3 Reasons to Visit the Community of Valencia

With mouthwatering gastronomy, a rich cultural heritage and truly breathtaking natural landscapes, the Community of Valencia has something for everyone. Between the provinces of Castellón, Alicante, and of course, Valencia, your options are endless, whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, or to further expand your cultural horizons. Today with Civitatis, we’ll dive into the reasons why you should travel to the Community of Valencia, and give some suggestions on what you should do while you’re here!

1. World-renowned Cuisine

One simply cannot visit Valencia without indulging in the region’s world-famous cuisine. Indeed, the national dish of Spain – Paella – hails from this very region. On this guided tour of Valencia, after seeing all of the city’s main landmarks, you’ll sit down in a local restaurant to sample this wonder of Mediterranean gastronomy. To gain a deeper appreciation of this traditional dish, why not enjoy a day trip to Albufera Natural Park? Here, you’ll enjoy wonderful natural beauty and discover the rice fields that give life to the base ingredient of Paella!

Don’t worry – there is a lot more to Valencian cuisine than just Paella! Among the jewels of this cuisine, the delicious and refreshing horchata stands out. This delightful beverage is made from the delicate tiger nut, which you can learn about on this Horchata Bike Tour! Another central feature of Valencian gastronomy is Homegrown citrus fruits – you can delve into their cultivation on this Carcagente Orange Grove Tour.

There is a treasure trove of culinary delights in the other provinces of the community. In Alicante, you can indulge your sweet tooth, by sampling the irresistible chocolates famous in Villajoyosa. Coming up to the holiday season, you might consider this Alicante Chocolate & Turrón Tasting. Over the course of this tasting, you’ll learn all about this festive treat which resembles nougat, and taste it for yourself!

2. Cultural Heritage and History

The sun bathes the idyllic shores of la Malvarrossa and el Cabanyal in Valencia City with a warm radiance. These breathtaking scenes were immortalised in the work of world-famous Spanish artist Joaquín Sorolla.

“The water exhibited the most exquisite shades of blue, and the dance of sunlight was simply mesmerizing. I had the privilege of witnessing the return of the fishing boats: the magnificent sails billowing in the breeze, groups of fishermen at work, and the sea mirroring a tapestry of a thousand dazzling colours,” Sorolla eloquently described in a letter to his wife during his time in Valencia in 1907. This year, 2023, is the centennial of the legendary artist – the Year of Sorolla. As such, Valencia will play host to seven special exhibitions celebrating Sorolla’s cultural legacy.

To get the most out of your visit to the city, consider the City of Arts and Science ticket. With this ticket, you’ll be able to explore the Oceanographic, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, and the Hemisfèric, stress-free. Another unmissable landmark is the iconic Valencian Art Nouveau Mercat Central. This market is one of the largest in Europe, with a history dating back to 1839, when it began as an open-air market. On this free tour of Valencia, you can learn more about this emblematic market and other key monuments around the city!

Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC, there are a number of vestiges from Ancient Rome throughout Valencia. The city boasts over 40 museums, including the fascinating Roman Museum in Plaza de la Almoina. Another option is to visit the towns of Lliria and Sagunto, which house a wealth of well-preserved Ancient Roman archaeological sites. To gain an insight into the Arab influence on Valencia, don’t miss the majestic Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante – a fortification which dates back to the 9th century. Regardless of where your interests lie, you won’t grow tired of exploring the endless cultural heritage of Valencia.

3. Sun, Sea, Serenity

The Mediterranean light, as was beautifully captured by Joaquín Sorolla, is an inherent characteristic of the beaches across the Community of Valencia. Across its three provinces, you’ll discover an abundance of sandy shores, coves, and picturesque inlets. There is perhaps no better place for sunbathing, taking a refreshing swim, or even something more adventurous!

In Castellón for example, the northernmost province in Valencia, you’ll encounter unique coastlines where modernist architecture blends seamlessly with vast sandy expanses and, of course, fine restaurants. You can explore all of this and more on this Guided Tour of Grau de Castelló. The Norte de Peñíscola beach on the Orange Blossom Coast in Castellón is a favourite among travellers. Fine sand, walkways and the iconic castle in the backdrop – what’s not to love?

On the Valencian Coast, beyond the ever-popular Malvarrosa, the towns of Cullera and Gandia provide the perfect setting for family vacations or getaways with friends. Enjoy wonderful views under the embrace of the beautiful Mediterranean sun.

Further south, along the Costa Blanca in Alicante, the expansive Levante and Poniente beaches in Benidorm reign supreme. In Levante, if you’re in search of a thrill, why not try your hand at parasailing or jet skiing? Indeed, no visit to Benidorm is complete without a visit to the iconic Castle Viewpoint. This landmark separates the East and West bays and provides truly wonderful views of the coastline.

For those who are perhaps looking to go slightly off the beaten track, Xabia, Denia, and Calp provide the sea and sun that your heart desires. For this less ‘touristy’ vibe, venture to the port of Santa Pola, and hop on a ferry to Tabarca, the smallest inhabited island in Spain. To truly get a sense of this little island, why not embark on a free walking tour?

Have you packed your bags yet?

No matter what type of holiday you’re after, the Community of Valencia has something for you. Expand your cultural horizons, eat wonderful food, and enjoy unbeatable Mediterranean coastlines. What are you waiting for?