What to do in Valencia Province

Situated north of the port of Valencia, Malvarrosa Beach offers the chance to swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea, play beach sports and take walks along a wide beachfront promenade. The beach features historic villas, fine restaurants and clean waters and is only minutes away from the city.

The City of Arts and Sciences is a multipurpose cultural and entertainment complex. Discover over 500 marine species, enjoy opera performances, enjoy interactive science and technology exhibits and watch 3-D movies. This complex of six venues stretches along 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) of Valencia’s Turía Gardens and is a showcase of the city’s modern architecture.

The Oceanogràfic Aquarium is one of Europe’s largest aquariums. The expansive complex is divided into multiple areas, each representing one of the world’s primary marine ecosystems. In addition to seeing beluga whales, sharks, walruses, penguins and hundreds of other species, enjoy entertaining activities that allow interaction with the animals in unique ways.

At Bioparc Valencia, get close to wild animals, experiencing them in re-creations of African habitats. This 25-acre (10-hectare) zoo has three main areas: Savannah, Madagascar and Equatorial Africa. Paths and tunnels connect each area, leading to viewing points where rivers, ponds, rocks and glass walls are all that separate you from the animals.

Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Valencia) is a breathtaking monument that presides over Plaza de la Reina, in the beating heart of Valencia Old Town. Built in the 1200s, the cathedral stands on a site that was once home to a Roman church and Moorish mosque. Inspect the varying architectural styles of Valencia Cathedral’s grandiose exterior. Then explore its venerated chapels, paintings and reliquary.

Visit Valencia’s Central Market (Mercat Central) to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling food market. Sample everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to cheeses and cured meats. Opened in 1928 by King Alfonso XIII, today the market is home to around 1,000 stalls and is one of the oldest-running food markets in Europe.