Valencia & Costa Blanca, Spain

Valencia couples the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències complex with the old Mercat Central and the Albufera rice paddies that gave paella its origin, and Costa Blanca beaches stretch south to Alicante and Calpe.

Highlights

When to Visit

Mar

Las Fallas the week of March 19 fills Valencia with 750 satirical paper-mâché monuments burned at midnight on Saint Joseph's Day.

Apr-Jun

Mediterranean warming for swimming by late May, Albufera paella country at peak photogenic, and Costa Blanca terraces back in service.

Jul-Aug

Hits 32°C and Albufera paddies bake but Costa Blanca beaches at peak with Spanish and British summer crowds, and Calpe Peñón de Ifach climbing season.

Sep-Oct

Sea at warmest, Benicàssim festival mid-July aside, and Mercat Central produce at peak with autumn rice harvest filling Albufera fields.