Valencia Holiday

Traditions and culture in Valencia

Valencia is well-known for the raucous Las Fallas spring time festival, which is among the most vividly celebrated events in the whole of Spain.

Held in March, it features 'paella valenciana', traditional ceramics, intricate traditional dress and the impressive new architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences.

Another fascinating event which lights up the summer holiday season is 'La Tomatina', the annual tomato fight which draws huge numbers of spectators to nearby Bunol every August.

In addition, the city also plays host to a number of Catholic fiestas during the year, while the celebrations of holy week are also championed for their colourful and joyous nature.

Things to do in Valencia

The city has become far more tourist-friendly since the mid-1990s, with landmarks such as the old towers of the medieval city (Serrano and Quart) being restored.

Anyone looking to book flights to Valencia for some summer sun will also be pleased to know that the entire Malvarossa beach has been renovated.

Other main attractions include the extravagantly baroque Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas, while the Museo de Bellas Artes is rightly regarded as one of the finest museums in the country.

Any holiday guide of Valencia should also make note of the city's vibrant nightlife, which has its roots in the 80s and 90s 'ruta del bakalao' trend, whereby clubbers partied throughout the weekend without sleeping.

The more alternative nightspots are now found in the Carmen region, while Blasco Ibanez plays host to the lively student scene and the mainstream nightlife centres around Canovas and Joan Llorens.

In terms of accommodation, travellers looking for a value hotel may struggle slightly, but the city has a number of impressive five-star hotels for anyone wishing to fork out a little more to stay in style.

Weather in Valencia

Valencia has a noticeably changeable Mediterranean climate, and regularly experiences warm, dry summers, mild, humid winters and stormy autumns and springs.

The average temperature throughout the year is a very reasonable 18C, while averages for January and August are 11.5C and 25.5C respectively.

Destination checklist for Valencia

Valencia has a population of 797,654.

The city is one hour ahead of BST time.

The official currency is the euro.

Spanish is the official language spoken.

Valencia's international dialling code is +34.