Hidden Gems: Valencia

Hidden Gems: Valencia – With its stunning location, fascinating history, and modern embrace, we’re adding Valencia to our Hidden Gems destination list. 

The vibrant, sun-soaked Mediterranean port town of Valencia on the eastern coast of Spain is one of Europe’s oldest historic centers. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago, Spain’s third largest city offers a combination of natural beauty, modernity, and imperial grandeur. Possessing magnificent cultural monuments (it is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Declarations), a charming historic center, and a futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia also boasts gilded palm-fringed plazas, exquisite beaches, and incredible food. It is a city that continues to captivate you long after you’ve visited.   

“Valencia is the proud home of paella, experiencing this iconic dish from an authentic Valencian restaurant is an absolute must”  

The Location 

Valencia is located where the river Turia enters the Mediterranean Sea on Spain’s eastern coast, 350km west of the Spanish capital Madrid.  

The people 

Valencia has a population of almost 800,000 in the city itself. Exuberant and warm, Valencians are extremely proud of their city and love to go out to eat and socialize.  

The climate  

Valencia has a temperate Mediterranean climate of warm to hot summers reaching up to 30ºC.  It enjoys mild winters; the temperature rarely gets below 10ºC. 

Tourism   

Valencia has an established tourism sector that employs over 30,000 professionals and it has been developing its innovative practices. It was named the European Capital of Smart Tourism 2022. Its designation as European Green Capital 2024 acknowledges the city’s commitment to sustainability: 

Best time to visit 

While the early summer months are the busiest, the amazing festival Las Fallas celebrations in March are an experience of a lifetime. Many shops and restaurants traditionally close in August when many Valencians quit the city for their summer retreats. 

What makes Valencia unique  

As a historically rich and fascinating city, Valencia combines the old and the new seamlessly amidst a bustling, electric atmosphere.  

What to do in Valencia  

• City of Arts and Sciences (CAC) 
• Valencia Cathedral and Micalet 
• Mercat Colón Gastro Market 
• Llotja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) 
• Plaza de la Reina 
• Plaza de la Virgen 
• Turia Gardens 

Flying private to Valencia 

Chartering a private jet for your trip to Valencia will guarantee a seamless and stress-free experience. Customize your trip to your exact requirements and tailor your itinerary to reflect your personal preferences.  

Valencia Airport 

Also known as Manises Airport, it is situated 8 km west of the city of Valencia. 

• IATA Code: VLC  
• ICAO Code: LEVC 
• Coordinates: N 39 29.4 – W 000 28.9  
• Elevation 240’  
• Runway length: 12/30: 10548ʹ  
• Fuel: Avgas Jet A1 

Operational information  

• Landing permits are not required for private operations  
• For commercial operations, contact the Spanish CAA  
• The lead time for permit approval is 72 hours  
• Operating hours are 24/7  
• Parking is available  
• FBO is available  

Operators must contact AESA (Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority) here to request landing permission. 

Required Documents for Permission:   

• Reg. Certificate  
• Noise certificate  
• Aoc copy  
• Airworthiness certificate  
• Insurance     

Commercial flights  

Valencia airport enjoys direct connections with cities all over the globe.  

Immigration  

• Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland don’t need a visa to visit Spain 
• Nationals from other countries will need a visa to stay short-term (less than 90 days) in Spain 
• For more information, visit the official Spanish Government website here 

Health screening   

There are no vaccination or PCR requirements for visitors to Spain.  

Visitor tips  

• Valencia is easily walkable city so perfect for rambling around on foot  
• Although tipping isn’t the local custom, salaries for waiting staff can be quite low so tips are always welcome
• Some smaller and more traditional restaurants and shops will have siesta anywhere between 1-5pm daily

To create your ultimate Valencia travel experience, contact UAS Charter or UAS Executive Travel. 

For more Hidden Gems, visit the UAS Blog