Must-Do Activities In The Region of Valencia

15 essential experiences for every traveler looking to experience the authentic Region of Valencia

The Region of Valencia offers a unique combination of sun, beach, culture and gastronomy, all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it a top destination that has it all.

Our proposal aims to showcase the region's unique charm, highlighting sustainable practices and responsible tourism initiatives that align with the values of the US market. Join us in embracing the beauty and authenticity of the Region of Valencia.

01.

EXPERIENCE UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES IN THE REGION OF VALENCIA

Discover ten unforgettable adventures that await you in the Region of Valencia. From the Mediterranean coastline to major cities and hidden gems, from everyday delights to defining moments, this corner of Spain puts its own cultural spin on everything there is to experience.

"With over 30 million tourists each year, we have been pioneers in water management since the 1990s."

02.

VALENCIA: CULTURE ON THE COAST

The timeless beauty of Valencia's coastline seamlessly integrates with the city's allure, beckoning visitors to bask in its sun-kissed beaches. Meanwhile, the capital's rich history unfolds through architectural marvels like the Valencia Cathedral, said to house the Holy Grail, the majestic Gothic Silk Exchange buildings, and the Art Nouveau splendor of the Central Market, each a testament to the region's storied past.

As the region's largest city, Valencia continues to foster a culture of innovation, evident in modern wonders like the City of Arts and Sciences, where architectural brilliance converges with scientific and artistic exploration. Embraced by a warm and inviting ambiance, the city invites exploration, offering a tapestry of experiences. It's no wonder renowned publications like Forbes and TIME consistently rank Valencia among the top cities to reside in. With its designation as Design Capital in 2022 and European Green Capital in 2024, Valencia masterfully intertwines its rich cultural heritage spanning millennia with a contemporary flair embodied in architectural feats crafted by luminaries like Norman Foster, Santiago Calatrava and David Chipperfield.

03.

ALICANTE: A VIBRANT PORT CITY

Along the eastern shores of Costa Blanca, the port city Alicante has so much to offer visitors, with an exciting selection of nightlife and restaurants, relaxing beaches, and a charming city and surrounding countryside. The Esplanade, a promenade paved with mosaic marble tile and adorned with palm trees, is a beautiful backdrop for people-watching and a leisurely stroll if you want to experience the city from the ground. For a spectacular vantage point overlooking the city, bay, and harbor, visit the Santa Bárbara castle and tour the impressive 16th-century fortress. Known as Spain's City of Light, this lively city and its sunny beaches will be a highlight of your travel itinerary.

04.

BENIDORM: CITY LIFE AND NATURE SITES

Benidorm's urban skyline is a unique contrast to its breathtaking beaches along the Costa Blanca. As it became more of a tourist destination during the mid-20th century, a populous modern city developed from what used to be a small fishing port. Today, it has a thriving hospitality and resort industry with endless nightlife, fine dining, and entertainment options to suit any visitor. Throughout this modernization, the city has also worked to protect the beaches and natural areas that attract so many visitors, such as the spacious Poniente Beach on the western coast and the Serra Gelada Nature Park to the northeast, with 6 km of protected coastline and hiking trails throughout.

Benidorm, one of the Mediterranean's top holiday destinations, attracting over 3 million tourists annually, made history as the world's first certified smart tourism destination.

05.

HIDDEN GEMS IN THE REGION OF VALENCIA

ABeyond the region's major cities, it is worth delving deeper into the picturesque landscape for places to visit that promise more personalized and immersive experiences.

Discover more of the Costa Blanca in Dénia, known for its culinary offerings and dubbed a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Another coastal town, Peñíscola, boasts a medieval fortress that overlooks the sea and sprawling beaches, Peñíscola Castle. In the northern province of Castellón, Morella's medieval architecture begs to be explored within its historic defensive walls. In Alicante, Elche is home to Patrimonio de la Humanidad, vast orchards of date palms, as well as its own golden beaches such as Playa El Carabassi.

06.

GOOD TASTES IN THE REGION OF VALENCIA

The culinary tradition and offerings of the Region of Valencia reflect a bountiful landscape and rich cultural heritage. Rice is a major crop of the region and a staple in many dishes, the most well-known of which is Valencian paella, with vegetables, seafood, meats, and rice flavored with saffron. Seafood is also very prevalent, grilled or featured in stews and tapas dishes. The region's oranges flavor many desserts and cocktails, and along with these and other regional fruits, you will find artisanal cheese, sausage, and similar fare at each town's local market. The region is also known for its vineyards and wines, such as Cava, a sparkling white, or the dessert wine, Moscatel.

Besides, there are over 30 Michelin-starred restaurants sprinkled across the three provinces of the Region of Valencia and 1 restaurant within 'The World's 50 Best Restaurants' list. Furthermore, 85 restaurants have earned recognition for their commitment to sustainability. Notably, the region leads by example, with the first Spanish restaurant awarded the Tourism Sustainability Certificate by ICTE.

07.

SEE JOAQUÍN SOROLLA'S PAINTINGS AND SUBJECTS

Joaquín Sorolla was a Valencian painter who was inspired by his natural surroundings. His most well-known works include impressionist portraits and landscapes which captured people and life in 19th-century Valencia. Referred to as "the painter of light," Sorolla was one of the leading Spanish artists of the Luminism movement in Spain, a style of painting which emphasizes light effects. This can be seen in his depictions of sunlight and light reflected in water.

Visitors to Valencia can appreciate Sorolla's works in person at the Museum of Fine Arts and visit local beaches that may have been subjects of famous paintings such as "Seashore at Valencia" or "Walk on the Beach".

08.

YEAR-ROUND GOLF AND WATER SPORTS

A huge benefit of the region's subtropical Mediterranean climate is ample opportunity and great weather throughout the year for outdoor enthusiasts to golf or participate in their favorite water activities. There are over 30 golf courses in the region which take advantage of scenic views along the coast and in orange and wine country and 51 diving centers. You'll find top-notch facilities in which to combine your love for travel with your passion for the sport. It is no surprise that Costa Blanca's coves, beaches, lakes, and rivers attract aquatic sports enthusiasts. Here, you can surf, kayak, snorkel, and jet ski to your heart's content, or perhaps book a charter or cruise to tour more of the Mediterranean Sea.

09.

FAMOUS CULTURAL ROUTES THROUGH THE REGION

The area is famous for several cultural routes which showcase different aspects of the region's heritage. These themed journeys are a great way to delve deeper into a particular area of interest, and the added context can make sightseeing more meaningful.

History buffs can travel along the Castles of Vinalopó Route to see prominent castles and forts located throughout the valley or take the Ruta de los Borgias and trace the path of the Borgias family and their influence on the region, from Gandia to Valencia. For a spiritual pilgrimage, the Holy Grail Route starts in Barracas and ends at the Cathedral of Valencia, following the Grail's fabled journey through the Region of Valencia.

10.

TAKE PART IN TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS

The many traditional festivals held in the region are a great way to experience each city at its best, with no shortage of entertainment for locals and tourists alike. The Region of Valencia has 14 festivals declared as International Tourist Interest. Alcoy in Alicante is very well known for its annual "Moros y Cristianos" festival commemorating the city's historic battle during the Christian reconquest. The celebrations include historical reenactments of the battle as well as firework shows and parades. Also in Alicante, fire, art, and gunpowder come together at Las Hogueras de San Juan, an enchanting spectacle that welcomes in the summer. Valencia is one of many cities that has a Fallas festival each year, where artistic installations called monuments are publicly displayed and later burned in huge bonfires, a tradition originating from Saint Joseph's Day celebrations. These types of celebrations are anticipated and planned all year, and being there to experience the result is sure to be a memorable experience.

11.

NATURAL WONDERS IN THE REGION OF VALENCIA

Beyond stunning beaches on the coast, the region's diverse landscape has a variety of awe-inspiring natural wonders to discover. The Region of Valencia is defined by the diversity of its natural landscapes. From islands and mountainscapes to the coastline and the marshlands, 22 natural parks, 8 protected landscapes and 4 nature reserves await where you can take a walk, do some sport or simply relax.

The mountain range of the Sierra de Espadan Natural Park in southern Castellón has an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, where visitors can find freshwater springs, waterfalls, deep gorges, and cork forests. In the Rull Caves of Vall d'Ebo in Alicante, you can go underground to see fascinating limestone stalagmite formations. The Cullera Rice Fields are an impressive view of Valencia's wetlands and agriculture. These are just a few fantastic spots for nature photography, outdoor adventure, or just seeing everything the geographical area has to offer.

12.

PREMIUM TOURISM

We are the experiences we live. The Region of Valencia brings together the most exclusive and unique tourist offer. The tourist would find the most spectacular and enjoyable places and plans: from boutique hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants to exclusive experiences such as wine tastings at centuries-old wineries or boat tours along the coast, the region has it all to satisfy the desires of even the most discerning travelers. First-class customer service, with personalized attention and a wide range of amenities, completes the premium tourism offering of the Region of Valencia. A perfect destination for those seeking unique and unforgettable experiences.

The Region of Valencia not only captivates with its golden beaches and exquisite gastronomy but also with its vibrant cultural scene. For opera enthusiasts, the region offers top-tier programming in historic theaters such as the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía in Valencia or the Teatro Principal in Alicante.

13.

REGION OF VALENCIA: SUCCESSFUL DESTINATION FOR MICE EVENTS

The Region of Valencia offers 15 modern Congress Centers and Auditoriums, ideal for hosting a variety of Meetings, Conferences, and Events, with many of them constructed within the last decade. València ranks among the top five destinations for MICE tourism in Spain, complemented by significant congress centers and venues in cities like Alicante, Benidorm, and Elx. Additionally, the Region of Valencia boasts 9 Convention Bureaus, providing a diverse selection of venues and services to meet all your event needs.

14.

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL sport events

The Region of Valencia is home to some of the best sporting events in Spain. From the world-renowned València Marathon to the thrilling Volvo Ocean Race, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The MotoGP València Grand Prix is a must-see for motorsports fans, while the València Open tennis tournament attracts top players from around the world. And let's not forget that València will be hosting the 2026 Gay Games, making it the first city in Spain to do so. With so many exciting events, the Region of Valencia is the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

15.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

The Region of Valencia proudly hosts some of Europe's largest music festivals (as the Les Arts Festival in València, the Arenal Sound in Burriana, the Low Festival in Benidorm, and the FIB and Rototom in Benicàssim), drawing thousands of fans annually to immerse themselves in our vibrant cultural landscape. With over 200,000 attendees each year, these festivals are a highlight of our region's cultural calendar.

The good weather, the proximity to the beach, and the kindness of its inhabitants make this destination one of the best regions to be swept away by the rhythm of music.