Car Rental Valencia

A quick guide to Valencia

Valencia is a city bursting with life, one that wears its modern heart on its sleeve. But dig a little deeper and you’ll unearth fascinating culture,moreish cuisine and an array of enthralling buildings.

Whether you want to take in the fabulous architecture and historic attractions or just want to sit on sun-kissed beaches soaking up the rays, Valencia has it all.

Hike through the centre

At the heart of Valencia is the quaint old town, situated to the south of what was once the River Turia. Today, the river is a meandering green park.

Hike through it and you’ll enjoy some welcome shade from trees, the sound of birdsong, beautiful gardens and wonderful views of the 18 bridges that still stand from when the river flowed. 

The old town itself is a warren of streets that lead into two beautiful squares, Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza de la Reina. Plaza del Ayuntamiento in the south is Valencia’s main square and contains the neoclassical Town Hall and the lavish Post Office.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento is also a focal point of the spellbinding La Fallas festival, which runs from March 15– 20 every year. When the festival is in full swing, the surrounding streets fizz and crackle with the sound of fireworks, before the signature burning of effigies on a huge bonfire. It’s a spectacle worth seeing.

Plaza de la Reina in the north contains the stunning 13^th-century Valencia Cathedral. The cathedral has predominantly Gothic styling, but also features early Romanesque, baroque and neoclassical influences, reflecting Valencia’s storied past.

Once inside, explore paintings by Francisco Goya and climb the 207 steps of the bell tower to take in the unmatched panoramic views from the top.

Watching the waves

Discover a selection of stunning beaches within easy reach when you’re in Valencia, from Las Arenas Beach close to the city centre to El Saler Beach which is a popular choice with locals.

Beaches closer to the city boast a slew of fine seafood restaurants, offering everything from fresh squid and octopus to large, sweet prawns to tuck into.

If you want something quieter and with fewer distractions, take the CV-500 southwest to La Garrofera Beach, where you can enjoy the gentle crash of the waves against the shore and the warmth of the golden sand.

Grab a bite

Valencia is home to the delicious Spanish dish Paella, with its spicy chorizo, succulent seafood, rich rice and signature yellow colouring from Spanish saffron.

It’s a dish you simply have to try here, where it all started. Great paella can be found all over the city, but the best is probably served up at the beachfront restaurants or the popular Restaurant Levante, which is just outside the centre by the Avinguda de Perez Galdos bridge.

Be sure to also indulge in the Valencian staple of Bunyols, delicious sweet fried fritters with pumpkin mixed into the dough. Meanwhile, All-i-Pebre is a slowly cooked stew of eel and potato that’s authentically Valencian and adored by the locals.

Car rental in Valencia gives you the freedom to see the very best that this great city has to offer, as well as explore the rest of the region – all at your own pace.

Driving in and around Valencia

Journeying through Spain by car lets you experience the country’s breathtaking beauty. The road system is modern and extensive, with an impressive motorway network, so you should have no problems getting around.

In Valencia, you’re close to the AP-7 motorway which runs the entirety of the east coast. You can access Tarragona, Sitges and Barcelona to the north-east, or head south to reach Benidorm, Murcia and Malaga.

The capital Madrid is around four hours away – you’ll need to head north from Valencia on the A3.

Driving in central Valencia is relatively straightforward, although parking can be challenging. Blue Zones offer on-street parking, but you must pay at one of the nearby machines and can usually only park for two hours.

It’s best to either park at your hotel or use one of the many car parks spread throughout the city for longer stays. In Spain, you drive on the right side of the road like the rest of mainland Europe. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 50km/h, rising to 90km/h and 100km/h on main roads.

On motorways, the limit is usually set at 120km/h, but remember you need to maintain a minimum speed of 60km/h. Seatbelts are compulsory for all passengers and you’ll face an on-the-spot fine if you’re found speeding.

There are toll roads throughout Spain, which you can find out more about here. You can often find alternatives, and though they may take a little longer, you’ll probably find they’re more scenic.