If your New Year’s resolution is to travel more, we’ve got good news: flying to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe could cost you less than £20.
Wizz Air has just announced new flights to the Spanish city of Valencia, a coastal gem on the Iberian Peninsula that fuses Gothic charm with a modern edge.
Spain’s third-largest city is a glorious place, with a thriving food scene, excellent museums, and a long stretch of golden sand beach.
Departing from London Gatwick, the route kicks off on March 29, when spring temperatures average at a pleasant 21°C.
Plus, with tickets on sale for as little as £19, and with a speedy 2-hour 20-minute journey time, it’s quicker and cheaper than a train from London to Liverpool.
There are many draws to a Valencian break, too. In 2022 and 2025, InterNations’ annual Expat City Ranking named it the world’s best city to live in.
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This year, Valencia achieved the highest marks in the quality of life index, scoring a near-perfect 95% for recreational activities and 96% for affordable public transportation.
It also scored highly for safety, as well as ‘friendly people, good food, vibrant culture and pleasant climate.’
Not that you need convincing, but here’s why you should book a Valencia trip.
Top things to do in Valencia
Considering many Brits head to Spain for the Mediterranean coast, let’s start with one of Valencia’s selling points: the beach.
Popular city spots include Malvarossa and Cabanyal. Both are accessible and boast fine white sands, turquoise waters, watersports, boardwalks, and quality bars and restaurants.
Book half-day kayaking tours at the former for €15 (£13), or take a paddleboarding class for £21.
Looking for something less commercialised? El Saler and La Garrofera are located in Albufera Natural Park, surrounded by dunes and pine forests.
The park — which comprises a freshwater lagoon offering eco boat tours (£47) — is well-connected from Valencia.
Take the Bus Line 24 or 25 (44 minutes), cycle (53 minutes) or drive (21 minutes).
If you prefer green space to the ocean, head to Jardí del Turia, one of the largest urban parks in Spain. The garden runs right through the city, and is perfect for a romantic stroll or a morning jog.
Feeling cultured? The City of Arts and Sciences is located within the park. The avant-garde complex is home to a Science Museum, cinema, and Oceanogràfic, one of Europe’s largest aquariums with an impressive underwater tunnel. Tickets to the entire complex start from €46.40 (£40).
No trip to Valencia is complete without exploring its Gothic side. It makes sense to start at El Carmen, the buzzing old-town district, where medieval gates and narrow streets sit alongside charming tapas bars and independent boutiques.
Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook online travel agency, recommends historic landmarks like the La Lonja de la Seda.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of Europe’s most famous civil Gothic monuments. General admission costs €2 (£1.74).
In front of the Lonja is the Central Market, another non-negotiable site. Located in an Art Nouveau building, it’s open daily from 7.30am to 3pm.
Christian Petzold, Marketing Director at CityTrip Travel, calls the market a ‘must-visit’ for tasting local products like fresh seafood, horchata and jamón ibérico.
To round off your sightseeing tour, visit the Valencia Cathedral and Holy Grail. The city’s iconic cathedral has been a landmark for centuries, and is home to a chalice believed to be used by Jesus during the Last Supper.
Petzold recommends climbing the cathedral’s Miguelete Tower to get the best views of the city.
The home of paella
Valencia is the home of paella. The rice dish, which consists of saffron, stock, meats and veg, is the epitome of Valencian identity, and is cooked for every occasion.
So it makes sense that for Smith, ‘food is the real highlight’ of the city.
He tells Metro: ‘The seafront restaurants around La Malvarrosa are ideal for fresh seafood and traditional paella, while the city centre offers a lively mix of modern tapas spots and classic local kitchens. It is authentic without feeling over-touristed.’
Petzold recommends La Pepica, ‘a landmark restaurant’ at Malvarrosa Beach, which he says has been serving local patrons and tourists for more than a hundred years. It was even visited by Hemingway.
In contrast, he spotlights Canalla Bistro, the contemporary Mediterranean restaurant that ‘offers dishes with a twist’ — octopus carpaccio or truffle risotto.
The expert says that a visit to the El Cabanyal region of Valencia should include a stop at the ‘tapas hub’ Casa Montañas. Here, you can find delicacies like clóchinas or Valencian mussels, along with a broad selection of local wines.
Post-dinner, Petzold says Ruzafa is the district for nightlife. ‘It’s full of trendy bars, live music venues, and has a creative bohemian energy capable of making the city feel lively until the late hours of the night.’
Best time to visit Valencia
‘Valencia suits so many travel styles, from couples, families and solo holidaymakers,’ says Smith.
While he says February and March are perfect for those seeking mild temperatures and fewer crowds, sun worshippers might prefer September and October.
Be warned: Valencia can reach scorching temperatures of
31°C in August, so be prepared for excessive heat.
To Smith, Valencia is one of those rare destinations that feels ‘effortlessly balanced.’
‘What stands out is how seamlessly the city combines culture, food and beach life.’
How to get to Valencia
Valencia is easy to reach from the UK. On Wednesday, April 1, Wizz Air is flying from Gatwick for £19.37.
Prices don’t increase much later in the year, either.
On Wednesday, September 2, when temperatures average around 28°C, a one-way flight costs £29.99.
