After last year’s devastating floods in southeastern Spain, Valencia has made a strong recovery and is once again welcoming visitors. Though the worst damage occurred in surrounding areas and southern suburbs, the city itself remained largely intact. Now, with spring approaching, there’s no better time to explore its rich history, vibrant culture, and renowned cuisine.
With 300 days of sunshine each year, March in Valencia is a great time to visit. The weather is mild, often reaching 20°C, with little rainfall. If it does rain, the old town offers a charming retreat, with vintage 20th-century wall tiles in bric-a-brac shops and cozy cafés serving the city’s signature cocktail, agua de Valencia a mix of freshly squeezed orange juice, vodka, and cava. For a more traditional experience, Casa Montana in the historic Cabanyal district serves local wines and spirits, including cazalla, a strong Valencian anis liqueur.
March is also when Valencia bursts into celebration with the Fallas festival, a Unesco-listed tradition that defines the city’s identity. This festival features grand, satirical sculptures called ninots, many of which comment on current events. The authorities’ response to last year’s floods is likely to be a theme this time. For 18 days, the streets come alive with parades, parties, and daily firework displays, known as mascletà, which are designed for their percussive impact rather than visual spectacle. On March 19, the ninots are burned in a spectacular finale, except for a few that are preserved in the Museo Fallero de Valencia.
Valencia is also a haven for food lovers. The festival season means plenty of freshly fried churros with chocolate, but the city is best known for paella. For a truly authentic experience, head to Casa Carmela near Malvarrosa Beach, where the dish is cooked over open wood fires. Alternatively, visit El Palmar in L’Albufera Natural Park, a village believed to be the birthplace of paella. The park, which is home to a vast freshwater lake and over 300 bird species, was briefly affected by flood debris but was cleaned up within a month.
The city has a long history of overcoming floods. After the catastrophic 1957 deluge, the Turia River was diverted to the south, creating what is now the lush Turia Gardens. This green space is home to the stunning City of Arts and Sciences, featuring the futuristic opera house designed by Santiago Calatrava and the wave-shaped Oceanogràfic aquarium by Félix Candela.
Exciting new developments continue to shape Valencia. September will see the opening of the Roig Stadium, a state-of-the-art basketball arena funded by a philanthropic couple who also supported the recently opened Hortensia Herrero Art Centre, a contemporary gallery housed in the restored Valeriola Palace. These projects highlight the city’s architectural prowess, which can be seen throughout its streets.
The Gothic cathedral in Plaza de la Virgen is one of the city’s oldest landmarks, dating back to the 13th century. Inside, visitors can find the Holy Chalice, a relic believed to be the cup used at the Last Supper. With 2025 marking a special jubilee year for the Chalice, the cathedral is expected to draw many pilgrims and visitors eager to witness this piece of history.
Valencia’s resilience shines through its festivals, food, and architecture. With its rich heritage, warm climate, and lively atmosphere, now is the perfect time to experience this remarkable city.
