Our visits to Valencia, Spain, spread over two trips and six wonderful nights, left us deeply enchanted by the city’s seamless blend of historic charm and futuristic vision. Located on Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia is roughly 350 kilometers south of Barcelona and 360 kilometers east of Madrid, making it easily accessible from either city — just about 1 hour and 40 minutes by high-speed train from Madrid or a little over 3 hours from Barcelona. Each time we returned, Valencia felt both timeless and ever evolving, with its vibrant culture, Mediterranean warmth, and distinctive architectural contrasts.
Steeped in history, Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC and later shaped by Moorish and Christian influences, a blend still visible today in its old quarter, El Carmen. We loved wandering through its labyrinth of narrow lanes, where colorful street art meets centuries-old facades. Valencia’s Old Town, or Ciutat Vella, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets brimming with history, charm, and vibrant energy. At its heart lies the Plaza de la Virgen, one of the city’s most picturesque squares, framed by centuries-old buildings and graceful fountains. We loved sitting at a café here, watching the mix of locals and visitors beneath the soft Mediterranean light. The square is surrounded by landmarks like the stunning Valencia Cathedral, with its mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles, and the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, adding a spiritual aura to its beauty. In the evenings, the plaza comes alive with music and laughter, perfectly capturing Valencia’s timeless soul. Climbing the Miguelete Tower in Valencia’s historic Center reward travellers with breathtaking city views that stretched all the way to the sea.
But it’s the city’s bold modern side that makes Valencia truly unique among Spanish destinations. The City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is a futuristic complex of white, flowing structures that look like they belong in another world. We spent hours exploring its planetarium, science museum, and oceanographic park — the largest in Europe — each visit feeling both educational and awe-inspiring.
Of course, no trip to Valencia is complete without indulging in its culinary pride — paella, which originated here. We enjoyed it the traditional way, cooked over an open flame and brimming with saffron rice, rabbit, and green beans, paired perfectly with a glass of local white wine.
During our summer visits, Valencia was lively and radiant, with festivals, beach outings, and warm evenings spent along the Malvarrosa Beach promenade. The winter months offered a quieter, more intimate side of the city, equally rewarding for exploration.
For travelers, three to four days is ideal to experience Valencia’s full charm — from its ancient heart to its avant-garde marvels. To us, it remains one of Spain’s most captivating cities, where the past and future meet by the sea.