Calatrava's MasterpieceCity of Arts & Sciences
Wander the white curves of the Hemisfèric and Príncipe Felipe museum, then dive into the Oceanogràfic — Europe's largest aquarium.
Valencia, Spain
Flight + hotel city breaks · birthplace of paella, the City of Arts & the Turia Gardens
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Valencia
Valencia is Spain's sun-drenched third city, where a medieval Old Town of orange-scented plazas meets Santiago Calatrava's gleaming City of Arts and Sciences. The old Turia river was diverted after a flood and its bed turned into a nine-kilometre ribbon of gardens that threads the city — perfect for walking and cycling. This is the birthplace of paella and horchata, so days built around the Central Market, the Gothic Silk Exchange and the cathedral naturally end with long lunches and late tapas in buzzing Russafa. Spring and early autumn bring warm, dry Mediterranean weather ideal for exploring on foot.
Valencia, Eastern SpainClimate
Climate
8–30°C · warm & dry
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mild winters and hot, dry summers with over 300 days of sun — spring and early autumn are ideal for sightseeing.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Cards accepted almost everywhere · carry small cash for markets & bars
Entry
Visa-free
Up to 90 days for Canadians in the Schengen Area
Top Experiences in Valencia
Calatrava's Masterpiece
Old TownCathedral, Central Market & Silk Exchange
Climb El Miguelete for rooftop views, see the reputed Holy Grail, browse the Modernista Mercado Central and the Gothic UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda.
Eat & DrinkPaella, Horchata & Russafa Nights
Taste true Valencian paella where it was born, cool off with horchata and fartons, then crawl the tapas bars of buzzing Russafa after dark.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — it should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
Visa & ETIAS: Canadians can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. A separate ETIAS travel authorisation is expected to be required in future — check status before you fly.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Spain. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Power & plugs: Spain uses 230V/50Hz with Type C/F (two round pins). Bring a plug adapter for Canadian devices.
Time zone: Valencia runs on Central European Time (CET) — six hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Valencia
Mar – JunPeak season
Warm, dry days ideal for the gardens and Old Town; March brings the fiery Fallas festival.
Jul – AugHot & humid
Peak heat and beach crowds — comfortable early and late in the day but sticky at midday.
Sep – OctPeak season
Sea-warmed days, thinner crowds and great value — one of the best times to visit.
Nov – FebLow season
Mild and quiet with the lowest prices — great for museums and long café lunches.
Where to stay
Valencia neighbourhoods
Valencia's centre is flat, compact and easy to walk or cycle, with the Turia Gardens linking the Old Town to the City of Arts. Here's how the main neighbourhoods compare.
Ciutat Vella & El Carmen
Old Town
The medieval heart — the cathedral, Central Market, Silk Exchange and Plaza de la Virgen, plus El Carmen's tangle of tapas bars, all on foot.
Best for
- First-timers
- Sightseeing
- Nightlife
L'Eixample & Russafa
South of the centre
Elegant Modernista blocks around Colón meet Russafa's bohemian mix of specialty coffee, natural-wine bars and Valencia's best contemporary dining.
Best for
- Foodies
- Couples
- Trendy bars
City of Arts & Quatre Carreres
Southeast, end of the Turia
Calatrava's landmark quarter with the Oceanogràfic and science museum, wide avenues and easy access to the Turia Gardens for cycling.
Best for
- Families
- Modern hotels
- Cycling
El Cabanyal & Malvarrosa
Seafront, east of the centre
A revived fishermen's quarter of colourful tiled houses beside the Malvarrosa beach promenade, lined with paella restaurants and chiringuitos.
Best for
- Beach walks
- Seafood paella
- Value
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Valencia
Rice-field wetlands, hilltop castles and Roman ruins sit within easy reach by train, boat or coach. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel.
Rice Fields & BoatsAlbufera Natural Park
Half day · 5 hrs20 km south · 30 min by coach
Glide by traditional boat across the lagoon where paella was born, watch a fiery sunset over the rice paddies and lunch in the fishing village of El Palmar.
Insider tips
- Book the sunset boat slot for the best light
- Order authentic paella valenciana in El Palmar
Medieval FortressXàtiva: Hilltop Castle
Full day · 8 hrs60 km south · 40 min by train
Climb the twin castles crowning this ancient town — birthplace of the Borgia popes — for sweeping views over vineyards and the old Moorish quarter.
Insider tips
- Frequent Cercanías trains run from Nord station
- Wear sturdy shoes for the castle climb
Roman & IberianSagunto: Roman Theatre & Castle
Half day · 5 hrs30 km north · 40 min by train
Explore the restored Roman theatre and the long hilltop castle layering Iberian, Roman and Moorish ruins above the coastal plain.
Insider tips
- Combine with the old Jewish quarter below
- Bring water and a hat for the exposed walls
Walled Sea TownPeñíscola: Castle by the Sea
Full day · 10 hrs140 km north · 1 hr 45 min by coach
Wander the whitewashed lanes of a walled old town on a rocky headland, crowned by the Templar castle of Pope Benedict XIII above the Mediterranean.
Insider tips
- Walk the sea walls at golden hour
- Try local suquet fish stew by the harbour
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Good to know
Valencia travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Valencia?
No. Canadians can visit Spain and the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period with a valid passport. A future ETIAS authorisation may be required — check before you travel.
How long is the flight from Canada to Valencia?
There are no non-stop flights from Canada to Valencia. Itineraries connect through a European hub such as Madrid, Lisbon or Frankfurt, taking roughly 11 hours in total from Toronto including the layover.
When is the best time to visit Valencia?
Spring (March–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer warm, dry weather and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and humid, while winter is mild, quiet and the best value.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Valencia Airport (VLC) is just 8 km west of the centre. Metro lines 3 and 5 reach the Old Town in about 20 minutes, and taxis take around 15 minutes to the centre.
What currency and language are used?
Spain uses the euro (EUR). Both Spanish (Castilian) and Valencian are official; you'll see signs in both. English is widely understood in hotels and tourist areas.
Is Valencia easy to get around?
Very. The centre is flat and highly walkable, the Turia Gardens make cycling a joy (Valenbisi bike-share is cheap), and the metro, tram and buses cover the rest of the city.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Canadian provincial health plans don't cover care in Spain, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add day trips like Albufera Natural Park and Xàtiva to your booking at checkout.