Spanish beach city that’s the birthplace of paella to get new budget flights from the UK from £20
A POPULAR Spanish beach city is set to get new flights from the UK.
Valencia is known for its vibrant culture and being the birthplace of paella, and soon the city will get new Wizz Air flights from London Gatwick Airport.
The new flights will be daily and launch on March 29, next year.
Return flights will cost from £40 per person.
Wizz Air also recently announced that there will be a route between London Luton Airport and Valencia, starting in March next year as well.
This route will operate five times a week.
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It takes just under three hours to get to Valencia, which experiences high temperatures of 17C during the winter months and 300 days of sunshine a year.
The city features a charming old town – also known as Ciutat Vella – home to Gothic architecture including the cathedral where you can climb the bell tower and the Silk Exchange – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For history lovers, there is also St. Nicholas Church, which is often dubbed as Valencia’s ‘Sistine Chapel’ due to its Baroque frescoes.
Visitors note the ornate ceilings inside and the light show that takes place, called ‘The Light of Saint Nicholas’, which highlights the numerous Baroque frescoes.
It costs €15 (£13.15) per person to visit.
Head to El Carmen too, to see medieval walls and experience a vibrant nightlife.
Of course, there are pretty beaches too, such as beaches Malvarrosa, which is the best-known beach in the city and has lots of deck chairs for hire, kiosks selling drinks and inviting waters.
For a bite to eat, make sure to visit Mercado Central, which is Europe‘s largest fresh produce market.
Visitors can pick up a variety of produce or grab a takeaway, including fresh oysters and raw shrimp with lemon juice and chilli.
One recent visitor said: “Everything was fresh and very tasty.
“We did a little shopping for vegetables and meats and drank Aqua di Valencia at two different stands, before finishing with empanadas and a roll with jamon and queso.
“The market itself is very large, with interesting architecture both inside and outside.”
Other top foodie destinations in the city include Fum De Llum, where diners can try the tasting menu for €28 (£24.53) with citrus-marinated tuna tartare, Iberian pork shoulder and a number of homemade desserts.
One visitor said: “As I walked in, I was instantly greeted by a delicious aroma that filled the air, creating a wonderful atmosphere for my experience.
“The generous portions only enhanced my enjoyment, and it was clear that the ingredients were fresh.
“Each bite was packed with authentic flavours that transported me to a special place.
“I left feeling thoroughly satisfied and pleased with my choice, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to indulge in such a delightful meal.”
And if you happen to be in the city on March 19, you’ll get to see Las Fallas – a festival where giant cardboard sculptures are burned.
In 2026, Las Fallas will celebrate its 10th anniversary and will last 19 days.
The festival dates back to the 18th century when carpenters used to burn pieces of wood.
Next year, the city will also be hosting Gay Games from June 27 to July 4.
In total, there will be more than 3,000 people involved in the games across 37 events.
And later in 2026, the Sorolla Museum at the Palace of Communications will open.
The new museum will feature more than 220 works by the famous Valencia painter, Joaquin Sorolla.
There are also hotels for all budgets, including the adults-only Axel Hotel Valencia, which has city views and a spa and costs from £106 per night.
Alternatively, you could stay at the Vincci Mercat, which is less than 100 metres from Mercado Central, from £125 a night.
What’s Valencia liek to visit?
THE Sun’s deputy travel editor Kara Godfrey visited Valencia – here’s what she thought…
Valencia was named the best city in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler – and I was lucky enough to have visited.
My favourite attraction that I think is unmissable is the City of Arts and Science.
The huge complex – costing £760million and taking a decade – is home to a number of different structures to explore.
Film fans will recognise it, featuring in both Westworld and Doctor Who.
There’s the Science Museum, with enough interactive experiences for kids to enjoy.
But for adults there is the Opera House with live musical performances and shows.
Outside of the complex, the city is beautiful enough by itself.
Many of the huge Art Deco buildings make the streets feel like a film set,complete with vintage street lights.
There is El Cabanyal, a trendy district named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by The Guardian.
I stayed at the Valencia Oceanic by Melia. It was simple, but had its own pool and was a short walk to everything you need.
For more inspiration on where to travel to in Spain, these are five of the best Spanish foodie destinations with direct UK flights and cheap holiday packages.
Plus, a couple has been to Benidorm over 100 times – they go back for Christmas for Chinese buffets and unlimited drinks for £16.
