Explore Valencia

The River Turia used to flow through Valencia, until a terrible flood in 1957 led to it being rerouted outside the city. The dry riverbed has been since been transformed into a spectacular park that meanders for more than five miles, with bubbling streams, pretty paths and cycle routes lined with flowers, palm trees and fragrant pines. It’s the centre of city life, and the perfect way to peddle between Valencia’s main sites — stop for a picnic or to admire the bridges that still stretch across its expanse and date back to the 15th century.

We’ve spent centuries looking for it, but it turns out the Holy Grail was in Valencia all along. Housed in the striking gothic Valencia cathedral, the Holy Chalice is made of red agate and dates back to between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, with two extravagant gold handles added at a later date. See it for yourself in the chapel, where it sits proudly on display in a gold and glass case. Top tip: don’t let the excitement of solving the mystery distract you from the cathedral’s other opulent artworks, or the panoramic city views from the Miguelete tower.

Valencia is fringed by miles of golden beaches, with Malvarrosa Beach the most central, where the city descends on sunny days to enjoy paella and seafood platters at the restaurants lining the promenade. For a different view of Valencia’s coast, take to the sea on a paddleboarding adventure. Calm waters make Malvarrosa ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics. Finish with a stroll to neighbouring Patacona Beach — the locals’ favourite — and a cool caña (small beer) at one of the buzzy chiringuito beach bars.

Make a beeline for one of Europe’s largest aquariums, where you can happily wander through a 230ft tunnel and watch tropical fish and sharks glide by. There are recreated habitats representing American mangrove swamps, Mediterranean marshes and the chilly Antarctic and you can spot penguins, Arctic walruses, belugas and Patagonian sea lions. Dial the excitement up a notch with the 4D Red Sea auditorium and don’t miss your chance to dine in the restaurant, surrounded by aquariums. There’s even an option to sleep with sharks. You’ll be protected by the underwater tunnels, but omitting that detail when you get home is optional.

In the 15th century Valencia was a bustling centre for the silk and textiles trade thanks to its location as an ideal stop-off from northern Africa. To accommodate the booming business, the Silk Exchange, known as La Lonja, was built with a soaring domed roof, twisting columns and elegant stonework, as well as a lush garden of orange trees. A symbol of the city’s golden age and one of the best examples of secular gothic architecture in Spain, the fortress-like building also has a room that functioned as a courthouse, and a tower for merchants found guilty of criminal activity.

Unfurling south of the city beyond the port is a ribbon of golden sand that makes up El Saler which forms part of Albufera Natural Park. If you’re looking for a more pristine beach experience, come here: you’ll find mile after mile of sand, backed by dunes and a pungent pine forest laced with walking and cycle paths and dotted with picnic spots. You’ll likely find a few naturists taking a dip as well.

A 16th-century bridge of honeyed stone leads across what was the River Turia, to the stout towers of Serranos, which once formed one of the entrances to the walled city of Valencia. Inside the 700-year-old fortified structure you’ll find rooms that were used as a prison, while the external stairs will guide you up to the crenelated towers for views across the Turia Gardens and the roofs of the historic El Carmen district. Look down: you can even see the outlines of the old moat below.

The marina area at the very start of Malvarrosa Beach was originally spruced up to host the 2007 America’s Cup. Spectators once watched the action from the gleaming white, three-storey Veles I Vents building, which is now home to a variety of restaurants and bars. While a short walk away is Marina Beach Club with an alfresco restaurant, infinity pool and views across the beach. Stay for nightfall and you’re in for a treat: touring DJs take to the grand stage to host live sets and show off just-dropped material. With a sprinkling of other bars lining it, the marina is the spot to be on a Saturday night.