Explore Spain's Mediterranean gem with our guide to the very best attractions across Valencia, Alicante and Castellón.
The Valencian Community packs an astonishing variety of experiences into its 500 km of Mediterranean coastline. From the avant-garde architecture of Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences to the historic hilltop castles of Alicante, the sun-soaked beaches of the Costa Blanca to the wild wetlands of the Albufera — this region rewards visitors who explore beyond the surface. Whether you are a culture lover, foodie, nature enthusiast or beach hopper, here are the top things to do across the Valencian Community in 2026.
Santiago Calatrava's futuristic cultural complex is the most iconic landmark in the Valencian Community. This sprawling complex on the former Turia riverbed includes L'Hemisfèric (an IMAX cinema and planetarium shaped like a giant eye), the Umbracle (a landscaped walkway with native plants), the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum (an interactive science centre shaped like a whale skeleton), and L'Oceanogràfic (Europe's largest aquarium). Allow at least a full day to explore the entire complex. The surrounding gardens are stunning for an evening stroll, especially when the buildings are illuminated after sunset.
The Turia Gardens (Jardí del Túria) is one of the largest urban parks in Spain, stretching for 9 kilometres through the heart of Valencia. It occupies the former riverbed of the Turia, diverted after the catastrophic 1957 flood. The park is a green ribbon connecting the City of Arts and Sciences with the Bioparc and the historic centre. Walk, cycle, or jog along its length, passing sports fields, playgrounds, fountains and gardens along the way. Rent a bicycle from one of the Valenbisi stations and spend a leisurely morning exploring. The park also contains the Palau de la Música concert hall and several bridges by renowned architects.
Perched 166 metres above sea level on Mount Benacantil, the Santa Bárbara Castle is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Spain. Occupied since prehistoric times, the current structure dates from the 16th century. The climb up is steep but rewarding — or take the glass lift from Postiguet Beach for a spectacular ascent. From the battlements, panoramic views stretch across Alicante's harbour, the turquoise Mediterranean, and as far as the mountains of the interior. The castle is beautifully lit at night and visible from almost anywhere in the city. Entry is free for EU citizens on Sundays.
The town of Peñíscola, on the Costa del Azahar in Castellón province, is dominated by the magnificent Papa Luna Castle. This Templar fortress juts out on a rocky peninsula into the sea, creating one of the most dramatic coastal silhouettes in Spain. It earned its name from Pope Benedict XIII (Papa Luna), who lived here in the 15th century. The old town within the castle walls is a maze of narrow, whitewashed streets, flower-filled balconies, and charming seafood restaurants. The castle walls offer spectacular views over the Mediterranean on both sides. Peñíscola is also known for its long, sandy beaches extending north and south of the old town.
Just 15 km south of Valencia city lies the Albufera Natural Park, a vast freshwater lagoon surrounded by rice paddies. This is the birthplace of paella, and the landscape is dotted with traditional barracas (thatched farmhouses) and waterfront restaurants. Take a boat trip across the lagoon at sunset to see the sky turn gold over the water — one of the most magical experiences in the region. Birdwatchers will spot herons, flamingos, egrets and numerous migratory species. The surrounding rice fields are spectacular in May when the flooded paddies reflect the sky like mirrors, and again in September when the rice turns golden before harvest.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elche Palm Grove (Palmeral de Elche) is the largest palm forest in Europe, containing over 200,000 date palms. This extraordinary agricultural landscape was planted by the Moors over a thousand years ago and is irrigated by a complex system of channels that still functions today. Walk through the Huerto del Cura gardens to see the famous Imperial Palm — a tree with seven branches growing from a single trunk. The nearby Altamira Castle and the Basilica of Santa Maria are also worth visiting. Elche is a 20-minute train ride from Alicante.
The old town of Altea, with its whitewashed houses, blue-domed church and narrow cobbled streets, is one of the most beautiful villages on the Costa Blanca. The Church of Nuestra Señora del Consuelo, with its iconic blue and white tiled dome, overlooks the Mediterranean from a hilltop position. The views from the plaza in front of the church are breathtaking, especially at sunset. Below the old town, the modern part of Altea offers a pebble beach, a marina, and excellent seafood restaurants. Altea is also known for its thriving arts community, with numerous galleries and artisan workshops.
Part of the City of Arts and Sciences complex, L'Oceanogràfic is Europe's largest aquarium, housing over 45,000 animals from 500 different species. The complex is divided into different marine environments including the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Red Sea, and tropical oceans. The dolphinarium is a highlight, with daily shows in a spectacular pool overlooked by a restaurant. The underwater tunnel through the shark tank is mesmerising, with giant rays and sand tiger sharks swimming overhead. Allow 3-4 hours to explore properly. The architecture, designed by Félix Candela, is itself a work of art with its sweeping concrete roof forms.
Bioparc Valencia is an immersive zoo that recreates African ecosystems with remarkable authenticity. There are no visible barriers — moats and rock formations separate animals from visitors, giving the feeling of walking through the wild. The park is divided into zones representing the African savannah, the forests of Madagascar, and the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. The elephant enclosure is particularly impressive, and the gorilla habitat is one of the best in Europe. Bioparc's commitment to conservation and animal welfare has made it a model for modern zoos worldwide.
The Costa Blanca (White Coast) stretches for over 200 kilometres of Mediterranean shoreline. Alicante's Playa del Postiguet is the most accessible city beach, with golden sand and a lively promenade beneath the castle. San Juan Beach offers 7 km of golden sand just north of Alicante city, popular with locals and families. Further north, the coves of Altea, Calpe (with its iconic Peñón de Ifach limestone rock) and Javea offer crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Benidorm's Levante and Poniente beaches are among the best-managed urban beaches in Spain, holding Blue Flag status year after year. For quieter spots, head to the coves around Moraira or the long sandy beaches of the Costa del Azahar near Castellón.
If you can time your visit for mid-March, Las Fallas is an unforgettable experience. For five days from 15 to 19 March, Valencia is consumed by fireworks, music and the burning of enormous satirical sculptures (fallas) that cost millions of euros to create and are destroyed on the final night. The daily mascletà at Plaza del Ayuntamiento is a deafening but exhilarating ritual of coordinated firecrackers. The flower offering to the Virgin of the Abandoned fills the plaza with thousands of floral tributes. The festival culminates in the spectacular Cremà when all the fallas are set alight simultaneously.
Just 80 km west of Valencia, the Utiel-Requena wine region is one of Spain's oldest Denominations of Origin. It is famous for its Bobal grape, which produces robust red wines with excellent structure and deep fruit flavours. Many bodegas offer tours and tastings, including the impressive Dominican Monastery turned winery at Bodegas Hispano-Suizas. The region is also known for its cave-dwelling bodegas, where wines are aged in underground cellars excavated from the clay soil. The landscape of rolling vineyards dotted with windmills is beautiful year-round.
Valencia's La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe's finest examples of Gothic civil architecture. Built between 1482 and 1533 during Valencia's golden age as a Mediterranean trading power, this magnificent building was the centre of the city's silk trade. The main hall, the Sala de Contratación, is supported by spiralling columns that resemble palm trees, creating a forest-like interior. The orange-tree courtyard is a peaceful retreat from the busy city streets. Guided tours provide fascinating insight into Valencia's mercantile history.
Valencia's Cathedral, built on the site of a Roman temple and later a mosque, is said to contain the Holy Grail — the Santo Cáliz — in its chapter house. The tower known as El Miguelete (Micalet) offers 207 steps to a panoramic viewpoint over the city's rooftops, the Turia Gardens, and the distant sea. The cathedral square, Plaza de la Reina, is the heart of the old town, surrounded by cafés and historic buildings. The nearby Plaza de la Virgen features the Basilica of the Virgin of the Abandoned and the Turia Fountain.
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The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia is the most iconic attraction — Santiago Calatrava's futuristic complex housing Europe's largest aquarium (L'Oceanogràfic), an IMAX planetarium, and an interactive science museum. Allow at least a full day to explore the entire complex, and visit at sunset when the buildings are dramatically illuminated against the evening sky.
Yes, the Valencian Community has several UNESCO sites. La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) in Valencia is a Gothic masterpiece of late medieval commerce. The Elche Palm Grove (Palmeral de Elche) is Europe's largest palm forest with over 11,000 date palms and an ancient irrigation system. Additionally, the Misteri d'Elx is recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage — a medieval liturgical drama performed annually in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Elche.
Many top attractions are completely free. The Turia Gardens in Valencia offer 9 km of lush urban parkland for walking and cycling. Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante is free for EU citizens on Sundays. The Explanada de España promenade, all Costa Blanca beaches, exploring the whitewashed old town of Altea, and walking through the Elche Palm Grove are all free. The Mercado Central de Valencia is also free to explore and offers one of Europe's great market experiences without spending a cent.