Things to do in Valencia

Valencia’s City Of Arts and Sciences is a dazzling arts and science complex that has transformed the Valencia landscape. Designed to provide scientific and cultural information in as enjoyable a way as possible, children and adults alike delight in the use of experiments, interactive games and workshops in an environment where everyone is encouraged to participate and derive as much fun from the learning experience as possible. The L’Oceanographic aquarium is an underwater world housing the largest collection of marine life in Europe, where visitors walk through glass tunnels from where they can survey the various species of marine life swimming by. Other attractions include dolphin, seal and sea lion shows and re-enactments of tropical forests and different marine conditions. L’Hemispheric is an amazing eye-shaped structure that rises out of the water and that houses a planetarium, a laserium and a large IMAX cinema; Palau de les Arts hosts theatre, opera, music and dance events and the Prince Felipe science museum captivates all with its original “it’s forbidden not to touch” concept. Outside the exhibition buildings, the breathtaking atmosphere of the l’Umbracle gardens is excellent for a leisurely stroll or a rest in between visits to the pavilions.

Foremost amongst Valencia’s main attractions is the Valencia Formula 1 European Grand Prix. The new urban circuit, compared to the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, uses the city’s port area roads as well as additional exclusive racing roads designed by German architect, Hermann Tilke. Completely revamped after Valencia’s staging of two consecutive America’s Cup regattas, the new harbour and marina area includes a special wharf where yachtsmen will be able to follow the race from the comfort of their own yachts. Perfect views from land can be obtained from the elevated decks of architect David Chipperield’s recent striking Vels i Vents building.

The Valencia Moto Grand Prix also attracts many fans to the circuit in the nearby town of Cheste. The Ricardo Tormo circuit is designed along the lines of the American Canon circuit to provide full views of the entire racetrack from the grandstands.

Yacht charters and yachting facilities have undergone a complete transformation since Valencia’s hosting of the America’s Cup. The region’s enviable climate, beautiful coastline, idyllic wind conditions and prestigious marina and yacht club are now drawing many more yachtsmen to its shores and providing a fabulous array of quality services. Skippered, fully crewed and bareboat charters are all available for memorable exploratory voyages around the secluded coves of Valencia’s lovely Mediterranean coastline.

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on Mother Earth, there are a host of attractions and places to see in Valencia and its environs. Days spent relaxing on the beach or sightseeing trips around the city can be pleasantly interrupted for a sample of the authentic ‘paella valenciana’. Restaurants serving ‘paella’ abound in and around the city but a short trip south to the Nature Reserve of L’Albufera, where the rice paddies are located, will guarantee the ultimate paella-tasting experience in villages such as El Palmar. A relaxed boat trip around the lagoon will provide a pleasant interlude before returning to the animated streets of Valencia.