There are countless reasons to visit Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city.
Whether it’s its rich cultural heritage, its convenient location on the Mediterranean Sea, or its famous gastronomy – after all, Valencia is the birthplace of paella.
This year, another reason has been added: the city can proudly call itself the European Green Capital 2024.
This is not only due to the abundance of green spaces, from urban gardens to natural parks and the fertile Huerta surrounding the city.
It is also due to the ongoing efforts to protect these valuable natural resources, improve the quality of life of residents, and provide a better experience for visitors.
A walk through Valencia’s compact city center is the best way to take in more than 2000 years of history.
Wide pedestrian zones and traffic restrictions make it even more pleasant to enjoy the beautiful architecture of buildings such as La Lonja (the Gothic Silk Exchange) or the Cathedral.
Visitors can also dive deep into the local culture and traditions, especially during festivals such as Las Fallas in March, which has been declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Exploring the city and its surroundings by bike is also a pleasure, thanks to the flat terrain, mild climate, and extensive network of bike paths.
A leisurely drive along the Turia Garden, the nine-kilometre-long green strip that fills the ancient riverbed, transports visitors to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and beyond to the lively city beaches and modern marina.
Just south of the city is the Albufera Natural Park, an easily accessible natural refuge with a diversity of ecosystems ranging from Mediterranean forests to wild beaches.
The wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds every year, while the rice paddies provide the main ingredient for Valencia’s most famous dish: paella.
Local markets and restaurants also benefit from an endless supply of fresh produce from the Mediterranean and the sprawling fruit and vegetable plantations of the Huerta, the city’s own pantry.
Visitors can therefore enjoy a cuisine that is healthy, delicious and sustainable.
And in doing so, they can reduce their carbon footprint and promote responsible tourism.
Valencia is a green capital in many ways.
It is not just a title for this year, but reflects the way of life of the Valencians. Want to know more?
Go to visitvalencia.com or meet with representatives of Visit Valencia on TravDay Netherlands on October 8 / TravDay Belux on October 10.
It is also due to the ongoing efforts to protect these valuable natural resources, improve the quality of life of residents, and provide a better experience for visitors.
A walk through Valencia’s compact city center is the best way to take in more than 2000 years of history.
Wide pedestrian zones and traffic restrictions make it even more pleasant to enjoy the beautiful architecture of buildings such as La Lonja (the Gothic Silk Exchange) or the Cathedral.
Visitors can also dive deep into the local culture and traditions, especially during festivals such as Las Fallas in March, which has been declared an Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Exploring the city and its surroundings by bike is also a pleasure, thanks to the flat terrain, mild climate, and extensive network of bike paths.A leisurely drive along the Turia Garden, the nine-kilometre-long green strip that fills the ancient riverbed, transports visitors to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and beyond to the lively city beaches and modern marina.
Just south of the city is the Albufera Natural Park, an easily accessible natural refuge with a diversity of ecosystems ranging from Mediterranean forests to wild beaches.
The wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds every year, while the rice paddies provide the main ingredient for Valencia’s most famous dish: paella.
Local markets and restaurants also benefit from an endless supply of fresh produce from the Mediterranean and the sprawling fruit and vegetable plantations of the Huerta, the city’s own pantry.Visitors can therefore enjoy a cuisine that is healthy, delicious and sustainable.
And in doing so, they can reduce their carbon footprint and promote responsible tourism.
Valencia is a green capital in many ways.
It is not just a title for this year, but reflects the way of life of the Valencians. Want to know more?
Go to visitvalencia.com or meet with representatives of Visit Valencia on TravDay Netherlands on October 8 / TravDay Belux on October 10.
