Valencia

Autonomous CommunitySpain, Europe

Valencia is a STATE in Spain, Europe.

Valencia, Spain's vibrant eastern coastal region, captivates travelers with its perfect blend of historic charm and futuristic innovation. The capital city, also named Valencia, is home to the stunning City of Arts and Sciences—a breathtaking architectural complex featuring an opera house, science museum, and Europe's largest aquarium. Beyond the city, the region offers 500 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline with golden beaches, the serene Albufera Natural Park with its traditional rice fields and lagoon, and charming inland villages producing world-renowned wines and oranges. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and visitors can savor authentic versions in the very region where this iconic dish originated. The annual Las Fallas festival in March transforms the streets with enormous satirical sculptures that are dramatically burned in spectacular pyrotechnic displays. From the Gothic Silk Exchange (a UNESCO site) to the futuristic architecture, from mountain monasteries to coastal resorts, Valencia offers a rich tapestry of experiences where ancient traditions meet contemporary design.

Best time to visit Valencia

March to May and September to November offer pleasant temperatures (18-25°C/64-77°F), fewer crowds, and lower prices. March is ideal for experiencing Las Fallas festival. Summer (June-August) is hot and crowded but perfect for beach holidays. Winter is mild but can be rainy.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Partly cloudy
Temperature
17°
Feels like
16°
Humidity
69%
Wind
5 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 15-23°C, some rain

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Harvest season; wine and paella festivals.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

VLC

Valencia Airport

International

10 km away

ALC

Alicante-Elche Airport

International

170 km away

BCN

Barcelona-El Prat Airport

International

350 km away

MAD

Madrid-Barajas Airport

International

360 km away

Getting around

"Valencia has an efficient public transport system including metro, buses, and trams. The EMT bus network covers the city extensively. The Valencia Tourist Card offers unlimited travel and discounts. Biking is popular with extensive bike lanes and the Valenbisi bike-sharing system. Taxis are metered and reliable; use official taxi ranks or apps like Free Now. Ride-sharing services like Uber operate. For exploring beyond the city, regional trains (Cercanías) and buses connect towns. Renting a car is useful for visiting rural areas and coastal towns."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

30 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public spaces

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from €5

Calling code

+34

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty crime is the main concern. Violent crime is rare.

Night safety

7/10

Petty crime is the main concern. Violent crime is rare.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Valencia is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas like the City of Arts and Sciences, Central Market, and during festivals. Be cautious with belongings on public transport, especially buses and the metro. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, particularly in some parts of the old town. Common scams include distraction thefts and overcharging in some tourist-oriented restaurants (always check menus for prices). The Cabanyal neighborhood has improved but can still be sketchy at night. Emergency services are responsive and reliable."

Entry and health

Health information

"Valencia has excellent public and private healthcare facilities. The Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe in Valencia is a major public hospital. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine immunizations. Summer brings high temperatures (often above 30°C/86°F), so hydration and sun protection are essential. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available for minor ailments."

Culture

Local customs

"Valencians typically eat late: lunch around 2-3 PM, dinner after 9 PM. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is customary for good service. Dress modestly when visiting churches. The local language, Valencian, is widely used alongside Spanish; learning basic phrases is appreciated. During Las Fallas, expect loud firecrackers (mascletàs) daily at 2 PM. Greet with a handshake or two kisses on the cheek among acquaintances."
Spanish (Castilian)Valencian (Catalan)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Euro (EUR) · €

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$12 | a cheap local meal costs around $12

Hotels

$60-120 | budget hotels range $60-120/night

Local transport

$1.50 | local bus ride ~$1.50

Cost notes

Valencia offers great value compared to Barcelona or Madrid.

Timezone

Europe/Madrid +01:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

5,100,000

Area

23,255 km²

Government

Autonomous Community with its own Parliament and President

ISO code

ES-60

Type

Autonomous Community

Frequently Asked Questions

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Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingFood & WineFestivalArt & CultureNature