Book a holiday home in Valencia for a culinary city trip on the Costa del Azahar!

Valencia boasts six kilometres of sandy coastline and a lively promenade where locals and visitors alike enjoy a drink on the terrace and a plate of paella! While this dish is undoubtedly the city’s signature, Valencia’s attractions make it an equally beloved holiday destination. Think of the famous museum complex Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – a must-see landmark that combines art, science and architecture. A visit here can easily be combined with a relaxing walk through the Turia Gardens, the city’s green heart. Outside Valencia, you’ll find peace in Albufera Natural Park, and for an exciting regional excursion, head to the underground river caves of San José.

Want to combine sun, culture, museums and nature? From your holiday home in Valencia, you can enjoy a perfect blend of food, history and relaxation every single day!

Relax on Playa de las Arenas from your Valencia holiday home

Valencia has several beaches, ranging from vibrant and social to peaceful and quiet. Near the old city centre, you’ll find plenty of activity at Playa de Las Arenas – a popular beach also close to some of the city’s most renowned museums. Looking for a relaxing holiday? Reserve a lounge bed at Marina Beach Club and enjoy chill-out music and an infinity pool with a sea view. Prefer a quiet atmosphere without beats and beach bars? Then head further south to Playa de Pinedo near Albufera Nature Park for a more tranquil seaside experience.

Plan a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia is a favourite destination for city breaks – not just for its beaches and charming old town, but also for its impressive attractions. At the top of the list is the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a stunning cultural and scientific complex made up of several buildings, including an aquarium and a planetarium. The futuristic architecture itself is a sight to behold, with the eye-shaped L’Hemisfèric as the most iconic structure. Another building in the complex, designed to resemble a whale skeleton, allows visitors to experience what it’s like to be weightless or to feel their body weight on other planets. One of the biggest highlights is the IMAX dome theatre, where you can watch 3D documentaries from the comfort of a reclining chair.

The Turia Gardens

Winding through the heart of Valencia is a lush park that was once a riverbed. After a devastating flood in 1957, the Turia River was partially diverted and transformed into a green recreational zone. Today, the Turia Gardens stretch over nine kilometres and offer grassy meadows, ponds, fountains, rose gardens and orange trees. Locals and visitors alike come here to jog, picnic or simply relax. The historic bridges that cross the park remind you that this was once a flowing river – and when you stroll along the ponds, it almost feels like the water never completely disappeared.

Join a bike and tapas tour from your Valencia holiday home

Discover Valencia by bike and explore both the old and new parts of the city with a local guide. Did you know there are Dutch-speaking guides eager to share their love for Valencia? Book a bike tour with one of several operators, such as rondjevalencia.nl! It’s a fun and relaxed way to get to know the city, see its hidden gems and receive personal recommendations. Each tour includes a culinary surprise, making it a perfect activity for a short break in the city.

Enjoy a culinary holiday with paella and Agua de Valencia!

Valencia is the birthplace of paella – the iconic Spanish dish made with saffron rice, chicken or seafood, though you’ll also find versions with rabbit. Tip: pair your meal with an Agua de Valencia, a refreshing local cocktail made from orange juice, sparkling wine and sugar. Sharing a drink with friends? Order a carafe – it’s the traditional way to enjoy this delicious Valencian specialty together on a sunny terrace.

Albufera National Park

You can also rent a bike and explore the surroundings from your holiday home in Valencia. This allows you to enjoy a scenic ride through the long Turia park and even visit Albufera National Park – a unique nature reserve with rice fields, fishermen’s cottages and a large lagoon home to flamingos and other bird species. Tip: try the local version of paella in one of the nearby villages, made with locally caught eel. You can rent bikes affordably for a day or join a bus excursion that includes a boat tour on the lagoon. Another option is to visit the park using the hop-on hop-off bus.

Explore the San José Caves

If you’d like to combine your city trip with regional attractions, don’t miss the San José Caves! This natural wonder features the longest navigable underground river in Europe. Much of the cave system is accessible by boat, though you’ll occasionally need to duck to avoid hitting your head on the rock ceilings. Inside, you’ll find impressive stalactite formations, and at the end of the boat ride, there’s even an opportunity to swim. Just remember to bring a jacket – with a constant temperature of around 20°C, it can feel cool underground!

Rent a holiday home in Valencia

Valencia is a city full of charm and contrasts. Relaxation and culture come together on its beaches, in its historic centre and in the lush Turia Gardens. Together with its interactive museums, these make Valencia one of Spain’s most dynamic destinations. Planning to lounge by the beach, enjoy paella and sip Agua de Valencia? Rent a holiday home in Valencia and experience the perfect mix of sun, culture and gastronomy on the Spanish coast!