A short break in Valencia offers a chance to explore one of Spain’s most vibrant and historically rich cities. This coastal gem is less popular and well known than Barcelona, but is really worth a visit. It boasts a blend of ancient monuments and innovative architecture, lively tapas bars, seaside cafés and golden beaches. You can pack plenty of experiences into a short, three-day escape like the one we took. We visited in May, enjoying spring sunshine under cloudless skies with fewer crowds.
Stay
Caro Hotel
Caro Hotel is a boutique sanctuary, originally dating back to the 12th century, that managed to merge centuries of history with striking contemporary design. The hotel is centrally located and walking distance to many of the city’s sights and places to drink and dine.
Images: https://www.carohotel.com
The hotel’s 26 rooms are each unique, reflecting the architectural evolution of this heritage building. Many rooms feature exposed wooden beams, fragments of ancient walls and thoughtfully curated furnishings that exude character and elegance.
The charming garden terrace was a lovely place to relax and unwind after a day touring the city. It is rare for a hotel in Valencia to have such a private and peaceful retreat.
Do – bike to the beach
Valencia is a joy to navigate by bike, especially through Turia Park, a converted riverbed stretching snake-like across the city. This lush greenbelt connects key sites, from the heart of the city past the iconic City of Arts and Sciences to the beach. You can get more info on biking in Valencia in this city guide.
Our beachside journey led us through El Cabanyal, the former fishermen’s quarter, with colourful, tile-clad façades of traditional homes adding a quirky charm to our route.
We carried on up the long sea front, peppered with beach-side cafés and eateries. We’d picked out La Más Bonita Patacona (Passeig Marítim de la Patacona, 11) as a place to stop off at. This laid-back, colourful café has a lively beachfront terrace. They also have a little beach club and chiringuito bar during the summer months.
For a leisurely final morning, we booked sunbeds at Marina Beach Club, a chic spot where we lounged poolside, savouring the sun and a nice lunch.
Do – markets
Mercat Central
In the heart of Valencia, Mercat Central has a vibrant atmosphere and stunning architecture. This historic covered market features hundreds of stalls brimming with fresh produce, regional specialties and fragrant spices. We also indulged in a tapas break paired with a glass of wine.
Mercado Colon
Mercado Colon is another covered market, housed in a beautiful building transformed through a major restoration. With two levels, this market offers a mix of artisanal shops, boutiques and cafés.
Images: https://mercadocolon.es
Do – monuments & museums
Valencia’s boasts many preserved monuments and fascinating museums, making it easy to immerse yourself in the city’s past.
Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)
Declared a World Heritage Site, Llotja de la Seda reflects Valencia’s prosperous medieval trade era. There are intricate stoneworks and carved columns to admire in the grand halls, before strolling through the lovely inner courtyard garden.
Museu Nacional de Ceràmica
A true masterpiece, this façade of the Museu Nacional de Ceràmica is a marvel of intricate ornamentation. Inside, the exhibits revealed Valencia’s rich ceramic history through an impressive collection that spans centuries.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a striking and futuristic complex surrounded by shimmering pools. It houses the Science Museum, an IMAX theatre, and an opera house.
Churches
Valencia’s historic heart is filled with stunning churches, each a testament to centuries of art and architecture. Among the many, the Catedral de Valencia (below left) is a stand-out site, with the ornate artwork adorning the chapel walls and dazzling frescoes in the main altar. The Iglesia de San Nicolás (below right) has lavish ceiling frescoes, often compared to the Sistine Chapel for their vivid, detailed depiction of saints and angels.
Dine
Colmado LaLola
Valencia’s tapas scene is abundant and you are spoilt for choice. Our personal favourite was Colmado LaLola, a modern twist on a traditional Valencian bar. Classic tapas like cod fritters, croquettes and hand-carved ham are served in a setting that has a touch of contemporary flair.
Alma del Temple (at Caro Hotel)
As the only “restaurant-monument” in Valencia, Alma del Temple has a stunning setting in the cellars of the Caro hotel. It offers a culinary journey into modern Spanish flavours, focusing on fresh, seasonal produce.
Llisa Negra
For a traditional Valencian dining experience with a modern edge, we chose to dine at Llisa Negra It had a sleek interior design and bustling atmosphere and we enjoyed an iconic dish of paella. Reservations are essential, as this place fills up quickly with both locals and visitors.
Image: https://llisanegra.com/en/
Canalla Bistro
Canalla Bistro offered a whimsical departure from the classic with its industrial design and quirky pig sculptures adorning the walls! The inventive menu featured unexpected twists on Spanish favourites, making it a memorable culinary adventure.
Image: https://m.canallabistro.com
Drink
Café de Las Horas
Café de Las Horas is a classic bar for sampling Valencia’s traditional drink Agua de València, a local cocktail of orange juice, cava, vodka and gin. The décor is classically old-school and has a buzzing atmosphere.
Coffee overlooking Plaça de la Mare de Déu
Sipping coffee in Plaça de la Mare de Déu was the perfect way to unwind in the heart of Valencia, in this beautiful square, surrounded by historic architecture.
Why a weekend in Valencia?
With its seamless blend of ancient and modern architecture, bustling tapas bars and sun-drenched beaches, Valencia is a city that allows you to pack a maximum of experiences into a short Mediterranean break.
