Valencia | Spain

Valencia serves as the capital of the Valencian Community and is Spain’s third-largest city. It is a major Mediterranean port and a global leader in design, science, and agri-business. It is situated on the Gulf of Valencia at the mouth of the Turia River, surrounded by the Huerta de Valencia, one of Europe’s most productive agricultural regions.

Historical Timeline

Founded as the Roman colony Valentia Edetanorum in 138 BC, the city served as a key administrative center. Following the Islamic conquest in 714 (Balansiya), it underwent significant agricultural development through advanced irrigation systems. In 1238, James I of Aragon reconquered the city, establishing the Kingdom of Valencia. The 15th-century "Golden Age" (Siglo de Oro) defined its economic peak through the silk trade. The modern urban form was radically altered following the Great Flood of 1957, which led to the diversion of the Turia River and the subsequent conversion of its riverbed into a 9 km urban park.

Demographics & Population

As of 2026, the city population is approximately 810,000, with a metropolitan area of 1.6 million. The median age is 45.3 years. The foreign-born population is approximately 14%, with significant groups from Italy, Colombia, Romania, and China.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Valencia is organized into 19 districts.

Ciutat Vella: The historic core containing the Roman, Gothic, and Baroque heritage of the city.

Ruzafa (Russafa): Part of the Eixample district; a former village transformed into a trendy, bohemian hub for dining and creative arts.

Eixample / Gran Via: Characterized by wide boulevards and early 20th-century Modernista architecture; the primary high-end commercial zone.

Quatre Carreres: Home to the City of Arts and Sciences, featuring ultra-modern residential and cultural spaces.

Poblats Marítims: The seaside districts including El Cabanyal (traditional fishermen’s quarter) and La Malvarrosa (beach zone).

Top City Landmarks

City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias): A futuristic complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, including the Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest aquarium).

Valencia Cathedral: Primarily Gothic, it famously houses the Holy Chalice, officially recognized by the Vatican as the most likely candidate for the Holy Grail.

La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange): A UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture.

Mercado Central: One of Europe's oldest and largest running fresh food markets, housed in a landmark Modernista building.

Torres de Serranos: One of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient medieval city wall.

Transportation Network

Public transit consists of the Metrovalencia (9 metro and tram lines) and the EMT bus network. The primary ride-hailing app is Free Now; Uber and Cabify operate with local licensing restrictions. Taxis are white with a green light indicator. Traffic is restricted in the Ciutat Vella (Low Emission Zone). High-speed rail (AVE) connects Valencia to Madrid in 1 hour 40 minutes via Joaquín Sorolla station.

Safety & "Red Zones"

Valencia is one of Spain’s safest large cities. Standard precautions against pickpockets are required in the Ciutat Vella and on Malvarrosa Beach. The far northern edge of El Cabanyal (near La Coma) can be unsettled at night. Avoid the vicinity of the Casitas Rosa in the Malvarrosa area due to drug-related activity.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average fixed broadband speed is 210 Mbps. 5G coverage is comprehensive via Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. Card acceptance is 100% in urban areas. Following the Eurozone standard, the currency is the Euro (€). ATMs (caixers) are abundant in the center, particularly around Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Climate & Air Quality

The climate is Mediterranean (semi-arid). Summer temperatures range from 21°C to 31°C (high humidity). Winters are exceptionally mild, ranging from 7°C to 17°C. Air quality is generally good due to coastal breezes, though nitrogen dioxide levels rise during the Fallas festival in March due to massive firework displays.

Culture & Social Norms

Language: Both Valencian (a dialect of Catalan) and Spanish are official.

Tipping: Not expected; rounding up or €1–2 per person in mid-range restaurants is typical.

The Fallas: The city’s primary cultural event (March 15–19), involving the burning of giant satirical monuments.

Mealtimes: Lunch (14:00–15:30) is the main meal. Paella is traditionally eaten only at lunch.

Accommodation Zones

Ciutat Vella: Recommended for first-time visitors and cultural access.

Ruzafa: Recommended for younger travelers and culinary enthusiasts.

Turia Gardens (Extramurs side): Recommended for families and quiet stays.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: €1.50–€2.00

1 Standard Lunch (Menu del Día): €12.00–€16.00

1 Single Metro/Bus Ticket: €1.50 (10-trip card: €8.50)

Nearby Day Trips

Albufera National Park (10 km): A freshwater lagoon and the birthplace of paella.

Sagunto (30 km): Home to a Roman theater and a massive hilltop fortress.

Xàtiva (60 km): Known for its monumental castle and Borgia family history.

Peñíscola (140 km): A fortified medieval town on a rocky peninsula.

Facts & Legends

A popular local myth concerns the Rat Penat (The Bat) on the city’s coat of arms; legend says a bat alerted James I to a surprise Moorish attack, saving the Christian army. A verified oddity: the Turia Riverbed Park is the longest linear park in Europe, stretching 9 km without a single motorized road crossing it.