Valencia

Valencia is a perfect family-friendly destination in Spain. It’s located 90 minutes by train from Madrid and 3.5 hours by train from Barcelona. It’s got a vibrant city, beautiful beaches, plenty of green space and lots of history. Public transportation is affordable, reliable and plentiful. Here are just a few of my picks for the best things to do in Valencia with your children. Get in touch to customize an itinerary that’s perfect for your family!

Best known for being the birthplace of paella, Valencia is Spain’s third most populous city and somewhere you can wrap your arms around even if you only have two days or a long weekend. Steeped in history dating to Roman times, Valencia boldly straddles its past and future with ultra-modern buildings no doubt contributing to it being named the World Design Capital in 2022. Sunny with beautiful beaches, delicious food and quirky festivals, Valencia is well-connected to both Madrid and Barcelona by high-speed train (2 hrs and 2 hrs 40 mins, respectively) and not to be missed.

Valencia is an amazing destination to visit in Spain. It is known for its beautiful weather, beaches, historic attractions and delicious food. Valencia is less populated than Barcelona and Madrid, making it a perfect destination for your next vacation.

Valencia is an easy city to fall in love with. It charmed us so much we moved here three years ago. With 300+ days of annual sunshine, a historic old town, miles of golden city beaches, great food and an easy-going vibe, no wonder Spain's third-biggest city tops polls for its quality of life. It is also the perfect size and location for a multi-day break or as a base to explore the region. Valencia’s place in Spanish history is fascinating, from Roman times, to the 13th century reign of King James 1 of Aragon and the golden age of silk trading, to modern architectural wonders like the City of Arts and Science.

In May of 2023, we embarked on a transformative journey to Valencia, Spain, where we resided for two weeks. This excursion served as a pivotal trial run, a chance to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Valencia, and to evaluate whether it could potentially become our new home. In brief: would we love it? Dive in and see just how much!

Valencia is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It is where Spain’s rich history meets modern elegance, all wrapped in a breezy Mediterranean setting. Its compact size and accessibility make it effortless to visit, with an efficient transit system and plenty of hidden gems tucked into its historic center. Known for its innovative architecture, vibrant markets and deeply rooted culinary traditions — including being the birthplace of paella — Valencia offers a sophisticated yet laid-back escape. Its golden coastline provides a refreshing contrast to the city’s lively plazas and artsy enclaves, making it the perfect destination for travelers who want both cultural depth and indulgent relaxation.

This quaint city on Spain's west coast is bursting with life. The architecture on every street is breathtaking and it is the perfect place to wonder around and get lost in. But that's not all, home to Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciences, a modern cultural hub that transports you to a different place. Spain's third largest city is one not to miss.

Valencia, Spain captivated me with its unique blend of history, modern attractions, vibrant nightlife and stunning coastal lifestyle. From its magnificent Gothic architecture and lively festivals to its beautiful beaches and celebrated cuisine, Valencia offers a dynamic experience that will fulfill travelers who seek true, authentic Spanish culture.