Onze tips voor een weekend Valencia: de duurzaamste must-do’s

Valencia is a green city, and you can see this not only in its parks, gardens, and beaches where you can escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Thanks to its efforts in sustainability, Valencia was awarded the title of European Green Capital City in 2024. The perfect destination for a sustainable city break!

The eco-friendliness of this green city is visible everywhere: in the refreshing parks, on sunny beaches, in the architecture, and in historic museums that explain Valencia’s green history. Even while shopping, you’ll find trendy streets filled with sustainable shops and cosy hotels committed to a cleaner world.

Discover our tips for an exciting city trip in one of Europe’s greenest cities.

^{Photo: Visit Valencia}

Get around using public transport

One of the reasons why Valencia is such a sustainable destination is its excellent public transport network. All neighbourhoods and tourist attractions are connected by a network of buses, metros, and trams. Whether you’re arriving from the airport, visiting a trendy district, or heading to the beach, public transport is the most comfortable, affordable, and green way to get around Valencia.

Tip: When you arrive for your city trip, buy the Valencia Tourist Card. This gives you unlimited travel on public transport for 24, 48, or 72 hours. That way, you don’t have to buy separate tickets everywhere, and you save money too!

Bonus: With this card, you also get discounts at some museums, monuments, shops, and restaurants.

^{Photo: Visit Valencia}

Relax in one of the many green parks

Valencia is a place where your cultural and culinary appetites are satisfied. But did you know you can also enjoy countless green gardens, beaches, and nature parks here? With no less than two million square metres of gardens, you won’t have to travel far during your city trip.

Visit the city’s largest green lung, Jardín del Turia (The Turia Gardens), and admire the iconic, dome-shaped futuristic building. Or cycle through l’Albufera along country roads past endless rice fields.

If you venture a little further outside the city, you’ll find impressive nature parks with pristine landscapes full of ravines, dense forests, and steep mountain ridges. Among the top recommendations are Sierra Calderona Nature Park (just 30 kilometres from the city) and Hoces del Cabriel!

^{Photo: Jardín del Turia / Visit Valencia}

Discover Valencia by bike

Cycling enthusiasts will be in their element here, as Valencia boasts around 150 kilometres of cycle paths and 40 bike-friendly streets throughout the city. It’s not only a sustainable way to get around or explore, but the extensive cycling network also invites you to travel safely.

Throughout the city, you’ll find companies that rent bikes by the hour or day. Or you can sign up for a guided bike tour. There’s also a handy cycle path map of Valencia so you can plan a safe route in advance.

Don’t forget to explore the area around Valencia, too—on a sunny day, you can easily cycle to the beach or to shady parks and gardens. Or discover the Vía Xurra, a green and well-maintained 16-kilometre route that runs along an old railway line.

^{Photo: Visit Valencia}

Taste Spanish cuisine with local ingredients

No city trip is complete without indulging in culinary delights. Valencia is bursting with cosy restaurants and bars where you can sample local dishes and drinks. How about a Valencian paella (chicken, rabbit, vegetables, saffron, and bomba rice), tapas, a Spanish tortilla, or Agua de Valencia (an orange cocktail)?

Another great way to discover the local gastronomy sustainably is by visiting a market. Here you’ll find organic products that come straight from the farmers. Wander through the Central Market, Mercado de Ruzafa, or Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal and enjoy a sensory experience full of colours, aromas, and flavours.

_{Photos: Visit Valencia}

Discover the best shopping streets with local, sustainable shops

Shopping in Valencia is a unique and inspiring experience where your purchases contribute to a greener world. Throughout the city, you’ll find trendy local shops offering handcrafted goods and treats, ranging from design, accessories, fashion, and jewellery to gastronomy.

Step inside local porcelain shops, discover hand-painted accessories, artisan jewellery, or local fashion brands with a Spanish twist.

Tip: Look out for the ‘Made in Valencia’ label to spot locally made products.

^{Photo: Visit Valencia}

Stay overnight in a green accommodation

Complete your sustainable city trip with a stay in an eco-friendly accommodation. For example, choose a local Bed & Breakfast to connect with the local community. Or opt for a green hotel that is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, saving water, or recycling waste.

^{Photo: Afval recycling / Visit Valencia}

This article was written in collaboration with Visit Valencia. For more information on your sustainable city trip, visit www.visitvalencia.com.