Valencia Region Holidays

Century-spanning city

Style-wise, Valencia city's like an old warhorse that’s rediscovered its youth. A Medieval castle gate marks the entrance to the old quarter, where throwback buildings play host to modern craft shops and cafés. The Gothic cathedral’s dressed in similarly traditional fashion, and you’ll be able to eye up the city’s architectural masterpiece – the City of Arts and Sciences – from the top. This futuristic collection of buildings has fast become a postcard fave.

Big on beaches

If city breaks aren’t your bag, don’t fret – the Valencia region nudges open the door to the beach-flecked Costa Blanca. This chunk of Spain's coastline’s flush with big names, like Alicante, Benidorm and Denia. The first of the three ranks highly for culture and nightlife, while Denia posts solid shopping and sightseeing scores. Benidorm, on the other hand, needs little introduction. The entertainment’s bold and brash, and the bustling beachfront’s joined by home-from-home restaurants and a thicket of hotels.

Culinary calling card

The Valencia region and paella have a bond to rival Italy’s love affair with pizza. The first rice and seafood-filled skillet’s said to have been cooked in the 10th century, and the rest has become lip-smacking history. The classic recipe’s got a meat-free ingredient list, with mussels, shellfish and fresh lemon to garnish. It’s a great sharer in traditional eating out haunts, where locals clatter forks for the dish’s coveted crispy base.

White Coast to White Isle

Balearic boat trips are on the cards from the region’s handily placed harbours. The go-slow countryside and pedal-to-the-metal nightlife of Ibiza’s just across the water from Gandia. Hop on a ferry, and you can reach the party island’s shores in a couple of hours. Head to Ibiza Town for the heartiest portion of culture, or check out San Antonio for a bushel of bars.