Best of Valencia

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Valencia
Valencia is the capital of its namesake region and the third largest city in Spain. The city’s unique modern architecture exists side by side with a well-preserved historic center. Valencia thrived in the Middle Ages by dealing in goods on the Mediterranean trade routes. The silk trade made Valencia prosperous, and you can still see its old financial center, the 15th-century Llotja de la Seda palace, in the city center. Beyond the history, though, in this city you'll also find great nightlife, inviting beaches, and regional cuisine second to none. 

There's a distinct culture here that reveals itself in the city's gastronomy—after all, this is the place that gave the world paella. In Valencia, a perfect pastime is strolling by the historic churches and castle ruins of the city center while breaking for refreshments like horchata (a sugary drink made with tiger nuts) and agua de Valencia (a champagne/liquor/orange-juice cocktail).
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Valencia Essentials

Spain
How Many Days to Spend in Valencia

Valencia is a Mediterranean city with a legacy as rich as Barcelona. Its historic Old Town is a walkable area whose highlights, like the Valencia Cathedral and Quart Towers, you can see on a day trip. With more than 24 hours, there are beaches and paella food tours you can indulge in. And in five days you can do all of the above plus visit can't-miss attractions like the famous aquarium at the City of Arts and Sciences.

Valencia, Spain
Best Things to Do in Valencia

A vibrant and modern port city, Valencia is Spain's third-largest metropolis. Valencia's most famous attraction is its City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic building complex hosting a planetarium, oceanarium, interactive museum, and more. In addition, you'll find an idyllic Old Town, Albufera (a beloved wetlands reserve and park), and gorgeous stretches of sandy beaches. Plus, Valencia is home to one of Spain's most famous dishes: paella.

Photo courtesy of One Shot Palacio Reina Victoria 04
The 4 Best Boutique Hotels in Valencia

Much like the city of Valencia blends the classic with the avant-garde, mixing the cobblestone Old Town and Gothic Valencia Cathedral with the bright white modernist architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences, these hotels take the city's hybrid spirit to a new level. Enjoy the pairings of contemporary decor and Art Deco influences with historical buildings and ancient stone at these top accommodations.

Valencia Itineraries

 Casa Batlló, Barcelona
Map of Barcelona & Valencia: Best Itinerary Ideas
Barcelona & Valencia: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 10 days is the most popular trip length for Spain travelers interested in visiting both Barcelona and Valencia, especially when also including Madrid. For travelers wanting to visit Barcelona and Valencia exclusively, plan six to eight days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as four or five days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Barcelona and Valencia, and beyond.

Catch a sunset over Valencia
Map of Best of Barcelona & Valencia - 9 days
Best of Barcelona & Valencia - 9 days

Experience the best of eclectic Barcelona and València on this nine-day itinerary, featuring tapas, beaches, and guided city tours. Start in Barcelona, where you'll explore Gaudí's whimsical architecture with La Sagrada Família, Parc Güell, and Casa Milà before heading to the mountains to discover the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. You'll then ride the high-speed EuroMed to València, the home of paella, to immerse yourself amid medieval buildings, future-forward structures, and golden-sand beaches.

View from the Valencian town of Peniscola
Map of Family-Friendly Spain: Barcelona & Valencia - 6 Days
Family-Friendly Spain: Barcelona & Valencia - 6 Days

There's fun for the whole family on this relaxed six-day tour of eastern Spain. Starting in Barcelona, you'll ascend Mount Montjuïc via cable cars, take a sunset sail around the harbor, and wander the cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter. After a day trip exploring the wonders of surrounding Catalonia, head down the coast to finish your trip in Valencia, where all ages can marvel at underwater wonders in Europe's largest aquarium and sample the city's signature dish of paella.

Sunset over Barcelona's Arc de Triomf
Map of Barcelona & Valencia Experience - 6 Days
Barcelona & Valencia Experience - 6 Days

Feel the vibrant energy of Barcelona and the rich culture of Valencia with this six-day tour of eastern Spain. Enjoy a private encounter with the iconic Sagrada Família and indulge in Catalan tapas. Treat yourself to a spa day and sail toward family-run wineries where the famous sparkling cava is produced. Eat your way across Valencia, the home of paella, then float along an underground river system. This short but immersive trip blends gastronomy, relaxation, adventure, and architectural wonders.

Explore tapas bars in Seville on your last night of the trip
Map of Best of Spain's Cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 7 Days
Best of Spain's Cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 7 Days

Experience the best of Spain's cities with this immersive one-week tour. See the sights in Valencia and Seville from a private boat, tour the Sagrada Família with a guide, and discover the sporting legacy at Real Madrid's stadium. You'll also keep active as you pedal the vibrant streets of Barcelona, learn to surf or standup paddleboard in the Mediterranean, and hike through Guadarrama National Park. If that's not enough, get your fill of Spanish cuisine with a cooking class and guided tapas tours.

Children taking part in a festival in Toledo
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia & Madrid - 9 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia & Madrid - 9 Days

Spend nine days enjoying the highlights of Spain with the entire family. This fun-filled itinerary begins in the most famous coastal city in the country, Barcelona, and continues down to Valencia, a historic metropolis home to a science and oceanographic center the kids will love. The journey ends in Madrid, with a tour of the local palaces as well as plenty of opportunities to indulge in the Spanish capital's world-class cuisine. 

Sunrise over Barcelona's magical skyline.
Map of Spanish Food, Culture & Folklore: Barcelona, Valencia & Alicante - 9 Days
Spanish Food, Culture & Folklore: Barcelona, Valencia & Alicante - 9 Days

With a combination of private, small-group, and self-guided excursions, this lively nine-day itinerary explores the culture and cuisine of Spain's eastern coast. Start in Barcelona and tour Gaudí landmarks and sample Catalonia's best tapas in the medieval Gothic Quarter. Continue south to discover Valencia's historic character while savoring the city's famous paella. End your journey in the port city of Alicante, where you'll learn to cook the regional cuisine, relax on golden beaches, and discover the Costa Blanca coastline.

 Gothic Quarter at dusk, Barcelona, Spain
Map of Barcelona, Seville, Madrid & Valencia: Best Itinerary Ideas
Barcelona, Seville, Madrid & Valencia: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that nine to 12 days is perfect for a well-paced Spain trip with stops in Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, and Valencia. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five to eight days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Granada, Málaga, or Córdoba. Keep reading for more inspiring Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, and Valencia itineraries.

Savor Spanish tapas and local eats on a tour of Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and Seville
Map of Flavors of Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 9 Days
Flavors of Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 9 Days

This nine-day journey gets to the heart of Spain with tapas crawls, culinary workshops, and guided experiences in Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and Seville. Delve into the world of Catalan modernism with a private tour of Sagrada Família, then visit Valencia's local markets and learn how to make paella step-by-step. Feel the rhythmic fervor of a flamenco show in Madrid and cycle along the charming streets of Seville. Finally, visit a historic olive oil estate in the Andalusian countryside.

Explore the parks of Barcelona with your family
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 10 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Seville - 10 Days

Spain is famous for many things, including its beautiful beaches, world-class gastronomy, royal palaces, and ancient cathedrals. Over 10 days, you and the family will discover it all on an unforgettable journey from Barcelona to Madrid and, finally, to Andalusia. This last region offers unique cultural elements that kids love, such as Moorish fortresses and flamenco rhythms.

Mother and daughter at Gaudi's Park Güell
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 11 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 11 Days

Who hasn't dreamed of a family vacation to Europe? This 11-day tour of Spain allows you and the kids to live that dream as you visit sunkissed Barcelona, the capital of Madrid, and the ancient Andalusia region. Along the way, you'll marvel at hillside castles, sample some of the finest cuisine in the world, visit royal palaces, and even enjoy a 4WD off-roading adventure.

Cruise on the Guadalquivir River in Seville's city center
Map of Culture, Cuisine & Cruise: Valencia, Madrid, Seville & Barcelona - 11 Days
Culture, Cuisine & Cruise: Valencia, Madrid, Seville & Barcelona - 11 Days

This enriching 11-day itinerary unlocks Spain's culture, cuisine, and natural beauty with enough time to slow down and experience the vibrant cities of Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona. Explore Spain's strong culinary side with tapas tours, a hands-on cooking workshop, wine tasting, and a farm-to-table lunch. Join guided tours on foot, then set sail and appreciate the beauty from the water with nature and sunset cruises. See the best of each city and squeeze in day trips to historic Toledo and Montserrat.

Enjoy your 12 days in Spain with the family making lasting memories
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 12 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 12 Days

Spain's world-renowned culture and historic sights are such that travelers of all ages can enjoy them. It's the perfect country for a family vacation, and over 12 fun-filled days you'll experience the best Spain has to offer, from the Mediterranean coast down into the Andalusia region. Along the way, there will be day trips and adventures in unforgettable cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.

Mother and child petting a donkey in Spain
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 13 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 13 Days

Spain's welcoming culture, abundant beautiful nature, and historic sights make any family trip here an exciting proposition. This 13-day itinerary is the perfect amount of time to get to know some of the major regions, including Catalonia and southern Andalusia. Naturally, this vacation includes stops in some of the most incredible cities in the country, including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Málaga.

Mother and child in Spain
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Costa del Sol - 14 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Costa del Sol - 14 Days

Beyond the Ibiza beach parties and Barcelona nightclubs is a whole other Spain perfect for both adults and kids. This comprehensive 14-day tour celebrates the old and the new, from historic cities like Madrid and Seville to modern centers of art, culture, and science. Plus, you'll enjoy day trips into the countryside, visit mountaintop amusement parks, and end your adventure on the sun-soaked Costa del Sol.

Explore Barcelona's sites with the kids in tow
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 14 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Andalusia - 14 Days

Explore some of Spain's biggest and most culturally rich cities through your kids' eyes as this two-week adventure takes you to Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Málaga. Enjoy family-friendly and kid-approved activities, like scavenger hunts in museums, city food tours, romping through parks and gardens, being royalty for the day, and playing at mountaintop theme parks.

Three kids enjoying a holiday to Spain
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Costa del Sol - 15 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & Costa del Sol - 15 Days

Sure, Spain is famous for its food, fiestas, and great wine, but this European hotspot isn't merely for adults. Besides the world-class beaches, there are historic castles, palaces, and ample opportunities for kid-friendly activities. You'll experience just that on this 15-day itinerary that covers not only Madrid and Andalusia but Barcelona and the Costa del Sol.

Aerial View of Madrid Cathedral
Map of Explore the Cities & Culture of Spain: Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona - 8 Days
Explore the Cities & Culture of Spain: Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona - 8 Days

This eight-day tour takes you through the historic districts of Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, starting with a tapas tour and a visit to the famous El Prado Museum in Spain's capital. Enjoy a day trip to a medieval city near Madrid before driving to the coast and eating paella in Valencia. End the trip in Barcelona by sailing its coastline and exploring its culinary scene.

Introduce your children to Spanish history and lore on guided tours
Map of Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & the Costa del Sol - 16 Days
Family Trip to Spain: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid & the Costa del Sol - 16 Days

Fall in love with Spain on this epic 16-day family tour that starts in Barcelona and finishes in one of the world's oldest seafront towns, Málaga. You'll tour the Royal Palace in Madrid, introduce the kids to Gaudí's famous works, and discover the kid-friendly attractions in Valencia and Seville. You'll even fit in fun at Spain's gorgeous beaches and an off-road tour across ancient towns in the Sierra de Grazalema mountains.

Views of Granada's impressive Alhambra
Map of Culture & History in Spain: Madrid to Andalusia - 21 Days
Culture & History in Spain: Madrid to Andalusia - 21 Days

This three-week tour takes you from Madrid in Central Spain to Cádiz in the south, stopping to enjoy personalized walking tours in cities like Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville. Experience the best of Spain's architecture (like the works of Gaudí in Barcelona), art (like the Picasso Museum in Málaga), and history (like the distinctive cultures of Toledo) while enjoying organic wine tasting, hiking in the scenic karst region, and visiting unique towns in Andalusia.