Why Honeymoon in Valencia
Valencia offers variety. One day you can climb the Gothic bell tower of the cathedral, the Miguelete, before seeing the chalice the church calls the Holy Grail. The next you can tour the white, curving buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences, which include an opera house, a science museum and one of Europe's largest aquariums.
The beach is a real bonus. Playa de la Malvarrosa and Las Arenas are broad stretches of sand backed by a promenade of restaurants. You can spend the morning in the old town and the afternoon in the sea.
Couples who love food will be happy here. Valencia's central market is one of Europe's best, the rice dishes are excellent and prices are lower than in Madrid or Barcelona. The city feels lived-in rather than built for tourists.
When to Go
April through June and mid September through October are ideal. Days are in the 70s and low 80s Fahrenheit, the sea is warm by June and the city is busy without being packed.
July and August are hot and humid, often in the upper 80s and low 90s, with warm nights. The beaches fill up with locals, which is fun if you want a summer city break but tiring for sightseeing.
Winter is mild, with highs in the 60s and plenty of sun, which suits couples interested in food and architecture rather than swimming. The Fallas festival runs from about March 15 to 19, with giant satirical sculptures burned on the last night. It is spectacular but extremely noisy and crowded, with hotel prices rising sharply. Plan around it if you prefer peace.
Where to Stay
Ciutat Vella, the old town, is the most romantic base. It puts you within walking distance of the cathedral, the market and the best tapas bars. Hotel Caro occupies a 19th-century palace with Roman and Moorish walls exposed inside, while Hospes Palau de la Mar sits in a pair of restored mansions near the Turia Gardens.
Ruzafa, just south of the old town, is a lively area of cafés, restaurants and bars, with a more local feel. For a beach stay, Las Arenas Balneario Resort is a grand seafront hotel at Playa de las Arenas, with pools and a spa.
As an approximate guide, good boutique hotels cost about $180 to $400 a night, with luxury beachfront stays higher in summer. Prices rise during Fallas and holiday weekends.
Romantic Things to Do
Rent bicycles and ride the Turia Gardens from the old town to the City of Arts and Sciences, stopping at fountains and orange groves along the way. Continue to the port and beach for a swim.
Take a short drive or bus south to La Albufera, a freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice fields. Book a wooden boat ride at sunset, when the water turns gold and herons fly over. Have paella for lunch in the village of El Palmar before or after.
In the old town, climb the Miguelete tower at dusk, then wander to the Plaza de la Virgen. Tour the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO-listed Gothic hall with twisting stone columns. Shop for picnic supplies at the Mercado Central, an Art Nouveau market with a glass dome and hundreds of stalls.
Getting There and Around
Valencia Airport (VLC) is about 20 minutes from the center by taxi or metro. United has announced seasonal Newark to Valencia nonstops, so check whether they are running for your dates. Otherwise connect through Madrid, Barcelona or another European hub.
Many couples fly into Madrid and take the high-speed train to Valencia, which takes less than two hours. Barcelona is about three hours away by train.
The old town is compact and walkable. The metro and trams link it with the beach, the port and the airport. Bicycles are popular, thanks to the Turia Gardens and a good network of bike lanes. Taxis are easy to find. You will not need a car unless you are heading out to La Albufera or the hills inland, though buses also reach El Palmar.
Food and Drink
Paella valenciana, the original, is made with chicken, rabbit, green beans and large white beans, cooked in a wide pan until the bottom forms a crisp crust called socarrat. Locals eat it at lunch, never dinner, often on Sundays. Seafood versions and arroz negro (rice with squid ink) are also common.
Horchata is Valencia's signature drink, a cold, sweet milk made from tiger nuts, served with fartons, long soft pastries for dipping. Try it at an old horchatería in the center or in the nearby town of Alboraya.
Agua de Valencia is a cocktail of orange juice, cava, gin and vodka. Valencia also has a strong restaurant scene with several Michelin-starred kitchens. Book special dinners ahead and plan to eat after 9 p.m.
Honeymoon Tips
- Order paella at lunch at a restaurant that cooks it to order. It takes at least 20 minutes, which is a good sign.
- Avoid Fallas week if you want quiet nights, or embrace it if you love fireworks and crowds.
- Buy City of Arts and Sciences tickets online to skip lines.
- Swim where lifeguards are on duty and watch the flags.
- Cover shoulders and knees inside the cathedral.
- Watch bags in crowded areas like the Mercado Central and the metro.
- Combine Valencia with Madrid by fast train, or with Mallorca or Ibiza by short flight or ferry.
