Valencia & Costa Blanca

★★★ L'Oceanogràfic

The largest aquarium in Europe (110,000 m², 42 million liters of water) is the heart of the complex and alone worth a visit to Valencia. In buildings shaped like giant water lily leaves (Félix Candela), over 45,000 animals from 500 species live in replicas of the world's major ecosystems.

Highlights: the underwater tunnel through the shark tank (70 m long), the dolphinarium (the shows are controversial, but the facility itself is impressive), the beluga whales, the penguin colony, and the Red Sea aquarium with living corals. In the Restaurant Submarino, you dine surrounded by 10,000 fish — kitschy, but unforgettable (menu from 35€, reservation required!).

Admission: 37.40€ (adults), 28€ (children 4–12), free under 4. Daily 10 AM–6 PM (winter) / 10 AM–9 PM (summer). Plan at least 3 hours.

★★ L'Hemisfèric

The most striking building of the complex — a giant eye reflecting in the water basin. Inside: an IMAX cinema, planetarium, and laserium with a 900 m² concave screen. The documentaries (mostly nature and space) are impressive, especially for families.

8.80€. Screenings every 45–60 minutes.

★★ Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe

An interactive science museum in a building shaped like a whale's skeleton (250 m long). Three floors with hands-on exhibitions on physics, biology, technology, and space. Particularly good for children and teenagers — but adults can easily spend 2 hours here.

8.80€ (adults), 6.80€ (children). Daily 10 AM–7 PM (until 9 PM in summer).

★ Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía

Valencia's opera and concert hall — a 75 m high helmet-shaped building that looks like an alien spaceship. Inside, four halls for opera, concerts, and ballet. Ticket prices: from 25€ for ballet performances, from 40€ for operas. Tours of the building: 12€.

Umbracle

An open sculpture garden with 55 palm arches, contemporary sculptures, and panoramic views over the entire complex. Free access. At night, the Umbracle transforms into an open-air nightclub (Mya Club) in summer.

★★★ Mercado Central

One of Europe's largest and most beautiful food markets. The Art Nouveau hall (1928) made of iron, glass, and colorful ceramic tiles houses over 1,200 stalls on 8,000 m². Here beats the culinary heart of Valencia: pyramid-shaped stacks of tomatoes, shiny mackerels on ice, mountains of olives, freshly squeezed orange juice (1.50€), Jamón Ibérico, 50 types of cheese.

At the Central Bar (in the market, concept by star chef Ricard Camarena), you can get excellent tapas from market products — oysters (3€/piece), sardines, croquetas. Ideal for a late breakfast or a tapas lunch.

Mon–Sat 7:30 AM–3 PM. Closed on Sundays. Most lively on Saturdays around 11 AM.

★★ Cathedral of Valencia & Holy Grail

Valencia's Cathedral (13th–15th centuries) combines Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. The special feature: In the Capilla del Santo Cáliz, an agate chalice from the 1st century is kept, recognized by the Catholic Church as the real Holy Grail (Pope Benedict XVI drank from it during a mass in 2006). Whether you believe it or not — the chalice is fascinating.

Climb the Miguelete (bell tower, 51 m): 207 steps, no ramps, but the best view over Valencia.

Cathedral: 9€ (including audio guide and Miguelete). Mon–Sat 10 AM–6:30 PM, Sun 2 PM–6:30 PM.

★★★ La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange)

Valencia's UNESCO World Heritage Site (1996) and one of the finest examples of civil Gothic architecture in Europe. The Sala de Contratación (Contract Hall) with its eight spiral columns that unfold 17 m high like palm trees is breathtaking. Here, silk was traded in the 15th century when Valencia was one of the richest cities in the Mediterranean.

Free (Sundays and holidays), otherwise 2€. Tue–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–2 PM. Closed on Mondays.

★★ Torres de Serranos

One of the two preserved city gates of the medieval city wall (1398). The most powerful Gothic gate towers in Europe — from above, a magnificent view over the old town and Turia Park. Every year on the last Wednesday in February, the Fallas Festival (Valencia's biggest festival) is opened here.

2€, free on Sundays. Tue–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–2 PM.

★★ Barrio del Carmen

Valencia's most vibrant district stretches between the Torres de Serranos and the Torres de Quart. During the day, you can wander through narrow streets with street art (Valencia is one of the best street art cities in Europe), independent boutiques, and small galleries. The IVAM (Institut Valencià d'Art Modern, 6€) features changing exhibitions of contemporary art.

In the evening, El Carmen transforms into the nightlife and bar district. The Plaza del Tossal and Calle Caballeros are the centers of nightlife. Cocktail bars, craft beer pubs, and flamenco bars alternate. On weekends, the streets are lively until 3 AM.

Some bars and restaurants in Carmen:

• Café de las Horas — Baroque decor, famous for Agua de Valencia (cocktail of Cava, orange juice, and vodka, from 8€)
• La Pilareta — Since 1917, the best bar for Clóchinas (small Valencian mussels, 4€/plate) and vermouth
• Bodega Casa Montaña — Since 1836, one of Spain's oldest bodegas, excellent tapas and wines

★★ Gulliver Playground

A giant reclining Gulliver (70 m long), where children (and adults) can climb on slides, ramps, and stairs — as if they were the Lilliputians from Jonathan Swift's novel. Unique, free, and incredibly popular with children. Very crowded on weekend afternoons.

Free. Daily 10 AM–8 PM (summer until 9:30 PM). In the park section between Puente del Ángel Custodio and Puente del Reino.

★★ Bioparc Valencia

At the western end of Turia Park lies one of Europe's best zoos. The "zoo immersion" concept avoids visible barriers — the animals live in naturalistic African landscapes (savannah, equatorial forest, Madagascar, wetlands), and visitors feel as if they are in the midst of it. Gorillas, elephants, leopards, lemurs, and hippos in impressive enclosures.

26.60€ (adults), 20€ (children 4–12). Daily 10 AM–6 PM (winter) / 10 AM–9 PM (summer). Plan at least 3 hours.

Cycling & Walking

Crossing the entire park by bike takes about 45 minutes. Valenbisi (Valencia's bike rental system) has stations along the route: Weekly pass 13.30€, first 30 minutes free. Alternatively: E-scooters available everywhere (Lime, Bolt), about 0.25€/min.

★★★ Sunset Boat Ride

In El Palmar, the small village on the lagoon's shore, traditional Barqueta boats depart for half-hour rides across the Albufera. At sunset, when the entire lagoon is bathed in gold and orange and hundreds of birds fly in to roost, it is simply magical.

Boat rides: 5€/person (about 30 minutes). Departure from El Palmar, several providers at the Embarcadero. No reservation needed.

★★★ Paella in El Palmar

El Palmar is the place to eat paella — it was invented here, and it is best prepared here. The restaurants on the village outskirts cook paella over an open wood fire in huge pans. The real Paella Valenciana contains: rice (Bomba rice from the surrounding fields), chicken, rabbit, green beans (Bajoqueta and Garrofón), tomato, saffron, rosemary, and olive oil. No seafood — that's Paella de Marisco, a different dish.

Restaurant recommendations:

• Restaurante Bon Aire — An institution since 1960, right on the canal. Paella for 2 from 25€. Reservation needed on weekends.
• Casa Salvador — More upscale, with its own boat for rides. Paella for 2 from 28€.
• Restaurante Mateu — Family-run, authentic, slightly cheaper. Paella for 2 from 22€.

Important: Paella is traditionally only eaten at lunchtime (1–3 PM), never in the evening. Minimum order always for 2 people. Cooking time about 20 minutes.

★★★ Castillo de Santa Bárbara

The most powerful castle on the Spanish Mediterranean coast towers 166 m above the sea on the Monte Benacantil rock. Origin: 9th century (Moorish), expanded in the 16th century. Three levels with exhibitions, casemates, and the best panoramic view of the entire Costa Blanca — on clear days, you can see as far as the island of Tabarca.

You can reach it via an elevator (2.70€, through a tunnel blasted into the rock, entrance at Playa del Postiguet) or on foot (about 30 minutes, steep).

Castle: Free entry. Elevator: 2.70€. Daily 10 AM–10 PM (summer), 10 AM–8 PM (winter).

★★ Explanada de España

Alicante's famous promenade by the harbor: 500 m long, paved with 6.6 million tricolored marble tiles in a wave pattern, lined with palm trees. In the evenings, everyone promenades here — ice cream vendors, street musicians, families. By the Explanada, the harbor terraces offer views of yachts and the Mediterranean.

★★ Barrio de Santa Cruz

The old town below the castle: white houses, colorful facades, steep stairs, small plazas with tapas bars. Less touristy than the old towns of Seville or Granada, but more authentic. The Plaza del Puente and the alleys around the Iglesia de Santa María (14th century, the oldest church in the city) are the most beautiful.

★ MARQ (Archaeological Museum)

One of Spain's best archaeological museums (European Museum of the Year Award 2004). Interactive exhibitions on Alicante's history from the Stone Age to the present, with outstanding Iberian-Roman finds.

3€. Tue–Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–2 PM.

★ Playa del Postiguet

Alicante's city beach — 700 m of fine sand directly below the Santa Bárbara castle. Clean water, good infrastructure (showers, toilets, lifeguards), chiringuitos. A 5-minute walk from the city center.

★★★ Jávea (Xàbia)

The most beautiful coastal town of the Costa Blanca. Jávea has three faces: the medieval old town on the hill (Casco Histórico), the port (El Puerto) with fish restaurants, and the Arenal beach with its turquoise water and promenade. The Cala Granadella (2 km south) has been repeatedly voted Spain's most beautiful beach: a small rocky cove with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling.

Granadella in summer only with reservation (free, via the Ayuntamiento de Jávea website). Very limited parking.

★★ Calpe (Calp)

Dominated by the Peñón de Ifach, a 332 m high limestone rock that rises from the sea like a mini-Gibraltar. The hike to the summit (about 1 hour, via ferrata sections, permit required) is rewarded with a spectacular view. At the base: the Playa de la Fossa with the rock as a backdrop.

★★ Altea

The St. Tropez of the Costa Blanca: a pretty artist village with a blue and white domed church on the hill, galleries, crafts, and a beach promenade. Much quieter and more tasteful than nearby Benidorm. Perfect for an evening with sunset and seafood.

★★ Isla Tabarca

Spain's smallest inhabited island, located 22 km off Alicante. Crystal-clear water (marine reserve), a tiny fortified village from the 18th century, excellent fish restaurants. The Caldero Tabarquino (rice with fish, 14€/person) is a must. Ferry from Alicante (1 hour) or Santa Pola (25 minutes), round trip about 20€.

★ Benidorm

Yes, Benidorm. The skyscraper skyline deters many, but the city has its place: The Levante and Poniente beaches are actually excellent (wide, fine sand, clean water), the infrastructure perfect, and the old town (Casco Antiguo) on the promontory with the Mirador del Castillo has surprisingly much charm. And: Benidorm has the highest density of restaurants per capita in Spain.

The Most Beautiful Coves (Calas)

• Cala Granadella (Jávea) — The queen: turquoise, surrounded by pines, fantastic for snorkeling
• Cala del Moraig (Benitatxell) — Dramatic cliffs, cave with sea access
• Cala Finestrat (near Benidorm) — Small, sheltered, quieter than the main beaches
• Cala Barraca (Jávea) — Pebble beach, Caribbean water, less crowded than Granadella
• Les Rotes (Dénia) — Rocky coves for snorkeling with views of Montgó

★★★ The Real Paella Valenciana

Forget everything you think you know about paella. The real Paella Valenciana — the original dish — contains:

• Bomba rice (from Albufera or Calasparra)
• Chicken (free-range)
• Rabbit
• Bajoqueta (flat green beans)
• Garrofón (large white beans)
• Tomato, grated
• Saffron and rosemary
• Olive oil
• Water (no broth!)

What NOT to include: seafood, chorizo, peas, peppers, onions. These are ingredients of other rice dishes, but not of Paella Valenciana. Valencians take this very seriously.

The Socarrat — the crispy, caramelized rice crust at the bottom of the pan — is the sign of a perfectly cooked paella. Whoever gets the Socarrat has won.

★★★ Other Rice Dishes

Besides Paella Valenciana, there are dozens of rice variations:

• Arroz a Banda — Rice cooked in fish broth, fish served separately. With alioli.
• Arroz del Senyoret — "Rice for the fine gentleman": seafood rice, with everything already peeled
• Arroz Negro — Black rice, colored with squid ink. Spectacular in appearance and taste.
• Arroz al Horno — Oven-baked rice with chickpeas, blood sausage, and potatoes. Home cooking.
• Fideuà — Like paella, but with short noodles instead of rice. Specialty from Gandía.

Where to Eat Paella

In Valencia City:

• La Pepica — On the beach, since 1898, Hemingway's favorite spot. Touristy, but the paella is excellent. Paella for 2: from 28€.
• Casa Roberto — Local favorite, excellent and fair. Paella for 2: from 22€.
• Restaurante Levante — In Benimaclet (student district), authentic and affordable. Paella for 2: from 18€.

In El Palmar (Albufera): Bon Aire, Casa Salvador, Mateu — see Albufera section.

★★ Horchata de Chufa & Fartons

Valencia's most unique drink: Horchata (tiger nut milk) is a refreshing, sweet drink made from chufas (tiger nuts), which are only grown here in the Huerta de Valencia. Accompanied by Fartons — elongated, glazed yeast pastries for dipping. Best enjoyed in one of the traditional horchaterías:

• Horchatería Daniel — At Mercado de Colón, the most famous in the city. Horchata: 3.50€.
• Horchatería Santa Catalina — Since 1820, the oldest. Horchata + Fartons: 5€.
• Horchatería El Siglo — At Plaza Santa Catalina, charming Art Deco interior.

★★ Esgarraet

Typical Valencian appetizer: roasted red peppers with bacalao (salt cod), garlic, and olive oil. Simple and delicious. Available in almost every traditional bar.

★★ All i Pebre

Eel in garlic-pepper sauce — the traditional fisherman's dish of the Albufera. It may sound unusual, but it tastes fantastic. Best tried in El Palmar.

★ Buñuelos de Calabaza

Pumpkin fritters, traditionally eaten during the Fallas (March) — but available year-round in good bakeries. Fried, dusted with sugar, and served with hot chocolate. Valencian comfort food.

★ Clóchinas

Small Valencian mussels (June–September), steamed with lemon. Smaller and more tender than regular mussels. An institution at "La Pilareta" (since 1917) for 4€ per plate.

Menú del Día

Valencia's best culinary secret: The daily menu (Menú del Día) is available at lunchtime in almost every restaurant for 10–15€: appetizer, main course, dessert, bread, drink, and often coffee included. The quality is often surprisingly high — many locals eat out for lunch instead of at home.