Valencia 📖 🌐 - 2-Day Detailed Itinerary
Trip Overview
- Dates: August 12-14, 2025 (2 nights, 1.5 days)
- Hotel: Meliá Valencia • 🌐
- Family: Craig, Emily, and Mia Lebowitz
- Focus: Beaches, science/aquarium, markets, paella, people watching
Day 1 - August 12 (Arrival from Barcelona)
Morning: 8 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Barcelona Departure
- 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: Final Barcelona activities and packing
- 10 a.m.: Early checkout from Hilton Diagonal Mar
- 10:15 a.m.: EUROMED train departure to Valencia
Afternoon: 1:13 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Arrival & Beach Time
1:13 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Arrival & Hotel Transfer
- 1:13 p.m.: Arrive Valencia Estación Nord 🌐
- 1:30 p.m.: Taxi to Meliá Valencia • 🌐 (€15, 15 minutes)
- 2 p.m.: Hotel check-in (digital check-in speeds process)
- 2:30 p.m.: Quick room settling and beach prep
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Valencia Beach Introduction
- Location: Malvarrosa Beach 📖 🎥 🌐 (15-minute taxi, €12)
- Why Malvarrosa: Wide, family-friendly, great facilities
- Activities:
- Mediterranean swimming (perfect August temperature)
- Beach volleyball courts to watch
- Beachfront promenade (Paseo Marítimo 🌐)
- Playground areas for Mia
- People Watching: Local families, beach sports, sunset joggers
- Refreshments: Chiringuito for drinks and ice cream
- Family Fun: Sandcastles, shell collecting
Evening: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Old Town & Dinner
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Return & Freshen Up
- Transport: Taxi back to hotel
- Rest: Quick showers and change
- Prep: Light clothing for evening (still warm)
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Carmen District 🎥 🌐 Walk
- Location: Valencia’s historic center (15-minute walk from hotel)
- Highlights:
- Torres de Serranos • 🌐 (medieval gates)
- Plaza de la Virgen 🌐 (lively square)
- Street art and narrow medieval streets
- Local shops and cafés
- People Watching: Evening paseo tradition
- Photo Ops: Golden hour lighting on historic buildings
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Authentic Paella Dinner
- Location: Las Arenas beach 🎥 🌐 area or city center
- Recommended Restaurants:
- La Pepica • 🌐: Hemingway’s favorite, beachfront location
- Casa Roberto • 🌐: Traditional, family-run
- Restaurante Levante 🌐: Local favorite
- Must Try: Paella Valenciana (rabbit, beans) or Seafood Paella
- Kid-Friendly: Arroz a banda (rice with fish stock)
- Experience: Watch paella preparation in huge pans
- Budget: €100 for authentic paella experience
- Timing: Spanish dinner time, locals eat late
Day 2 - August 13 (Full Valencia Day)
Morning: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - City of Arts and Sciences 📖 🎥 • 🌐
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Hotel Breakfast & Departure
- Breakfast: Hotel buffet or nearby café
- Transport: Walk (20 minutes) or taxi (€8) to City of Arts and Sciences
- Arrival: 10 a.m. to beat crowds and heat
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: L’Oceanogràfic 📖 🎥 • 🌐 (Europe’s Largest Aquarium)
- Why Visit: Absolutely perfect for families
- Highlights:
- Underwater Tunnels: Walk through shark/ray tunnels
- Dolphin Show: Check schedule (usually 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.)
- Arctic Zone: Beluga whales and walruses
- Mediterranean Area: Local marine life
- Tropical Seas: Colorful reef fish
- Wetlands Aviary: Walk-through bird habitat
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours minimum
- Tips:
- Buy combo ticket with Science Museum
- Bring sun protection for outdoor areas
- Restaurant inside if needed
- Cost: €33.70 adults, €25.20 child
- Family Activity: Scavenger hunt for different species
Afternoon: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Science Museum & Lunch
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Lunch Break
- Location: Submarine Restaurant at Oceanogràfic or nearby
- Alternative: Picnic in Turia Gardens 🌐
- Rest: Air-conditioned break from heat
3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Príncipe Felipe Science Museum 🎥 • 🌐
- Location: Same complex (5-minute walk)
- Perfect for Mia: “Forbidden to NOT touch” motto
- Highlights:
- Interactive science experiments
- Space and astronomy section
- Electricity demonstrations
- Giant DNA model to climb
- Foucault Pendulum
- Duration: 2.5 hours ideal
- Cost: €8.80 adults, €6.80 child
- Pro Tip: 3rd floor has best kid activities
5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Hemisfèric • 🌐 (Optional)
- What: IMAX cinema and planetarium
- Shows: Nature documentaries, space films
- Duration: 45-minute shows
- Cost: €8.80 adults, €6.80 child
- Skip if: Kids are tired, prefer beach time
Evening: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Central Market & Farewell
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Mercado Central 📖 🎥 • 🌐
- Location: Plaza del Mercado 🌐 (taxi €10 from Sciences)
- Why Visit: One of Europe’s largest fresh markets
- Architecture: Stunning Art Nouveau building
- Activities:
- Browse 1,200+ stalls
- Fresh fruit juice at Central Bar • 🌐
- Buy jamón, cheese, olives for picnic
- Watch vendors calling out deals
- Beautiful ceramic tile details
- People Watching: Locals doing daily shopping
- Family Fun: Count different types of fish
- Closes: 8:30 p.m. (Spanish markets close late)
7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Ruzafa Neighborhood 🌐
- Location: Valencia’s hipster district (10-minute walk)
- Why Visit: Trendy area, great people watching
- Activities:
- Street art tour (self-guided)
- Boutique shops and galleries
- Horchatería for horchata and fartons
- Plaza de Ruzafa 🌐 for people watching
- Vibe: Young, creative, multicultural
9 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Farewell Valencia Dinner
- Location: Ruzafa restaurant or return to beach
- Options:
- Tapas crawl through Ruzafa
- Beachfront seafood
- Hotel area convenience
- Light Meal: Tomorrow is travel day
- Toast: To Valencia memories
Day 3 - August 14 (Departure to Alicante)
Morning: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Final Valencia Activities
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Turia Gardens • 🌐
- Location: Former riverbed turned park
- Why Visit: Unique urban park, morning joggers
- Activities:
- Gulliver Playground 🌐 (giant climbing structure)
- Bike rental for family ride
- Morning exercise groups to watch
- Bridges with city views
- Family Perfect: Safe, car-free cycling
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Final Beach Visit or Shopping
- Option A: Quick beach dip at Las Arenas 🎥 🌐
- Option B: Colón Market • 🌐 for souvenirs
- Option C: Pack and relax at hotel
11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Return to Hotel
- Pack: Final packing
- Checkout: By 12 p.m.
- Luggage: Store at hotel if needed
Afternoon: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Departure
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Lunch & Final Activities
- Options:
- Long lunch near train station
- Final market visit
- Beach restaurant farewell
- Location: Based on train departure time
2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Hotel to Station
- Transport: Taxi to Valencia Joaquín Sorolla 🌐
- Timing: Arrive 30 minutes before train
2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Train to Alicante
- Journey: Begin next adventure
Transportation Guide
Getting Around Valencia
- Metro: €1.50 single, €8 day pass
- Valenbisi: City bikes, family-friendly
- Bus: EMT buses, same tickets as metro
- Taxi: Abundant, €15 most trips
- Walking: City center very walkable
Key Routes from Meliá Valencia
- To Beach: 15 minutes by taxi (€15)
- To Old Town: 15-minute walk or €6 taxi
- To Sciences: 20-minute walk or €8 taxi
- To Central Market: €10 taxi
- To Train Station: €10 taxi
Budget Summary (Family of 3)
| Activity | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Transport (taxis/metro) | €80 |
| Beach Day 1 | €30 |
| Paella Dinner | €100 |
| L’Oceanogràfic | €92.60 |
| Science Museum | €22.40 |
| Lunch Day 2 | €50 |
| Central Market tastings | €30 |
| Ruzafa dinner | €80 |
| Turia Gardens activities | €40 |
| Final lunch | €50 |
| Miscellaneous | €60 |
| TOTAL VALENCIA ACTIVITIES | €652 |
People Watching Hotspots
Best Locations for Local Life
- Malvarrosa Beach 🌐: Families, volleyball players, joggers
- Plaza de la Virgen 🌐: Evening social gathering spot
- Central Market 🌐: Morning shopping rituals
- Ruzafa Streets 🌐: Hipsters, artists, café culture
- Turia Gardens 🌐: Runners, cyclists, exercise groups
- Beach Promenade 🌐: Sunset strollers, restaurants
- Las Arenas 🌐: Local beach culture, chiringuitos
- Carmen District 🌐: Night life, street performers
Valencia Social Customs
- Siesta: More observed than Madrid/Barcelona
- Beach Time: Locals go early morning or evening
- Paella: Traditionally lunch only, never dinner
- Horchata: Afternoon refreshment tradition
- Falleras: Women in traditional dress (if lucky)
Family-Friendly Tips
For Mia (Child-Specific)
- Oceanogràfic: Dolphin shows, touch pools
- Science Museum: Hands-on everything
- Gulliver Park: Giant playground adventure
- Beaches: Shallow, calm, perfect for kids
- Markets: Colorful, sensory experience
Practical Considerations
- August Heat: 85-95°F, seek shade 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Beach: Mediterranean calmer than Atlantic
- Language: Spanish/Valencian, less English than Madrid
- Pace: Slower, more relaxed than big cities
- Safety: Very family-friendly, safe city
Must-Try Valencia Treats
- Horchata: Sweet tiger nut drink
- Fartons: Pastries to dip in horchata
- Agua de Valencia: Adults only (champagne cocktail)
- Fideuà: Like paella but with noodles
- Buñuelos: Pumpkin fritters (fall/winter)
Beach Guide
Malvarrosa Beach 🌐
- Best for: Families, space, facilities
- Features: Wide beach, restaurants, playgrounds
- People Watching: Volleyball, local families
Las Arenas Beach 🌐
- Best for: Restaurants, promenade
- Features: More upscale, better dining
- People Watching: Sunset diners, couples
Patacona Beach 🌐
- Best for: Less crowded, locals
- Features: Quieter, residential area
- People Watching: Authentic local beach life
Emergency Contacts & Useful Info
- Hotel: Meliá Valencia - +34 963 03 00 00
- Tourist Info: Plaza de la Reina 🌐 - +34 963 153 931
- Beach Emergency: 112 (lifeguards on duty)
- Taxi: +34 963 571 313
- Hospital: Hospital Clínico 🌐 - +34 961 973 500
- Police: 091 (National) or 092 (Local)
Departure Day Tips
To Alicante (August 14)
- Train Options: 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m., or 4 p.m. departures
- Duration: 1h 37m - 2h 17m
- Station: Valencia Joaquín Sorolla 🌐
- Tickets: Book in advance for better prices
Luggage Strategy
- Hotel Storage: Usually free until afternoon
- Station Lockers: Available if needed
- Beach Items: Pack separately for easy access
Enjoy Valencia’s perfect blend of beach life, cutting-edge science attractions, historic markets, and that special Mediterranean pace of life that makes this city so memorable!