Valencia
The Valencia region sits on the Mediterranean coast. It borders Aragon and Catalonia in the north, Castilla La Mancha to the west and Murcia in the south. The region enjoys great weather all year round, with sunny summers and mild winters. As a result, it suits beach days, city breaks and countryside walks.
It is the birthplace of the most Spanish of foods, Paella.
Because of its beautiful coastline and warm weather, the Valencian region is hugely popular with holidaymakers and ex-pats. From Torrevieja in the south, through Alicante, Valencia and to the northern border with Catalonia, you will find busy and beautiful seaside towns. These towns are all full of things to do, places to eat and lovely beaches.
Further inland you will find typical Spanish villages and communities. These also attract ex-pats seeking the sun and a more relaxed lifestyle.
The Valencian region has a rich history. In addition to the original Iberian population, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs have all established, held and conquered cities and areas within the region.
There are plenty of things to do in the region. There is no shortage of food tours, flamenco shows, cooking lessons, bike tours and more. Transport is affordable and easy to use.
If you need help planning your visit, feel free to bookmark and use our 7 Day Valencia Region Itinerary.
Towns and places of the region
Read information and tips on these Valencian Cities and Towns:
Alcossebre – is known for its sandy beaches, clear Mediterranean waters and relaxed atmosphere
Alcoy – a town full of striking architecture, green mountains, and one of the most famous festivals in the country
Alicante – is a sun-soaked Costa Blanca city featuring a hilltop castle, palm-lined harbour, sandy beaches, lively tapas culture, esplanade promenades, and relaxed Mediterranean coastal charm
Altea – is a pretty Costa Blanca town in Alicante. Its whitewashed old quarter, crowned by a blue-domed church, tumbles down to a pebble beach and lively seafront promenade
Benicàssim – combines beautiful beaches, scenic natural landscapes, cultural attractions and a lively atmosphere
Benidorm – is a high-rise beach resort on Costa Blanca, famous for its skyscraper skyline, golden sands, buzzing nightlife, theme parks, and lively entertainment
Benissa – blends medieval heritage, coastal beauty, and rural landscapes into one peaceful destination
Bocairent – narrow streets, stone houses and impressive monuments create a unique setting that feels unchanged for centuries
Buñol – is famous for the La Tomatina festival, but also offers medieval streets, beautiful parks and stunning natural landscapes
Calpe – is a Costa Blanca resort on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Its towering Peñón de Ifach rock, golden beaches and fresh seafood attract visitors year-round.
Castellón de la Plana – is a relaxed coastal city in Valencia’s north. Its sandy beaches, lively Plaza Mayor and paella attract visitors all year
Costa Blanca – is a sunny Mediterranean coastline offering white sandy beaches, charming towns, mountainous backdrops, excellent seafood, golf resorts, and vibrant tourism year-round
Costa del Azahar – offers long sandy beaches, historic towns, natural parks, traditional cuisine and authentic Spanish culture
Chulilla – one of Spain’s most photogenic little towns with a ruined castle and whitewashed houses clinging to a rocky outcrop
Cullera – a beautiful coastal town that combines golden beaches, historic landmarks, rice fields and traditional culture
Denia – is a charming Costa Blanca port town known for its historic castle, fresh seafood, ferry links to the Balearic Islands, and relaxed beaches
Elche – is a historic city in Alicante province, famous for its UNESCO-listed palm grove. Visitors enjoy its Iberian heritage, shady gardens and rice dishes
El Palmar – is a tiny fishing village sitting in the Albufera Natural Park, widely considered the birthplace of paella
Gandia – is a coastal Valencian town with wide sandy beaches, Ducal Palace heritage, orange groves, lively boardwalk, family-friendly resorts, and easy access to Valencia’s charm
Guadalest – is a pretty mountain village in Alicante province. Its clifftop castle ruins, reservoir views and small museums attract visitors from the Costa Blanca
Ibi – is famous throughout Spain as the “Town of Toys” because of its long history of toy manufacturing
Jávea – this charming destination offers beautiful beaches, historic streets, excellent food and stunning natural scenery
Jijona – is the home of turrón, Spain’s beloved Christmas nougat with factory tours and tastings, yum
La Vall d’Uixó – offers an excellent mix of natural beauty, history and outdoor adventure
L’Alcora – is a town that mixes history, art, and small-town charm, offering fine ceramics, medieval ruins and a warm welcome
Manises – has been shaping clay for over 700 years, with its tiles decorating palaces across Europe. This colourful town rewards a slower look
Morella – combines history with spectacular mountain scenery, ideal for culture lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts
Oliva – is a laid-back Valencia coastal town. Its wide, golden beach stretches for miles, backed by dunes, orange groves, and a historic centre with a Renaissance palace
Ontinyent – is a lively town that is famous for its blankets and hosts one of Spain’s biggest Moors and Christians festivals
Oropesa del Mar – is a relaxed Castellón resort on the Costa del Azahar. Its medieval hilltop castle overlooks sandy beaches, a lively promenade, and a scenic coastal walking path
Peñíscola – is a charming Costa del Azahar town in Valencia. A medieval hilltop castle crowns its rocky peninsula, surrounded by whitewashed streets, golden beaches, and sparkling Mediterranean sea views
Requena – offers vineyards, its old town, underground caves, museums and lively festivals make it an ideal destination throughout the year
Sagunto – the hilltop castle, Roman theatre, medieval streets, sandy beaches and vibrant festivals create an unforgettable destination
Santa Pola – combines beautiful beaches, fascinating history, excellent seafood and retains its authentic fishing village character
Torrent – is a lively town near Valencia with a medieval tower, a leafy historic garden, colourful festivals and a reputation for its chocolate
Torrevieja – wedged between two pink salt lakes and this lively seaside city blends beaches, culture, and quirky history brilliantly
Valencia – blends golden beaches, historic Gothic architecture, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, vibrant paella cuisine, and lively Mediterranean charm year-round
Vilafamés – is a charming destination whose medieval streets, sandstone buildings and impressive castle feel untouched by time
Villajoyosa – is famous for its colourful waterfront houses, sandy beaches and rich chocolate-making history
Vinaròs – is known for its sandy beaches, excellent seafood and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere
Xàtiva – combines a rich history with beautiful architecture, impressive monuments and excellent local cuisine
Getting to the Valencia region
Valencia’s airport is understandably busy with regular services from most European capitals from a variety of airlines. Flying time from London is around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Alicante Airport is also well served, and flying time from London is also around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Check flights and Buy Tickets with Booking.com.
You can catch the high-speed rail from Madrid to Valencia with the trip taking just under 2 hours.
The train trip from Madrid to Alicante takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Rail travel from Barcelona to Valencia takes about 3 hours.
Barcelona to Alicante takes about 4 hours forty minutes.
Check Train Schedules and Buy Tickets on Omio.
Driving time from Madrid to Valencia takes around 4 hours and slightly longer to Alicante.
Driving from Barcelona to Valencia is about a 3-hour 40-minute drive. Barcelona to Alicante takes about 5 hours 30 minutes
From Murcia to Valencia takes about 2 hours and 25 minutes to drive. Murcia to Alicante only takes an hour.