Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, located on the country’s east coast, is ready to welcome visitors back to the destination with exciting new happenings and celebrations. From commemorating the 25 anniversary of La Lonja de la Seda , one of the three UNESCO designations in the city and celebrating the gastronomy as Spain’s culinary capital for 2021, to opening new boutique hotels, and hosting sporting events, we have 10 reasons you should book your clients for a trip to Valencia.
“We have tremendous momentum and achievements in Valencia and are eager to share them with the world,” said Maximo Caletrio, promotions manager for Canada and the U.S . “Here, travelers can immerse in multiple experiences be it rich cultural traditions , fascinating history, celebrated gastronomy, countless events, active outdoor excursions or simply lounging ocean side, Valencia undoubtedly promises a memorable trip for families and friends .”
Don’t miss these 10 reasons to book your clients to Valencia.
1. Spain’s 2021 Culinary Capital
In addition to being the origin of the famous paella dish, Valencia offers superior culinary indulgences with top - rated restaurants, some of which recently achieved eight Michelin stars including a new recognition, a green star, given to Ricard Camarena Restaurant for its commitment to sustainability and the environment.
2. Three UNESCO World Heritage Designations
One of the most famous civil gothic monuments in Europe, La Lonja is a symbolic building originally used for silk trading, hence its name. This year, Valencia celebrates its 25th anniversary. Two other symbolic traditions in Valencia recognized by UNESCO are the Water Tribunal, or court system, which has existed for one thousand years and continues to today with a meeting every Thursday at midday to settle irrigation disputes. Another cultural tradition worthy of its UNESCO recognition is the annual 5-day Falles festival that honors the city’s patron Saint Joseph. The celebration includes parades and parties, culminating with spectacular fireworks and lightshows.
3. Religious Relics
As one of the seven Christian holy cities of the world, Valencia is home to one of the most admired relics of the Catholic Church, the Holy Chalice, or Holy Grail, used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. T he cup has generated the most legends, artistic and literary works, and since 1916 has been displayed at the Chapel of the Holy Chalice in the Valencia Cathedral. This year, Valencia celebrates the Jubilee Year of the Holy Chalice.
4. First City in the World to Verify the Carbon Footprint of its Entire Tourist Activity
Valencia is a pioneer in implementing a sustainable tourism strategy and became the first city in the world to verify its carbon emissions for tourism-related activities, which was part of its commitment to be a carbon - neutral destination by 2025. Eco - conscious travelers can celebrate this feat by visiting the Albufera National Park, which celebrates its 35th official year as a Natural Park , the Turia Gardens, and the Viveros spaces , or one of the European Blue Flag status beaches along nearly 13 miles of coast.
5. Ranked Best City in the World for Expats
According to the annual Expat Insider Survey by InterNations, the city’s affordable healthcare, low cost of living and agreeable climate all contribute to its top ranking. In addition, several properties cater to travelers seeking ”workcations” or extended stays by offering packages that have added perks such as office space and Spanish lessons.
6. Events Commemorating Key Accomplishments
Among the occasions include a line up of events and exhibits to recognize the 100th anniversary of the birth the Valencian film director Luis Garcia Berlanga as they celebrate his legacy. Another accolade, which is a result of the city’s long standing design legacy, is that Valencia has been named the World Design Capital for 2022 by the World Design Organization (WDO). They city offers various examples of architecture and infrastructure, such as the ultra modern scientific and cultural complex, the City of Arts and Sciences.
7. A Destination for Sporting Enthusiasts
Valencia has a robust sporting agenda for spectators and partakers ranging from marathons and triathlons, Moto GP and road cycling to tennis tournaments such as the BBVA Women’s Open, football featuring Valencia FC and Levante UD, golf, and regattas such as the Her Majesty the Queen’s Trophy organized by the Royal Yacht Club of Valencia. The city is currently hosting the women’s semi - final and final of Eurobasket 2021. And in September, the European Triathlon Championship, where athletes will compete at the Marina de Valencia, so as through the main avenues of the city’s beachfront, will take place.
8. Welcoming of the LGBT+ Community
The city celebrates diversity and equality with several annual events. And recently became one of the three shortlisted cities to host the Gay Games XII 2026, which despite its name, are competitions open to anyone regardless of sex, race or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
9. New Boutique Hotels
From beachfront holes to converted historical palaces in the Old Town, Valencia offers various options for accomodations. Among the newest properties are Only YOU Hotel Valencia, the third property in the Only YOU portfolio that boasts an urban lifestyle concept with eclectic interiors; Puerta Serranos Hotel that blends modern Mediterranean elegance with its location in the middle of Blanquereas street, next to the 14th century Torres de Serranos; and Axel Hotel Valencia, a former historical house located in the heart of the city’s nightlife in Carmen neighborhood.
10. Easily Accessible and Uncrowded
A quick stop over less than three hours from main cities in Europe, travelers can easily be transported to this coastal city. Valencia presents the perfect combination of stunning contemporary architecture, old world charm, white sand beaches, festivals and events, plus a rich gastronomic heritage. Right outside of the city, the region is surrounded with verdant mountains, rice fields, freshwater lagoons, historic villages and a coastline stretching nearly 78 miles, including the Costa del Azahar, also known as the Orange Blossom coast, and the Costa Blanca.
For more information, go to visitvalencia.com.
