Valencia is often overlooked in favour of Spain’s bigger cities: Madrid and Barcelona. However, the third-largest city is a treasure trove of food, culture and history. Aside from its sunny climate, Valencia boasts a stunning historic center, mesmerising futuristic architecture and a beautiful beach. We have compiled the 6 best Valencia tours and activities to explore Valencia and maximise your vacation!
6 best Valencia Tours and Activities
1. Walking Tour Valencia
The first step when visiting Valencia must be a trip to the Old Town. The historic center of the city is truly something to behold. The Old Town is internationally recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site thanks to its stunning architecture dating back as far as the 13th Century!
The best way to learn about the Old Town is to take a walking tour in Valencia with a passionate local host. Sea Saffron offers an immersive experience: a small-group guided walking tour followed by a traditional tapas and wine tasting in a unique venue. Discover the key landmarks as well as learning the local secrets. Pass through the colorful Mercado Central (Europe’s largest food market!) and the picturesque Plaza de la Virgen. Enter the spectacular Iglesía San Nicolas, also known as Valencia’s Sistine Chapel thanks to its truly astonishing frescoes. The exclusive dining venue is nestled in the historic walls of the city, dating back to the 11th Century! Definitely one of the best Valencia tours and activities.
2. Wine Tasting Valencia
No trip to Valencia is complete without trying some of the best regional wines. Why not treat yourself to a wine-tasting in an unforgettable setting? This wine-tasting experience takes place at the highest point in Valencia: a private rooftop overlooking the entire city. Enjoy panoramic views accompanied by prizewinning Valencian wines.
These intimate wine-tastings mix culture, storytelling, gastronomy and wines. It begins by discovering the unmissable City of Arts and Sciences on a small-group tour. This iconic modern complex is one of the key sights of Valencia. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the architecture is now world-famous and really put Valencia on the map as a must-see destination. The complex is made up of 7 structures including an aquarium, a science museum and an opera house. One of the structures is even used as an open-air nightclub! Your local host explains the stories of these amazing buildings before enjoying the 270° views from above.
3. Bike Tour Valencia
The beauty of Valencia is its accessibility and flat ground. This means that the city is super cycle-friendly with plenty of bike lanes. One way to see the whole of Valencia in one day is to take a bike tour. Explore the Turia Gardens, Valencia’s 9-kilometer city park that stretches from the port into the inner city. This beautiful park is a bike-lover’s dream! During this 3-hour tour, see the city highlights as you cycle through Valencia’s Old Town and the contemporary district.
4. Day Trips from Valencia
Valencia’s surrounding region is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. Join a tour and explore life beyond the city. In these exciting full-day tours outside of Valencia, uncover the beauty of Comunidad Valenciana and get in touch with nature. On these tours you can learn about the culture of the region’s smaller towns, rich with history and storytelling. For nature lovers, it is the opportunity to see astonishing high-force water dams and pass through fragrant orange groves. Swim through caves and hot springs in the idyllic Montanejos. These mountainous towns are steeped in tradition and local customs, offering you a new way to discover Valencia.
5. Albufera Rice Tour
The Albufera nature reserve is a must-see when in Valencia. Located just 10km out of the city, this is the largest freshwater lagoon in Spain and birthplace of the famous Valencian paella. Rice has been a staple in Valencian cuisine since the Arabs brought it over around 711 BC. The natural wetlands of Albufera are optimum for cultivating rice. The rice harvest takes all year: the soil is first fertilized in February, the rice plants are planted in May and harvested in September. Albufera is packed with nature trails and home to the wild beach of El Saler. This rice tour takes you through the rice fields, on a boat trip across the lake and for a traditional lunch in the home of the rice. The most noteworthy thing about Albufera is its incomparable sunsets. Sit on the jetties at the mirador de la gola de pujol. Right in the heart of the rice plants, you will have a truly magical sunset experience.
Albufera is 30-40 mins by the number 25 bus from the city center.
6. Valencia Beach Route
Spend a leisurely afternoon getting acquainted with Valencia’s beachfront and marina area.
Start at the furthest point, Patacona beach. This little beach town is just north of Valencia, in an area called Alboraya. It is accessible by bus or a short taxi ride (approximately 10-15€ from the city center). Or, if you are feeling active, cycle down to the beachfront.
Patacona is the ideal place for a late brunch or lunch with a beach view. Patacona’s colour-fronted houses give it a quirky charm and make it a good place to watch the world go by. La Mas Bonita is a favorite brunch spot and offers a wide selection of breakfast and brunch options. If you want something more typically Valencian, reserve lunch at Casa Navarro or Casa Carmela for a traditional paella Valenciana. From there, take a stroll down Paseo Maritimo. This palm-tree lined promenade is perfect for a post lunch walk.
will cross from Playa Patacona to Playa Malvarrosa, Valencia’s most well-known beach. This is a great place to sunbathe, swim in the Mediterranean or play a game of beach volleyball.
At the end of the promenade, you will reach the Marina of Valencia. The Marina was renovated especially for the America’s Cup in 2007 and now is home to many popular harborside spots. There is no better way to end your beach route than with a cocktail in hand watching the sunset over the shore. Choose Panorama for an unbeatable view.
Is Valencia on your list? You will also like:
Like it? Pin it!
