Things to do & places to visit in Valencian Country, Spain

Comprising the provinces of Alicante, Valencia and Castellon, Valencian Country basks on the Mediterranean Coast in central southeastern Spain. The densely populated area is a prime tourist destination, with Valencia city having the reputation as the place the Spanish go to party. The area offers budget resorts, such as those on the Costa Blanca, to upscale villas in elegant Valencia. Small villages are scattered through the mountainous inland region, but it's the coast that remains the main draw.

Valencian Country #5 destination in Spain 2023. The average rating score is 4.45 based on 235.8k traveler reviews, of 90 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Madrid, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 11:25.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Oceanogràfic València (27.5k reviews)
- Fantastic aquarium, highlight was the amazing dolphin show
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Aquariums

Oceanogràfic of Valencia is the biggest aquarium in Europe. It is located in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. This place faithfully reproduces the most important marine ecosystems. See more..
4.5 Central Market of Valencia (23.7k reviews)
- Stunning building
Monday: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Flea & Street Markets

Located in the El Mercat District is Central Market Of Valencia which gives this district it's name and what an iconic building this is . Facing the iconic Llotja De La Seda and The Church Of The Juanes ,it's a beautiful example of an architectural style known as Valencian Art Nouveau . There had been a market on this spot since 1839 ,albeit an open air market . This market hall was constructed between 1914-1928 ,several designers and architects worked on the construction of the market hall ,Alexandre Soler Marsh,Francesc Guárdia Vidal and finally completed by Enrique Viedma Vidal. This is one of the largest market halls in Europe covering 8.000 square metres ,it's a hive of activity ,fresh produce ,lots of vendors ,fast food outlets ,it's a great atmosphere here ,around the market hall are all manner of pubs,cafés,bars and restaurants ,it's a market hall ,plaza and area most definitely well worth checking out if you're planning a holiday to Valencia. See more..
4.5 Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (18.7k reviews)
- World class architecture
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Science Museums • Aquariums

DISCOVER THE CIUTAT DE LES ARTS I LES CIÈNCIES. Science, nature and art in a complex devoted to scientific and cultural dissemination in Europe, placed in Valencia. The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is a unique complex devoted to scientific and cultural dissemination which is made up of five main elements: the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and digital projections), the Umbracle (a landscaped vantage point and car park), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an innovative centre of interactive science), the Oceanográfico (the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species) and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (which takes care of the operatic programme). The Ágora gives the complex a multifunctional space. See more..
4.5 El Casco Antiguo de Benidorm (11.3k reviews)
- 2 devonians on winter hols
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods

This place is temporarily closed See more..
4.5 Bioparc Valencia (10.8k reviews)
- Great zoo, but NO PICNICS!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Zoos

BIOPARC VALENCIA is a unique zoo. Its design employs the “zooimmersion” concept, in which visitors are surrounded by meticulous recreations of the natural habitats being presented. Social animals that live together in groups are displayed, as well as groups of different species that coexist in the same habitats. Predatory species are integrated into the visual space, but are separated from other species by barriers invisible to the eye of the visitor, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the people. The animals, vegetation and landscape provide opportunities for discovering the complexity of natural ecosystems. See more..
4.5 Playa de Levante (9.090 reviews)
- Wonderful beach
Beaches

We spent the morning browsing the many shops and boutiques for Christmas presents. Having spent a few hours shopping at Zara, Ale-Hop, Sketchers, Fashion City, Mango and the many independent boutiques, jewellery, souvenir and shoe shops within the narrow alleyways and shopping streets, we headed to the beach. To our amazement the beach was vast and beautifully clean with lovely soft sand and an inviting sea. Luckily we brought throws and suncream, because the weather was boiling. There were sunbeds and umbrellas to hire. The beach was busy but everyone was socially distanced and we sunbathed for a few hours. We then walked along the beach until we came to LA Provisional where pints of lager were €1.50. The bar was busy, so we sat on the edge of the pavement opposite the bar facing the beach. There was a great atmosphere with a choir singing on the beach. We then headed to KMs bar for a late lunch, before continuing with our Christmas shopping. See more..
4.5 Castillo de Santa Barbara (8.712 reviews)
- Historical castle well worth a visit.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

Perched on a hillside, this historic 16th-century castle and fortress overlooks the town of Alicante. See more..
4.5 Jardi del Turia (6.627 reviews)
- You must go its a green oasis in the heart of the city FABULOUS
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Bodies of Water • Gardens

Wow what a wonderful park in the middle of the city a great place to relax and wat h the world go by . January blue skies sun shining temp 20 degrees. People picnicking , kids playing , people sunbathing , skating , biking it was a fantastic experience . we walked from the old city of arts and Science took about 30 to 40 minutes. Orange trees , lemon trees, sculptures , fountains just fabulous. We will definitely go back to Valencia , we went through the park on numerous occasions and took a picnic. Plenty of places to sit although a picnic blanket would have been good. Next time we will hire bikes and cycle through the who park which is about 9 kilometres. Well worth a visit and great views from the top of the tourist bus loved it . You can spend as long or as short a time but well worth going See more..
4.5 Valencia Cathedral (6.363 reviews)
- Wonderful Cathedral
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

This is an amazing cathedral with a very welcoming feel and very friendly and helpful staff. We went in 5 minutes after opening and had the place to ourselves for about 20 min, but 45 min after opening the tour guides starting bringing their groups in. The audio guide is great providing interesting and historic facts about the cathedral. The museum and archeological site were not very interesting to us, but they may be to you, so don’t miss them. This place claims that the holy grail is here, and we saw a grail from a distance, but we will defer to the experts to confirm or deny the claim. The altar is one of the most beautiful we’ve seen yet, and worth the price of admission. Non flash photography for private use is allowed and there is plenty to photograph here. Tickets are sold onsite only, and cash or credit card are accepted. This is a popular tourist site, so go at opening hour to avoid big crowds and long queues at the door. Enjoy. See more..
4.5 La Lonja de la Seda (5.434 reviews)
- Beautiful Venue With Free Entry
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

This is a well maintained and beautiful venue with some exceptional halls. The upstairs hall has a most beautiful ceiling (a work of art) although not original to this building. The stone work in the main hall is impressive and the pillars and ceiling look like petrified palm trees. The floors look amazing in all the halls. Entry is free with no reservation required, and one can rent the audio guide for €2.50 for some history on the place. Don’t pass on this place as it is beautiful and free. See more..
4.5 Peniscola Castle (5.293 reviews)
- Superb bastion
Spent 2-3 hours Castles

On a beautiful sunny afternoon we visited under near perfect conditions, seeing the great bastion at its gleaming best. What we are fortunate to admire today originates from the Knights Templar who constructed it on the remains of an old Moorish construct. It was great strolling around the voluminous rooms and crenulated roofs. From the latter splendid vistas of the city below and the surrounding beaches and coastline are thrilling. Emphasising what a pivotal strategic position it occupies. On the way in we saw a fine sculpture of Benet XIII - Papa Lluna, probably the most famous visitor and resident. After bolting to the Castle in 1417, he lived here till his death six years later. See more..
4.5 Mundomar (4.947 reviews)
- Well worth the price for the VIP tour, absolutely fantastic
Aquariums

We booked a VIP tour online, it lasted 4 hours including a half an hour lunch break. It was absolutely fantastic. The tour guide was meant to be a keeper however had broken her leg a little while ago. This worked massively in our favour as she had access to going inside where all the animals were rather than just standing taking photos of them. We got to stroke dolphins, huuuuge turtles + feed a bunch of different kinds of birds + have private close up tour with sea lions and seal's + take professional photos with them which were free! A picture with the dolphins would have been €13 otherwise which is an amazing deal. We also got to watch the dolphin show which was fab, we wanted to watch the sea lion show too however it wasn't on until late in the afternoon. Definitely recommend the VIP tour over general admission so much better! See more..
4.5 Plaza de la Virgen (4.717 reviews)
- The Centerpiece to Valencia
Historic Walking Areas

I’d love to hear a story of someone failing to see this marvelous plaza in the beating heart of Valencia—since I think such stories would seldom be told. It’s very difficult to miss this gorgeous area. Flanked by the stunning Valencia Cathedral to the south and pristine residential districts and parks to the north, the Virgin Plaza is the community space that marries all of the city’s wonderful sides together into one. I spent about an hour people-watching, snapping photos and selfies, and enjoying live local music from skilled street performers. I wish I had time to stay longer. It’s safe, sparkly clean, and well worth your time. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Estació del Nord (4.537 reviews)
- A great station
Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Public Transportation Systems

It's a train station... But what a station, an absolutely stunning building, it's beautiful, with a good choice of places to shop and eat. I know people don't visit train stations as much as pass through them, but when you pass through this one take it in, it's beautiful. See more..
4.5 Platja de Ponent (4.247 reviews)
- Lovely relaxing beach
Beaches

This is a beautiful, spacious beach that leads to Finestrat Cove / beach. The sand is clean and soft and there is natural shade from the trees. Opposite the beach, there are shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and apartments. This is also where you will find the harbour and the Benidorm red and yellow open top tourist bus, that costs just 6€ (great way to learn about the history of the city). If you fancy a stroll, the beach is near the Old Town (full of shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques) and it is easy to weave your way through the streets to Levante Beach. There is also a walk way through to Levante beach near the harbour (lots of steps). I would definitely recommend a visit to the beach. See more..
4.5 Alicante Tram (3.971 reviews)
- Beats driving and struggling to find parking
Trams

Yesterday we took the newly renovated tram line from Teulada to Benidorm. You can also cross the line and continue along the coast to Alicante. It cost €6.50 return Benidorm and means no need for parking and fuel costs if going by car. The journey is a little noisy but very pleasant . The views are amazing ( unseen by car) firstly through mountainous passes and along by the exceptional coastline. It takes just under an hour. Make sure you buy your ticket from the machine in the back carriage or you could face a €100 fine. On arrival turn left out of the station then first right on the main road. Just walk straight down this road to the bottom if you are wanting to visit the cobbled ‘old town’ and tapas alley. It’s a twenty minute walk down hill and perhaps good to take a taxi when going back up to catch your return train. If you have a Spanish pensioners card you can get a reduced fare from the machine. See more..
4.5 Passeig Esplanada d'Espanya (3.850 reviews)
- Stunning promenade
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This beautiful promenade runs parallel to the marina. It is lined on both sides with rows of palm trees. The surface is decorated with 6.600.000 tricolor marble tiles forming a design with a characteristic wave effect mosaic. One part of the promenade hosts stalls, where you can buy souvenirs from Alicante, jewelry, fashion accessories, t-shirts, and all kinds of items. Next to the promenade, you can see the emblematic building Casa Carbonell and the open-air auditorium 'La Concha'. See more..
4.5 Plaza del Mercado (Placa del Mercat) (3.537 reviews)
- One of our favourite places
Points of Interest & Landmarks

In this still bustling plaza you will find three of the must-visit buildings in the city, including the Mercat Central. See more..
4.5 Parque Natural de Penyal D'Ifach (2.633 reviews)
- Verry dangerious for unexperianced!
State Parks • Hiking Trails

*warning* this is a verry dangerious hike! First half is easy and van be done by anyone, after the tunnel you need to be experianced in mountain hiking! Dont go alone, wear hiking gear and dont wear slippers or simpel shoe/sneakers. do not go up after rain or during rainfall, neighter go up or down in the dark. This climb has small paths, slippery rocks to cross with deep cliffs belowe, only holding a chain. Ain't no funpark the Penon Ifach, but a serieus mountain. Last sunday, the helicopter needed to resque 3times! people from the top. So do enjoy the risky hike, if you understand the rules in the mountains and you have experiance and the Gear. Otherwise walk up to the tunnel, enjoy the great vieuws and go back down. See more..
4.5 Guadalest Valley (2.541 reviews)
- Beautiful place!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Valleys

One of the most fascinating places in the Alicante province with breathtaking views! Totally woth a one day trip. The road to Gaudalest worth to be mentioned as well. It is a beautiful mountain road with scenic views. So, if you have a motorcycle, convertible car (we got a Mazda MX-5) or any other interesting vehicle, the road to Guadalest will be something you will remember. See more..
4.5 Parroquia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir (2.301 reviews) from $10.71
- Spanish Sistine Chapel
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Conocida como la "Capilla Sixtina valenciana”, San Nicolás es uno de los templos más atractivos de la ciudad, con cerca de 2.000 metros cuadrados de pinturas al fresco perfectamente rehabilitadas que dejan al visitante sin aliento. Las espectaculares pinturas que decoran la bóveda suponen el doble de superficie que los frescos que hay en la Capilla Sixtina de Roma. Con más de 700 años de antigüedad, San Nicolás, que ya fue lugar de culto en época romana antes de ser mezquita e iglesia cristiana después, es un claro ejemplo de convivencia perfecta entre un templo de estructura gótica y una espléndida decoración barroca. La visita, gestionada por Menta Valencia, es toda una experiencia sensorial que permite recorrer este espacio tanto con guías especializados como de forma más independiente con el uso de audioguías en varios idiomas. See more..
4.5 Plaza del Ayuntamiento (2.088 reviews)
- Splendid architecture
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings

The palatial Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) of Valencia dominates the square, and its bells chime out the hours. Surrounding the plaza are other buildings from the city's golden age, such as the Correos (the main post office). In the center of the plaza, a fountain is surrounded by flower stalls with all the colors, sizes, varieties imagineable. This is a good starting point from which to visit Valencia's old quarter or today's most fashionable shops. See more..
4.5 Playa Gandia (2.042 reviews)
- Lovely beach
Beaches

Lovely sandy beach with great amenities along the beach. We rented sun beds for €6 each per day and €6 for the umbrella that we shared. We had inflatable paddle boards in the car but this stretch of the coast seems a bit rough or perhaps just the conditions of the time that we visited. Overall a great beach town to visit. See more..
4.5 Miguelete (2.017 reviews)
- Worth the climb in the end!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

After visiting the plaza and going inside Valencia Cathedral we decide to queue for the bell tower and make the 207 step climb to the top. Luckily we were at the front of the queue when we went up so had a bit of a head start taking the spiral stair case which does feel like its never ending and is quite the exercise so I would warn those who might struggle with the challenge. Once arriving at the top we were amazed by the 360 views of the city with plenty of photo opportunity's. There is a traffic light system to know when you can go back down as there is just the one staircase and at 2 euros each it it definitely a must! See more..
4.5 Casco antiguo de altea (2.000 reviews)
- Nice and cosy small old town
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A very nice place for a walk with your beloved person or friends. Beautiful places to have coffee or drink. Good views and good food. Tip: Visit the town in April or October. Otherwise you will get cold during winter or lost be in a crowd during the summer. See more..
4.5 Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas (1.983 reviews)
- Stunning
Monday: Architectural Buildings

Valencia is justifiably famous for it's great architecture ,walking around this part of town I chanced upon this beautiful building and what a great find. This palace building is simply stunning ,the original building dates from the 15th century ,built for the Rabassa De Perellis family who acquired barony of Dos Aguas in 1496 and were elevated to marquisate in 1699 by King Carlos II. The mid 1700's saw a massive renovation of this building which gave the building the magnificent Rococo style architecture we see today. I was simply blown away by this building ,loved the facade ,the amazing entrance ,the overall look of this building ,it's a building I highly recommend you check out if you're in the area and easy to locate along Calle Poeta Querol. See more..
4.5 Parque Natural de la Albufera (1.977 reviews)
- The most beautiful sunset
Bodies of Water • Parks

We are a young couple and have done this boat trip on Albufera lake a few times both on the public boat and the private hire too. Both are a wonderful experience, although I would recommend paying more for the private hire so that you are able to be alone and enjoy the peaceful and stunning sunset views. The boat drivers, Sento and Paco were knowledgable, interesting and keen to make the trip as fun as possible, allowing us to stop in a beautiful spot and take photos of the sunset which is truly an incredible sight to see. Its a MUST! See more..
4.5 Zenia Boulevard (1.726 reviews)
- all you need in the 1 place
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Shopping Malls

Zenia Boulevard is the largest Shopping centre in the province of Alicante. Our customers and visitors describe us as a city, with its streets, squares, fountains, daily concerts and events that bring Zenia Boulevard to life and are what makes us different and exciting. It is a Shopping Centre designed for the enjoyment and entertainment of our visitors. Situated 10 minutes from Torrevieja, 5 minutes from Campoamor, 30 minutes from Cartagena, 55 minutes from Murcia, 37 minutes from Elche, 47 minutes from Alicante, 15 minutes from San Javier, Zenia Boulevard is the perfect destination for shopping, strolling, having fun and discovering exciting things to do with your family and/or friends. Do you want to miss out on all this? Visit Zenia Boulevard and find everything you desire, from Z to A. See more..
4.5 Gulliver Park (1.643 reviews)
- Very inventive playground
Playgrounds

Not your typical playground but then also not your typical location overall. Located south-East of the city inside the Túria park, the dried-out bed of the Túria river, you will find a peculiar sculpture in the shape of a man lying on the ground. If you are familiar with Gulliver's Travels you'll quickly understand that it represents Gulliver as he's tied down to the ground and you (or your kids) are the Lilliput people climbing on top of him. In the end it is a climbing structure with lots of different slides but it is done in the most original way possible. And best of all: it's free of charge. Fun fact: to grasp the entire structure you can find a miniature copy inside "the hat" next to Gulliver, or simply check the satellite image on your maps app. See more..
4.5 Playa del Arenal (1.602 reviews)
- Day at the beach.
Beaches

This is a great beach for couples or families It’s sandy, unlike any other beaches in Javea. It’s very shallow, so it’s great for swimming. We were there in the middle of August and everyone was spacing themselves correctly, so it didn’t feel overcrowded, despite the numbers on the beach. If you want peace and quiet, go to Denia. But if you want a good sandy beach with loads of places to eat after, you can’t do any better. See more..