuses on exploring and presenting contemporary art movements.
Valencia's Fallas are celebrated on 19 March by burning enormous papier-mâché figures. If you want to plan your trip around this occasion, check the latest event dates, as dates and programmes may change.
City park, science and animal worlds
The Jardín del Turia is Valencia's main city park. Along its route are attractions such as museums, monuments, bridges and sculptures. The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias offers a different urban landscape: it stretches for almost two kilometres along the former riverbed of the Turia.
The various venues of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias host conferences, exhibitions, film screenings, guided tours and workshops covering science, technology, nature and art. The Museo de las Ciencias presents the fundamentals of science and technology through workshops, activities and interactive panels. Bioparc Valencia focuses on naturalistic wild habitats, as well as animal presentations, screenings about zoo animals and story times. Programmes and exhibitions may change; check the current programme for your travel dates.
Getting around, arrival and the coast
Metro lines 3 and 5 connect the airport with València; the journey takes about 20 minutes. Bus routes 24 and 25, as well as the Albufera Bus Turistic, provide connections to the l'Albufera Nature Park. Routes and journey times may change, so it's worth checking the latest connections before setting off. Valencia's main tourist areas can be explored on foot.
Playa de la Malvarrosa is one of Valencia's best-known beaches and has fine, golden sand. The range of travel interests therefore extends from a protected wetland to architecture and science, and on to the city beach.
Discover more destinations: El Saler, El Palmar, Les Gavines, Torre Baja, Rafelcofer, Puig, Carlet, San Rafael Del Río.
For the broader travel overview: Valencia.
