Alex Mark Travel in Valencia: 4 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Valencia

Must-try foods in Valencia

• All i Pebre
  All i PebreA quintessential fisherman's stew from the Albufera lake region. The name translates to 'garlic and pepper,' and the dish consists of fresh eels and potatoes simmered in a potent, spicy sauce of garlic, paprika, and chili. It is a rustic, high-flavor staple of Valencian gastronomy.
• Fideuà
  FideuàA seafood dish similar to paella but made with short, hollow pasta noodles instead of rice. Originating from the coast of Gandia, it is typically cooked with monkfish, squid, and prawns in a rich fish stock and served with a side of 'allioli' (garlic mayonnaise).
• Horchata de Chufa with Fartons
  Horchata de Chufa with FartonsValencia's iconic refreshment made from tiger nuts (chufas) grown in the nearby Alboraya fields. This milky, sweet drink is strictly paired with 'fartons'—long, spongy, sugar-glazed pastries designed specifically for dipping into the cold horchata.
• Buñuelos de Calabaza
  Buñuelos de CalabazaDeep-fried pumpkin fritters that are the ultimate street food during the Fallas festival but found year-round in traditional 'churrerías.' These airy, golden rings are made with cooked pumpkin dough and typically dipped in thick hot chocolate.
• Clóchinas
  ClóchinasThe Valencian Mediterranean mussel, smaller and more intensely flavored than its Galician cousin. Harvested between May and August, they are traditionally steamed in their own juice with lemon, pepper, and a touch of paprika.
• Titaina
  TitainaA traditional dish from the maritime neighborhood of El Cabanyal. It is a slow-cooked stir-fry of tomatoes, roasted peppers, pine nuts, and 'tonyina de sorra' (salted tuna belly). It is often served as a tapa or used as a filling for savory pastries.

Trip guide

• About Valencia
  About ValenciaValencia, located on the eastern coast of Spain, was founded as the Roman colony Valentia Edetanorum in 138 BC. The city’s historical heritage includes layers of Roman, Visigothic, Moorish, and Christian administration. Following the 1238 conquest by King James I of Aragon, the city became the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Valencia is during the spring (April to June) or early fall (September to October) when temperatures are pleasantly warm and the city is vibrant. Summer can be intensely hot and humid with heavy tourist crowds, while winter is mild and sunny but often too cool for the beach. To avoid peak prices and congestion, aim for the shoulder seasons.
• Getting around
  Getting around Valencia

  • High-Speed Rail (AVE) Renfe's high-speed AVE trains connect Valencia's Joaquín Sorolla station to Madrid in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, with additional long-distance Euromed services linking the city to Barcelona in about 3 hours.
  • Metrovalencia (Metro & Tram) A comprehensive network of 10 lines connecting the airport (Lines 3 and 5) to the city center in 20 minutes; tram lines 4 and 6 provide easy access to Malvarrosa Beach and the northern districts.
  • EMT City Buses An extensive local bus network with over 60 lines, including circular routes (C1, C2, C3) and night buses (Nítols), offering a budget-friendly way to reach areas not served by the metro.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Order paella exclusively at lunchtime and ideally with a prior reservation, as locals consider it a heavy midday meal rather than a dinner dish.
  • Keep your belongings secure and avoid hanging bags on the back of chairs in crowded areas like the Central Market to prevent opportunistic pickpocketing.
  • Round up the bill or leave small change for good service, but understand that large tips are not expected and service staff earn a standard wage.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Valencia

  • Opening of the new Sorolla Museum in the Palacio de las Comunicaciones, featuring over 220 works from the Hispanic Society of America.
  • Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026, with major viewing events at the Turia riverbed and Albufera Natural Park.
• Visit Barcelona↗
  Visit BarcelonaThe official tourism website of Barcelona, providing comprehensive visitor information for the Ciutat Vella district and the entire city.