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Valencian Community
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Explore the Valencian Community for Mediterranean beaches, historic cities, rice-country landscapes, mountain villages and distinctive regional cuisine.

The Valencian Community occupies Spain’s central Mediterranean coast, stretching from the Ebro-influenced north of Castellón to the dry hills and salt lagoons of Alicante. Its three provinces—Castellón, Valencia and Alicante—offer markedly different landscapes within one autonomous community: citrus-growing plains, rice fields, pine-covered mountains, long beaches, historic market towns and densely settled coastal cities. Valencia, the regional capital, provides the principal cultural and transport hub, while Castellón de la Plana and Alicante anchor contrasting northern and southern sections of the coast.
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Valencia is a city of layered architecture. The former medieval centre contains the cathedral, the Lonja de la Seda and the Central Market, while the Turia Gardens occupy the old riverbed and lead towards the City of Arts and Sciences. Just south of the city, l’Albufera is a shallow coastal lagoon surrounded by rice fields and villages associated with the region’s best-known rice dishes. Further inland, Sagunto combines an ancient hilltop theatre and castle with the remains of the Roman city of Saguntum, while Xàtiva is dominated by a long fortress above a historic town.
The coast changes character from province to province. Castellón combines broad beaches with the orange-growing Plana and the rugged Serra d’Irta near Alcossebre and Peñíscola. Peñíscola’s fortified old town rises above the sea, crowned by a castle associated with Pope Benedict XIII. Southwards, the Costa Blanca includes resort centres, coves, limestone mountains and historic towns such as Villena, Orihuela and Alicante. The inland districts are especially rewarding for walking, cycling, vineyards, castles and mountain scenery, with the Marina Baixa and inland Alicante offering a sharper, drier landscape than the wetlands around Valencia.
Food is closely tied to geography. Rice dominates the culinary identity around Valencia and l’Albufera, while seafood, citrus fruit, vegetables, turrón from Jijona and locally produced wines broaden the regional table. Rice dishes vary considerably in preparation and setting, and paella is only one part of a wider Valencian cooking tradition. Local festivals are equally diverse, from Las Fallas in Valencia to the dramatic Moros y Cristianos celebrations held in many towns, though dates, scale and customs differ by municipality.
Visitors can combine urban culture with coastal walks, mountain villages, wetlands and archaeological sites, but the region is too varied to treat as a single beach destination. Public transport works best between major cities and along principal corridors; a car becomes more useful for inland castles, rural parks and smaller coastal communities. Spring and autumn are particularly suitable for touring, while summer brings intense heat, crowded resorts and strong demand for accommodation along the coast.

When is the best time to visit Valencian Community?

Best: April–May, October · 22–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1526
February1624
March1928
April (best)2231
May (best)2630
June3018
July339
August3312
September3026
October (best)2551
November1836
December1531

Getting to and around Valencian Community

How to get there

Valencia Airport, located west of the regional capital, handles domestic and international connections and is the principal gateway for central Valencian destinations. Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport, in Alicante province, is a major international entry point for the southern coast and Costa Blanca. Castellón–Costa Azahar Airport serves the northern part of the community, although its route network is more limited and changes over time. High-speed and conventional trains connect Valencia with Madrid and other Spanish cities, while Alicante and Castellón also have important rail links. Major motorways follow the Mediterranean corridor, and Barcelona, Madrid and Murcia are useful external gateways depending on the itinerary.

Transportation

Rail and regional bus services are most useful between Valencia, Castellón, Alicante and the larger towns, with suburban and medium-distance services serving parts of the coast and inland corridor. Valencia, Alicante and Castellón have urban public transport networks, including trams or metro-style services in Valencia and Alicante. A car is helpful for the Maestrat, inland Castellón, the Vall d’Albaida, mountain villages and many inland Alicante sites, where services can be less frequent. Cycling is practical on selected flat routes, but summer heat and motor traffic require care; walking is best for historic centres, promenades and marked rural trails.

Top city travel guides in Valencian Community

The cities of Valencian Community, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Valencian Community

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Valencian Community

The Valencian Community offers a broad mix of urban culture, archaeological heritage, wetlands, mountains and Mediterranean coast. Valencia combines the medieval Lonja de la Seda and cathedral quarter with the Turia Gardens, major museums and the City of Arts and Sciences. Nearby l’Albufera provides boat excursions, birdwatching and walks through a rice-growing landscape. In Castellón province, the walled old town of Peñíscola, the mountain setting of Morella and the coastal Serra d’Irta give the north a more rugged character, while the Maestrat contains historic villages and rural scenery. Alicante province ranges from the archaeological and historic sites of Elche and Villena to the mountain landscapes around Guadalest, the coastal coves of the Marina Alta and the extensive beaches of the Costa Blanca. Outdoor options include hiking, cycling, birdwatching, kayaking and water sports, although conditions and access vary seasonally. Museums, ceramics workshops, gardens, festivals and food markets add cultural depth beyond the principal monuments.

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Best landmarks in Valencian Community

The Valencian Community’s most recognisable landmarks reflect its layered history and varied terrain. Valencia’s Lonja de la Seda is a celebrated late-medieval Gothic merchant exchange, while the cathedral and Micalet tower mark the historic centre’s religious and civic landscape. The City of Arts and Sciences represents a very different, contemporary image of the regional capital. South of the city, the Albufera lagoon and its surrounding rice fields form a major natural landmark shaped by centuries of cultivation. Sagunto’s Roman theatre, castle and hilltop archaeological remains testify to the importance of the ancient settlement. In northern Castellón, Peñíscola Castle crowns a fortified peninsula above the sea, while Morella’s walls and castle dominate a dramatic inland ridge. Alicante province includes the palm landscape and historic heritage of Elche, the castle of Villena and the mountain-ringed setting of Guadalest. Across the region, medieval castles, watchtowers, tiled civic buildings and coastal headlands provide a visual record of changing political, commercial and environmental conditions.

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Explore Valencian Community on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Valencian Community

Valencian cooking is strongly shaped by rice, irrigation, orchards, fishing communities and Mediterranean agriculture. Around Valencia and l’Albufera, restaurants serve rice dishes prepared in many styles, including paella, arroz a banda and other regional preparations; visitors should expect significant differences between recipes and presentation rather than a single standard version. Seafood is prominent along the coast, while vegetables, citrus fruit, artichokes and locally grown rice support a substantial seasonal repertoire. Alicante contributes products such as turrón from Jijona and distinctive rice traditions, and inland districts offer wines, cured products, pastries and rustic cooking. Castellón is known for its citrus-growing plains and a cuisine that combines seafood with produce from the interior. Dining ranges from market cafés and neighbourhood restaurants to traditional bars, rural inns and contemporary kitchens. Horchata with fartons is closely associated with the Valencia area, while local bakeries and ice-cream shops provide further regional specialities.

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Best bars in Valencian Community

Evening life varies sharply across the Valencian Community. Valencia has the broadest choice, with traditional bars, modern cocktail venues, live music, cultural spaces and clubs concentrated around central neighbourhoods and areas such as Ruzafa, El Carmen and the seafront, though individual venues and opening arrangements change. Alicante combines late dining, bars and clubs around the centre and waterfront, while Benidorm in Alicante province has a much larger, resort-oriented nightlife scene with live entertainment and late venues. Castellón de la Plana offers a more local urban evening culture, and coastal resorts become busier in summer. In smaller towns and inland districts, evenings usually centre on cafés, tapas bars, traditional pubs, restaurants and festival events rather than a substantial club scene. Breweries, wine bars and music venues provide alternatives to nightlife based around alcohol.

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Best nightclubs in Valencian Community

Evening life varies sharply across the Valencian Community. Valencia has the broadest choice, with traditional bars, modern cocktail venues, live music, cultural spaces and clubs concentrated around central neighbourhoods and areas such as Ruzafa, El Carmen and the seafront, though individual venues and opening arrangements change. Alicante combines late dining, bars and clubs around the centre and waterfront, while Benidorm in Alicante province has a much larger, resort-oriented nightlife scene with live entertainment and late venues. Castellón de la Plana offers a more local urban evening culture, and coastal resorts become busier in summer. In smaller towns and inland districts, evenings usually centre on cafés, tapas bars, traditional pubs, restaurants and festival events rather than a substantial club scene. Breweries, wine bars and music venues provide alternatives to nightlife based around alcohol.

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Best shops in Valencian Community

Shopping in the Valencian Community ranges from major city markets to small-town produce stalls and specialist workshops. Valencia’s Central Market is the best-known food market, with fruit, vegetables, seafood, cured products and other ingredients reflecting the region’s agricultural hinterland; the surrounding historic centre also has independent food shops, ceramics, design goods and bookshops. Alicante and Castellón provide conventional high-street retail alongside municipal markets and small specialist businesses. In rural districts, market towns are useful for seasonal fruit, olive oil, wine, honey, preserves and traditional baked goods. Ceramics are an important regional purchase, particularly in parts of Castellón with long-standing pottery and tile industries, while handmade textiles, baskets and decorative crafts appear in selected inland towns. Jijona’s turrón and locally produced citrus products travel well, although visitors should check packaging requirements for air travel. Coastal resorts tend to emphasise beachwear, souvenirs and larger retail chains rather than distinctly regional goods.

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Valencian Community essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the euro (EUR), as throughout Spain. Debit and credit cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets are widely accepted in hotels, transport hubs, supermarkets and established restaurants. Carry some cash for small cafés, rural businesses, market stalls, car parks and occasional public toilets, particularly outside major towns. ATMs are common but fees and withdrawal limits vary, so visitors should check their card provider’s foreign-transaction conditions. Tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory; rounding up or leaving a modest amount is generally sufficient when service has been good.
Safety
The Valencian Community is generally straightforward for visitors, but normal precautions are sensible in busy transport hubs, beaches, nightlife areas and crowded festivals, where opportunistic theft can occur. Strong sun and heat are important practical hazards, especially in inland Alicante and during summer, so carry water and protect yourself from prolonged exposure. Follow flags and lifeguard instructions on beaches, avoid isolated cliffs and check fire restrictions before entering wooded areas. Drivers should expect busy coastal roads in summer, while walkers should carry a map, wear suitable footwear and allow for limited shade on exposed routes.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 anywhere in the Valencian Community for urgent police, fire or ambulance assistance; the number is free and operates throughout Spain. Give your location clearly, especially on beaches, rural tracks, mountain paths or in large festival crowds, and state whether medical, fire or police help is required. Coastal incidents may involve maritime rescue services, while mountain emergencies are coordinated through Spain’s emergency and rescue authorities. For non-urgent medical matters, ask accommodation staff or a local health centre for guidance, and keep travel insurance and essential medication information accessible.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect beach regulations, protected wetlands, marked paths and private agricultural land, and do not remove plants, shells or archaeological material. At churches, monasteries and historic buildings, dress and behave appropriately and ask before photographing restricted interiors. Spanish mealtimes are often later than visitors expect, and dinner may begin well after 20.00; reservations are sensible in popular coastal areas and during festivals. Use Spanish or Valencian greetings where appropriate, queue patiently and avoid assuming that every rice dish is paella. During fireworks and festival events, follow steward instructions and keep clear of restricted areas.
Local Tips
The coast is not the whole region: allow time for inland towns such as Morella, Xàtiva, Bocairent and Villena, each offering different combinations of history and landscape. Valencia’s central market is useful for understanding local produce, while smaller municipal markets provide a more everyday view of regional shopping and food culture. In l’Albufera, sunset and birdlife vary with season and weather, and rural roads can be narrow. On the Costa Blanca, look beyond large resorts for historic centres and mountain scenery, but check bus connections carefully before planning a day in a smaller inland settlement.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[ˈola]
GoodbyeAdéu[aˈðeu]
YesSí[si]
NoNo[no]
Please/You're welcomeSi us plau[si uz ˈplaw]
Thank youGràcies[ˈɡɾasies]
Excuse me/SorryPerdona[peɾˈðona]
How are you?Com estàs?[kom esˈtas]
Fine. And you?Bé. I tu?[be. i tu]
Do you speak English?Parles anglès?[ˈpaɾles aŋˈɡles]
I don't understandNo entenc[no ɛnˈteŋk]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseM'agradaria veure el menú, si us plau[məɡɾaðəˈɾia ˈβeʊɾe el məˈnu si uz ˈplaw]
I don't eat meatNo menjo carn[no ˈmenʒu kaɾn]
Cheers!Salut![saˈlut]
I would like to pay, pleaseM'agradaria pagar, si us plau[məɡɾaðəˈɾia paˈɡaɾ si uz ˈplaw]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Ajuda![aˈʒuðə]
Go away!Vés fora![βes ˈfoɾa]
Call the Police!Truqueu a la Policia![truˈkew a la po.liˈsi.a]
Call a doctor!Truqueu un metge![truˈkew un ˈmetʒe]
I'm lostEstic perdut[esˈtik peɾˈðut]
I'm illEstic malalt[esˈtik maˈlalt]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...M'agradaria comprar...[məɡɾaðəˈɾia komˈpɾaɾ]
I'm just lookingNomés estic mirant[noˈmes esˈtik miˈɾant]
How much is it?Quant costa?[kwant ˈkosta]
That's too expensiveÉs massa car[es ˈmasa kaɾ]
Can you lower the price?Pots abaixar el preu?[pots əβəˈʃaɾ el ˈpɾeʊ]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quina hora és?[ˈkina ˈoɾə es]
It's one o'clockÉs l'una[es lˈuna]
Half past (10)Dos quarts (10)[dos ˈkwaɾts]
MorningMatí[maˈti]
AfternoonVesprada[vesˈpɾaðə]
EveningSopar[soˈpaɾ]
YesterdayAhir[aˈiɾ]
TodayAvui[aˈβui]
TomorrowDemà[deˈma]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?On hi ha un/a...?[on i a un/a]
What's the address?Quina és l'adreça?[ˈkina es l'aˈðɾesa]
Can you show me (on the map)?Em pots ensenyar (al mapa)?[em pots en.seˈɲaɾ al ˈmapa]
When's the next (bus)?Quan és el pròxim (autobús)?[kwan es el ˈpɾoɡsim (au̯toˈβus)]
A ticket (to ....)Un bitllet (a....)[un biˈʎet a...]

History of Valencian Community

Iberian and Roman Foundations

The Valencian Community preserves evidence of prehistoric settlement and important Iberian communities, including the hilltop settlement of La Bastida de les Alcusses near Moixent. Greek and Phoenician trade influenced the wider coast, while Rome established roads, agricultural estates and urban centres. Saguntum, now Sagunto, became a significant Roman city after its earlier Iberian and Mediterranean history. Roman infrastructure helped connect the coastal plain with inland districts, and traces of this period remain visible in archaeological sites, roads, inscriptions and the enduring importance of towns positioned along the coast and river valleys.

Islamic Rule and Agricultural Transformation

From the eighth century, much of present-day Valencia and Alicante came under Muslim rule, forming part of al-Andalus and later a succession of taifa territories. Irrigation systems were expanded and refined, supporting orchards, market gardens and rice-growing environments that still shape the region’s countryside. Towns such as Valencia, Dénia and Xàtiva flourished as administrative, commercial and cultural centres. Arabic influence remains visible in place names, agricultural vocabulary, fortress architecture and the pattern of irrigated landscapes, although the surviving historic fabric reflects many later periods as well.

The Christian Conquest and the Kingdom of Valencia

James I of Aragon conquered Valencia in the thirteenth century, taking the city in 1238 and consolidating Christian rule over subsequent decades. The territory became the Kingdom of Valencia within the Crown of Aragon, with its own laws, institutions and political identity. New settlers, religious foundations and fortified towns altered the population and landscape, while Muslim communities continued to contribute to agriculture and craftsmanship under changing conditions. Medieval walls, churches, monasteries and castles in places such as Morella, Xàtiva and Valencia reflect this long transition.

Silk, Trade and the Early Modern City

Valencia became an important centre of Mediterranean commerce and silk production during the late medieval and early modern periods. The Lonja de la Seda, completed in the fifteenth century, expresses the wealth and organisation of the city’s merchant economy and is one of the region’s defining Gothic buildings. Textile work, agriculture and port trade supported urban growth, while conflicts and dynastic changes periodically disrupted prosperity. The expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 also had serious demographic and economic consequences in many Valencian rural communities, particularly where agriculture depended on their labour.

Industrialisation and Agricultural Commerce

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, railways, improved ports, irrigation and commercial agriculture reshaped the region. Valencia’s orchards and rice fields connected increasingly to national and international markets, while Castellón developed a major ceramics industry centred on towns including Onda, Alcora and Vila-real. Alicante expanded as a port and industrial centre, with connections to wine, footwear, food processing and other trades. Urban boulevards, civic buildings, railway stations and industrial districts from this period reveal the transition from a predominantly agrarian economy to a more commercial and industrial society.

War, Autonomy and Contemporary Transformation

The Valencian territory experienced political upheaval during the Spanish Civil War, including the temporary relocation of the Republican government to Valencia in 1936–37. After the Franco dictatorship, Spain’s democratic constitution enabled the creation of the Valencian Community as an autonomous community in 1982. Since then, coastal tourism, construction, manufacturing, agriculture and services have transformed the economy and settlement pattern. The region has also strengthened the public presence of Valencian, a variety of Catalan recognised alongside Spanish, and renewed attention to local heritage, landscape protection and cultural institutions.

Valencian Community in Photos

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Valencian Community

Discover the wonders of Valencian Community with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease.

  • Comprehensive guide to attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Detailed information with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Plan the perfect trip to Valencian Community with Evendo, your all-in-one free travel guide. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, Evendo has you covered.

  • ‘Near Me’ feature to find nearby attractions
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  • Travel essentials and historical insights
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Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the vibrant and culturally rich Valencian Community, Spain. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip by offering a comprehensive guide to the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Discover the architectural marvel of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, stroll through the historic streets of Alicante, and indulge in the culinary delights of Castellón. Evendo provides detailed information, stunning images, and local tips for each location, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Fancy a visit to the picturesque Albufera Natural Park or a night out at the famous L'Umbracle Terrace? Evendo has it all.

The app’s intuitive interface allows you to effortlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app. No more endless searching or logistical headaches—Evendo streamlines your travel planning process. Utilize features like 'Near Me' to find nearby attractions, and curated local tips to experience the city like a true local. Plus, with travel essentials and historical insights about Valencian Community, you’ll never miss out on any must-see spots.

Don't miss out on the best paella at La Pepica, or the trendy nightlife at Marina Beach Club. Evendo makes it all accessible with just a few taps. Download Evendo now and transform your adventure in Valencian Community into an unforgettable experience.

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