A team of travel experts at Planet Cruise named the beautiful Spanish city Europe’s sunniest holiday destination in 2024.
Valencia took the top spot as an idyllic winter destination, with an average of just three rainy days a month during the colder season and affordable return flights from London to Valencia at £31 direct in February 2025, according to Skyscanner.
Located on Spain’s eastern coast, at the mouth of the Turia River, right in the centre of the Gulf of Valencia, the city is a great choice for people in the UK still looking for a bit of last-minute winter sun.
Those concerned by recent flooding in the notoriously dry city may wonder if the city is safe to visit, and the answer is yes.
A spokesperson for Visit Valencia said: “Now is the perfect time to visit Valencia — not only to experience its vibrant culture, festive spirit and renowned gastronomy — but also to contribute to its recovery.”
She added: “Tourism is essential to Valencia’s economic revival, and your visit helps the city rebuild and emerge stronger than ever.”
Much of the devastation and loss of life caused by the floods impacted areas south of Valencia, while the heart of the city escaped damage.
Cultural landmarks such as the Santiago Calatrava-designed City of Arts and Sciences and the Gothic Cathedral of Valencia survived the catastrophe.
Turia Park is one of Spain’s largest urban parks and a must-see while in the city. It was created on the former riverbed of the Turia River.
A recent tourist shared details of their trip after the floods in November 2024 on TripAdvisor.
They said: “The park [Jardi del Turia] is full of runners. Cyclists, families, walkers, people have birthday parties and all sorts more. A fabulous space for all to use!”
Another visitor described it as a “beautifully landscaped park that meanders through the city centre”.
For history buffs, the Church of Santos Juanes is worth a visit as this year; it will recover its splendour.
Some 30 specialists are busy completing the finishing touches to the work, using cutting-edge technologies such as bio-cleaning with bacteria, lasers and ultrasound to restore the Baroque shine to one of the city’s largest churches, reported Visit Valencia.
It is an iconic landmark from the 1600s that visitors can visit now. Purchasing a ticket to tour the church while the work continues allows you to see the restoration work in real-time.
There’s also an exhibition explaining the phases of the work and the materials and techniques used.
Valencia boasts incredible nature sites throughout the city, and one of the most enticing parks is just 10km away.
Described as “nature in its purest form” with “magical sunsets, boat rides and the chance to disconnect like nowhere else”, L’Albufera Natural Park is an urban oasis.
It has a surprising history linked to the origins of Valencian cuisine, particularly paella. According to Visit Valencia, L’Albufera Natural Park is undergoing cleaning operations, but boat rides on the lake have resumed, and local restaurants are fully open.
Mercado Central is the city’s most vast market, constructed in 1928. Home to spectacular seafood counters and meat stalls selling sausages and giant steaks, there’s something for everyone.
Fruit and vegetables, many produced locally in Valencia’s huerta (area of market gardens), are of special quality, while a tapas bar on site gives visitors a taste of local life.
Sightseeing at Valencia’s cathedral is perfect after refuelling with local delicacies.
Getting to Valencia is easy, with direct flights from London averaging £31 in February. Skyscanner has deals from £30 when flying from London Stansted to Valencia on Saturday, February 1, and returning on Wednesday, February 5.